Countryside’s, Woburn Safari, Isle of White, Cardiff and Roman Bath

The skies were starting to be sunny and we had no patience left as not sure about the date of return. SO wanted to see as many places as possible in the short duration, with trips planned almost all weekends. We started with the Country park in Bedford, then the Danish Camp, Horse Stables and the Dovecote. The place was not very far from the place we live and is a good half an hour drive through nice roads. Spring not yet on full swing. We wanted to see the country in its way and the place with horse stables and such. Indeed was good time with nice relaxing walk with rush or hurry. Did this in a couple of weekends along with going to Elstow TT club, Bedford Astronomical Society and TT tournaments at Beds Modern School.

We had been to Woburn Abbey and the Deer park weeks back while we were going to meet a friend here along with Ikea shopping. We dint had enough time then to actually go for the safari in Woburn national park. All set next time and fully prepared, another Saturday we went for the Woburn safari experience. This is a new experience to drive along with wild animals in a well managed environment, lots of shows including that of Sea lions, Birds. Quiet bit of funny sliding adventure and all in all good time. Thank god, the day was really nice and we managed to reach back home before seven which is quiet unusual in our trips.

Weekend after Woburn Safari, was a long one with Friday and Monday holiday. We had trip planned with friend of mine and family to Isle of White Cardiff and Bath. We were driving, first to Southampton > then Ferry to Isle of white> staying there for a day > return to Southampton > travel to Cardiff > two days in Cardiff for traveling around > Travel to Bath while return > and travel back home.

We picked Fithil and family from Ruislip station, long drive to Southampton and directly driving to board the Ferry which was an awesome experience. We started roaming around from the time we landed in Cowes starting from the heritage train. We had a lovely sea view hotel in Shanklin which itself had lot to see. I was really impressed by the serene beauty of the Island, the drive was awesome especially driving through the coastal road. Had lots of pics taken, went to the Needles point in Alum Bay, which had more than 10 different colors of sand in the same beach. As we had a flexible ticket we postponed our return trip by 3 hours and later to reach back Southampton to drive to Cardiff. It definitely can be called the Drive of life – 5 hour on motor way – happened due to a small setting I had done sometime back in my satellite navigator ‘Avoid Toll Roads” and we paid the price by travelling more than 60 miles excess.

At Cardiff, was staying with Rinoj and friends which gave the comfort of a house than that of hotel. Next day we traveled to tourist places around Cardiff and some beaches. Caerphilly castle were we spend quiet lot of time was a good bet and nice treat. We then pushed to Cardiff Bay, to see the busy city relaxing and then to Barry Island and Beach. Time for coffee back home and sleep. Next day to some small local attractions in the city, meeting friends who are doing their studies in Cardiff and then drew to Roman baths. We had went to an Arabian restaurant were we had good food hence went for a second time, this time more detailed eating. Alhamdulillah

Parking exactly close to the Roman baths, we reached there in time to spend quiet good time watching the tricks of a man outside the Bath and then took entry for the Roman baths. Indeed great surprise to see Hot springs from the interiors of Earth. Wanted to reach back home as early to avoid late driving tiredness. ‘Tiredness can kill on a motor way”. Dropped Fithil and family back in Ruislip and then another hour of drive to reach Odell by 11. Dinner ready as parcel along with the prepared Kheema rice. Prayers and sleep.

Thank God : was a safe and awesome trip. Prayers

Politics of Values

At the midst of Parliamentary elections in India, this time being far from home and not able to cast my vote. Could I ever stop wondering about the politics and campaigns not having anything to do with values and principles? The great nation have past years since independence, various parties had power and ruled since then. When we ask where we stand now, doesn’t really give a nice answer. Making it precise ‘there are issues almost everywhere’.
"Agreed" : should that mean that we the common people are here to keep voting > keep blaming the system and politics and then again going to the polling booths after 5 years?

