The Water walking Ball.MT.Abu

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH BSNL MT.ABU

Yesterday while wishing family and friends A Happy and Joyous "Republic Day" via my BSNL sim card I suddenly noticed that a message began to flash 'check  with your operator service', and my bloody outgoing service had been suspended. I was receiving incoming SMS's but my outgoing ones just went Kaput.
I checked and re-checked, all my settings on my phone, took out the sim, tried a friends mobile to see if it would work via another instrument, but alas, it looked like our FAITHFUL new-work service was in to get me for an EXCESS use of their services.
I then phoned 123 to speak to an operator and appraise  him of my predicament, I was blown to get an  operator on my first attempt. How may I help you ,he asked me in Hindi? what's your name? etc, I then told him of my problem, he then asked me how much was the net-work hacking me for each "sms" I was making?? I almost did a double flip, with this interrogation! How the Hell was I to know how much the net-work was doing me in for after sanctioning me a package deal monthly for 'sms' I retorted.
The operator was probably a novice, or just some one who cared two hoots for BSNL customers, after all his pay cheque is secure. I was then instructed to dial 1503 for further instructions. Gosh the price of being a faithful customer.
"My Clients,stay faithful until the end. Do not look at the other net-works around you, we are the cheapest, trust us, we will not fail you." Some of you are disgusted, because your hope and trust in our net-work sometimes lets you down. Take heart we are faithful, your services will soon be restored, you cannot blame us for sometimes we are overloaded and do snap when the pressure exerted is too great to bear.
I then prepared to dial 1503, but before that I connected my phone to the power line as I knew it would be some time before I would get a response from anyone. I was prepared for the encounter that was to follow. I dialed and switched my mob to the loudspeaker mode.I was uploading snaps online to Face-book and in the background I could her the mono-tone of the automatic recording on the BSNL network . After more than thirty minutes of this I can recall almost  verbatim, the recording, it goes like this.
"Your estimated hold time is 27 minutes,your call is important to us, you will be attended shortly."
Dial 56700 and get the latest Hollywood songs as your BSNL tune, you can also download devotional songs ,
Punjabi songs and lots more.All charges Rs 2 per minute,SMS NIST 56700,  all charges Rs 2 per SMS.
For more information call at help line No..
All our team members are busy attending other customers, you will be attended shortly. Sorry to keep you on hold.
BSNL welcomes you to register for One India Plan,register your postpaid for One India on 253733. Prepaid cell users
cal use recharge voucher of 799/- for One India Plan .For more information visit your 'Gharak Kendra"
After all this  blab , blab blab--- and at the end of 27 minuets , The machine then continues .
your estimated time is 1 minute and the countdown gets stuck at one MINUTE and if I did not cut off I guess it  would have gone on all day.
In the evening I did visit the the BSNL customer service chaps, only to be told that may be your papers are not in order, hence the "STOP SERVICE" has been applied. I looked at the guy, put my finger to my head and made the motion of the screw. I walked to the neighbouring  mobile outlet and asked the young chap there what could be the problem, to which he replied, "Nothing to worry about BSNL overloaded today tomorrow all services will be NORMAL.
Sure enough today my phone is fine and all my held up SMS's have gone through.
To see the bird snaps I uploaded to face book click the link  'REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL"

Weather update Mount Abu.

The temperature throughout the day has been on the lower side, right now (8.00 pm) in my verandah (porch) it's 7^oC, outside it's probably much lower. The night before last by 10.30 pm a thin layer of ice had had formed on the seat of our scooters parked in the compound. This morning around 8.45 am, I took a snap of Khemoo, our all-rounder with a disk of ice taken from the dog's container lying outside. The met report is that for the next few days, Abu will remain the coldest place in Rajasthan. Tourists heading this way are advised to bring their woollies. TO GLEAN MORE ON ABU click the link
Mount Abu Attractions

Kheemo our all-rounder 

Khemoo holding up a plate of ice, Does Anyone for a disposable plate

Here are some photographs of birds I took on my trip to the duck pond in Achalgarh

The duck pond

Green bee-eater

Crested Bunting - Emberiza lathami

  

Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

  

White-bellied Drongo - Dicrurus caerulescens

Ducks basking on the outcropping of the duckpond Achalgarh.

  

Green Bee-eater - Merops orientalis

      

Crested Bunting - Emberiza lathami

Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

     

Common Pochard - Aythya ferina

  

                       Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus
 

Keith

An Appeal “Let our wild life be wild” Do not Feed Abu

Let Our wildlife be wild

A Call for Responsible Wildlife Interaction to Preserve the Wild

A troubling pattern has been emerging on the roads leading to Abu Road in the tranquil Abode of the Gods, where nature’s grandeur unfolds in every corner. In my years of studying local animals, I have never seen such a devastating toll on the monkey population as a result of careless vehicles rushing through their habitats.

