Saturday, December 31, 2005
Hey Chandigarians
I'll miss all the good times in Chandigarh but as a parting gift I've emailed all the AIESEC people a list of things that could/should be improved based on the things people told me and all our bitch sessions so i hope something comes of it.
If not just get fat cooking Indian food for the rest of your days in Chandigarh. Here's the details for the cooking classes, it's worth finding time to do this and Cookie so the sweetest lady ever.
Cookie Marwah House no. 262 Sector 7A Phone: 98145 48464
http://www.geocities.com/cookiemarwaha/cookie.htm
Classes can be arranged anyday but she wanted us to be there at 4:30 and it was 125Rp / class. You can tell her what you want to learn and then she gives you recipes and shows you how to do it. The tasty plum cakes at Christmas were thanks to Cookie.
Enjoy and Happy New Years!
Friday, December 30, 2005
Wrong Picture!
All the same it was a great concert & he looked like a cute little old man in love with his guitar and music!
Which reminds me does anyone know of a listings guide or website to find out when these kind of things are on?
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Are you expecting me to abdicate?
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Get it together Babin!
And what do we think is the reason for this? (let this be the new poll since we can't change it without admin rights...)
a) Christmas excess has left everybody useless
b) People are too depressed now that we have lost 7 of our best trainees and friends over Christmas.
c) The evil headmaster of the blog has gone gallivanting around India without handing over control to ANY trainee that is still around and needs the blog to brighten their days.
d) Pinky and the Brain saw how popular the blog was becoming and were forced to initiate an evil plan to close it down before it interfered with their world domination plans.
or (especially for Lucie)...
e) All of the above
and how about...
f) None of the above - create your own insult to Mr Babin!!!
Friday, December 23, 2005
New Poll
The new poll asks a question that should've been asked a long time ago: Who speaks the best english in this town?
It could be a trick question of sorts because ryan doesn't speak english, I speak Canadian, Jean speaks Irish, and who really knows what Marty speaks (norn iron, i suppose).
I guess we'll let the people decide.
Christmas Dinner Update
I know I might be treading on Jean's turf (Westside story, style), and i'm not even sure if this was already said, but I wanted to tell people that it would be much appreciated if people brought their own desserts. Ryan has something, nick will be bring plum cakes, nacho - monkey tail. If you can think of something to make, make it and bring it along. You could also contribute chocolate or something like that. Whatever you think is best.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Icelandic Movies
I've also heard the alcolympics are scheduled to be held in the afternoon, so maybe we could fit the movies in either before or after. I'm pretty sure we'll all be in Panchkula, but in case we're not, we could watch them at 38C.
What does everybody think?
Tis The Season To Be Jolly...
OK to let everyone know about Christmas Dinner that will be held in Panchkula on Sunday 25th...
Firstly none of us our rich so everyone attending has to pay for their meal, after hours of deliberation and taking all suggestions into consideration me & Kent have come up with the following menu -
Potatoes both mashed and roast
Mix Vegetables boiled and roast
Rice
2 types of Gravy, Malai & Butter Masala
Chapati
Paneer Pasanda
Roast Chicken (sorry we tried hard for the duck to no avail)
All this comes to the grand total of approx 200 Rs per person only.
As you can see no desserts are included, depending on what people want maybe we can all contribute money to buy something- cake, ice cream, chocolate? (we at least have Ryan's alcohol fueled cake – though i personally doubt its existence since very few people seem to have actually seen it?!)
People are more than welcome to bring along any traditional dishes or food they want to make and it will also be Bring Your Own Bottle! So if you want any alcohol you have to bring it!
If anyone has any problems with the menu/prices etc get in touch with me or Kent or leave a comment – though make it snappy time is tight!
Also remember to take along the 2 secret friends presents on the day!
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Peace Out
Anyways, best of luck Vladinsky and maybe you'll be seeing some of us in your country.
Happy Travels.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Hot or Not?
Well, the people have spoken...I am the loudest speaking trainee of all time (I think I saw the delete button for the blog somewhere...).