Seeing the way the election campaign being held this time, may be almost similar to last election though, the fact that the issues of real concern were not discussed at all and rather hate speeches, personal allegations and dividing issues took the front stage among the campaigning political parties. Let us not blame the politicians as it doesn’t make any sense at all. The way the campaign happened make me think about mindset of we the common man or the voters. Are we more concerned about other issues which basically separates us rather than those which deals with primary problems our country facing in deciding our votes? Understanding the politicians doing their part of game according to what the people need, we will have to conclude that Yes, our decision about to whom we vote is not based on the developmental factors which a candidate can offer and rather about the congested thoughts, abuses and allegations which may be on communal, regional grounds or purely driven by valueless politics. Though this is not the conclusion about the entire public but of course about a deciding majority of voters.

We have serious issues in resolving poverty in the country, our primary health care and education needs high attention, ensuring rural development along with urban growth, providing basic sanitation to its citizens and the list goes on. Why are these topics not considered seriously? Is the surge of young India as an answer to our problems through politics just hype by the news channels? Can a person become politician and serve the people without having to sacrifice values and morals?. When will us ‘We the Indians’ think beyond the borders of land, religion and caste to work together for a better future for us and may be for entire human friends? Don’t know. I can stop hoping that there is a better day soon to come.

The time have past long back to think what can I give to the nation than what the nation can give to me. There are bigger challenges for an upcoming young or honest man to be a part of this political system. Power and money have gone deep in roots almost everywhere. What ever, doesn't mean a better day is not possible, for sure change is the only thing which has not changed so far and hope the same will bring the brightness for us.

Salute to all who played their part in the independence of this nation.
Salute to the GenerationX which is going to make the change.
Salute to all those minds which think beyond the borders for a better future.

Prayers.. There is a better day

Looking to the Skies – Forever Hobby

Not sure exactly when I got the interest in skies and the wonders out there. May be through the activities I had with Regional Science centre and Planetarium in Calicut in my school days, then through the science fairs and science Olympiads were my topics always had something to do with Astronomy and Space observation. Grown up later to joining the Amateur Astronomy Club participating in lots of sky observations, discussions, trips to observatories the interest was well maintained, rather I call it Enthusiasm about the wonders in Sky.

Joining Farook College for bachelors in Physics, which already had a group for Astronomy enthusiasts called ‘AstroFarook’. The group I later presided over to organise quiet few programs with support from the club members and teachers just kept the flame alive. We were successful in bringing the first digital magazine from the College campus along with a Print version of Articles by Students.

Video Link for few Astro Farook videos, prepared about the activities of the club


The Astronomy Club I started with colleagues in Infy, which I was presiding over till the time I was in Bangalore ‘Orion’, was quiet very active with programs at least one in two weeks. The members were very much enthusiastic which made our discussion session go beyond the planned durations. There were lot of people who had genuine interest in the topic of Astronomy and great deal of knowledge as well. This indeed was the most promising factor as it helped the members to get to know things from those who do things more on an amateur front. We had sessions in Introduction to Astronomy, Astronomy and Astrology, Night Sky observation, video screening on Telescope making, and series of talks on theoretical and observational astronomy. The team also ventured to attend few of the programs organised by Bangalore Astronomical Society. The Orion DL was growing in size very fast with people from other DC’s also joining in. Another group named ‘Vedh’ for Astronomy’ was also formed later by another Infoscion catering for those in Pune.

More here : http://orionastronomy.blogspot.com/

As I moved out overseas on for a company assignment, Vishak took over coordinating the group and did very well which was then handed over to Rakesh who is an active Astronomy enthusiast as Vishak went abroad for further studies. The group is quiet active with the mailing list, recently featured in the Infy TV and growing in Size.

Back here in Bedford, I was so happy to find that an active and well equipped Astronomy group is present here. Bedford Astronomical Society so good with an awesome observatory, active participants, rich knowledge base, small and cute planetarium and variety of discussions and happening almost every week with observation sessions on Wednesdays is a nice place an amateur astronomer would like to get along with. As I had logistic issue to reach there every time before I bought a car here, I was not able to go there often but now, Thank god it’s just a 10 minute drive from home.


Find one picture taken recently from Piazzy Smith Observatory (Planet Saturn - with visible rings).

I had bought a 6’’ reflecting telescope last year from a German manufacturer which I had taken to India (Flight Luggage), the bad part is that it has not even used for a single time till now. I wish soon I will, but not sure when I am going to be there and If am there when is that time without travel and tiredness?

Insha Allah, Praying for the best