Saturday, February 24, 2024

Exploring the Enchanting Landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh: A Week-Long Itinerary


Day 1 

Thursday, February 22, 2024 - Chennai to Guwahati

The adventure kicks off as we step aboard our INDIGO flight bound for Guwahati from Chennai, scheduled to depart at 9:45 PM and land at 12:20 AM. With the perks of my HDFC Tata Neo Infinity card, I enjoyed access to the lounge, indulging in a satisfying dinner before our flight. Despite a one-hour delay, I made the most of the time, strolling up and down the airport until we finally boarded, eager to begin our journey to the mystical landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh.

Day 2 - 

Friday, February 23, 2024 - Guwahati to Dirang

Rise & Shine. Our adventure commences with a flight from Guwahati to Tezpur (Assam) scheduled for 9:35 AM, followed by a picturesque drive to Dirang. However, upon our arrival in Guwahati to board the Tezpur flight, which was initially set for departure at 9:30 AM the following day, we found ourselves in a waiting game throughout the night. The airport seemed deserted, with only the staff present( Thereare no flight services between 12 to 3am) . It was not until the early hours of the morning that we received the disheartening news of a 3-hour delay in our connecting flight. This unexpected turn of events cast uncertainty over our entire day's plan. Despite the challenges, we remained optimistic, ready to adapt and make the most of our upcoming adventure.Until 10:30 AM, we remained in a state of uncertainty, grappling with the sudden announcement of our flight's cancellation due to unfavorable weather conditions in the highlands. With the helicopter service also unavailable, we faced the daunting task of arranging alternative transportation. Ultimately, we opted for a five-hour cab ride to Tezpur, where another cab awaited us, ready to continue our journey to Dirang. Exhausted from waiting at the airport since 1 AM the previous night, my wife and I found this new development to be even more taxing and akin to a Himalayan challenge.


As we make our way from Guwahati to Dirang, prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking vistas of Arunachal Pradesh. Dirang, located amidst the picturesque Himalayas, is famous for its pristine natural beauty and tranquil surroundings. 


Weather: Dirang enjoys a cool climate, so be sure to pack warm clothing.

Travel Tip: Carry motion sickness remedies for the winding roads during the drive

Accommodatio: Hotel Rigsel, Dirang 

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Part 3 - Secret Diaries of the Himalayan Kingdom - Druk Yul – Land of the Thunder Dragon Day 3

Day 3

After spending  2 whole days in Thimphu. I was able to experience the culture of Bhutan Thanks to the Red hot Chilly.






The next morning with loads of memories and good mornings breakfast we left Thimphu  via the winder Road towards the direction of Punakha, which is the former Capital of the Country and the winter capital for the religious monks. It is a 3 hour drive , I was really excited to visit the people i really wanted to see if I came to Bhutan. 







My heart was already at the Valley of Gangte – Pubikha the destination of todays trip














The road to Phunaka travels across the Dochula pass on top of which appear 108 Chortens in the mist. Chortens are sacred containers for religious offerings which symbolize Buddhist consciousness in the Himalayan countries.


In a flash, the fog vanishes and the Druk Wangyal Ihakhang temple appears out of nowhere on a nearby hill. This is constructed in honour of the holy deeds and gestures of the 4 th King.









Being a Buddhist country, not much of meat is consumed in Bhutan leaving cheese and butter being the main sources of Protein and fat. However If you are a meat lover they do stock up meat which is imported either from India or from the other neighboring countries.





To the Bhutanese, time isn’t a number on the clock. Their sense of time is governed by which part of the mountain the sun is shining upon and when the cows are hungry. As a result, they are relaxed and laid back unlike those of us who always live in crunch time. They lead a happy life without relying on modern technology. The secret to their joyous life seems rather simple.













We had been driving for 4 hours when we finally entered the 4000 meter point near the summit . The breath-taking view of the yaks fattening up on the grassy highlands greeted me. This is the second time after Tsomgo lake Sikkim that I am seeing a yak in person. The head resembles a Cow with a body covered in fur and a tail bearing the semblance of a rope.


Here they are at 4000m above sea level at the highlands of Gangtae – a strong species that can bear the cold well and plough through the snow. Yaks are considered very important in Bhutanese life because without them, the highlanders cannot survive. Without them there is no butter, cheese, milk or even yak wool. The long highland winter prohibits them from farming, so yaks are an important and appreciated livestock which provide people with many of their essential staples. These useful livestock have been a big part of the lives of the Alpine people along the Himalayas since long past.



