Hey Chandigarians

Hi all, It feels like forever since we left Chandigarh and I gotta say while we've had some fun in Mumbai and tried to get the party going in Palolem with trainees from Hyderabad and Mumbai, there is no place like Chandigarh. Seriously I got drunk, talked about sex, drugs and rock and roll and then tried to talk people into dancing and everyone just sat there.

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!

Wrong Picture!

Just looking at the picture for Pedro Soler and have noticed they seem to have made a mistake...this is not what the Pedro Soler I saw last night looked like, when was that picture taken 20 years ago?
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?

Are you expecting me to abdicate?

Unlike the Russian Revolution, there will be no abdication from the Blog Czar. Instead, there will be a sharing of power (wait, since when has that ever worked?). Ryan can try as hard as he wants, but won't get anywhere until he starts acting nice. There is plenty he can do without admin rights, maybe he should start doing something.

Get it together Babin!

So, it would appear that the blog is now dying...

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!!!

Anyone wanna go with me?

New Poll

Ok, so apparently Nick is the man in this town. Congrats on that, buddy.

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

Hi Everyone,

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.

Icelandic Movies

Nina has given me the word that her mom has sent Icelandic movies from Iceland (no kidding, eh?) and wants to show them to us. She was hoping that sometime on saturday we could hold the screenings.

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 25^th...

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!

Peace Out

Well, Vladan is leaving Chandigarh tonight. I think I speak for everyone one when I say, "In my country...."

Anyways, best of luck Vladinsky and maybe you'll be seeing some of us in your country.


Happy Travels.

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!!!

Just wanted to thank everyone for a sweet time last night.  I think what did it for me was when Nina started rapping to Gangsta’s Paradise.  I had no idea she knew all the words….

Stay tuned for pics and a new poll compliments of the blog guru.

Good Times

We Are a Family....

I am way too happy....

Serbian Affection Just Doesn't Do It For Me...

"What? I Eat Zis all Ze Time..."

Now that's what I call a spread...

Never thought two island monkeys could concentrate so hard...

"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...

"Damn...we fine."

"What are you looking at?"

"Ryan, where are you going? Follow my voice..."

"Which way is up?"

We're back! YEY!!!

Hey,

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...

Goodbye, До свидания, Au Revoir, Adios, Tschüss, Adeus

Would just like to bid farewell on behalf of all the trainees to Rolf, Voskresija, and Tomoe.  Best of luck in all your future endeavours and have a safe trip home (to the south for Rolf).

And, of course, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.    

Some Shady Doins'

Due to accusations of “vote rigging,” the previous poll has been stricken from the record.  I will deal with the admin rights accordingly (a little money miracle might help your cause).

Now a new poll that is centered on me, compliments of RedAlkemi…it’s about friggin’ time.

Christmas Food

The other day I made Chandigarian Christmas cake while at Samantha’s house.

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

This is top secret information and should not be leaked to the public.  If your eyes have read these words then you must go burn them with acid.

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).

You Know You're Blending In With The Locals When...

You now get asked -

“Which Sector?”

Instead of the regular -

“Which Country?”

Food

Just to elaborate on what Jean said about the food, what we need to do is create a menu.  It could be Indian or Western and like Jean said, everyone is welcome to cook something if they want.  What I need right are specific dishes that people want.  Don’t be shy…if you want it, say it.  And don’t just assume that things are gonna get ordered if you don’t say anything.  It’s not going to happen this time.

Thanks for your time.    

Just so you're all aware

I felt this today, don't know if anyone else did but thankfully there are no injuries...

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!

OK, So as Christmas is fast approaching I've decided to make some definite arrangements -

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...

For the first time in Britain women (over 30) voted in a General Election.

New Poll

I see Ryan’s dance came out on top.  Well this new poll is very important and legally binding, so everyone that sees this blog needs to vote.

The Things I Find Normal in India

Let’s do a little comparison, shall we? An article came to my attention today, about food safety in Canada. It looked at supermarkets big and small to find various infractions. What’s interesting is that I no longer consider any of the following to be infractions…


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.

Trilogy of Leaving Parties - Episode One: Back to Majapmark

“In this episode, will Nick finally learn how to spell Voskresija’s name right before she heads off into the great unknown?  Will Tomoe overcome the ants in her sushi to reach ‘drunk stomach punching’ glory?  Will Rolf be in Chandigarh long enough to attend his own party?”

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.

On This Day 162 Years Ago

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was published.

