Uploads from Pandiyan, tagged happiness

Why this Kolaveri?

nobody@flickr.com (Pandiyan) — Sun, 20 May 2012 07:15:02 -0700

Pandiyan posted a photo:

One of the minor highlights of the Sikkim trip for Nila was two young monks in the monastery singing the silly Tamil song which went viral on the net and became a rage few months ago. "Why this Kolaveri (murderous rage) kolaveri?' went the song. made up of childish lyrics and a simple beat, reaching zillion hits on YouTube and starting off flash mobs in far off places.

In a lighter vein, I told her that that was the essence of Buddhism. In a way. But seriously speaking, why places like Sikkim and their neighbour Bhutan are supposed to be high on happiness index though their economic indices are not great. We were very curious to find out.

Few days in Sikkim showed as many sights and interactions not normally seen in the cities we have lived in. We found that people are patient; cars let others pass; drivers don't honk; people seem to be less conscious about money; even small houses have nice green plants and flowers; in general they appear very contented.

Is it true for hill life in general? Pretty isolated from others with resilience to take on tough life of cold winters, landslides, material shortages and in general a relative lack of options. Or has it something to with Buddhism which keeps talking about sufficiency.

Once when a driver behind us honked so hard (must have been from the plains) our driver didn't get annoyed but let him pass saying that he might have an emergency!

Happiness is a well-earned sleep

nobody@flickr.com (Pandiyan) — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 06:33:55 -0700

Pandiyan posted a photo:

A well-earned sleep requires very little. No soft beds, no fuffy pillows, no cool breeze, no nothing.

This is a workman at a construction site.

God's own country - Family flying kites

nobody@flickr.com (Pandiyan) — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 00:25:05 -0700

Pandiyan posted a photo:

Kerala, the land of eternal holidays, kathakali, coconuts and waterways, calls itself God's own country in its travel brochures. Whether you believe in Gods or not, Gods, if they exist, would definitely have an address in Kerala considering their normal hedonistic ways. The place is built for stereotypical tourism.

You will find in beaches, forests, rivers, mountains and a laid-back attitude making it a potent blend for traditional holidays. The state thrives on tourism. It is different from many other holiday destinations in India and has a little bit more experience and professionalism in managing the tourism. You may get fleeced but not cheated. You will have plenty options to do your own thing. Facilities may not always be top class but people are visitor-friendly.

Not for nothing it is in the lists of top tourist destinations of many travel sites. Do visit Kerala on a holiday.

Above is a picture symbolic of our entire trip. Kids frolicking, grown ups flying kites or shooting photos all in a beautiful setting. The beach was sorta crowded btw and the entrie crowd is just off the frame!

Camera used: Panasonic FZ5

This photo happens to be the most interesting Flickr picture tagged Kerala.