My eyes settle on a lone villager sitting on the side of as I look out the window during the drive along the road. He seems to be indulging in his daily waiting ritual – patiently anticipating his ride to reach the nearby Punaka market to sell his agricultural surplus. There are no busses in these villages and people had to walk miles everday to make their ends meet.

If he is not lucky enough to get a ride then his day is likely wasted.

The lives of these people may seem slow and uncomfortable. However, the people I met here neither rush nor strive for richer life. I can’t claim to understand everything through my short encounter with them. But the one fact that I was able to discern from my observation is that they are living in times which have been long forgotten by us.




I said good bye to the nomadic family I met there and left the village. On the way I met young students who were on the way to their school. The happy look on their faces tempted me to strike a conversation with them. I got to know that their village was located behind the hill, opposite the mountain where the school is situated. My inquisitiveness got the better of me and I asked how long it takes for them to reach the school from their village. I was told it was 5kms which usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour for an adult to cover by foot.



On the way I noticed a pair of brothers out at the village water tap. They were staring at the camera for a long time. Then suddenly they make a beeline to hide. The brother in another pair of siblings decide to hurriedly run away as well. His younger sister freezing on the spot. They are the epitome of innocence, don’t you think? They keep hiding due to their shyness . We decided to walk our way through the village to our destination. Mr. Dorji has brought Doma which Bhutanese commonly chew. Tasting bitter with an overwhelming scent, it will make you feel a buzz while also warming you up. Perhaps that’s why the people in this alpine region keep chewing this all time. It is a common sight to spot people with reddened mouths while strolling around Bhutan, indicating that they ate the red pigmented Doma.


While we were continuing our journey, Mr. Dorji casually told me the shocking fact that though polyandry is prohibited by law now, until recently it was allowed in Bhutan. It’s a unique marriage system in which a set of brothers can get married to one woman to prevent financial hardships from splitting the family property. In other words, it is the best way to share their possessions.
Another interesting characteristic of Bhutanese farming which I forgot to mention is my earlier blog is that you don’t have to search for organic food. This is because the people of Bhutan don’t use any chemical fertilizers when they farm. After Fruits and Vegetables, Cheese and Butter have the biggest variety. Something at the Cheese store stimulates my curiosity.They Dry the Yak cheese and bring it from the east where the Cheese is made because transporting it takes a while. It goes the same for meat that is dried or smoked to keep it from rotting.


And here I reach the The Valley of Pubjikha..




Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Part 2 - Secret Diaries of the Himalayan Kingdom - Druk Yul – Land of the Thunder Dragon

Day 2

On the Second day we started off with exploring the sites of Thimphu, the Capital city of Bhutan in order to gain a deeper understanding of the life and culture of Bhutan. Our Journey began with the Visit of Memorial Chorten - a Big Stupa and one of the most Prominent religious structures in Bhutan with its Golden Spires and bells in Thimphu.

Memorial Chorten
It was build in 1974 to honor the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972). Very similar to few other religions, everything here works clockwise. For example, the Prayer Wheels are turned clockwise and the people walk clockwise around the Stupa here.









Next up is the world’s largest seated Traditional Buddha which is overlooking Thimphu and a great place to see the City from above

The Main religion in Bhutan is Buddhism and what people follow here is Mahayana, which is not just Considered as Buddhism or Religion, but taken by every Bhutanese person as the guiding philosophy everyday life.

The key belief is that whatever we do in our present life will determine the course of your future and your next life. Mahayana is not just about oneself but about thinking everyone as equal This extends to even animals. There are 4 types of Buddhism widely practiced across the world - Mahayana, Theravada, Vajrayana and Zen Buddhism.

Textile Museum 
 

Students at the Art & Craft School
Next Up is the Arts and Craft school in Thimphu. Arts and Craft in Bhutan represent the exclusive spirit and identity of the Dragon Kingdom .The institute of Zorig Chusum in Thimpu is the premier institute of traditional Arts and Crafts set up by the Government of Bhutan with the object of preserving the rich culture and tradition of Bhutan and train students in all the 13 art forms. In Bhutan everyone has access to free education. Unlike India, Bhutanese students do not get summer holidays but get to enjoy winter holidays.











