Coffee Queen Street East
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East Street Inn Suites Tipton $69.94 East Street Inn Suites Tipton is located in Tipton. Hotel Features. This hotel has a business center and offers business services. High speed Internet access is available in public areas. Guest parking is complimentary. Guestrooms. 21 guestrooms at East Street Inn Suites Tipton feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Kitchenettes include full sized refrigerators/freezers, microwaves, and cookware/dishes/utensils. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Cable television is provided. |
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Queen of Mean Street $14.4 Queen of Mean Street |
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East Bergholt Street, East Bergholt $49.99 John Constable East Bergholt Street, East Bergholt – Giclee Print |
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CROWN HOTEL AT THE CASINO QUEEN $92 CROWN HOTEL AT THE CASINO QUEEN > STL > 200 S FRONT ST > EAST SAINT LOUIS > IL > 62201> Conveniently Located Directly Across From The Famous Gateway Arch And Downtown St. Louis. This Beautifully Decorated 7 Story Hotel Features An Indoor Swimming Pool And Exercise Room, Complimentary Continental Breakfast And Valet Parking. All Guest Rooms Include Coffee And Tea Makers, Hair Dryers, Iron/Ironing Boards, TVS With Cable. Direct Access To The Casino Queen Guest Pavillion And Three Decks Of The Best Action In Town. F1k Contemporary Design With Luxury Appointments, Spacious Deluxe Room With 1 King Bed, Deluxe Table With 2 Chairs. Includes Alarm Clock, Coffee Maker, Bath Tub, Interio Corridor Room, Shower, Business Style Desk, Radio, Iron/Ironing Board, Hair Dryer. B2q Contemporary Design With Luxury Appointments, Spacious Deluxe Room With 2 Queen Beds, Deluxe Table With 2 Chairs. Includes Alarm Clock, Coffee Maker, Bath Tub, Interio Corridor Room, Shower, Business Style Desk, Radio, Iron/Ironing Board, Hair Dryer.> From St. Louis Lambert Intl Airport Turn Left On Shops Rd. Follow Road To Airport Exit. Turn Left On Natural Bridge Rd. Take I 70 West Ramp Towards Main Terminal. Keep Left In The Fork In The Road And Merge Onto Airflight Dr. Turn Onto I 70 East Towards St. Louis. Take T 55 North /I 64/I 70/Us 40 East Exit. Merge Onto I 55n/I 64e/I 70e. Take The Il 3 Townards Cahokia. Take The 4st Street Exit Towards Business District. Merge Onto S 4th St. Turn Left On River Park Dr. Turn Left On Front St. The Address Is 200 S. Front Street. |
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Overshot of East 10th Street $99.99 Overshot of East 10th Street – Premium Photographic Print |
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CHURCHILL AT 360 EAST 65 $300 YEAR BUILT 1961 YEAR REMODELED 2005ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION CHURCHILL SUITES EAST SIDE OFFERS DISTINCTIVE LODGING AT 360 EAST 65TH STREET ON MANHATTANS EAST SIDE. THIS PROPERTY OFFERS SPACIOUS ONE AND TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT SUITES THAT ARE FULLY FURNISHED AND DECORATED TO MAKE YOU FEEL AT HOME. EACH APARTMENT SUITE HAS ONE OR TWO SEPARATE BEDROOMS, LIVING ROOM, DINING AREA, PRIVATE BATH AND FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN. THIS PROPERTY IS A RECENTLY RENOVATED BUILDING WITH SPACIOUS APARTMENT LAYOUTS AND UPDATED AMENITIES. LODGING WITH CHURCHILL IS A WONDERFUL CHOICE FOR EXTENDED STAYS, BUSINESS TRAVELERS, TOURISTS, RELOCATION AND TRAVELING FAMILIES. A1Q MAX OCCUPANCY 4 MAX NBR OF ROLLAWAYS 1 ROOM DESCRIPTION ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT SUITES, EACH INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED, FEATURE OUR LUXURY LINENS, COMPLETE WITH FLUFFY DUVET AND CUSTOM BEDDING. THE BEDROOM INCLUDES A QUEEN BED, CLOCK RADIO, FLAT SCREEN TV, AND SPACIOUS CLOSET. THE LIVING ROOM FEATURES A SOFA WITH FULL SIZE PULLOUT BED, A LOVESEAT, COCKTAIL AND END TABLES, FLAT SCREEN TV, DVD/VCR PLAYER, CD STEREO SYSTEM, A SPACIOUS WORK DESK, AND A COZY DINING AREA FOR FOUR, IN ADDITION TO A SEPARATE, FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN. ROOM AMENITIES AIR CONDITIONING / AM/FM ALARM CLOCK / BATH TUB / CABLE/SATELLITE TV / COFFEE/TEA MAKER / DIRECT DIAL TELEPHONE / FREE LOCAL TELEPHONE CALLS / HAIRDRYER / IRON/IRONING BOARD / NO SMOKING ROOM / PRIVATE BATH OR SHOWER / SHOWER / VCR TECHNOLOGY DATAPORT / VOICE MAILA2Q MAX OCCUPANCY 6 MAX NBR OF ROLLAWAYS 1 ROOM DESCRIPTION TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT SUITES, EACH INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED, FEATURE OUR LUXURY LINENS, COMPLETE WITH FLUFFY DUVET AND CUSTOM BEDDING. THE MASTER BEDROOM SUITE INCLUDES