Saturday, May 26, 2007

Sight Seeing & City Tour

Berlin Town Hall, now the official seat of the mayor of Berlin, was constructed in the style of the north Italian High Renaissance from 1861–69, according to plans by H.F. Waesemann.The architecture of the tower, however, is reminiscent of the bell tower of the cathedral in the French city of Laon. Because of its colour, the imposing building is known colloquially as the "Rotes Rathaus" or "Red Town Hall". In 1879, the exterior was decorated with the "Stony Chronicle", a terracotta frieze on the first floor (36 plates, each 6m in length) showing scenes from the history of Berlin. The building was seriously damaged in the Second World War; following its reconstruction from 1951–58, it became the seat of the East Berlin magistrate, while the city council of the West resided in the town hall in the district of Schöneberg. After reunification, the reigning mayor moved back to Berlin Town Hall. In front of the building there is a sculpture by Fritz Kremer (1958), which symbolizes Berliners rebuilding their city.

Friday, May 25, 2007

G10 @ G8 Summit Venue


It was definitely a great opportunity for me have this access to take a tour around the G8 Summit venue and get lots of information regarding the preparation for the summit. Germany police security gave a special name “Kavala” for this security task. Kavala is greek work which mean an island with many white houses and since Heligendamm venue for the G8 Summit also has many white buildings they gave it this special name. It’s like America gave the name Operation Desert Strom for Iraq Gulf War.

Well the Group of Eight (G8) is an international forum for the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Together, these countries represent about 65% of the world economy. The group's activities include year-round conferences and policy research, culminating with an annual summit meeting attended by the heads of government of the member states. The European Commission is also represented at the meetings.

Each year, member states of the G8 take turns assuming the presidency of the group. The holder of the presidency sets the group's annual agenda and hosts the summit for that year. The presidency for 2007 belongs to Germany, which will host the 33rd G8 summit in Heiligendamm from June 6 to June 8.Getting information from translator about the security measure that German police are taking for the summit. This is captin Tito Scholz, who is responsible for security for meadia person and media spokeperson. He gave us quite a lot of information and even allowed us to take a visit to the camp made speically for check.

Like the German security force gave the name‘Kavala’ for this speical task of securing the venue, this place is truly glorified by white beautiful building of one of the world’s luxsurious resort. It was astonishing to learn how much effort security has put for this task Kavala. Thirteen kilometers of fences with brab wire and highly pretrol by police around the clock. No allowed to carry out any demonstration 200 meters outside this fence. No air traffice is allowed to zoom through the sky, 500 meters from the sea is net so that no swimer is allowed to come. All people need to go through heavy security checks, even media has limited access and they are specified only to attend scelected program of the G8. Well this security measure they take is simply beyoned we can imagine.

Baltic Sea & My first Dip

My first dip was one heck lot of experience and I will never ever forget its chillness down my spine. I was very excited from the very beginning when we were taken to Heligendamm where G8 Summit is going to be held. After visiting the place we headed toward the Baltic Sea and couldn’t wait to take my first dip.

The Baltic Sea extends 1.300 km from North to South, 1.000 km from Wet to East, has an average depth of 55 meters and a max. Water temperature of about 20 celcus in summer. There are virtually no tides.

Sailing fans enjoy the Baltic as an attractive body of water, satisfying an extensive variety of tastes; wide horizons and narrow channels, changeable weather and ideal sailing winds, long summer days and short nithts, gently sandy beaches and steep cliffs, rocky islets and massive fjords, berren shores and colorful coastal landscape, busy harbors and cosy bays.

Interesting Church

The massive Doberaner Minster (successively built up between 1294 and 1368) is surrounded by the expansive grounds of a historic Cistercian monastery, founded in 1186. Its inner realms are considered to be the oldest designed parks and gardens in Mecklenburg. Discover impressive buildings like the brewery, charnel-house, barns and craftsmen houses and, of course, the Minster itself with its original medieval fittings, alters and sepulchers.