Thimphu Bazaar
Thimphu is also a perfect place to go shopping in Bhutan. One can buy Thangkas (scroll painting), masks, prayer wheels, Buddha figurines, Mandala paintings, yak hair bags and colorful Kira’s from here. A must-try here is the locally brewed alcohol called Ara.

























After spending almost a day I learnt that Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu is the only City in the world that doesn't have a single traffic light and still the traffic is really well organized and disciplined. Pedestrians are given priority and if a motorist finds anyone standing at the pedestrian walkway waiting to cross, they stop their vehicle immediately giving right of passage to their fellow citizens. Wow! Well that is what I call civilization & development of Culture and respect.

Traffic Cop at Thimphu City


Thimphu Dzong
A quick 3 km drive took us to one of the largest and oldest Dzong in the country - the Thimphu Dzong which is also known as Tashichho Dzong. The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu in Bhutan, on the western bank of the Wang Chu. Dzongs are the main heritage of the Country and most of them were built around the 17th Century to protect the people from and prevent foreign invasions. These Dzongs are still in use and almost all the Dzongs have been divided into 2. The first half would be the Regional Administrative Office and the second half designated to be used by the Monks. The Thimphu Dzong is the summer capital for the religious monks.


Bhutanese Cuisine
Despite roaming all day, not once did we feel the tiredness, possibly because of the warm and welcoming people of Bhutan. The Bhutanese always made us feel so comfortable that there wasn't even a single minute when we felt out of the country. We got back to the room to freshen up before going for a Typical Bhutanese Dinner later that evening. The dining experience in the city is also top-notch, giving your taste buds a lot of new flavors to savor by trying out the Bhutanese Cuisine in the capital city. Try Ema Datshi with Red Rice and don’t miss out on the delicious Momos . The people here are extremely fond of cheese and butter produced from yak’s milk


The government places priority on Protecting the country's and eco System and traditions to maximize the happiness of the people. People in Bhutan wear the Traditional Dress Gho and Kira which is mandatory in Public Institutions and Schools. During National events all Bhutanese are required to wear it. Korean TV Serials and Music are gaining popularity in Bhutan these days.

It was so surprising for me when I learnt that the country has only 6 cinema halls that are scattered across Thimphu and screens with an average of 30 Bhutanese movies a year. Bhutan is also the last on on our planet to be introduced to the idiot box.Yes, the television was introduced in 1999 and then came the Internet.

No wonder the country is known for its happy people. I'm glad to have gotten to know the Happy Kingdom.

To be Continued ...

Friday, February 21, 2020

Secret Diaries of the Himalayan Kingdom - Druk Yul – Land of the Thunder Dragon

Secret Diaries of the Himalayan Kingdom - Druk Yul – Land of the Thunder Dragon

There is something magical about Bhutan – The Land of the Thunder Dragon, the simple yet mesmerizing land somehow manages to touch your soul. The salubrious climate, the breathtaking views, and the majestic monasteries may seem to be the apt way to describe the beauty of Bhutan

Thimphu Tower - Thimphu Downtown


As I was wandering for an adventurous journey which is equally filled with fun and thoughtfulness I visited Bhutan to explore Monasteries, fortresses, temples, food and their tradition with that develop a deep understanding of their culture. In combination with a proper 4 days of Adventurous trekking and 3 days of cultural interaction with Local People, Bhutan simply blew me away. What makes Bhutan Unique is that, the Strong Culture that has been carried on from Generation to Generation and people still practice the same tradition in their everyday life.


Paro - International Airport
The Mountain Paradise of Bhutan Known as the Happy Kingdom on Earth has always been a Frontier land and a treasure Box of Alpine Scenery with Pristine Landscapes and Intriguing traditional architecture & perhaps its greatest asset – “The gentle and gracious People of Bhutan”.

Do you also want to have this unforgettable experience? Yes, well, then this is for you.
Flying to Bhutan from India is quite easy. There are two direct airlines, namely, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines that operate flights from Delhi, Gaya, Bagdogra, Kolkata, Mumbai and Guwahati to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport. Indian travelers can be offered special fares in Drukair, if the airline is contacted through email. Since we were travelling from Chennai , we booked our Flight from Chennai to Kolkata and from Kolakata to Paro. Our flight to Paro was at 8 AM IST on Sunday, So we booked the last flight on the previous night to Kolkata waited in the Airport since the International travel requires passenger to Check in 3 Hrs before the Boarding time.  With all the chaos around on Corona Virus effect the Airport Authorities were on high Alert and was flooded with people wearing Mask and looking scary even to go around within the terminal for a coffee. Tension and stress intensified whenever travellers  saw a Chinese or a Malaysian Airline Landing.


