Beginning of Short Trips

Every weekends, we friends started to meet and have 'chai.' Once, we decided to have 'chai' on a high way, so we drove off to Yelahanka. From there, we went to 'Nandi Hills.' This is around 60 kms from City, and is a small hill. There is a temple on it, and a dhaba. We went to this place blasting music in my car, and some smokes with us. I know smoking is a bad habit, but young blood, car of my own, what else. Bound to indulge myself with bad habits when with friends. I started smoking a lot then, this was in 2005. Infact, I used to smoke to such an extent that I used to not use a lighter or a match stick to light another cigarette. As soon 1 cigarette finishes, I used the same cigarette to light another. I started smoking initially ITC Kings, but later changed my brand to Marlboro Lights, as I came to know it is a brand used by 'Salman Khan.'

But now, Alhamdulillah, I quit. In 2011, beginning of the Holy Month of Ramzan. Good Bye my old friend. You were with me for around 7 years, and now its Bid Adieu.

But trust me, worst than smoking is driving. know why??? Try going in your car, on a calm road blasting music, especially House music or Progressive numbas. You ll come to know why. Its a bad addiction, especially in today's time, where the price of fuel is sky rocketing.

Short trips

I would very often go on short trips, like pick my friends up from there homes and then go have a 'chai.' There were a number of places, like old Airport in Bangalore, which was in HAL, or goto Mecca, in Johnson Market. Our very common place for having 'chai' would be 'Shivajinagar.' Coz this is the only place that is, till date, opened 24 hours and is quite good for all eateries. This place was once filled with Dons. But now that's all long gone. You would find a couple still left. But, we go there to have our 'chai,' and not to mess around with anyone.
After the law being enforced that all the eateries are to be shut down by 11:00 PM, all the party crowd, would goto this place as it is opened 24 hours, once they are done with their parties. Not to mention, post 11:00 PM, we have to go via the back door for entry/exit to all the eateries there.
Later, I found out that this place gradually became the starting point of our long journeys (Suffara).

The Culprit

I have this craze for going on trips. But this all started when the 'Culprit" arrived home. That was my Maruti 800. Before I purchased this car, I had never ever kept my hands on steering. I had to call my friend to pick the car up from the showroom and have him drop it in my house. I then called my colleague and informed me to come to my house so that he can drive my car to office. While returning back home, another colleague of ours joined us, and both of them helped me learn how to drive this car. It was shocking that I drove my car the very next night to my friend's house where he was shocked, as to how can I learn how to drive a car in just 1 night. I guess, this is what is called 'Craze' to learn/do something.