The abbey’s original walls are in a good state of repair and, along with the conscientious maintenance of the gardens and paths, allow for an authentic view of the Minster from all angles. Different areas of the grounds Minster from all angles. Different areas of the grounds are dedicated to a variety of uses: the Area of Scilence at ehe4 Wolfsscheune, the Area of Faith at and in the Minster and the Area of Activity in the Kornhaus and the ruins of the brewery. The gardens at the Kornhaus with their herbs and healing plants and vegetation are a delight to behold.
The town of Bad Doberan is tin the process of applying for the monastery to be adopeted iton the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Blog from Berlin

It’s a great feeling to write my blog from Berlin, Germany. Well there is so much to tell and I have no idea, where should I begin. Well both flights from Kathmandu to Doha and Doha to Berlin were smooth but couldn't sleep well in the plane. So most of the time I tuned to movie and music. It took almost 5 hours to reached Doha airport from Kathmandu and had to wait 2 hours at Doha airport but shopping mall within the airport was really terrific. Simply amazed to see luxury of life that commodities could bring. Pack of Heineken Beer pulled my attention for quite a long time, as one of my friend asked me to bring him lots of beer from Berlin ;) Well you can guess who he is. I roamed around and did lots of window-shopping. At the Doha airport, I enjoyed apples my ‘Ma’ gave me at home before I left home. And felt sorry to see many Nepali people working low level services there at the airport. It took another 6 and half hours to reach Berlin airport. And time difference dazzle me coz when we reached Berlin airport it was almost 6:40 in the evening but still it seem early noon. Angelika was there at the airport waiting for us to pick and Mr. Niklash took us to our final destination about one and half hour ride from the airport.

Okay so far, we have presented ourselves to the IIJB representative and enjoyed today's formal opening program. Both Ramesh and I were in Daura surwal at this very opening program and participant from other country like North Korea, India, Zambia, Tanz, Uganda .. were happy to see us in our national custom. We had a great time and of course, tons of pictures to share.

Guess what, no dal bhat .. all bread, butter, juice, beer and meat of all kind. But you know I had no problem switching my food menu and I think I am gonna put on lots of weight if I keep eating this menu with high calories with any workout or cycling. So, I have already started to jog in the morning. Location is cool and environment is simply perfect for outdoor workouts. Well everyone got car and it's rare to see people walking around.

It’s true that beer is really really cheap. Guess what I have already tested two brand of beer but didn't like the taste. But hey don’t you dare to think I am will return home being beerholic. I simply wanna taste all I can get. And wait for couple of weeks I will post all the brands of beer that I am gong to taste. You know it cost only 2 Euro for 6 bottles of beer and if you return 1 empty bottle they will give you 25 cent back. There is so much to write and which I will do that in next time. Course routine is tight and we have to be on move all the time. Seem like this 1-month I'm going to learn so much. But whenever I can I sure will blog more.
International Institute of Journalism Berlin, building where I am going to stay for 5 weeks.
Infront of International Institute of Journalism Berlin, building. My room is just above the enterance and view is perfect.

Laliguras Of Hoppegarten



So surprised to see our national flower "Laliguras" infront of IIJB Building and couldn't stop taking some pictures.

Monday, April 30, 2007

Me & Nikon

I am a Shutterbug and I love to stay behind my camera. There I find my solace and joy but sometime I feel being cheated as a photographer. I feel that way most… when people start to limit me as a professional photographer rather than a friend they know. Photography is my passion and not always I do it to earn bread and butter. And you know when people take me that way, my true emotion gets lapse and I do realize I'm not acting normal. And I wish I could be someone out of photographer skin. I get so bemused when people value my Nikon than me. They overlook my individualism when I am behind my camera and I become a stranger among known crowd. Sometime it's a daunting task to click pictures where your emotions get attached to and there are occasions when I clicked picture crying literally.

Once I was clicking pictures of one of friend's wedding. She was about to leave her parental home and she was all sobbing giving goodbye to her family and friends hugging. And I thought she will hug me too before hopping onto her wedding car but thing didn't happen the way I thought. And I missed her hug because I am behind my Camera. So, you get both rain and sunshine, while you stay behind the camera.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

A Smile Like Yours

It was a cold rainy morning and I got little wet while coming to my office. So I tried to make myself warm sipping black tea and reading newspaper. This catchy line 'A Smile Like Yours' of the editorial of one of leading English newspaper captivate my attention for long. Though editor was concerned about different version of 'Smile' but this catchy line provoke me to appreciate 'Smile' that makes difference in our life and bring warmth to our hearts.