Aerial View of Thimphu Valley
Day 1 .

The west of Bhutan is Dominated by a fertile Paro Valley which sits placidly amidst the mighty mount Jhomolhari, the country’s highest peak. Paro is also the place where the Bhutan International Airport is located. Wondering how many international airport in the world are surrounded by undulating lush valley and rolling pastoral landscapes , yes we landed where the adventure began at the world’s most beautiful and most dangerous airport In Paro.





As soon as we landed our Bhutan Friend Mr.Nawang Dorji greeted us in the Traditional Bhutanese way.  We then headed off to Thimphu which is the capital city of Bhutan and on the way we visited Tamchog Lhakhang and adjoining iron Suspension bridge built by saint and engineer Thangtong gyalpo.


Archery Game being Played at Thimphu Archery Stadium

The very first day We had a chance to visit the Archery ground to see how the nation sport is being played . For Bhutanese Archery is not just a game , during the Game they Eat , they Drink , they Dance and at the same time it is a symbol for every man in Bhutan that once you play archery you have achieved your symbol of your manhood.











Traditional Brass and Wooden Handicrafts made in Bhutan















Way to Local Market






We then visited the Centenary Fruits & Vegetable Market which is located right opposite to the Weekend market , this is the place where the farmers sell their agricultural surplus.



Scene at the Local Market
The weekend market which is an Assault on the Sense , meander amongst the fluttering prayer flags ,traditional Dragon paintings and wooden handicrafts ,..Red hot chilies , dried grapes , dried cheese and what more than a freshly harvested fruits and vegetables on a breezy market preserved by Nature mother.

Sun Set view from Thimphu City





Artist making Brass Sculptures / handicrafts at Thimphu Market

It was 5 PM and the temperature was already dropping below 6 degrees ,the Windy and cold temperature reminded of the dusk which is all about to set off its curtains announcing the closure of another happy day on the valley. Foodies can acquire bottles of Wild Honey from the South of the country.


Dusk


A typical Bhutanese Restaurant 


Slowly as the sun sets off from the valley that evening we headed in search of the very own Café of Bhutan to try out the local Tea called “Suja’, Black / Milk tea with Butter and Salt…

No now don’t give that weird look..It was delicious. The people of Bhutan do not consume Coffee or sugar tea, unlike western countries, No Sugar , No Calorie ..But good Health ..
A Big ..Yes!!!!




Moon Rise view- Thimphu 


To be Continued ...

Monday, July 12, 2010

EPISODE 27 - UNSTRAINED




John was Strolling along the Railway Platform to Board the train ..He stood almost half an hour and got no announcement from the announcers desk about the arrival or departure of any trains...With little surprise and more of suspicion,John Inquired the man standing in the Brown uniform...John came to know that he is a Line man and the last Train from that station Departed Exactly at 11Pm..John turned his wrist to check the time and it was almost 11.40 Pm...But the line man gave john another option to reach his destiny on time..He was certain that there is a late service Bus is there around 11.45..Hearing that John Thanked him and rushed towards the Bus stand ..it was just few hundred yards away from the Railway station.There he was Surprised to see Nancy's Step mother waiting for the Bus.But She was waiting form someotehr state.Another Phone call from John's Dad.With a feeble Voice John said "HEllo dad,tell me" Seeding the ferocious mood Mr.Wilson asked him..Watta hell do u think of yourself ?? its already 12 and still u aren't back home yet..How long will u take to come back home.John Remembered the dialog that sandra said while he was leaving the previous day and paraphrased "Dad its already mid night and u want me to come back home in this graveyard hours ??,c'mon dad jus take rest for a couple of hours,by the time u wake up in the morning i ll be right on front of u r eyes.." But Wilson was not compromised with John's assurance...His prob was different ,for every mistake that John does,its not John that is going to get beatings or yellings,But its Mr.Wilson ll be the ultimate target for everyones mistake.."Oh my god your mom is such a Nerd,that i should have never married your mom -- Wilson's pathos" ..Ha ha sometimes it will be funny to see such things and other times very Horrible and irritating...Having not slept for 2 consecutive days and With no proper diet John felt Week inside..When he got on to the bus he hardly had space to keep even his single foot and However dreadful the Situation be,John has to Board the Bus and he did..Standing in the crowded Bus he has to Keep a Eagle eye upon his cash and other Valuables.Just to Forget the tension palisading him,he msg'ed all his friends about this Happy news.