Updated Info

I’ve just received news on the leaving party situation…how about this:

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?

Ok, guys, we need to figure out the leaving party situation ASAP.  As far as I know, the following people are leaving Chandigarh for good before the end of this year:

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.

On This Day 104 Years Ago...

The first radio signal to cross the Atlantic was picked up near St. John's Newfoundland, by inventor Guglielmo Marconi.

And what a great medium radio has become…”You’re listening to Hardcore Conservative Talk Radio…101.1 on your FM dial.”

International Dancing Instructions

Upon hearing that my boxing dance is now sweeping the clubs of Chandigarh after the H&S Media guys showed all our dances to one of their colleagues, I have written some instructions on how to correctly perform these dances over on my blog.

Hopefully it will not only be useful for anyone wishing to expand their repertoire of dancing maneuvers.

The Poll Has Spoken

The tie has been broken…apparently Jean does it all in her spare time.  Well, time to get a new poll going.

On This Day 104 Years Ago...

The first Nobel prizes were awarded.

On This Day 97 Years Ago...

“A child labor bill passes in the German Reichstag, forbidding work for children under age 13.” –Historynet.com

Fascinating.

In Can Find Me In Da Club...

I went and checked out the new club at Fun Republic last night.  I must say that it is inappropriately named – Athena just doesn’t quite work, considering the actual location of the establishment (Skybar, maybe?).  You may be impressed to hear that this place is on the 4th floor of Fun Republic and you have to take a slow elevator to get up there.  Talk about high-society.

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.

New Poll

Well, Jean dominated the last poll with a whopping 62.5% of the votes (16 votes total).  Because she won, the new poll is dedicated entirely to her…enjoy.

More Parties

Speaking of parties, a new club opened up at Fun Republic called “Athena.” I was thinking we could all go check it out on Friday night. Due to its proximity to the Palace of Panchkula, you could all crash at our place.

As for Saturday night, I think I prefer eating German BBQ than going to the Silk Lounge…sorry.

Party Invite!

Wow! From one extreme to the other, seems people can't get enough of the blog today (well three of us anyway!)

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 This Date 25 Years Ago...

John Lennon was assassinated.

On the first day of Christmas

Just to let you all know today is the 8^th 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!

So does anyway else adhere to this rule or have a different date when Christmas is officially allowed to be celebrated?

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!

My new Friends

So I have been sitting at work for the last two days at work checking the blog every five minutes to see where my online friends were. I was like where are they all, maybe they're all posting on another blog and they didn't tell me about it. So then I made some new online friends and they said "your old friends don't sound very nice, we're gonna kick their asses". I thought that sounds good but then yesterday all my online friends came back and I tried to call my new ones to tell them not to break kent's leg but I couldn't get ahold of them. So if you see any of my new friends you should probably run!

On This Date 64 Year Ago...

Pearl Harbour was bombed.

Where did everybody go?

Looks like RMS and Nacho were the driving force behind this blog. Without them, Jean has no one to verbally abuse. Must be rough, eh Jean? Then again, I guess that's what the whisky bottle is for....

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.

Bye Bye Blog

Hello

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

I had a great suggestion from a friend that we create a frapper group for Chandigarh trainees. Basically along with tons of other fun features we can all put our info up and keep it updated after we leave. That way when I want to go and get drunk in Iceland sometime I can look up Nina and she can get some of those cute little horses to come party with us. Plus it has a handy map showing where everyone is so it is easier to plan a world drinking tour (I'm in talks with Bagpipper to sponsor "How did I cut my knees last night? 2008 Tour").

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

Hey there,
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 :)

Happy Birthday, Voskresija

This is a day early, but I won't be here tomorrow and I am the designated birthday wish blogger so I figured I'd do it now. I heard you were turning 89...is that true? If so, you've done remarkably well in hiding the effects of your age. Is it a Macedonian thing?

Happy Birthday.

New Poll Up

A new poll is available.  I would encourage everyone that visits this blog to vote, even if you have no idea what Golguppa is.  Let’s just say that maybe it’s a good idea that you don’t know.

And thanks to Hotel Samantha for hosting the party last night.

New Segment

Since nobody else is posting today, I figured I’d try out a new segment on Le Blog de Trainees en Chandigarh (excuse my French).  Just look to your right to see today’s poll question.  All you gotta do is vote and we can watch the votes tabulate.  If anyone has any ideas as to what would be a good poll question, post a comment to this post.

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.