Different people, different thoughts

VJ :: A random picture taken at Southend-on-Sea. look at the picture as 'Different people- different views' or 'Different people- different thoughts'....

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Shillu :: People waiting at a railway station to reach their destination.

Architecture from different parts of the globe

Shillu :: This is the picture of Kachiguda railway station in Hyderabad taken early in the morning. I love the way the morning sun rays are trying to peep out in the background.

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VJ :: Millennium dome- A memorable landmark that was visible from my office on 8 Canada Square. This signature space plays the host to some the most prestigious concerts and exotic restaurants. All in all, I would say that it my must see place in London...

Interesting people

VJ :: When I was taking pictures for the London Bicycle event, I came across a couple who, very enthusiastically opted to be photographed. They loved the way I asked them to pose and instantly attained a celebrity status with the flash..flash..flash....have you ever felt that way ?

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Shillu :: Artist at work, hand carving a wooden elephant to be sold at a handicrafts fair.

Vibrant?

Shillu :: Feels great to pamper yourself once in a while. Haircut with a couple of friends, a little shopping & a beautiful lunch. What better way to spend a sunday?

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London at a Stretch- Making my way through the umpteen number of people enjoying the sunshine, I was looking onto the bridge that ran parallel to the suspension bridge when I captured this. This is London for you. Its got a little bit of everything- from Double Decker Buses to Ships, from high rise modern marvels to iconic hertiage properties, there is something for everyone.

Powerhouse of politics

VJ :: House of Parliament- Shillu has been bringing pictures that displayed Indian architecture, so I thought I should also present a section of the Houses of Parliament- an example of English Architecture.

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Shillu :: Karnataka Vidhana Soudha - is located in the state capital of Bangalore. This building houses the state legislative assembly of Karnataka. The style of construction incorporates Indo-saracenic, Rajasthani Jharokha and Dravidian styles - described as "Neo-Dravidian" style. This granite building was completed in 1956. What you see in the picture is the main entrance. You an see a four headed lion on top of the dome. This lion is the symbolic representation of India's sovereignty. My favourite part of this picture is the birds in the air & India flag flying proudly on top of the building.

Travel journals

VJ :: I once remember answering a quiz question in my school- world's biggest clock- The Big Ben and now I can confirm that I have seen it and this is the evidence.

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Shillu :: Some time back I went on a short holiday to Srilanka with my friends. We dined at a very beautiful restaurant on the 11th floor overlooking the sea. Here is the picture of the coastline thru the restaurant window (glass pane). If you look closely you can see a railway track - there is a train that runs along the coast - sounds like a unique experience,don't you think so?

Detour

VJ :: Standing by The Thames - on a chilly winter afternoon, I was admiring the way this walking path is designed and the way a row of lamp posts are adorning the path. Simply superb- was my first reaction.

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Shillu :: The building peeping through these two buildings is my office. I have taken this pic from across the road. There is a small lake in between the road & the buildings which cannot be seen in this picture

Spotted!

VJ :: Yesterday evening I went to take a ride on the London Eye. Due to poor visibility, I decided otherwise and ended up taking pictures. I spotted this person playing trumpet under the suspension bridge by the London Eye. What else, I watched him play and captured him in action.

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Shillu :: Elephant spotted in a wild life preserve in south India.

Divine intervention

Shillu :: Another temple in Karnataka state (South India) - Simhachala swamy temple. Don't you love the details in white?

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VJ :: God's miracle, one pleasant evening at South end- on- Sea. Taken on my trip to South end with friends, an hour and half away from London, this is a small coastal town with hustle and bustle.

Indian splendor

Shillu :: India is such a beautiful country with rich history. South India is very famous for beautiful temples constructed centuries back. For a couple of weeks starting today I am going to share pictures of such temples from various trips. Let me know how you like them. This is the picture of Chalukya temple in Karnataka
If you would like to know the story behind each of these pictures you can find it here

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VJ :: Good Morning! Have you ever seen the sunrise by the beach? I have done it and this is my picture.

Location: Kailashgiri, Vizag

Date: 3 Jan 2008

Time: 5:15am

Mohan, a colleague of mine and I went on a early morning drive to capture the sunrise by the beach in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam followed by breakfast at a beach view cafe. Awesome experience marked the start of a great day.

Time for a Game...err..Play

Game : Chess
Location: My Desk @ Home
Bought @ : Hamleys, London
Now what about it : I first noticed a black and white folding board at a friends place during my early teens and ended up getting a free lesson about the various pieces and the way they move. The game trains you to be vigilant of the opponents movements. You can often catch me playing the game with my computer as my opponent. My Fiancé loves the game and has taken a new year resolution to beat my 'experienced' cousins at it. Ask me at the end of this year as to where we are at this game and I will tell you.

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Shillu :: I have been pretty tied up at work the past couple of weeks. No time to click any new pics. We are planning a trip this coming weekend and I promise I will click many pics. Now, here is a pic I took of the Mississippi river when I went to watch a play while I was in the US. What you see here is a picture taken through the window with the reflection of the bridge & river on the glass of the window. You can read more about the play I watched that day here.

Heavenly sights'

Heavenly Sights' - One for the eyes, one for the palette

Shillu :: We recently celebrated an important Indian festival - Sankranthi. This is the dessert I made at home as an offering to the God & then for us. Its called Semiya Payasam or Vermicelli Kheer. Vermicelli cooked in milk, flavoured with cardamom & garnished with roasted cashews & raisins. And yeah, In case you are wondering - Yes, I love Ganesha Idols & I have loads of them.

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VJ :: Good Morning - In summer of 2007, I was in Paris doing my Post Graduation. One morning when I woke up accidentally at 5:15am, I saw this sight. What next? I caught hold of my camera and captured 'God's Creation'. Isn't it perfect?

Fond Memories

VJ :: I took this picture one wintery evening from the Guoman Tower Hotel by the London Bridge. I have fond memories of this place. Three of my friends work for this hotel and I usually come here with other friends and spend hours sipping beverages and looking at the Tower Bridge and admiring it.

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Shillu :: Motorboat ride in the backwaters of Pondicherry, India.Pondicherry is a beautiful beach town in south India which was a former French Colony. You can read more about it here.

A thing of beauty...

...is a joy forever

VJ :: London Architectural Marvel- The Gherkin Building, also known as the Swiss Re Tower symbolised the start of a new high-rise construction boom in London. Located in London's main financial district, this building is 180 meters tall.

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Shillu :: Shopping in India is an exciting experience for me when compared to shopping in the west where all stores have similar merchandise. Don't get me wrong - I love shopping anywhere in the world (I did my bit last couple of months to American & French retail stores by shopping madly)! Whats different about India is that each store is very colorful, you could shop in one area for years & you will still discover new treasures tucked away in some corner of some galli (By-lane) that you will swear was never there. Whats more, You can bargain with the vendors.

The vibrant picture below is of Bandhini silk sarees (Tie & Dye) from Jaipur.

Over the horizon

VJ :: This picture is taken from my desk at work. I believe every person looking at the setting sun has a story to tell about the day that is about to end - about how his day was and how tired he is and how he is looking forward to tomorrow.

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Shillu :: I have other thoughts on my mind looking over the horizon. I am a little worried with all the news about war, financial instability. I am hoping tomorrow is a better day with peace and happiness for everyone. On a lighter note - This picture reflects my retirement plan. A small cottage by the beach or lake with BK by my side :)

Sky scrapers

VJ :: The view from my walk way....the second tallest building in UK

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Shillu :: This is where I worked the last 3 months {away from home :(} and this view is from my studio downtown. I tried capturing the moon over the building.