Howrah Bridge

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Everytime I spot a photo of the Howrah Bridge , it evokes memories of going away on holiday . This is because we had to cross the bridge to get to Howrah Station to catch whatever train we were taking . As our taxi turned into Strand Road , the great bridge would loom into view and a surge of excitement would course through my body . Our taxi would invariably end up behind a slow moving tram and thus would commence a 15 minute journey through the 705 meter long cantilever bridge with the Hoogly river , brown and muddy flowing underneath.  The huge steel  girders held together by rivets as large as my palm passing by overhead generated a power and energy of its own , supporting and dutifully bearing a daily traffic volume of more than 80,000 vehicles , 1,000,000 pedestrians and  large numbers of cattle and other animals . Even though it was named Rabindra Setu way back in 1965 , I doubt anyone ever called it that . It will always be known as Howrah Bridge . This engineering marvel is one of the best examples of cantilever technology of the time and even though it was built by British engineers,  most of the 25,000 tonnes of steel used was of Indian origin supplied by Tata Iron and Steel.  This bridge represents a gateway to the city of Calcutta and will always remain a favourite landmark of all Calcuttans .

Mario and Linute's week in Auckland

Mario and Linute arrived on Christmas Day to Auckland . Mario hadn't seen Mum and Dad for 9 years and Linute hadn't met them at all. Needless to say there were nerves all around as they got out of the car and wished each other . Here they pose outside the house in the garden.

Mario decides he wants to learn how to make chappatis . Dad shows him the basics while Kyle looks on adding his 2 cents worth here and there.

He's attempting to master the art of kneading the dough .
"punch , roll , squeeze" was the advice given to him by a knowledgeable one !

Mario swirls Linute around the hall to celebrate his birthday on the 28th, looked on by all the uncles and aunties . He also received a few birthday bumps from the more hardy of the lot but they soon gave up with the effort.

Dinner at Dosa Plaza . Deciding on what to eat proved to be an onerous task as the menu listed 104 types of dosas , uttapas , chinese dosas etc.







Enjoying the meal !

Mario gives Kyle a bit of a gelled look which Kyle is all to happy to pose for !

And glad to sit on his Godfather's lap .

On 31st night at the Waterfront Cafe for dinner along with....









Mum and Dad...









and the host family enjoying a sumptuous meal and having a great time .

He's 3 !!!!!!

Kyle was 3 years old on the 19th of December.

I look at him and wonder at how he's grown from a tiny baby to a boy with a developing unique personality .

His personality is now so distinct from ours that I sometimes wonder if we really have any influence on his character and know deep down that I better believe that we do and therefore should try my best to have a positive influence on him or in another 3 years from now I would have lost the opportunity.

Dollops of ATTITUDE .

His birthday was celebrated with CARS as the theme , so it was all Lightning MacQueen , Mac the truck , Doc , The Hornet , etc .

His friends Abigail, Simonah, Rhea, Andre , Sheesha , Sean and Joey . His best friend Nathan turned up later.

Opening his presents captures the excitement on his face as each wrapper is ripped off !

Now he's looking forward to Christmas and is very happy that Grandma and Grandpa have bought him Gordon , the tank engine .

Lets see what else he gets ......!!

A thought for Dustyballs

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My friend Paul D'Gama ( whom we affectionately call Dustyballs ) has been stricken with that deadly disease that is often refered to in awe and fright as the "C" word . When I heard the news from another friend of mine it didn't actually sink in till a few days later and then I had to literally sit and stare out the window , my eyes glazed over , as the memories of our childhood together came rushing through and it finally hit me. This guy who is almost the same age as me and who has everything to live for ( having a wife , two lovely daughters , a good job and plenty of friends and family ) is now in a hospital undergoing chemotherapy and God knows what other treatments as the doctors try in vain to get him right again . The prognosis is not good though and the family have been informed . I try to imagine what must be going through Paul's mind as he sees his life slowly but inexorably slipping away . I vainly attempt to put myself in his place and a chill runs up my spine .

When it comes right down to it , what does it all mean anyway. From the day we are born we start dying , so someone said …but in the interim we endeavour to give some meaning to our existance . We strive to achieve things both materially and emotionally …many strive for spiritual fulfillment as well . We tell ourselves that a good job done during the day heralds a good nights sleep ……. Does this therefore extend to a good life led heralding a good passing . Unfortunately the reality is different .