Eric had already Introduced John to one of his UG friend Daffin.Daffin as John Knew him as a Animator, a computer Graphics Designer.John met him When he was Pursuing in final year of schooling.Later one day John Visited Daffin to share some Work CD's and he was amused to know that Daffin is a endowed Guitar Player.Daffin hides nothing from his people and he considered John as one ,hence John came to know that He was in Love with Sylvia.Even though he didnt propose to that girl ,it was know to known to every one.John On the other side came to know that Sylvia was in love with another guy,but that was also not a coherent one.Daffins other team mates namely Eric,Kenedy,Sylvia,Rosanne all made a wonderful team,though its not the truth thats what they claim.Kennedy was in a relationship with a girl named Rosanne.It was a serious and a matured decision by both and hence things were really smooth.

Atleast John reached his home town after a 7 hours journey and he boarded the first bus ,reached his area.On the way back home John Visited one of his childhood day friend Marcus who's hoz located in the same area where John Dropped his Painting kit which was awarded to him in the competition. Well Well Well At last everything ended successfully and in a very Thrilling and heart pounding way.John slowly stepped into the House mentally preparing to receive the tongue-lashings from Mr and Mrs.Wilson.yeah as expected everything started ..According to sandra John was Enjoying his life,wasting the valuable time.Sandra asked John to help her in washing the cloths and in by washing the utensils.Already Exhausted John,felt hard to work,But Things happened in the past week is more worse than doing this.After all everything is a Experience in life which we tend to Experiment it with our life.

What ever the situation be ,However tough John's life was..It was really a Beautiful Experience that John can never go through or forget it.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

SOLITARY WALK


I miss you so much day and night
I can't realise why have you gone
I just think I treated you right
but now I'm again alone

The days without you are so long
these days - without your kiss and smile
and I don't know what I've done wrong
I've been thinking of this for a while

A few questions that I need to know -
why do my heart feel so bad ?
why you did ever hurt me so ?
why can't I get you out of my head ?....

I was losing you before I ever held you tight
Before you ever held me in your arms
And I won't make you blue
And maybe an eternal love will do

So tall, so wide, so high above the rumble of thunder
It's your memories I have, it's the only show
Which ll take me to the Joys and sorrows of yesterday
You killed the me,You blew away the memories of the Joy we shared But an eternal love will never die

Take me out of the cold
If it's the pleasure of taking my heart that you need
Then it can only make me love you more
And I won't make you cry And maybe an eternal love can try

Now I'm standing here alone
with this weight upon my heart
wondering why you're gone
remembering our Journey from the start

In my mind I have all my memories in a range -
each moment spent with you is unforgettable
but I can't realise what made you change
for me this is just un-get-able

I know I won't pull trough without you by my side
so baby come to me - don't run and hide
The only thing I want is to be with you
but i know my wish'll never come true

Don't you know that you make my days count?
And I'm always happy when you're around
it doesn't matter what we do
as long as I'm here with YOU

Purely sensual love is never true or lasting, for which reason first love is, as a rule, but a passing infatuation, a fleeting passion..........


Thursday, April 29, 2010

EPISODE 26- CHEERS


Nancy was now certain someone was talking to her. Slowly, she tore her eyes from the white canvas she had been focusing on, and lifted her head cautiously to see who was speaking to her. Her eyes looked directly into the face of a grinning, young man.It was none other than John who was waiting for his first coat of painting to get dried and in the mean time was trying to build rapport with the people present in the competition hall. She had literally been crying, which was the reason he had spoken to her in the first place.