A QUEEN BED, CLOCK RADIO, FLAT SCREEN TV, WALK IN CLOSETS AND EN SUITE FULL BATHROOM. THE SECOND BEDROOM INCLUDES A QUEEN BED, CLOCK RADIO AND SPACIOUS CLOSET. A SECOND FULL BATHROOM IS NEAR THE SECOND BEDROOM. THE LIVING ROOM FEATURES A SOFA WITH FULL SIZE PULLOUT BED, A LOVESEAT, COCKTAIL AND END TABLES, FLAT SCREEN TV, DVD/VCR PLAYER, CD STEREO SYSTEM, A SPACIOUS WORK DESK, AND A COZY DINING AREA FOR SIX, IN ADDITION TO A SEPARATE, FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN. ROOM AMENITIES AIR CONDITIONING / AM/FM ALARM CLOCK / BATH TUB / CABLE/SATELLITE TV / COFFEE/TEA MAKER / DIRECT DIAL TELEPHONE / FREE LOCAL TELEPHONE CALLS / HAIRDRYER / IRON/IRONING BOARD / NO SMOKING ROOM / PRIVATE BATH OR SHOWER / SHOWER / VCR TECHNOLOGY DATAPORT / VOICE MAIL |
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Hazelnut Coffee $8.49 Our 100% Arabica gourmet coffee is infused with the smooth and nutty tasted of fresh hazelnut. Whole Bean 12 oz. |
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Decaffeinated Coffee $6.49 A distinctive and balanced flavor for those who love the richness of a darker roast and the smooth flavor of a lighter roast coffee. Ground 13 oz. |
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urnished two bedroom, Queen and Two TwinsFully equipped kitchen, high speed internet.S1Q ONE BEDROOM MAX OCCUPANCY 3 Luxury furnished one bedroom with Queen Bed.Fully equipped kitchen, high speed internet.STE ALCOVE STUDIO MAX OCCUPANCY 2 Furnished Studio Apartment, Queen BedSeparate sleeping, dining areas, full kitchenSTU STUDIO MAX OCCUPANCY 2 Furnished Studio Apartment, Queen BedSeparate sleeping, dining areas, full kitchenT1Q ONE BEDROOM MAX OCCUPANCY 3 Luxury furnished one bedroom with Queen Bed.Fully equipped kitchen, high speed internet.STD STUDIO MAX OCCUPANCY 2 Furnished Studio Apartment, Queen BedSeparate sleeping, dining areas, full kitchenT2T TWO BEDROOM MAX OCCUPANCY 4 Furnished two bedroom, Queen and Two TwinsFully equipped kitchen, high speed internet. |
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Queen Street, 13 Busy Street $324.98 Thaddeus Holownia Queen Street, 13 Busy Street – Limited Edition |
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The House on East 88th Street – Bernard Waber – Paperback $6.6 The House on East 88th Street |
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The House on East 88th Street – Bernard Waber – Hardcover $14.4 The House on East 88th Street |
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Crescent City Blend® Coffee $8.49 A tribute to the rich, bold coffee served in New Orleans. Whole Bean 12 oz. |
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Dark Roast Coffee $6.49 The rich aroma of our original coffee blend will awaken your senses. Ground 16 oz. |
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Brazil Santos Bourbon Coffee $8.49 This delectable gourmet coffee yields an enticingly smooth cup with a rich aroma and mild acidity. Whole Bean 12 oz. |
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French Vanilla Coffee $8.49 A truly delectable and luxuriously sweet French Vanilla coffee you are sure to enjoy. Whole Bean 12 oz. |
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Pecan Praline Coffee $8.49 Our Pecan Praline flavored coffee is a truly delightful Southern treat. Whole Bean 12 oz. |
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Fresh-O-Lator® Coffee Canister $29.95 Our airtight canister will preserve the freshness of your favorite coffee. |
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Queen Street Latch $29.99 Benjamin Padgett Queen Street Latch – Photographic Print |
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Queen Street Market $324.98 Thaddeus Holownia Queen Street Market – Limited Edition |
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Queen Street Bikes $324.98 Thaddeus Holownia Queen Street Bikes – Limited Edition |
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East 29th Street $29.99 WAYNE K. HOUSER East 29th Street – Photographic Print |
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Kenya Coffee $8.49 Bright acidity and fruity flavors combine for a wonderfully aromatic cup with a taste that maintains a refined winey character. Whole Bean 12 oz. |
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Around the World Gourmet Coffee Sampler $34.95 Explore four specialty coffees from distinctive coffee-growing regions around the world. Whole Bean Four 12 oz. packages. |
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Main Street East, Missoula, Montana $24.99 Main Street East, Missoula, Montana – Premium Poster |
New York Vacation Rental Anyone? Great Price?