Anyways, a new poll is up and it poses probably the most important question in ages: Who is the hottest Canadian trainee in Chandigarh? Please refer to the above pictures when making your decision.
Outstaaaanding!!!
Stay tuned for pics and a new poll compliments of the blog guru.
Good Times
"What? I Eat Zis all Ze Time..."
Now that's what I call a spread...
"Please give me more whiskey...don't you see my glass is empty?"
"I'm way too serious for my own good..."
This stuff does not belong in a trainee house...
"Ryan, where are you going? Follow my voice..."
Monday, December 19, 2005
We're back! YEY!!!
The very cool RMSers are now back online following a mafia hit on the so-and-so who took our internet away.
A big thank you to our boss, Mr Jolly, who made my Christmas wish come true a week early.
It's all too late for Vladan of course, but i'm sure Marian will make up for our impending loss of our comrade and post like crazy...
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Goodbye, До свидания, Au Revoir, Adios, Tschüss, Adeus
And, of course, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Some Shady Doins'
Now a new poll that is centered on me, compliments of RedAlkemi…it’s about friggin’ time.
Christmas Food
This is a fruit cake with the tiniest bit of alcohol to add flavour. Christmas cake (in the UK at least) is usually made a couple of months in advance, and then ‘fed’ with some brandy every couple of weeks to ensure a tasty cake.
Despite the Chandigarian Christmas cake being made on a shorter time scale, initial reports from Johanna are good “texture is perfect, the fruits are still a bit wet which is good”.
The main cake will be served on Christmas Day, but I should warn you… Johanna is now wasted sat in her office after eating half a muffin sized cake.
And I still have 9 days to top up the brandy content…
Secret Santa Details – Classified
Achtung:
For serious gifts (the small piece of paper), the limit is 200 rupees, theek hai?
For joke gifts (the big piece of paper with “Fun” written on it), should be below 100, theek hai?
For the dinner on Christmas, everyone is expected to pay. I will provide you with the price sometime next week and you can have the money ready for Sunday, theek hai?
This post will self-destruct in 1 hour (terrible MI ripoff…sorry).
Thursday, December 15, 2005
You Know You're Blending In With The Locals When...
“Which Sector?”
Instead of the regular -
“Which Country?”
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Food
Thanks for your time.
Just so you're all aware
From the BBC
'Mild quake' hits northern India
An earthquake has hit northern India, officials of the country's meteorological department said.
A meteorological department official told the BBC that the quake struck at 1230 and epicentre "could be somewhere near" the northern state of Uttaranchal.
There were no immediate reports of any casualties and damage.
Residents of the Indian capital, Delhi, felt mild tremors.
A Global Christmas In Chandigarh!
First – People!
This is the list of people who will be here to celebrate as far as i know-
Jean (Veg)
Nacho (Veg)
Carol (Veg)
Nina (Non-Veg)
Julia (Non-Veg)
Luisa (Veg) -?
Heera (Veg) -?
Germain (Non-Veg)
Marine (Non-Veg)
Lucie (Non-Veg)
Nicholas (Non-Veg)
Mads (Non-Veg)
Ryan (Non-Veg)
Kent (Non-Veg)
Marty (Non-Veg)
Marian (Non- Veg)
Kush (Non- Veg)
If I have left anyone out or forgotten anyone, please correct me!
Secondly - Food!
Talking to a few different trainees I think it's best if we order a dinner for everyone – no trainee house is equipped for cooking properly & with so many people it might be disastrous!
So, thanks to Kent's private chef we may be able to organise a kind of Christmas dinner - potatoes, chicken[no turkey!] etc. So please make any suggestions you have for what you would like for a Christmas dinner either as a reply to the post or to Kent (who has agreed to take control of the food!)
To make this order easier I've put veg/non-veg beside all the people that will be around so we know what to order...if this is not right, now's the time to object!
And of course if anyone would like to cook anything traditional from their country or have any traditions they'd like to do – they'd all be very welcome!
