Over a cup of coffee...

Beep...beep...beep...the microwave called for attention. Milk had started oozing out of the Stone-Henge imprinted coffee mug. Had got this coffee mug around an year ago during the Stone henge visit with Juanjo, Vanessa and Fahad. More than the thrill of seeing the famous Windows XP wallpaper in real, it was the opportunity to take photographs that inspired me. After coming from a country which can boast of unbelievably complex architectural marvels, the Stone Henge was not good enough to make a big impressive impact. Anyhow historians do say that mystery still sleeps peacefully amongst those tall stone structures waiting to be revealed. Juanjo, who I had gone there with was one of the first few people I made friends with after coming to the UK. He, like almost every other Spanish I've met so far was a very jovial and sensible person. While me and Fahad were always on the look out for chances to tease each other, Juanjo used to take sides in a very much diplomatic fashion. ;). Its very strange how even a humble coffee mug can stir up memories and pull out files out of nowhere.

I started this habit of drinking coffee during my dissertation. Used to help me postpone my breakfast, lunch and dinner. ;). At times the number of times the mug got refilled even touched 7-9 times a day. I've cut down on that now. After long heavy day's work, coffee used to help me calm down. Atleast that used to be the time when I would just shut up and relax. But a hot cup of coffee can help you forget everything and just enjoy the warmth of the bean juice running down your throat.

As I sat my desk and turned on my Thinkpad, thoughts wandered back to how things were one and a half years ago. I did mention in one of my previous articles that it is my convocation on July 4th. Networked Centred Computing had taken most of my time...sorry...all of my time during the past one and a quarter years. Anyhow making new friends and experiencing new culture was obviously there in the package. The pics that were taken during the course often help to review the transition. Just like a photographer uses D.O.F. to stress on the subject in focus and blur the background out, the pics simply blur the present for a very brief span of time. It is complete fun to go through the pics but the bad times left blemishes around. But evidently, instead of using the scales to ponder over what you lost or gained, it is better to look at where you stand today and take steps accordingly for a better future.

As I finished my last sip of coffee, I clicked on the sign out button of my gmail account. I closed the browser and double clicked on the application I was after. Microsoft Robotics Studio. Sleep will have to wait. Back to business.

Back in the UK

A day has passed since I returned to the UK. After a horridly delayed flight, I was almost completely drained out when I rang the calling bell. 30 hours. That is what it took me to reach my door in Reading. Arnab opened the door with the same old innocent smile. He had returned 9 days before me and seemed to have fixed himself into place. As far as I was concerned, things were still in IST. Jet lag is usual. One deep sleep is all it takes to get back.

Questions at the immigration is usually the most interesting part of an Indian's trip to the EU. I do understand why but they pose as if they don't trust anybody. As if everybody coming in about to rob them of their 10 quids in a bet. They shoot questions as if out of personal interest and actually pretend if they are asking a very genuine question. "So where is University of Reading", the guy at the immigration asked me. "At Reading", I replied. "Reading is not in London,right?",he asked again. "Could have saved on 15 pounds and one hour had it been in London", I responded. Just to let him know that I knew how much a RailAir bus ticket from London to Reading costed. "Alright, here is your passport and good luck.Cheers!", he said with a smile which said he was convinced.

As I entered my room, I gave a sigh. Not of relief completely, but a mixture of home-sickness and realization of the challenges lying ahead of me. It is my convocation on the 4th of July. Have worked really hard for one year for the scroll they hand over on that day. Big day. And if asked to summarize the experience over the past one and a half years, two words would be ample enough - "Life changing".

I dropped my bag onto my bed making sure my lap inside would turn on when I switch it on. I'm pretty sure my bag would have shouted "Thank you so much. Now for heaven sake go take a shower!!!" if it had a mouth. And I knew there wasn't much I could have responded with. ;). The Bhagavat Gita I carry along with me was the first thing I took out from my bag. There are few things that are constantly on the move with me. Mostly gifts from friends and relatives. The most recent addition to this collection is a novel. "COMA" by Robin Cook. The person who gifted me the book had written their name on the first page. Every time I miss this person, all I do is open this book and read the name. It somehow brings a smile on my face. Let me tell you...THERE IS MAGIC IN THIS WORLD!!!

A shower and a cup of coffee is all I wanted to end the day. The caffiene doesn't have much influence on my sleeping habits. It has been that ways since school days. Soon I plunged myself into the comforts of my bed. The next lap was about to commence.