During repeated trips to and from Abu Road in recent months, the roadside images have been frighteningly similar—dead monkeys laying by the side of the road. Regrettably, I was without my trusty camera to capture these heartbreaking events. 

As an animal lover, I understand the impulse to pull over and feed these hungry critters. However, I advise individuals who like feeding wildlife to reconsider; you may be unintentionally contributing to their extinction rather than assisting in their survival. The consequences of such activities extend beyond the immediate moment, posing difficulties for both the animals and the people who share their environment.

Here are three strong reasons why it is critical not to feed monkeys and other wildlife:

1. Death: As these animals become habituated to human interaction, they lose their natural fear, increasing the chance of deadly collisions with automobiles.

2. Loss of survival instincts: Animals’ reliance on people for sustenance reduces their capacity to hunt and fend for themselves, jeopardising their fundamental survival instincts.

3. Human health and safety: Close contact between humans and wild animals brings hazards to both parties, including illness transmission and potentially violent animal behaviour.

In an ideal world, the local forest service would adopt a hands-on approach by placing warning boards along highways and informing tourists that feeding wild animals is totally illegal and punishable by law. While this may appear to be wishful thinking, such actions might be critical in encouraging a more peaceful cohabitation between humans and nature.




Gray langur baby hit over by a sppeding veghicle opp Veer Bapji Temple

On my way back from a water body in Achalgarh, I caught a heartbreaking photograph of a monkey that was hit by a fast car, most likely driven by an irresponsible or intoxicated man headed towards Gurushikar. The sparse traffic on the road only amplifies the cruelty of such heinous acts.

It is our mutual obligation as custodians of this amazing natural environment to allow our creatures to be wild. We can preserve the lifespan and well-being of the many animals that call the Abode of the Gods home by rejecting the impulse to feed them and pressing for stronger measures to safeguard their habitats. Let us aim for a peaceful coexistence in which nature can live unhindered by the unexpected effects of human activity.






Gray langurs moaning the death of one of their babies

Me and my Mac Abu

Bought my Mac on the 15^th Feb 2012, it’s really AN IMPRESSIVE MACHINE the clarity has me blown. It has an amazing array of awe-inspiring gadgets or software. The camera is out of this world; it would be a pleasure talking to friend’s n relatives via it.  It will take me a while to figure out the INS n outs of its workings it’s quite different to windows.

To be honest I still miss my win 7 operating system, yea I do have it instated in parallel with this operating system and once in a while I know I will have to fall back on it akin to visiting an ole mate who has shared my deepest and darkest secrets.

The Mac reminds me of a beautiful woman with extremely slender and refined features, one that makes one take notice straight away, yea that’s how I got hooked for this sleek Mac hook line and sinker. It reminds me of Liz when I first met her after my jaunts around the world. My roving days came to an end after meeting her, could this be an adieu to my window episode with this newfound OS. 

MY ONLINE RAILWAY TICKET BOOKING ABU

Today was the most frustrating day of this year, can you imagine trying to book a railway ticket neigh on bloody 5 hours!! Every time I clicked the final button make payment I would get the frustrating flash across the screen 'your session has timed out', that’s ok but to have the amount deducted from your bank account and later credited back was like playing a game of ping-pong.  I needed two tickets to Delhi in the second week of Feb, and the reservation chart showed only 2 berths available, can you imagine my frustration if I did not get a confirmed reservation I would have had no other option but to book by flight from Ahmadabad, as there were no reservations available on all the trains heading for Delhi during this time frame. I was like the proverbial bulldog hot on a lead and was determined not to let go.

My aggravation grew by the minute; to crown it the frigging lights went off, when they came on my iMac flashes a message this page cannot support this motion you need to download blab blab, gosh I almost pulled off the little hair I have on my head. Fuming and cursing I quickly set up my normal desktop and proceeded to go about my booking. I phoned the customer care folks around a quarter to three, only to be told by the operator all personnel are busy call after some time. I should have realized it was Lunchtime and not wasted my time, as everyone in this part of the world knows, govt and semi- govt have a fixed agenda i.e., don’t disturb we are on our lunch break. I did manage to get an operator after quite a few tries after 3pm.

I was told to keep trying for the reservations a few more time and I would sure get through, but what about the amount’s that I’ve been deducted I queered, Oh that don’t worry sir, it will be refunded in three four working days! Some consolation!! Any way to cut a long story short , I did succeed in making my booking, an episode that will last me a lifetime.