Of course you remember 'Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile' right? Never in the history of Art, one painting that has been so admired and caused much speculation. I believe one sweet smile can move the world. Smile is a very prominent form of facial expression that surely dominates the canvas of all human feelings. And mine too. Well I am not Leonardo da Vinci but being a shutterbug I have this privilege to capture so many beautiful smiles via my camera. Here I would like to share one such SMILE that makes a huge difference in my life lately. And it's my great pleasure to share that 'Smile' with you.


In my school days, I used to hang one poster on the wall of my room that says, 'Smile it improves your face value.' Now I know SMILE, improve not just our face value, it also light-up our hearts and spread happiness like ripples in a pond.

In the meantime let me give my sincere gratitude to Rina for making my life little brighter with her smile. Long live your BEAUTIFUL SMILE in people's hearts. Indeed it's a wonderful feeling that, I always make people laugh and you are one who makes me laugh by heart.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Colours of Trishuli

Colors always symbolize joyous in our life and this year I celebrated festival of colour 'Holi' at "Tri Beach Camp at Royal Beach Camp(RBC)" Trishuli river with bunch of happy soul.Raman ji and I briefing on program ahead at Royal Beach Camp.Morning Yoga at Trishuli beach.Hitting Trishuli for Holi Thrill.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Thrill of Rock Climbing

Pink Panther Party

It's Vicky and Janet who colored us in pink by throwing a party in their apartment at Lazimpat having a theme 'Pink Panther Party'. Invitation came to me as a surprise and theme of the party made me go and yeah I had tons of fun putting pink paper hat to chime the theme and danced in full energy.

As we draped ourselves in pink Sal and paper pink cap, we grooved into beautifully decorated small apartment which was packed of people from different countries and different profession. We even blew pink balloons to put extra pink before we joined the party.

In general 'Pink' represent feminine and also color of gala vibe but the party proved 'Pink' much more than that. It was a nice evening and I including Smriti, Raman, Rabi and Sunil from Nodan Club had a great time. Many thanks to Vicky and Janet for such a wonderful evening.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Milestone II Workshop @ CUG

I love to READ and each new day is like flipping pages of an intriguing novel. Good day or bad day, there's always new experiences to cash in. And this is what triggered me most in accepting myself as an Instructor at Chaudhary Udyog Gram (CUG) Milestone II workshop for Chaudhary Group (C.G) at Nawalparashi, Chitwan. I had absolutely no clue how I would be reacting being one of the instructor of the workshop organized by Nodan club. Surprisingly my inner instinct took over and am quite happy about this newly discovered self.

Words like 'Communication', 'Leadership' and 'Team building' sound pretty big fish but they are just small ones. And this kind of workshop allow people to jog back to basic of human civilization and evolution which I think is very important for you to know our potential and limits. Today's craze of chasing advance technologies has transformed us into a techno-savvy and we miss this real joy of being close to nature.

Milestone II workshop was clearly focused and hold these vital purposes to equip the participation with knowledge, realization and skill which enable to empower participant and infuse themselves with positive power. It was also targeted on helping senior executives become better leaders and build the kind of leadership teams to position and sustain group at the top. Interacting among teams within can ultimately acquire the insights concept and strategies required to take charge as inspiring leaders who create a culture of leadership through out the group. And workshop fostered every single participants to be a leader.

On 25 January 2007, we 'Instructor Team' of Nondan including 80 participants had gathered at the Chaudhary Group Headquarters at Sanepa, Lalitpur. By 2 pm all the equipments and personal belongings had been loaded on two buses we all headed toward CUG Nawalparashi. One can easily feel the enthusiasm among the participants from the very beginning as everyone was very curious for the next day. Soon after the buses set off for the destination participant started to make fun singing songs. The journey toward CUG was one full dose of fun and excitement.