INCLUDES THE FOLLWING
2 bedrooms queen sized beds
Large spacious living room which includes an airbed for extra accommodations
Large bathroom with tub and shower.
Full kitchen with range, fridge, blender, coffee maker and microwave
Fresh fruit provided, Pantry and fridge will be stocked with Breakfast items
24 Hour video surveillance for your security
ATM and 2 Banks on the same street
Subway is only 2 blocks away (6 Train)
Great shopping at East River Plaza less than 2 blocks away
Supermarket just 1 block away
Surrounded by restaurants, bars, pubs, and more.
WALK to Central Park
Times Square, Broadway, Central Park, Empire State Building, and all other places of interest just 15 minutes away by Subway.
Wrong country mate you are asking this in the Australia section.
Dead Sexy Magazine – RETRO SPRING Fashion Photo Shoot
Going Nowhere Carefree Wanderlust APPETITE FOR A STROLL
APPETITE FOR A STROLL
Carefree Wanderlust
By
VIKRAM KARVE
Musings on the Art of Leisure from my delicious Foodie Adventures Book APPETITE FOR A STROLL
LOAFING
Please tell me, Dear Reader: What is the definition of loafing?
Idling away your time on useless things?
Or does loafing mean Aimless Loitering?
Loitering! Sounds a bit derogatory, isn’t it?
Okay let’s say it is aimless wandering – Perfectly useless time spent in a perfectly useless manner!
Yes. That’s how I would like to define the art of loafing – spending perfectly useless time in a perfectly useless manner!
FOODWALKING
And what, My Dear Reader, is foodwalking?
Loitering, or rather walking, in search of good food. Loitering with an aim, loitering in search of good food – not so useless loitering!
That’s what I did once – long back – on a wonderful winter day.
I loafed in Pune, I foodwalked. I spent a perfectly useless day in a perfectly useless manner – “Foodwalking in Pune”.
I still have fond nostalgic memories of that glorious day. Let me tell you about it.
A GLORIOUS DAY
It’s a beautiful morning.
I try to furtively slip out of my house unnoticed, but I am stopped in my tracks by my wife’s piercing voice, “Where are you going”?
“I don’t know?” I answer truthfully, and this adroit answer probably precludes the next question she is about to ask me, “What time are you coming back?” for she knows I will again truthfully answer, “I don’t know”.
It is true – I really don’t know where I am going and I have no idea when I am going to come back.
“Take the mobile with you,” she shouts, but I pretend not to hear and make myself scarce and disappear as fast as possible for I do not want the manacles of technology to ruin my day.
Dear fellow loafer – If you want to truly enjoy life beware of the technology trap.
It’s a bright winter day. The morning sun is comforting. I feel good.
Flush with a sense of carefree irresponsibility, I walk with a spring in my step.
Yes, I am going to enjoy my leisure.
FREEDOM
Should I turn left?
Should I turn right?
Should I cross the road and go straight ahead?
I am free.
Free to go wherever I desire.
Free to enjoy my day as I want.
Yes, I have true freedom – to be able to travel at will with no destination to reach, no task to complete, no deadlines to meet.
Freedom to loaf.
Aimlessly.
Timelessly.
Pure Leisure.
Freedom to spend a perfectly useless day in a perfectly useless manner.
I see a bus.
I stop it and hop in.
“Where do you want to go?” the bus conductor asks.
“Where does this bus go?” I ask.
“Pune Railway Station,” he says, with a curious look.
“Okay. One ticket to Pune Railway Station,” I say holding out a tenner.
The conductor gives me an amused look and hands me a ticket and a rupee coin.
I sit down on a vacant window-seat.
I think interesting thoughts and enjoy the view through the window.
On these carefree wanderlust trips of mine I prefer travelling by bus and, of course, I love to walk on foot.