Finally - Presents!
As we've decided to do Secret Friends/Santa, it will include all the people on the list. At least one person from every trainee house will be at the party tomorrow in 36C (see previous posts if you don't know what I'm on about!)so this is when it will be arranged. Trainees not at the party or traveling will have a housemate pick their secret friend for them!
And I think that's all!
The celebrations for Christmas will take place in Panchkula and with their gracious hospitality everybody is welcome to stay over. As it's on a Sunday I suggest we all meet up on Saturday, Christmas Eve to get the celebrations started!
And please everyone, make suggestions on any additions/changes to the plans so far - then we can all be happy with the arrangements & have the best Christmas this city has ever seen!
wow- think this is my first real serious post to the blog that didn't involve something stupid!
On This Day 87 Years Ago...
New Poll
The Things I Find Normal in India
I think you get the idea. I doubt any of you want to read about Canadian grocery chains, but I did use the article as a source, so I gotta reference it.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Trilogy of Leaving Parties - Episode One: Back to Majapmark
Ok people, it is official (I have a government stamp to prove it). The Trilogy of Leaving Parties will commence on Thursday at 36 C. So make sure you go out and get all the necessary presents and booze because it’s gonna be phat (is that what the kids say?).
Just so everyone is clear, here are the details:
Date: Thursday, December 14th
Location: 36C
Time: 9pm onwards
Reason: Voskresija, Tomoe, and Rolf are leaving
Tell everyone. Is it true that Nina and others are going to Delhi that day?
That is all.
Updated Info
Thursday, 15th – Voskresija, Rolf, and Tomoe (36 C)
Saturday, 17th – Alcolympics, followed by Mads and Vladan (36 C)
Monday, 19th – Kent and Nick (Panchkula or 36 C)
I have no problem with 3 parties and this way, the spotlight will be on a smaller number of people. Does this work?
Did someone say 3 parties in 4 days?
Rolf
Tomoe
Voskresija
Vladan
Kent
Mads
Nick
I’ve heard that Rolf and Tomoe are having their leaving party on Friday at 36 C. Vladan and Voskresija are leaving on the 22nd and 23rd respectively, I believe, so we could probably have a “Slavic-themed” party on Saturday. Then on Monday, the rest of us can have our leaving party….two Canadians and a Dane (we’ll win the war over that insignificant island…I don’t care how many battleships you’re sending there).
The reason for splitting the leaving parties up is mainly to have more parties. There are other reasons, but I’m sure you all know what they are and I don’t need to go into them.
Here’s a recap:
Friday, 16th – Rolf and Tomoe at 36C
Saturday, 17th – Vladan and Voskresija at either Panchkula or 36 C
Monday, 19th – Nick, Mads, and Kent in 36 C
Other parties can commence after that, of course. Let me know what you guys think and PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL THIS WEEKEND.
Monday, December 12, 2005
On This Day 104 Years Ago...
And what a great medium radio has become…”You’re listening to Hardcore Conservative Talk Radio…101.1 on your FM dial.”
Saturday, December 10, 2005
International Dancing Instructions
Hopefully it will not only be useful for anyone wishing to expand their repertoire of dancing maneuvers.
The Poll Has Spoken
Friday, December 09, 2005
On This Day 97 Years Ago...
Fascinating.
In Can Find Me In Da Club...
Here are the details:
-There is a dance floor
-The place is “rockin’” on Friday and Saturday nights
-Dom Perignon champagne is offered for a mere Rs. 14,000
-The place has cushioned seats
-There is an incredible view
-Drinks are a tad expensive (125 for beer and 90-120 for spirits)
-Cover will be approx. 800 for a couple (gets you 800 rupees worth of drinks)
-The guy said there isn’t a couple rule
-The waiters seem nice
In my opinion, it’s bigger and fancier than the Lava bar and probably better than every bar in this town in terms of a first impression. All that’s left to find out is if it’s good when the party is actually going on.