After such a fun fill ride of 5 hours we reached CUG and it was already late in the evening then all participants were immediately assigned to the different blocks for the two-night stay. After a short rest, all participants gathered and there was a brief formal program of introductions and purpose of the workshop Milestone II. Mr. Ashesh from HRD welcomed all participants to the workshop and requested them to make most out of this opportunity. He also committed himself as a participant of the workshop. Then Raman Bhattrai, director of the workshop introduced the instructor team, which consists professional from different profession, from outdoor adventure expert to media person. Raman also outlined programs of next day.

Later all participants were divided into seven groups as Team 'Ka', Team 'Kha', Team 'Ga' Team 'Gha' likewise. After the formal program, everyone was swing back to weekend mode and everyone had great time enjoying wholesome dinner and dancing. Dancing itself is a good stress buster therapy and participant also enjoyed dancing till late night. They were aware of the three basic key elements of the workshop, Leadership, Communication and Team building and ever since their arrival at CUG, they were conscious to perform their best to achieve high team score. And everyone was mindful of the fact that the next day was going to be most exciting one and we said good-night while still in the party mode.

On the 26th Jan 2007, Finally the big day started at 6:30 am and the instructor team sprang up to set grounds ready for all the activities and drills. For the participant, the day started by modern meditation and yoga at the Learning Center of CUG. Interaction that took over after the yoga session was also very interesting part of this session which shows that participants were very aware of the fact that mental health is equally important. Many participants were asking various questions to know more about the yoga and its benefit. Yoga session ended at around 8 am and day followed by breakfast.

After short breakfast break, the self chosen leaders from all seven teams displayed banner of the workshop as formal inauguration at the CUG tower and each team were given a creative task of giving unique name and slogan for their team. Then participants were led through warm-up games like “Team Spiral and Undo” and “Blob Tag”, which helped all participants to get in the proper frame of mind for the day ahead. Then Mr. Ashish was pulling all the participants in HR way and team CG was running towards his pace. It was quite encouraging sight to see everyone participated in this session with full zeal, despite varied ages.

Station : A
Nightline was played in the Station A. In this game, all the participants are blindfolded and led through a specially designed trail. The game aims to improve the communication in a team and builds trust among the participants who learn to depend on the instructions of the person in front of him about what lays ahead.

Station : B Subash and Smriti, were in charge of Station B. The games played were Toxic Waste and Raising Team Attitude.

Toxic Waste: Here the team has to transfer the contents of a bucket to another and dispose of it in a safe place. The catch is that all this has to be done with the help of ropes and elastic band provided and the members cannot go into the area where the buckets “Toxic Waste” are kept. This game teaches the members to think as a team and come up with strategies while providing plenty of opportunities for the members to develop leadership.

Raising Team Attitude: This is a very simple game and consists of a bowl which is filled with water and the challenge here is to lift the bowl without spilling the water and hands are not to be used. If the whole team didn't cooperate aim of this game can't be achieved.

Station : C

In Station C, you would have the chance of seeing Yogendra and Ramesh in charge of the game “Don’t Lose Your Team Member”. In this game, the team is given some half cut pipes. The instructor rolls some marbles on the first pipe and the task is to carry those marbles across the length of the Station without dropping any. Aim of this game is to improve team work and leadership as well as to them feel every single team member is equally important.

Team Crossing
In this game, the task is to cross a river with the help of some mats provided and the only rule is that a mat cannot be left unattended in a river. Team should cross together.

Station : D

Spider Web and Monkey Crawling were the games in Station D. Manish and Krishna were the instructors assigned to this Station.

In Spider Web, there are ropes tied to create something like a spider web and the task is to move the team members from one side to the other without touching the ropes. This game increases planning idea as well as distribution channels.

Monkey Crawling is exactly what it says it is. The team member has to crawl a rope like a monkey, others can help pretty similar as in real situation.

Station : E

Launching the Product was the game played in Station E. The instructors were Sunil and Kiran. In this game, the team has the chance to get very creative, as they have to invent a new language, use it and complete the task. Once the language is invented, team leader goes to other side of the tarp hung like a curtain and the rest of the team stays one side. The challenge is to lift a special product with the help of a pipe, ropes and a hook – the rule is that the team leader can only instruct his friends in the newly invented language.