Driving my car on the terrible potholed, crowded and chaotic roads in the terrible traffic of Pune makes me go crazy, and, at my age, I dare not venture out too far on my scooter, lest I land up with broken bones in hospital or, worse, lifeless in Vaikunth or Kailas crematoriums!
So that’s what I sometimes do on these glorious trips of mine.
Just jump into the first bus that comes along and let it take you wherever it goes.
Just go where life leads you.
Try it – it is fun.
Last time I landed up in the heart of Pune near Shaniwar Wada.
In Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi, loafing is even more exciting, as there are so many more routes and choices, trains, buses, walks, and you can serendipitously explore so many novel and exotic places you would not dream of going to in normal course.
The bus reaches the Pune Railway Station.
It’s been a smooth ride.
GOING NOWHERE
I get down from the bus and admire the magnificent heritage stone building of Pune Railway Station.
I stand in the porch and look inside.
Trains, crowds, announcements, horns, cacophony, and chaos – I love the “railway” atmosphere.
On impulse, I enter, and stroll on the platform, panning my gaze all over and stopping once in a while to feast my eyes on any attractive object that arrests my attention.
“Want a seat?” a porter asks.
“No,” I say.
“Where are you going?” he pursues.
“Nowhere,” I say.
“Waiting for someone,” he asks, probably in anticipation of porterage.
“No,” I say.
He stares at me for a moment and walks off with a look of perplexed dejection.
I look around.
Everyone is waiting to go somewhere, or waiting for someone.
I am waiting to go nowhere, and for nobody.
So I walk out of the station and head for Shiv Kailash Milk Bar bang opposite Pune Railway Station on the other side of the road.
If you arrive at Pune by train on a hot morning, never make the blunder of heading for the auto rickshaw stand.
You’ll get all stressed up waiting in the never-ending queue and haggling with the rickshawallas trying to fleece you and con you.
Just cross the road to Shiv Kailash, sit under the shade on one of the stainless steel stools placed on the pavement, invigorate yourself with a tall glass of cool refreshing lassi (which is guaranteed to banish the depleting effects of the tiresome train journey) and tell the waiter to hail a rickshaw from the many hanging around.
They’ll know that you are a regular!
This is what I have been doing for so many years, during my numerous homecomings, ever since the days when Pune was called Poona. And when the Deccan Queen was the best way to travel.
ANONYMITY
Shiv Kailash serves the best lassi in Pune.
It’s almost as good as the one at Pehelwan at the end on Lanka near BHU in Varanasi.
The lassi freshly made in front of you topped off with a generous dollop of soft fresh cream.
The sumptuous fulfilling soothing lassi is thick, lip-smacking, nourishing, and gives me a heavenly feeling.
I sip slowly, relishing every mouthful, almost eating the delectable fluid after letting it perambulate on my tongue, as I watch the world go about its business outside.
People come in a jiffy; gulp their glasses of lassi down the hatch in a hurry, and rush away, while I blissfully savour each and every drop of the delicious creamy lassi.
I walk leisurely towards Camp. Past Mira College, GPO, Zero Milestone, Police Headquarters, Nehru Memorial Hall, where I cross the Moledina Road admiring the imposing Lal Deval Synagogue, and turn left, past the place imperial Dorabjee Store Building used to be once.
Now there is a huge shopping complex and a glitzy mall opposite.
I reminisce.
West End with its soda fountain and cane chairs, New Empire, all the adorable landmarks gone.
Now there are Malls and modern places like Landmark.
Landmark – you know it don’t you?
Landmark is Pune’s swanky new music-cum-book store.
Like Crossword – giving competition to the grand old Manney’s, International, Popular, TBS and the bookshops at Appa Balwant Chowk.
I walk into Landmark.
The place is swarming with chic salesgirls and sales-boys.
No one pays any attention to me.
Maybe I blend well with the surroundings.
I realize the tremendous advantages of obscurity and the benefits of anonymity.
Had I been a successful person, rich and famous, or someone with a striking personality, people would notice me and I doubt I would have been able to enjoy myself with such carefree abandon.
Only non-achievers like me can truly enjoy a life of carefree irresponsibility and the unadulterated joys of genuine leisure.
I roam around the ground floor music section. There are no music stations where you can listen to music like they have in Rhythm House and Planet-M in Mumbai.
So I go the first floor bookstore. It’s spacious, neatly laid-out and looks impressive.
BROWSING
The books are arranged subject-wise, clearly visible from anywhere. There are cushioned stools to sit and browse and also two long sofas below the huge tinted windows towards the far side.
I start from the left side.
Food, Philosophy, Self-Help, Travel, Coffee Table, Erotica, Classics, Fiction, Computers, Children, Indian Writing there are books on every topic you can think of.
