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After living outside India for nearly 2 years and 7 months and some odd days now, it is definitely a time for me to do a comprehensive analysis of what I have been through in past. Hence decided to dedicate a series of posts on the living experience here down under.

I arrived in this country like any other NRI flashing his teeth in search of a wonderful life ahead. Glorification was taught to us, Indians, by the rich NRI, who remit money at the count of lakhs in each and every bank account found in India. I was excited & thrilled to pouch at the opportunity.

No sooner than I arrived in this wonderful land, I was shown the door by my friend to find a life on my own. I came in search of Independence and Democracy, most importantly a career, I was given my share of it immediately. I found myself with 72 kgs of baggage on the road at midnight on a Sunday, with my grad school commencing just two days in time. A helping hand was given, I grabbed it with the most dubious smile ever given.

The first semester was an experience of lifetime. I experienced Snapshots from Chris Gardner life all 6 months . So I was well prepared expecting the worst danger possible. I had my own doubts if I would be able to succeed in this profession. My expectations were as usual souring high, not thinking about the delivery. I was fortunate enough not to get bowled over by the speeding ball when delivered. I got an insight of a different education system (Not that I went to my under-grad classes!). Wondered if it is was a research degree or coursework for long; later realizing I was sitting in the wrong lectures! Started waking up at 2pm in the morning to discover my assignments pending even after putting in zillion hours of work in it with my friend then realized my logic is totally wrong.

If school life was such, home stay was even better with nice friends unfortunately forced to leave the house due to some misunderstanding. But as the story goes of an usual desi who in the process of Cultural issues and Indianism, as termed, forgoes the best of opportunities in aid of a better future, and curses himself while thinking about those golden doorways again. Those late night parties followed with surprise assignment the next day at class was the best combo, even beating a 40 points in 2 quarter by Jordan.

One year flew faster than I thought it would. It left me under-prepared for the Project. My coach always say that in basketball third and fourth quarter are the toughest in Game. He didn't lie. It was the toughest in terms of academic vigorousness coupled with Social life. I am no Social animal, but certainly love the pleasure of a company. This proved to be the best chance to discover the circle & enhance my network. I met some fabulous people at university & outside university, giving an eventful finish to what it can be termed as a synchronized semester. But I found this semester to be far more advanced with some wonderful lectures.

I realised academic systems are different. Research was given more priority than spoon-feeding lectures. Even after immense paper submissions, the marks were allocated according to the in-depthness of the subject matter involved. In India it was about India, but in Australia it was not about Australia; rather about the World, may be this proved to be the biggest difference. Everything was large-scale and big-picture than country specificness. The best part about the whole experience was the design which suited poets and in-experienced students, synchronized with industry professionals & amazing lecturers. Knowledge transmission was fabulous. I grew myself, groomed and more work-ready.

At last the day came where I need to put full stop for my studies and to start thinking about my Job. Damn!! Life is really fast but again I was fortunate where I end up with Job. New Job, New life, New friends, New place and of course New goals - this is how I started my year 3. To be honest I enjoyed my life as student but now everything changed in different way. I have to think from square to decide something in my life.

This is life .. Lets enjoy .. Keep smiling..

Last five days I was in Canberra with my friends and I had a nice time hanging around everywhere in Canberra even though it was an official trip. I found some interesting stuff about Canberra when I spend my time over there..

I’d like to correct some people’s views of Australia's capital but these are some interesting stuff I noticed when I was there...

ACT locals don’t like traffic lights. I counted at least twenty roundabouts and 10 car's passed even if it's in RED.

The city has to be the greenest city in all of Australia - instead of token parks in between masses of buildings, Canberra has token buildings between masses of parks and bushland. I saw some car's number plate saying ‘Australia’s bush capital’ .

Their buses have stickers on the outside of windows that state (in all seriousness) ‘Do not enter the bus through windows’.

Locals remark they do have traffic jams - but when the lights go green, the jam is gone (I’m told they have recently started having real traffic jams due to increase in population).

Their bus stops are camouflaged as 70’s science fiction booths ( not all Bus stops only few of them).

They have an unusual amount of irish themed pubs for such a small population which seems to be too busy where you can't get in after 10 Pm.

The first couple of people I met told me that Canberrra is like Perth but much quieter. That concerns me given I thought Perth was quiet.

Everyone who I saw walking the streets of the city had Government ID cards on lanyards around their necks. I’m talking 3 out of every four people, no kidding ( Most of them working in Government sector).