Like I said, you guys could crash in Panchkula after the club if you want. Any interested parties should post a comment and we’ll figure out a time to meet.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
New Poll
More Parties
As for Saturday night, I think I prefer eating German BBQ than going to the Silk Lounge…sorry.
Party Invite!
Just to let you all know all the trainees have been invited to a party in the Silk Lounge on Saturday night. Apparently there is some superstar DJ from Bombay playing, I have no idea what type of music or anything else.
Anybody who wants to go can leave a comment here or send me a message before Friday evening. Your name will be added to the list to ensure free entry on the night!
The fun starts at 9pm if anyone's interested...
On the first day of Christmas
Just to let you all know today is the 8th of December officially the first day of Christmas for me! I don't know if this is an Irish thing or where the date or tradition comes from but in my house anyway Christmas does not begin until today & you're not allowed to put up any decorations or give any cards until this date or it's bad luck (at least according to my superstitious mother!) As far as I've been told this used to be the general rule in shops & everywhere all over Ireland - but now as everywhere, commercial Christmas often starts before Halloween!
I can't find any reason for this date and the only religious connection I could find to this date relates to Buddhism - “It recalls the day in 596 BC when the Buddha achieved enlightenment” so I don't think that's where the date comes from, but Ireland was traditionally a farming pagan country so I suspect it may have more to do with that...
So anyway whatever the reason Christmas has officially begun...let the Christmas parties begin!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
My new Friends
Where did everybody go?
What's everyone doing this weekend?
I'm told that on December 10th (saturday) at 8 PM, there is a going away party for Christof at House 15 in Sector 4. Anyone who was has been to the PIGS luncheons will know who Christof is. When I say "going away party," I really mean BBQ'd meat and beer. If that doesn't entice you, I don't know what will. Everyone is welcome.
As well, there is a Baroque Concert on Monday the 12th at the Tagore theatre (i think). No idea where that is. It says that free passes are available in Sector 36 at alliance francaise. You can call 01722668627 for more info.
That is all.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Bye Bye Blog
Here at RMS, internet has been blocked, and so, alas, no more Blogging for us. Indeed, no more anything for us :( It's a sad day for all, but i'm sure the good people who have our email addresses can keep in us up to date...
You will keep in touch wont you!
Chandigarh Trainees on Frappr
So go to the link, add your details and as we all move around we can continue our plans to take over the world and make the whole globe dirty and sexy. Send the link to any old Chandigarh trainees if you have their emails too.
www.frappr.com/traineeshipinchandigarh
Photos... "Bloodsport" and Christmas
if anyone is interested in checking out some of the photos I've taken while in India, you can link onto my photosite: photos.yahoo.com/icelandicnina
The albums are listed chronologically, with the latest ones last.
That was it... oh, thanx for the fabulous Martial Arts night! Whoever missed it, must borrow "Bloodsport" from the Panchkula People, it's by far the bestest movie I have ever seen!!! They don't get much sexier than van Damme, maroon speedos and all!!
One more thing: We better start planning "Chandigarhi Christmas 2005". Who's going to be here? Is everyone up for the "secret santa"? Suggestions please :)
Over and out :)
Friday, December 02, 2005
Happy Birthday, Voskresija
Happy Birthday.
New Poll Up
And thanks to Hotel Samantha for hosting the party last night.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
New Segment
I had received rather vile complaints from irate bloggers that only one vote could be registered for more than one person on the same IP address. The problem is fixed now, so vote away. Just try not to power vote and skew the results, por favor.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Happy Birthday, Me!
In the true British way, being my birthday today, i need to go and get drunk!
So I will be drinking away in Gymkhana from 8pm - Panchkula has already been told they have no choice - attendance is mandatory, and all the other nice trainees in Chandigarh are of course invited too.
Maybe we can move on to "Down Under" later for some more fun...
See you tonight...
Happy Birthday, Ryan
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Save the next trainees
Feel free to give suggestions for both the management of traineeships and the management of trainee houses, events ... and other non-work related things. Send your ideas to nhandcock@{pleasedon'tspamme}hotmail.com in the next couple weeks.