The tranquil ambiance is so soothing and conducive that I browse to my hearts content, loosing myself into that wonderful state of timelessness I experience sometimes when I am totally immersed into doing something I love.
By the time I leave Landmark, cerebrally satiated, it is almost three in the afternoon, I am hungry, and in desperate need of gastronomic satiation.
So I walk past Manney’s, West End, turn right on Main Street, cross Aurora Towers, turn right, walk past ABN Amro Bank, and turn left on Dastur Meher Road, a walk leisurely towards Sarbatwala Chowk till I reach Dorabjee and Sons.
A LEISURELY MEAL
I dive in through the low entrance of Dorabjee’s and look around.
The eatery is crowded, with noisy families bashing away regardless greedily devouring the heaps food before them.
The mouth-watering aroma, and the sight of the appetizing food, creates in me such ravenous pangs of hunger that I quickly sit on the only vacant table and order a Mutton Biryani – the signature dish of Dorabjee.
As is the hallmark of authentic speciality cuisine restaurants the menu is select just a few choice dishes a single page.
There’s Sali, Curry, Masala and Biryani in Mutton and Chicken; Kheema, Brain, Eggs, and combinations thereof, cutlets in gravy, and a few Veg dishes, for appearance sake.
On Sundays, you can have Dhansak, maybe on your way to the races in the season.
Pune may have changed but heritage institutions like Dorabjee still preserve the flavour of yesteryear Pune.
I spoon some Biryani onto my tongue, seal my lips, close my eyes, turn my senses inwards with full consciousness to imbibe and savour the unique medley of juices released by the succulent piece of mutton, the bitterish-sweet taste of the slightly burnt crisp fried onions, and the spicy flavoursome rice.
It is superlative delicious authentic cuisine at its best.
Dorabjee serves the best heritage mutton biryani in Pune – no doubt about it. Yes, Blue Nile and Good Luck serve good heritage Biryani too.
The fervent atmosphere of the place and exquisite quality of the food is such that one eats enthusiastically, with wholehearted zest and gusto; not apologetically and self-consciously, as one tends to do, trying to be prim and proper, in highfalutin restaurants.
At Dorabjee, you can enjoy every morsel of your food with passionate ardour.
And as I reach blissful satiety I realize that a well-filled stomach radiates a kind of spiritual happiness.
APPETITE FOR A STROLL
The ideal way to end this rich spicy repast is to cool it off with a Falooda.
Falooda is to Biryani what Mastani is to Mutton Kolhapuri.
So I walk down Sachapir Street, cross Main Street, and head for Badshah on East Street to down a deliciously sweet and chilled Rose flavored Royal Falooda.
Then I stroll down East Street to Kayani, to pick up some Shrewsbury Biscuits and Chocolate Walnut Cake. Not to forget the inimitable Wine Biscuits and Cheese Papdi.
I stand outside Kayani, wondering what to do.
Maybe I walk down to Manney’s and browse books some more.
If Landmark has got the ambiance, Manney’s got the books!
And then maybe I can just loiter down Main Street admiring pretty looking things, till I am tired and hungry.
Maybe I will have some sandwiches, a roll and cold coffee at Marzorin. Or a macaroon at Pasteurs next door.
Why not a Burger at Burger King, the original burger place of Pune, or a Chopsuey at East End, at the end of East Street?
Maybe Kathi Rolls at Olympia, Chicken Masala at George, Chana Bhatura at Monafood, Sev Barfi at Bhavnagri, Wafers at Budhani, or Sizzlers at The Place next to Manneys, or one more Biryani at Blue Nile near the GPO.
The possibilities are endless!
Or should I see the movie at Victory opposite, or at West End nearby?
Maybe I’ll jump into the first bus I see and let it take me wherever it goes.
How about going for a long walk on Laxmi road into the heart of town?
Or an idyll beside the river in Bund Garden, or Saras Baug, or Sambhaji Park?
Or maybe I will just head home.
Oh, yes indeed, the possibilities are truly endless!
I am free to do whatever I choose to do!
I can loaf to my heart’s content!
To continue to spend a perfectly useless day in a perfectly useless manner!
Relish moments of perfect leisure.
You can take my word for it, dear reader.
There is nothing you will enjoy more than loafing.
It is only when you cease to do the things you have to do, and do the things you like to do, and you want to do, that you achieve the highest value of your time.
FEAST OF LIFE
The freedom to enjoy life is the ultimate reward.
Why should you defer happiness waiting for some elusive abstract rewards?
What reward could be greater than a life enjoyed as it is lived?
If you do not find happiness as you are, where you are, here and now, you will never find it.
There is always plenty in life right now to enjoy for one who is determined to enjoy it.
The feast of life is before you.
Do you have the appetite to enjoy the feast of life?