Every place of importance needs to be named starting with the word ‘National’ (see National Library of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, etc) or ‘Commonwealth’ (Commonwealth Place, Commonwealth Circle, Commonwealth Building, etc) - I expected to see a National Commonwealth Capital Street, but I was sadly unfulfilled.

There are 80 embassies within 5 km of Parliament House.

There is little graffiti or stenciling.

There are no international flights in or out of Canberra ( Really bad) .

Everyone is amazingly friendly - bus drivers, taxi drivers, random people in the street.

This is one of my favorite films of the this year which emotionally won my heart. Will Smith is nothing less than perfect! The story is about a man (Chris Gardner) who is very much a victim of taxes. He is a family man, with a wife who is fed up with living in such debt, and a five year old son is to young and innocent to know whats going on. Will Smith wins my pick for the best actor award come Oscar season. He gives it all and there isn't a single scene that he could have done better.

For me as a graduate, it is a major wake up call! Chris Gardner talks about how he would get an A on a test and wonders how he got where he was, homeless, and doing everything he possibly can to help him and his kid (Jaden Smith Wills REAL son) get through this. The film co-stars Thandie Newton, and she gives a great performance as well. This movie should be seen in schools! Its that important! Next to Untied 93, this is the most powerful and eye opening movie I have seen this year! 10/10.

You should definitely watch this.. yes it is pretty sad in the beginning and the middle but you will feel happy at the end. It turned out better then i expected. It is one of the most heartwarming stories ever... and you actually can feel your body crying inside. I would definitely recommend that you do see this!.

Mother's lap...
Gal friends pain...
Father's advise...
Sister's happiness...
Motherland...
Beach sand...
Encouragement spree...
Rice with ghee and Sambar...
Masters in university...
Lack of sleep...
Alarm beep...
Darkness of night...
Success in sight...
Meandering thoughts...
Why the three dots star...
Glittering stars
Formula 1
My life so far
Childhood memories
A soft touch
Heavy mind
Silent tear
Slight fear

Arise, I did, from my bed, to just pen down the thoughts I experience before I sleep...What do u think just before u sleep? Just curious to know if our thoughts at this time truly reflect who we are...cos this is one time of the day we don't have to tailor our thoughts to the need of the situation...and nobody to impress or time to catch up.

Couple of weeks I feel like I lost everything in my life with lot of frustration and totally exhausted with my damn job. But everything vanished today after ONE sorry which I asked to someone who is really special in my life. Always Mum use say there must be some reason behind anything which happens in our life. In this case I can’t figure out why friendship makes harder and gives lot of pain between us. Still now both of them not sure what went wrong and how to resolve this issue. But I took the step just asking sorry to that person. I am sure that we are not going to loose anything if we ask sorry to some one who you really want in your life. I am not Gandhi’s family but something really tremble me a lot and I don’t want to loose some one I know more then 5 years. I feel happy today to get back my stupid friend in my life but the same time I am holding lot of fear inside my heart. Hope everything will go fine…

Bio Data Name: Hari, Vathu, Daffy, Harry potter, etc etc
Date of Birth: Amitab's Birth Date
Age: 3 donkeys
Sex: Not yet, Male, Single and Unavailable
Sunsign: The Libra (Unbalanced mind)
Height: feet feet feet feet feet fee
Weight: before Featherweight, now too much weight
Current Address: Most authoritarian democracy ( Ozeee Mate)
Permanent Address: Covai, Coimbatore,Kovai,etc etc
NRIC/ Passport: hari.jaganathan@gmail.com
Education: Pattani Sundal Bonda Bajji Sudasuda Sambar Saadham (Konjum Kevalamana Nagar) Nondhu Thadumaariya Undergraduation Occupation: Staring at the monitor
Designation: Typist
Qualification: Surfology
Hobby: Games...Basketball
Experience: Successfully Know as Stupid Computer engineer
Achievement: Still alive
Best Moment: Searching.....
Worst Moment: Core
Dump: Memory Overflow
Most Embarrasing Moment: When I had to rejet the only soul that asked me out !
My Crushes: First one was a heavy weight, got crushed real bad
Girl Friends: Google desktop (1 stop solution)
Wanted: Rs and AUD $
Unwanted: What I carried to school.
Biggest Strength: I let go my ego long ago
Biggest Weakness: Non stop nonsense
Best Opportunity: Already knocked at my door when I was away
Worst Threat: she is too short then me
What I love most: Can't classify it, but it rhymes.
What I hate most: The treaded path is my dreaded path
Biggest Worry: Never lasted even a second...until now
Biggest Success: Number of people willing to kill me
Biggest Failure: Number of close friends
Biggest Pride: Being an Indian, Citizen and Manithan
My ambition: Try to be Human
Favourite Quote: Take life as it comes till it goes.
Favourite Unquote: Forgive and forget, you will never regret.
References: 1. Mind 2. Heart