He had watched Nancy, approach the benches, struggling to carry two, heavy suitcases containing the painting kit. He noticed the way she kept her head bowed, and had witnessed the solitary tear that told him she was crying. Feeling sorry for her, he decided to try and cheer her up. He was unprepared, however, for the look in Nancy's face. Feeling embarrassed, he repeated the question for a third time. But, before he had the words out of his mouth, a tall, blonde headed woman sat down next to the short French window near the entrance. "Surely, that isn't her mother," he thought to himself. He came to know that her name was Anna.Anna's abrupt coming silenced him, for the young man decided it was time to end the one-sided "conversation." He prayed the girl should not get in trouble for anything her mother thought he might have said, for Anna's face betrayed that she was not happy. "Please God, don't let the little girl get in trouble for something I did. And please, help me keep my mouth shut!" It was almost 1pm and the co-ordinators of the competition announced the Lunch break.Nancy was left in solitude to wonder about the grinning American. She felt like laughing, every time she thought of him turning red with embarrassment. For the first time that day, she almost felt happy,and John was having a constant vigil on her. Mother and daughter sat there for several hours, waiting to resume the paused work,but they were occupied with their own thoughts. No signs of affection or concern came from Nancy's mother, a fact that did not escape the young man.

John resumed his work, painting his dream girl and witnessing the most surprised happy moments of his life.The girl in the portrait Resembled a flower in full bloom,As if, through a mist, a first loom;A fine line that holds beauty,So fragile she seemed, yet so pretty.Her eyes penetrated deep into the minds of the onlookers like a wind that grace the meadows Of thoughts and lights up the weary shadows ;John's Mind started wandering while giving the Finishing touch for the portrait which turned him a Romantic poet.For John, Ellen was a sun after his night That lights up everything in sight.He gave a final touch by adding few more details to its Eyes when He took a deep look ;Upon her blue eyes he let out a surprised gasp. They were the most beautiful pair of brown eyes he had ever seen! He couldn't help comparing them to fountains of deep blue water.Full luscious lips, long hair down her back, exotic hazel-black eyes her beauty cannot be explained jus by saying she was alluring, angelic, charming, dazzling, enticing, exquisite, and gorgeous.cha-cha.For John That portrait is much of a mirth As if the joy that welcomes birth,A beauty personified in earth ,A clock of immeasurable worth.It was almost the end of the day and It was the time to announce the final verdict.John patiently yet very tensed listening to the speech that was given by the Guest!Tring!! tring !!! it was John's dad "Hey John where are you still,its 9pm and why aren't u home yet ?? What the hell are you doing still,me and your mom waiting for you to have our dinner,come over soon!"OMG !! Even if he starts now it ll take 6 hours for him to reach his place,poor mom and dad believing that i ve come to attend my friends Marriage!!"dad,actually i just had my dinner,it already 9 so i ll board the first service bus tomorrow morning please bare with me dad" "Oh no, i 'm not gonna deal with this, you speak to your mom" There was a whole big blast for him from Sandra that night!Well Well Well wats happening in the presentation area,glanced John after a nice berating from Sandra!The presentation hall was even more quite that the competition hall.Not only John but the whole auditorium seemed to be tensed.It was earlier declared that the first three winners would be awarded with 15000,12000 and 10000 cash award respectively and also a Return flight ticket for self.So John was very much confident in fetching one among those prize.The results were announced the winners were announced in descending order.Few people depicted the pained expressions on their faces showed the work was not the only mutual dislike.the Judge paused while announcing the 3rd place just to increase the tautness in the crowd,John's name was not announced...It was heart pounding moment for John,A drop of sweat ran down from his forehead and fell onto his wrist.Again a pause yeah it was the time to announce the 2nd prize,the crowd knew it must be either John or it should be Nancy..

All Stretched tighter than a drum, about ready to blow, steam coming out his ears,John was sitting tighter than a tick, stretched tighter than spandex on a hippo, needs to take a chill pill, needs to chill their jets.Yeah this time it was none other that John and the first place goes to"you should be knowing it said the Judge-it was none other than Nancy" John sat down thinking and thanking Ellen."You are the reason why now I'm here,These simple lines so soft and lite.Yet, no amount of art can, e’en for a while;Describe the true beauty bestowed on your smile.!!!May god give you what all you desire."The biggest comedy and tragedy was It was announced that onl y the first prize winner would get a Return Air ticket..watt da hell ??? Now John has to Run in search of a Train or a Bus to reach his city by the Next day morning because after 11PM all services would be stopped.Now to add Up to the problem, Nancy came to John to speak with him something Personal,She spoke many things but John understood nothing,all that John understood was Nancy was in partial Love with John.But as of now John's only thinking was to Board a Transport so reach home in the morning..He Safeguarded his personal belongings and Proceeded forth wishing adieu to Nancy!!