So my dear friend, discover the art of loafing, and you will redeem the art of living from the business of living.
The Art of Travelling, The Art of Happiness, The Art of Eating, The Art of Living, The Art of Loafing, The Art of Leisure – all inextricably intertwined, isn’t it?
To recap: “It is only when you cease to do the things you have to do, and do the things you like to do and you want to do, that you achieve the highest value of your time”.
Eureka, Epiphany, I’ve got it – The aim of loafing is to achieve the highest value of your time.
Did you like this article?
Want to read more such musings, recipes and go on food-walks with me?
Do you have an Appetite for a Stroll?
Then, why don’t you get a copy of by just clicking the link below?
http://books.sulekha.com/book/appetite-for-a-stroll/default.htm
And do tell us about your glorious carefree leisurely loafing experiences in your favourite city too!
VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2009
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
Going Nowhere Carefree Wanderlust APPETITE FOR A STROLL
APPETITE FOR A STROLL
Carefree Wanderlust
By
VIKRAM KARVE
Musings on the Art of Leisure from my delicious Foodie Adventures Book APPETITE FOR A STROLL
LOAFING
Please tell me, Dear Reader: What is the definition of loafing?
Idling away your time on useless things?
Or does loafing mean Aimless Loitering?
Loitering! Sounds a bit derogatory, isn’t it?
Okay let’s say it is aimless wandering – Perfectly useless time spent in a perfectly useless manner!
Yes. That’s how I would like to define the art of loafing – spending perfectly useless time in a perfectly useless manner!
FOODWALKING
And what, My Dear Reader, is foodwalking?
Loitering, or rather walking, in search of good food. Loitering with an aim, loitering in search of good food – not so useless loitering!
That’s what I did once – long back – on a wonderful winter day.
I loafed in Pune, I foodwalked. I spent a perfectly useless day in a perfectly useless manner – “Foodwalking in Pune”.
I still have fond nostalgic memories of that glorious day. Let me tell you about it.
A GLORIOUS DAY
It’s a beautiful morning.
I try to furtively slip out of my house unnoticed, but I am stopped in my tracks by my wife’s piercing voice, “Where are you going”?
“I don’t know?” I answer truthfully, and this adroit answer probably precludes the next question she is about to ask me, “What time are you coming back?” for she knows I will again truthfully answer, “I don’t know”.
It is true – I really don’t know where I am going and I have no idea when I am going to come back.
“Take the mobile with you,” she shouts, but I pretend not to hear and make myself scarce and disappear as fast as possible for I do not want the manacles of technology to ruin my day.
Dear fellow loafer – If you want to truly enjoy life beware of the technology trap.
It’s a bright winter day. The morning sun is comforting. I feel good.
Flush with a sense of carefree irresponsibility, I walk with a spring in my step.
Yes, I am going to enjoy my leisure.
FREEDOM
Should I turn left?
Should I turn right?
Should I cross the road and go straight ahead?
I am free.
Free to go wherever I desire.
Free to enjoy my day as I want.
Yes, I have true freedom – to be able to travel at will with no destination to reach, no task to complete, no deadlines to meet.
Freedom to loaf.
Aimlessly.
Timelessly.
Pure Leisure.
Freedom to spend a perfectly useless day in a perfectly useless manner.
I see a bus.
I stop it and hop in.
“Where do you want to go?” the bus conductor asks.
“Where does this bus go?” I ask.
“Pune Railway Station,” he says, with a curious look.
“Okay. One ticket to Pune Railway Station,” I say holding out a tenner.
The conductor gives me an amused look and hands me a ticket and a rupee coin.
I sit down on a vacant window-seat.
I think interesting thoughts and enjoy the view through the window.
On these carefree wanderlust trips of mine I prefer travelling by bus and, of course, I love to walk on foot.
Driving my car on the terrible potholed, crowded and chaotic roads in the terrible traffic of Pune makes me go crazy, and, at my age, I dare not venture out too far on my scooter, lest I land up with broken bones in hospital or, worse, lifeless in Vaikunth or Kailas crematoriums!
So that’s what I sometimes do on these glorious trips of mine.
Just jump into the first bus that comes along and let it take you wherever it goes.
Just go where life leads you.
Try it – it is fun.
Last time I landed up in the heart of Pune near Shaniwar Wada.
In Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi, loafing is even more exciting, as there are so many more routes and choices, trains, buses, walks, and you can serendipitously explore so many novel and exotic places you would not dream of going to in normal course.
The bus reaches the Pune Railway Station.
It’s been a smooth ride.
GOING NOWHERE
I get down from the bus and admire the magnificent heritage stone building of Pune Railway Station.
I stand in the porch and look inside.