The other game played at this station was called Hot Potatoes. The team members pass a ball around as if it was a very hot potato. The only rule is that the team member who holds the ball when the whistle blows it out. Theme of this game is when member is in a trouble he/she ask for help or want to share the problem with others.

Station : F

Rajan and Rina were the instructors for the Station. Team Walk was the game played here. The group has to walk with their feet tied to a wooden plank together. The aim here is to create a clear sense of leadership and synchronize the team's movement to the orders of the leader. At the same time instructor give command team members to be in order from disorder - name of the game was stay-by-order.

Station : G

Zip Success Wire – This was the name of the task in Station G. Endra and Maya were in charge there. Each team has to send its members to and from on a zip wire. All the members have to work together to ensure that every one of them have an easy ride across the wire bringing strength ball from one pick up point to another landing site. This game boasts inner strength of the participant pushing them toward wider horizon.

All drills was halted from 13:00 - 14:00 hr for lunch break and during the lunch break, participants got busy degning their team's banner and finding appropriate slogan. All teams were highly engrossed to give creative team name and unique slogan. After lunch the day progressed and all station resume its drills.

Finally, the seven teams came up with their own names and slogans. Teams are as follows:
1. GenEx, the Generation Next
2. Caravan
3. We the Unity
4. Synergie
5. We
6. Gaida
7. Eureka

All seven teams successfully passed out all seven stations. Participation from all teams was amazingly wonderful. In spite of hot sun, each individual showed good spirit and played to be the best. And then banner display program followed and each team leader shared their experiences and views about the drills and knowledge they learnt.

After a brief interval all seven teams were set for the next round of activities, namely group Tug-of-wars. In the first round, all the seven teams competed with each other and it was good example of perfect balance of teamwork and it also showed that if they fight among the team nobody will win.

In the second round, two-team tug-of-war followed to make more as one best team. Even instructor's team joined in this tug-of-war game giving extra excitement to the participants. Finally there were eight teams, including the instructors, who competed against each other and finally the Team Caravan won by defeating the instructors’ Team Everest in the Finals.

This was followed by a group meet where all the Team Leaders gave brief presentation on the day’s activities. The team leaders were invited to share their learning and achievements. One of the speeches given by Mr. AK Sharma was so moving as he mentioned the days experience made him and his team nostalgic and instructor team took his words as prize of honor. After this, all the seven team realized as one team with the help of all the instructors and participants Milestone II declared Team CG 1.

Then the participants had a chance to give feedback displaying their banner presentation. The whole program and the Workshop finally came to an end after each team realized they were part of team CG in the bigger picture Team CG is only one team that is EVEREST CG NUMBER ONE.

The reason for this was that Team Everest should be the best team and CG can only be the best team if they are united. That was the whole point of declaring CG No. 1 team. It was a message that all the different divisions of CG should stand united. This should be main formula to form the best (No. 1) team in Nepal. Then it was time for a break.

During the whole day participants made lots of leadership demonstration and slogan cheer ups.

The instructors conducted a formal program with talent shows and distribution of Tokens of Love to various participants. Among the participants Matina Maharjan was given a token of love for being inspiring participation and like wise Mr. AK Sharma was given toke of love as best learner. The talent show consisted of two mini-skits: “The Contagious Doctor’s clinic” and “Maha Bharat: Draupadi Vastraharan Part II”. Since the final program participants announced to support a days' salary for a noble cause 'Clean Bagmati Campaign' doing by team Nodan which was really one perfect example of outcome of the workshop Milestone II.

One among the participant, Puskal Khatiwada immediately contributed Rs. one thousand for the campaign.

Day's program concluded with good vibe of music and dance synchronized beautifully by creative DJ Ashesh.

On the 14th Magh 2063, The next day, 14th of Magh, was the day when the team returned back to Kathmandu. The Nodan Team was pleasantly surprised to get a departing gift from the CUG. Finally after breakfast, the team was allowed a brief visit to the factory buildings and most of us were very glad to see how our favorite snack “Wai Wai” was made.