The Tigress of Mount Abu

Today when I opened the News Paper I was surprised to see Elizabeth’s snap on page 3 and an article by our renowned Dr.A.K.Sharma. He has always called Elizabeth the tigress of Mount Abu for her courage and extreme fortitude to face any calamity thrown her way. Here is the article written by him in today’s papers.

Mother Courage of Mount Abu 

Liz on Christmas Day 

Liz  n grandson

My search for the Red Avadavat (Lal Munia) Mt.Abu

Today went for a hike beyond the school dam in search of the LAL MUNIA. Did not see the little blighters also my trip to Trevor's tank drew a blank; I was surprised at the quietness and the abandoned heart of the sanctuary. It seemed like the place was totally deserted, just a few jungle crows a solitary white breasted kingfisher at the water front. Even the crocodiles were not visible; I know they do estivate during the summer months, but do they hibernate? Well I’ll have to look it up.

Met ‘Charlie’ a well-known guide of Abu, with a small group of foreign tourists at the tank, he seemed to have them enthralled with the history of the place. If anyone wants an honest, down to earth guide while visiting Abu you may contact him on his mob 9414154854. He has a small web site check it out Mount Abu treks .

Now that I know that the Red Avadavat, has made its way to this abode after years, I’ll not rest till I have this beautiful bird grace the pages of my blog, tell then folks keep reading, will keep all updated on events here in Abu.

Will add a few snaps I took today tomorrow.

New Year New Horizons Mt.Abu 2012

I was looking forward to a brighter and a more realistic Abu in the year 2012. But my small stint around town these last 2 days has left me feeling miserable. Day before yesterday I had to spend an enormous time in line waiting to present myself before the camera and having myself fingerprinted, so that I could get my Unique Identification Card. Even after going thoroughly through all my documents, I found that a mistake had been made in the spelling of my surname.  On receiving my acknowledgement/resident copy the next day, I asked them to correct the mistake. I was told that it could not be done as the booth where I had my snap taken the operator had buzzed off on leave. Now after receiving my card I would have to re-apply for a fresh card so that the correction could be made .AHMEN!!

Horse Left to die on the main road (post office road.)

Today I clicked this horse lying at the side of the road. This horse has been lying in this position for the last three days, gosh can you imagine the plight of this poor animal in night temperature hovering a little below Zero, no water to quench its thirst. Looks like the owner and our local authorities have abandoned the plight of this horse. When Liz saw the photograph and heard of the plight of this animal she immediately phoned the head of P.F.A (people for animals) to do something about the situation. I only hope something is done about it by tomorrow as by Jove the wheel of these departments seem to get rusted when it comes to taking swift action when it’s needed.

Enough of ranting let’s see the brighter side of “The Abode of God’s” Enjoy the few snaps I took today

A sight for sore eyes "Green waters of the Lake"

Adding to the pollution of the lake

Stock and cormorants 

Basking in the sun 

Grey headed Shrike 

A handsome Mutt 

Indian Robin female 

Mongoose

Cry of the wild

Watching the world go by 

White breasted kingfisher  

White breasted water hen

Brahmani Myna

The Leopard is back Mt.Abu

Last nite  our spotted visitor came back after a spell of
almost a year. He claimed six of my mongrels, during our winter vacations last
year. He's now back on the prowl. He took my female bitch
"Cut Ear" around 12.45 am from our compound The Abode.  The rest of
the pack Rover, Saddy, ( she always looks sad) Tithee ( always showing his
beautiful set of teeth), and Mercury ( proud mum of a pack of  6 puppies ) set up a mournful raucous at
the parting of one of their kind. Right now the temp is about 7 degrees in the
house and my pye-dogs are huddled together on the roof of the house, alert to
the slightest movement and sounds emerging from the surrounding terrain.

The Willy leopard has them all on edge, as long as they stay in a
pack and do not stray away they are pretty safe, the leopard will not attack
them if they are in a pack. Anyway I’m resigned to the fact that sooner or
later Mr. Spots will make a super meal of them in time to come. All of my
pedigree dogs that I’ve owned sooner or later were lifted by the leopard.

Whoosh the old year is out and the Year 2012 is here.

It’s been ages since
I last posted my thoughts here, the year 2011 sure had its ups and downs, and for me it was mostly down, still I can’t complain life has been good and we are still alive to make it to the year2012. So have no
grumble, and am looking forward to new adventures, new learning and in general having a ball all the days every day, in short making the most out of life while there is still time. Prost ! to a bright and fun filled, stress frees 2012.