Trains, crowds, announcements, horns, cacophony, and chaos – I love the “railway” atmosphere.
On impulse, I enter, and stroll on the platform, panning my gaze all over and stopping once in a while to feast my eyes on any attractive object that arrests my attention.
“Want a seat?” a porter asks.
“No,” I say.
“Where are you going?” he pursues.
“Nowhere,” I say.
“Waiting for someone,” he asks, probably in anticipation of porterage.
“No,” I say.
He stares at me for a moment and walks off with a look of perplexed dejection.
I look around.
Everyone is waiting to go somewhere, or waiting for someone.
I am waiting to go nowhere, and for nobody.
So I walk out of the station and head for Shiv Kailash Milk Bar bang opposite Pune Railway Station on the other side of the road.
If you arrive at Pune by train on a hot morning, never make the blunder of heading for the auto rickshaw stand.
You’ll get all stressed up waiting in the never-ending queue and haggling with the rickshawallas trying to fleece you and con you.
Just cross the road to Shiv Kailash, sit under the shade on one of the stainless steel stools placed on the pavement, invigorate yourself with a tall glass of cool refreshing lassi (which is guaranteed to banish the depleting effects of the tiresome train journey) and tell the waiter to hail a rickshaw from the many hanging around.
They’ll know that you are a regular!
This is what I have been doing for so many years, during my numerous homecomings, ever since the days when Pune was called Poona. And when the Deccan Queen was the best way to travel.
ANONYMITY
Shiv Kailash serves the best lassi in Pune.
It’s almost as good as the one at Pehelwan at the end on Lanka near BHU in Varanasi.
The lassi freshly made in front of you topped off with a generous dollop of soft fresh cream.
The sumptuous fulfilling soothing lassi is thick, lip-smacking, nourishing, and gives me a heavenly feeling.
I sip slowly, relishing every mouthful, almost eating the delectable fluid after letting it perambulate on my tongue, as I watch the world go about its business outside.
People come in a jiffy; gulp their glasses of lassi down the hatch in a hurry, and rush away, while I blissfully savour each and every drop of the delicious creamy lassi.
I walk leisurely towards Camp. Past Mira College, GPO, Zero Milestone, Police Headquarters, Nehru Memorial Hall, where I cross the Moledina Road admiring the imposing Lal Deval Synagogue, and turn left, past the place imperial Dorabjee Store Building used to be once.
Now there is a huge shopping complex and a glitzy mall opposite.
I reminisce.
West End with its soda fountain and cane chairs, New Empire, all the adorable landmarks gone.
Now there are Malls and modern places like Landmark.
Landmark – you know it don’t you?
Landmark is Pune’s swanky new music-cum-book store.
Like Crossword – giving competition to the grand old Manney’s, International, Popular, TBS and the bookshops at Appa Balwant Chowk.
I walk into Landmark.
The place is swarming with chic salesgirls and sales-boys.
No one pays any attention to me.
Maybe I blend well with the surroundings.
I realize the tremendous advantages of obscurity and the benefits of anonymity.
Had I been a successful person, rich and famous, or someone with a striking personality, people would notice me and I doubt I would have been able to enjoy myself with such carefree abandon.
Only non-achievers like me can truly enjoy a life of carefree irresponsibility and the unadulterated joys of genuine leisure.
I roam around the ground floor music section. There are no music stations where you can listen to music like they have in Rhythm House and Planet-M in Mumbai.
So I go the first floor bookstore. It’s spacious, neatly laid-out and looks impressive.
BROWSING
The books are arranged subject-wise, clearly visible from anywhere. There are cushioned stools to sit and browse and also two long sofas below the huge tinted windows towards the far side.
I start from the left side.
Food, Philosophy, Self-Help, Travel, Coffee Table, Erotica, Classics, Fiction, Computers, Children, Indian Writing there are books on every topic you can think of.
The tranquil ambiance is so soothing and conducive that I browse to my hearts content, loosing myself into that wonderful state of timelessness I experience sometimes when I am totally immersed into doing something I love.
By the time I leave Landmark, cerebrally satiated, it is almost three in the afternoon, I am hungry, and in desperate need of gastronomic satiation.
So I walk past Manney’s, West End, turn right on Main Street, cross Aurora Towers, turn right, walk past ABN Amro Bank, and turn left on Dastur Meher Road, a walk leisurely towards Sarbatwala Chowk till I reach Dorabjee and Sons.
A LEISURELY MEAL
I dive in through the low entrance of Dorabjee’s and look around.
The eatery is crowded, with noisy families bashing away regardless greedily devouring the heaps food before them.
The mouth-watering aroma, and the sight of the appetizing food, creates in me such ravenous pangs of hunger that I quickly sit on the only vacant table and order a Mutton Biryani – the signature dish of Dorabjee.