We arrived at the CG Headquarters, Sanepa at around 5 o’ clock and by ending our journey there we had come a full circle.



Monday, January 08, 2007

Portraits of An Angel

“Beauty is an attribute of children” wrote poet philosopher ‘Friedrich Holderlin. And indeed Children inspire a great many artist, poet, painter and this Jitu'cha is no exception. I always have fun being with children and be children.

Here I would like to celebrate this loveliest portraits of three and half years old Palisha Lama who visited my office as if an Angel (of course, Angel without wings) from Heaven above and chased away my lonesome feeling. It was one such beautiful moment that I knew by heart: why does God put the best of our life right at the beginnings.






Story behind these pictures:
I always consider that if you have a willing heart to believe good things in life they sure will come to you. And these portraits are one of such good thing in my life. It was a normal day and there came this sweet little angelic face Palisha to my office bringing so much joy and smiles.

Palisha is niece of my office collogue and is in nursery class. She is very witty and she revealed me her secret recipe, how she keeps her two fufus (Auntie) happy and enjoy receiving lots of toffees from them. I asked her how and she said, "Very easy, just tell sano fufu that she doesn’t like thulo fufu and go to thulo fufu and tell her, she doesn’t like sano fufu. She even boasted me that she has a live Zebra at her home. Ice-cream is her favorite food and she loves to dance when on one is seeing her. She loves pictures of sheep and was asking me to show pictures of sheep in my PC.

Children are cute, naughty, irritable, joyous, envious, sneaky, flighty, and timid, quick to laugh and cry, extreme in expressing joy and sorrow, especially about trifles. They'll do anything that pleases them. And Palisha delighted me by making all these wide range of funny expression within fifteen minutes. Yes within 15 minutes. I had a wonderful time with her. I know that every child has this power to delight you anytime. And sometime they can make you want to start life all over again. It's true.

Friday, January 05, 2007

Truely A Nepali Heart

Wanna be a truly Nepali? Meet Puskar dai (Puskar Shah) for some inspiration. You must have heard many said, 'Nepalese are happy people with beautiful smiles'. And guess what ! Puskar dai is even a step further to make you believe that Nepalese are simple too. On my very first encounter, his simplicity impressed me immensely. It is hard to imagine, someone having that magnitude can hold such a simple outlook on life. Pushkar dai, who have toured more than 100 counties on his bicycle spreading the message of peace and love, and has such a titanic experience of life, yet so simple Nepali at heart who misses "makaiko dhindo" in the land of pizzas, king burger.

I have read series of his dairy which he have written during his journey and were published by Wave magazine. Ever since I was curious to meet him one day and luck favored. Surprisingly it was a rare luck for me to meet him in 'Nepal Youth Social Forum - 2006' organized by various youth forums last Saturday in the capital 'Kathmandu' and I was there as participant from Nodan Club. When I first saw, he was busy setting his "Himalayan Leopard" (That's what he named his bicycle) for display at the stall of Nodan Club. He was wearing a beautiful smile in his face and very gentle meeting people. He has so many experiences to share and people were swarmed around him asking tons of questions.
Being a shutterbug, I took some pictures first and eagerly approached him for an introduction. "Namaste! Puskar dai" and welcoming he spread out his hand and gave me a wonderful handshake. His has a very warm handshake indeed. I like the way he gripped my hand firmly till I gave my complete introduction. (see photos below). I think this showed, how caring he is to know people. I even shared some of his recollections from his book 'Pushkar Journey on', he brimmed with delight. We talked for long regarding his tour. He is very easygoing person and anyone can be his buddy in a minute. His simple views can teach us to be proud of being a Nepali. One must read his book 'Pushkar Journey On" published by Wave magazine to know him in depth and how simple he is in a Nepali way. I amused myself to great extend reading his diary and placed a high respect for his unmatched sense of humor. I bet some stories in the book can make you cry literally and that's what I did. It's my great pleasure to share you the link of his web-page here.
http://www.pushkarshah.com

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