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7月18日 Michael Jackson : The Man and the Phenomenon. Michael Jackson, pop singer par excellence, winner of 13 Grammy awards, and many more recognitions, died under mysterious and tragic circumstances on June 25th 2009. He was an "Achiever" in the true sense of the word, having being dubbed 'The King of Pop'. After years in the entertainment industry, his sudden end has left the average Jackson fan stunned. The world of music can never be the same again.
Jackson came across as a lonely, enigmatic, and controversial figure. After shooting to stardom in 1982 with the highly acclaimed album, "Thriller", life for this multi-talented artiste was never the same again. A highly publicised personal life, supporter of as many as 39 charities, and involvement with his "Heal the World Foundation", made him one of the most discussed celebrity of our times. Unfortunately, personal idiosyncracies and obsessions overshadowed his art, and Jackson found himself in the quagmire of accusations, law suits, psychological problems, and unsuccessful marriages. His ever-altering face became a symbol of the confusion and trouble that raged within him.
Although he is not with us now, controversy, which seemed to be a hallmark of his life, surrounds his death till today.
May his soul rest in peace.
 7月5日 Nandi Hills, Bangalore. Last week, I went on my second visit, or should I say, drive, down to Nandi Hills. This place lies about 60-65 kms out of the Bangalore city limits. Plannning a trip here on a lazy weekend is a good idea, when time is short and one needs the urge to go for a change in a short time frame. Nandi Hills, is historically significant because Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, had built a fort here, and had a particular high point ear-marked to punish wrong-doers: it is named 'Tipu's Drop', and the reason is not hard to imagine.
Geographically, Nandi Hills is a part of the old-fold mountains, and is therefore not very high, by mountain standards. It's height is a mere 1485 ft. above mean sea level. The drive to the Hills is interesting, as one passes sleepy villages and farm lands. Vineyards dot the area, and locals stand near the speed-breakers (typical of Indian roads), holding out succulent, juicy bunches of grapes to lure customers. We bought a batch of purple grapes. They were sweet, and had a lovely flavour. What disturbed me was that the ruthless land developers had reached their tentacles to this lovely, green and unspoilt rural land. "Purvankara Property" claim ugly boards hung on steel fencing, which ran on for nearly half a kilometer. How does the government readily agree to part with agricultural land, and invite city dwellers to spoil the beauty of such surroundings?
One starts the ascent up the Nandi Hills quite suddenly, soon after farmlands end. The roads are good, and I have no complaint here. However, as with all such drives, one is cautioned to go on a vehicle in good condition, and a spare tyre, to meet any emergency. Once you're up, there is a ticketing office which sells entry tickets for Rs. 80/- per car, which is really very reasonable. Your car can be taken on higher still from this point onwards, till there is no more vertical limits to climb. Above, the weather growsnoticeably cooler. The first time I had gone here, taught me to go well -equipped this time around, with a warm jacket. There are pleasant walks, and great view points, offering you a wonderful view of the plains below. The British had made Nandi Hills their summer getaway zone, and the Bungalow of Lord Cubbon, is now named after the Indian ex-Prime Minister, Nehru. It was a delight to see the well maintained gardens, with exotic flowers and old trees. We spent a long time clicking pictures with our cameras.
It was getting to be lunch time, so we checked into the small government-run restaurant there (run by Karnataka Tourism Development Authority. The crowds were still thin, so we bagged the best table, near the window, offering a wide view. The food offered at this restaurant is good,offering multi-cuisine fare and is very reasonably priced.
For those with more time on their hands, one can visit the Nandi Temple here. I couldn't, as time was running out, and we had a journey back home to be covered in a stipulated time limit.
It is advised not go with very high expectations to Nandi Hills. It is not a hill-station in the strict sense of the term as we know it in India, although it does provide you with a feel of going to one. For one, it is a very small area, and secondly, it is entirely government run, so commercialisation is kept at a minimum. There is no shopping to be done here (thankfully!) and neither will you be spoilt for choice for accomodation. It is a very easy trip to undertake for people in a hurry or those on a shoe-string budget. Beware the resident monkeys here; they are crafty and get pretty wicked if they are in the mood for mischief. Do not tease them or carry food items in your hands which they can snatch away easily. Keep windows of your car always up, for these mischievous creatures know how to look in through the window and check out the contents inside.
Lastly, Nandi Hills is a great place for nature lovers. You can sight many different species of birds, and hear many fascinating bird calls. Worth a visit at least once, and a good idea to take friends to, if you're bored of the usual partying-shopping-cooking-at-home routine.
For more info on Nandi Hills, please visit: http://horticulture.kar.nic.in/nandi.htm
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