As is the hallmark of authentic speciality cuisine restaurants the menu is select just a few choice dishes a single page.
There’s Sali, Curry, Masala and Biryani in Mutton and Chicken; Kheema, Brain, Eggs, and combinations thereof, cutlets in gravy, and a few Veg dishes, for appearance sake.
On Sundays, you can have Dhansak, maybe on your way to the races in the season.
Pune may have changed but heritage institutions like Dorabjee still preserve the flavour of yesteryear Pune.
I spoon some Biryani onto my tongue, seal my lips, close my eyes, turn my senses inwards with full consciousness to imbibe and savour the unique medley of juices released by the succulent piece of mutton, the bitterish-sweet taste of the slightly burnt crisp fried onions, and the spicy flavoursome rice.
It is superlative delicious authentic cuisine at its best.
Dorabjee serves the best heritage mutton biryani in Pune – no doubt about it. Yes, Blue Nile and Good Luck serve good heritage Biryani too.
The fervent atmosphere of the place and exquisite quality of the food is such that one eats enthusiastically, with wholehearted zest and gusto; not apologetically and self-consciously, as one tends to do, trying to be prim and proper, in highfalutin restaurants.
At Dorabjee, you can enjoy every morsel of your food with passionate ardour.
And as I reach blissful satiety I realize that a well-filled stomach radiates a kind of spiritual happiness.
APPETITE FOR A STROLL
The ideal way to end this rich spicy repast is to cool it off with a Falooda.
Falooda is to Biryani what Mastani is to Mutton Kolhapuri.
So I walk down Sachapir Street, cross Main Street, and head for Badshah on East Street to down a deliciously sweet and chilled Rose flavored Royal Falooda.
Then I stroll down East Street to Kayani, to pick up some Shrewsbury Biscuits and Chocolate Walnut Cake. Not to forget the inimitable Wine Biscuits and Cheese Papdi.
I stand outside Kayani, wondering what to do.
Maybe I walk down to Manney’s and browse books some more.
If Landmark has got the ambiance, Manney’s got the books!
And then maybe I can just loiter down Main Street admiring pretty looking things, till I am tired and hungry.
Maybe I will have some sandwiches, a roll and cold coffee at Marzorin. Or a macaroon at Pasteurs next door.
Why not a Burger at Burger King, the original burger place of Pune, or a Chopsuey at East End, at the end of East Street?
Maybe Kathi Rolls at Olympia, Chicken Masala at George, Chana Bhatura at Monafood, Sev Barfi at Bhavnagri, Wafers at Budhani, or Sizzlers at The Place next to Manneys, or one more Biryani at Blue Nile near the GPO.
The possibilities are endless!
Or should I see the movie at Victory opposite, or at West End nearby?
Maybe I’ll jump into the first bus I see and let it take me wherever it goes.
How about going for a long walk on Laxmi road into the heart of town?
Or an idyll beside the river in Bund Garden, or Saras Baug, or Sambhaji Park?
Or maybe I will just head home.
Oh, yes indeed, the possibilities are truly endless!
I am free to do whatever I choose to do!
I can loaf to my heart’s content!
To continue to spend a perfectly useless day in a perfectly useless manner!
Relish moments of perfect leisure.
You can take my word for it, dear reader.
There is nothing you will enjoy more than loafing.
It is only when you cease to do the things you have to do, and do the things you like to do, and you want to do, that you achieve the highest value of your time.
FEAST OF LIFE
The freedom to enjoy life is the ultimate reward.
Why should you defer happiness waiting for some elusive abstract rewards?
What reward could be greater than a life enjoyed as it is lived?
If you do not find happiness as you are, where you are, here and now, you will never find it.
There is always plenty in life right now to enjoy for one who is determined to enjoy it.
The feast of life is before you.
Do you have the appetite to enjoy the feast of life?
So my dear friend, discover the art of loafing, and you will redeem the art of living from the business of living.
The Art of Travelling, The Art of Happiness, The Art of Eating, The Art of Living, The Art of Loafing, The Art of Leisure – all inextricably intertwined, isn’t it?
To recap: “It is only when you cease to do the things you have to do, and do the things you like to do and you want to do, that you achieve the highest value of your time”.
Eureka, Epiphany, I’ve got it – The aim of loafing is to achieve the highest value of your time.
Did you like this article?
Want to read more such musings, recipes and go on food-walks with me?
Do you have an Appetite for a Stroll?
Then, why don’t you get a copy of by just clicking the link below?
http://books.sulekha.com/book/appetite-for-a-stroll/default.htm
And do tell us about your glorious carefree leisurely loafing experiences in your favourite city too!
VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2009
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