1. What is your occupation? IT DBA

2. Do u have Gal friend ? Yes I do ...

3. What are you listening to right now? Guru and Pokiri ..

4. What was the last thing you ate? Noodless

5.Are you a morning person or evening person? Evening Person...

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Blue

7. How is the weather right now? Hot ( atleast 35 Degree)

8. Last person you spoke to on the phone: Mum

9. What do you do in your spare time? At present ( Orkut , Orkut ) Sometimes Movie, Sometimes Photoshop

10. Favorite drink? Keep walking ( JW)

11. Favorite sport to watch? Basketball ( fed up with Indian Cricket and Ashes Tour)

12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Nope...

13. Do you wear contacts or glasses? Nope

14. Pets? Yes i do ( I love Dogs)

15. Favorite month? Sep and Oct...

16. Who is your favorite singer? I am not particular in singers.. but i like SPB, Hariharan and Karthick

17. What was the last movie you watched? Guru ( 4 out of 5 )

18. Favorite day of the year? immmm Sep 5th ..

19. What do you do to vent anger? Be calm..

20. What was your favorite toy as a child? HOT Wheels

21. Autumn or spring? Spring

22. Hugs or kisses? Hugs...

23. Cherry or blueberry? Cherry

27. Living arrangements? Wollongong

28. What's your favorite movie that you hate to admit you love? Black

29. What is on the floor of your closet? My Office Laptop :(

31. What did you do last night? Was working till 3 Am ( God Damn )

34. What are you afraid of? Ghost and Examssssss (Saw 1, 2 and 3 )

35.Do you like Plain, cheese, or spicy burgers? Spicy Burgers

38. Number of keys on your key ring? 7

39. How many years at your current job? 6 Months

40. Favorite day of the week? Friday and Saturday

41. How many cities have you lived in? Long list.. but now i am in Sydney

* why is it that i feel like watching smile again though i dint like it that much...

* why am i suddenly start blogging again...

* why do i suddenly think about all that new things that i need to do to keep myself busy..

* why do i am facing all tough time in recent past (especially in office)

* why am i so lazy on weekend and sleeping for long time..

* why is there so much of work at office...

* why am i waiting for July so eagerly...

* why everyone coming back in life after long gap

* why am I started going to temple each weekend for couple of months..

* why this post...absolutely no idea...just like that!!

* and why are you reading this useless post of mine!! cos you are jobless as much as i am...grin!!

Instead of being stuck in this gray building(my home) on a hot night , I want to be stuck in a log cabin at an Indian Hill Station, probably somewhere like ooty, with my friends. Its raining outside and its cold, theres a fireplace in our cabin and couple of us are trying to get the fire going. Theres lot of coffee and tea going around, and theres some proper hot Indian finger food. We finally settle down on the sofa or the carpet or wherever we can find space. SPB is singing for us, via Suriyan FM in the background, with AR Rehman making special appearances in between. We start talking, about where life has taken us in the last 5 years since we left college, about where we wanted to go, about where we still want to go. And we have hundreds of digressions during these talks, we start to debate on topics we feel strongly about, or know nothing about. Some of us start to play cards, others are eating masala puri. I go out for a walk in the rain and couple of them joins me. Rain is replaced by cold wind and we get back before we freeze. End of Dream. Its Saturday but go back to F---in Job :(