A couple things I was thinking – 1. Give each trainee house an exact break down of what their rent is going towards. 2. Make sure that AIESEC has met with the direct superior each trainee will be working for to explain the program and expectations.
Thanks
Some pics from Northern Ireland
This is my nearest town Omagh
This is where I call Home:
Around my House
And lastly the bog where my dad has finnished collecting the turf for the winter for the fire. reminds me of my youth bringing in the turf.
Well thats what I call home, My nearest City is Belfast where I went to college but this is what I call home.
Time to start tying some loose ends :(
I have just a bit more than three weeks left in Chandigarh and, I find it quite hard to say, it is time to sell my beloved Muña. :(
If there is anyone of you guys who would like to buy an old kinetic scooter (automatic transmission), I am selling mine. For trainees, the price is 4000 Rupees, and if you have some Indian friends who might be interested, please tell them the price is 5000 because I know they will bargain the skin of my back! :)
The Indian driving license is not hard to obtain (you only need to do a test on paper), so if you didn't bring your own (which is usually considered valid) or don't have an international driving license, that shouldn't be a reason not to ride into a big, adventurous experience in India. :)
Also, I will provide you with FREE lessons on all of the following topics: scooter riding, Indian driving (roundabouts included), route choosing, passenger transporting, maintenance, police bribing :), basic mechanics, and any other skill you might need to safely ride this good old lady around Chandigarh.
And, as if that is not enough, there is MORE: a beautiful atomic-ant styled helmet is also included in the price! :)
You know how to find me, so... let's do lunch! :D
How to Get Free Pool
We went and sat down so we could get some beer. Our mission that night was to get Arno drunk, but all he wanted was some tandoori chicken. A couple of things caught our eye. First, the bass in the place was way too strong. I’m pretty sure that if my heart had stopped that night, the vibrations could’ve restarted it. The second thing we noticed was the clientele. There was a very obvious lack of the female gender. To be a little more specific, there were no women at all.
After we had settled at our table with some beer, guys started to approach us, I mean, Ryan, to get his juicy details. What started as small-talk soon turned into all-out flirting as Ryan was asked if he would kindly oblige to play pool. He couldn’t turn an offer like that down, especially considering the 50 rupee/game tariff. As he took the familiar “bent-over” position that is so familiar in pool, a crowd started to emerge around him.
It became painfully aware to us guys sitting at the table that the crowd wasn’t interested in Ryan’s adeptness with the cue, but rather his $exy British ass. Every time he assumed the pool position, you could see the audience mouth the words, “Oooo…awww.” Was Ryan fazed by this attention? Not at all. There was an opportunity to be had and it wasn’t going to be hard for Ryan to pull off.
On his next shot, Ryan decided to shake what his momma gave him. That move alone got him another free game. He continued to flaunt his “assets” until Arno had finished his tandoori chicken. We left the place soon after, much to the dismay of Ryan. If only he could’ve stayed…he’d have been playing pool all night.
Ryan’s wishes that night were best described in a conversation he had with Nina:
Nina – “Indians love to see a little bit of foreigner.”
Ryan – “If only they’d have bought me drinks, they could’ve seen a whole lot of foreigner.”
Monday, November 28, 2005
Party Invitation!!!
And so for such a occasion, we need a respectable location to share some pleasant conversation over a few drinks, and of course, to partaaaay.
You are all therefore cordially invited to the house of our Canadian diplomat, Samantha, for a birthday party hosted with the support of the Canadian Consulate.
When: Thursday December 1st
Where: 1232 sector 8c (see Kent if you need directions – me too I guess, but I’m, useless at giving directions)
Time: 9.30pm onwards
Some slight rules: The house is strictly no smoking, but there are some amazing balconies for the smokers amongst us to enjoy polluting themselves. And whilst the speaker system has recently been set up for perfect acoustics, there is a lack of music for us to bop away to, so it’s BYO music and alcohol.
