Noggyisms

Vasant Kunj is an upscale area. With only one downside - there is no parking available. When the colony was developed more than two decades ago, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had provided a scooter garage with each flat, quite a nice garage for a scooter, had a door which could be locked. But India has been on an economically upward trend hasn't it? Who does not own a car? Who does not own more than 2 cars? Plus this is Delhi, the showpiece of everything flashy in this country! Being ostentatious is something to be proud of! So the cars are biggers even though there is no parking, the entitlement complex ensures that everyone parks their cars wherever they can and as close to their houses, obviously. Parks have been converted into parking land and there is a lot of bad blood amongst neighbours (I assume) since it is so easy to tread on your neighbour’s toes parking spot. It is a first come first serve unless there is some unwritten understanding. Real story - i was co...

When you tell most people, you are going to Kasol, the first reaction is oh Kasauli. Both are in Himachal. That is where the similarity ends though. One is touristy, the other dopey! Kasauli, everyone knows and loves to go to, meandering through the valley. Kasol, on the other hand, is a well kept secret. Those who know the place are the people know why it is famous. Famous for being a mini Israel (that is actually further up Malana), it is almost like the shacks of Goa with their Russian influence observed through availability in menus in the language, ability of locals to speak the language and an obvious bunch of second generation people living there who have mixed well and live and work as locals (incuding speaking gruff Hindi). It is the gateway to the havens of Malana, famous for Malana cream, the high quality hash which is quite the rage. The grow conditions (at the foothills of the Himalayas) combined with making of hashish being a major source of money make sure tha...