Hari: A coffee please
Oz Staff: To have here or takeaway?
Hari: To takeaway.
Oz Staff: Do you have a loyalty card?
Hari: No
Oz Staff: Would you like one?
Hari: No,thanks.
Oz Staff: If you have a loyalty card, ten stamps gets you a free drink. Are you sure you wouldn't like one?
Hari: Quite sure, thank you.
Oz Staff: Would you like a pastry with that?
Hari: No thanks.
Oz Staff: How about a biscotti?
Hari: No. Thank you.
Oz Staff: Really!
Hari: I'd just like my drink please.
Oz Staff: Right, sir. One tea coming up.
Hari: No, coffee.
Oz Staff:: A latte?'
Hari: No. Just a black coffee please with milk
Oz Staff: A black, filter coffee with milk?
Hari: Exactly.
Oz Staff: What size?
Hari: I dunno. Medium?
Oz Staff: One grande filter coffee coming up.
Hari:I don't want a "grande! Just a medium.
Oz Staff:Grande is medium, sir.
Hari: Oh. Sorry. Thanks.
Oz Staff: That'll be S3.50 please.
Oz Staff:Great. Brilliant. Thank you.
Hari: Escape Mamuuuuuuuuuuuuu

This happens everyday - Maybe twice a day sometimes, unless you go to the same coffee place day in day out. And even then it happens, cos they keep changing the staff.And to think some people have the patience to ask for their De-Caf Semi-Skimmed Organic Americano with Double Shot ( I have no idea what the hell is that) .It would take me ages to get that.

So I will put in simple words from next time, "A Medium Latte to Take-Away. Nothing Else. Heres the exact money in change,Thank You,Bye" but that wudnt be fun, wud it.

A Classic - Mani Ratnam never disappoints - One of the few directors who knows how to get the best out of his actors and to tell a story. He is the Spielberg of Bollywood as well as Kollywood. He will make you want to go to the Cinema, to believe in the magic of Cinema and Creativity.

Abhishek's the enthusiastic, full of energy Guru with a zest in his walk to the swagger which comes with experience in Gurubhai's older days, Abhishek is in his elements and he probably knew that he will never get a role like this and gave his all. To be honest I can't understand Hindi but I watched this movie for three master elements worked together (Mani, AR and Abhishek). The enthusiasm and freshness(for lack of a better word - Watch Ash in Megha Megha on the screen to know what I mean) in the young Guru and Sujata makes you fall in love with cinema all over again and you realize why exactly is Cinema where it is - The most popular art form since the last 100 years.

About the others, I was impressed with Madhavan in RDB but he didn't do much other then kissing scene. Limited role for Vidya Balan, who did a wonderful job in Muna Bahi 2 . Bollywood needs to improve its kissing skills - In both Dhoom and here, a normal kiss scene looks more weird than normal - Who kisses like this? Surely some lessons from Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat from Murder needed.

Music - Tough one to call. I warmed up to all songs before watching the movie but Barso Re, Tere Bina and Mayya Mayya, look good on the big screen. Ek Lo Ek Muft song was surplus and spoils the flow of the movie but one mistake is allowed, I guess. Mani is also human, he has right to make at least one mistake. I challenge anyone to understand and then make sense of any one line in Mayya Mayya - It sounds more like Lebanese song than a Turkish Belly Dancing Song (Mallika saves the plot showing her 75%) - Or do a first next time - Provide subtitles in Hindi in a Hindi movie. Thats it, no more criticism.

I have said it before, I will say it again - Guru brings back the charm of going to the Cinema. 4 stars out of 5.

2007 has atlast dawned with new dreams and hopes for all. And for me it has blossomed with all smiles and grinzz with friends holding my hands ..Nothing spl that I did at the first minute of the new year but anyways, the year seems promising and wonderful at different place, wonderful fireworks!!

On a different note :Travel has been one thing I love a lot..Travel as in travelling long hours to tournaments, college and now to meet my friends (Sydney - Adelaide) !!I love spending hours on travelling especially when its long and rainy journey. Sigh!! But one thing that I have learnt to do during those long hours is observe!! Observe all the happenings outside my window!!And there are some really interesting things that I have started to do these days!!

So here is a list of a few things :

1. Look out for all the new buildings, the architecture, the vibrant colors, the font of the buildings.
2. Try noticing all the small kids walking on the roads, especially in the mornings. I am surprised by their smartness in crossing roads, holding hands together. And even otherwise, it is a pleasure watching all those small children play around and walk along with their friends doing all naughty things and at the same time being careful.
3. Check out the registration number of the vehicles around and Iam sure you would find atleast a few fancy numbers (ex- NSW FUCK - 123).
4. Note the names of the shops on the way and make a mental calculation of the number of times some names are repeated.
5. Look out for some nice car and keep hoping that one day you will own this car ( even I am Human with dreams isnt??).

Funny isnt?? Yeah lot of changes in my life for past couplr of years. Hope 2007 will be bring some hopes and happinees in everyones life. Love you all.. Keep smiling.