I also suggest you adhere to the dress code of smart casual, as there is a bouncer on the gate who has been instructed to keep the riff-raff away.
If you need any encouragement to stray away from Club Dirty Sexy for a party, you can read a review of her house here.
Martial Arts Seminar
There's going to be a martial arts seminar this week, so I would like to invite you all to participate. It's going to happen in sector 10, Chandigarh, at the skating rink (no ice :) ).
Here's the schedule:
2nd December (Friday)
9:00 - 10:00 = Registration
10:00 - 13:00 = Class
13:00 - 14:00 = Lunch break
14:00 - 17:00 = Black belt test
3rd December (Saturday)
9:30 - 13:00 = Class
13:00 - 14:00 = Lunch break
14:00 - 17:00 = Class
20:00+ = Martial arts film evening (internal trainee event in Panchkula trainee house :) )
4th December (Sunday)
9:30 - 13:00 = Class
13:00 - 14:00 = Lunch break
14:00 - 17:00 = Presentation & function
evening - dinner party at "Red Bishop" hotel, Panchkula
The participation fee is 200Rp for "normals" :) , but for us it's 100Rp and we can participate in any and every event of the seminar.
The participants can choose one of the three groups for the classes during the seminar: children, adults - beginners, adults - with previous experience.
I will take part in all three days of the seminar. I don't think there are many of you who will do the same, but it would be nice if you could come on Sunday presentation: no fee, you will only watch, and I will be performing (read: making a fool out of myself :) ) for you.
And, of course, Saturday evening Panchkula martial arts film marathon is a MUST (Bruce Lee - Enter the Dragon, Jean Claude van Damme - Blood Sport, Chow Yun Fat - Hard Boiled) since we finally got a sofa and TV-chairs. Entrance fee: popcorn (unpopped, our master chefs will do it for you! :) )
Please announce your attendance to any of the events to TPR (trainee public relations) manager of the seminar (me) on +91-9888-529-520. :)
Iceland
On this special day, I'm posting some pictures from the Land of Ice.
Enjoy :)
This is my house:
This is my bicycle:
This is my shower (a bit cold...)
These are the typical Icelandic toilet paper rolls:
This is typical Icelandic art:
And last but not least: The Icelandic Stallion!!!
Has anyone ever seen such huge horses???
Emil - if you dare... I know where you sleep!!!
Happy Birthday, Nicholas
"Even the sun shines on a dog's a$$ every once and a while."
- Wesley Snipes in White Men Can't Jump.
Happy Birthday.
Party details to come.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Rickshaw Ryan
The RMSers are facing hard times.
The local soft drink establishment has decided to introduce a foreigners tax on their 200ml coke bottles - increasing the price from the pirinted maximum retail price of 6Rs to an outrageous 7Rs.
It is somewhat of a tradition in these parts to grab a coke after tiffin, and with this being the only shop within walking distance, and our stubborness/conviction still stong we have been compelled to look further afield for our fix.
So in our pursuit of 6Rs coke during lunch we now have to cycle to sector 29. Here, foreigners tax is set to a respectable 0%, however I do incur the extra cost of giving Vladan a ride due to his lack of peddle based transport.
Fortunately I am becoming accustomed to the Indian style of tandem cycling having previously having Rishi (our landlady's servant boy) jump on the back of Agnes out of the blue, a lazy Nacho, and a drunk Jean on the back.
I think I will have to start charging soon though - pandera rupee only!
Friday, November 25, 2005
up! no down
Visit us to have a dangerous p€ni$!!!
OUR SITE
I got this great offer in my email this morning. I think I'm going to get some, does anyone else want any? We can probably get group discount for bulk orders.
Ryan's Home
It was such a nice place to grow up, we had a gret tree to climb, beautiful flowers in the garden, and tweeting birds flying around in a perfect blue sky. We even had the Poddington Peas down the bottom of our garden! Oh how I long to be back there - and yes! that is me waving hello in the window! What a cheeky chappy i was when i was younger!
You're all welcome to come and stay whenever you want!