Ginza and the search of Doraemon

Ginza and the search of Doraemon

Those who have kids know who Doraemon is and how much kids love him. Those who are not aware of this Japanese anime, basically Doraemon is an intelligent robotic cat, which travels back in time from the 22nd century to help a pre-teen boy named Nobita. Cartoons based on computer animation are very popular in Japan. Japanese kids grow up watching cartoons and reading the graphical, full of action story books.

I was on tour to Tokyo along with one of my colleague. His niece who adores Doraemon, who probably haven’t missed any of his episodes, and must have DVD’s at home to enjoy whenever she wants, insisted that he should get her Doraemon toy as a gift.

We initially thought since Doraemon is so popular we would get wide choice to buy from any store. For first few days, whenever we got the chance we entered into shopping areas. Since Japan is an expensive place so you need to weigh your options before you splurge. We explored everything a man could possibly buy however we could not locate Doraemon anywhere. Since we were not familiar Japanese language we didn’t enter into conversation with shopkeepers.

While we were on our last lap of the tour we realized to speed up the search of Doraemon. We check with hotel manager who didn’t know much about Doraemon, was surprised to know Japanese cartoon is popular in India, and advised us to visit Ginza, of course as last option.

According to wiki, Ginza (銀座?) is a district of Chūō, Tokyo, located south of Yaesu and Kyōbashi, west of Tsukiji, east of Yūrakuchō and Uchisaiwaichō, and north of Shinbashi. In short, Ginza is a place towards south and you can reach in 20 minutes from anywhere in Tokyo. The moment we entered Ginza area we realized it’s a mistake. Ginza is upmarket shopping destination and you get all expensive branded stuff in the retail outlets and malls spread out in that area. We checked in branded retail toys shops including Disney however could not trace Doraemon.

The last chance I thought could be airport shopping arcade. Guess what we were disappointed at the airport. I spoke to quite a few people and surprised to know that they aren’t even aware of such cartoon character. The only conclusion I could draw is probably the Doraemon era is over and country, people, kids have moved to more animated and action oriented cartoon characters. It’s like chandrakantha or Vikram-vetal kind of comic book series which not many kids of this generation would know that it existed some years ago in India.

The Barista – Warsaw, Poland

The Barista – Warsaw, Poland

Sometimes some experiences become part of your lifetime experiences and the permanent part of memory. You remember these instances and cherish them because you know that you might not experience similar situation ever. I was scheduled to travel to Warsaw, Poland for a meeting. I was taking an early morning flight from Brussels to Warsaw and had plans to catch a return flight to Zurich by evening flight.

The temperature at Brussels during the late evening was about -8 degrees. I knew the early morning it would reach to -10 degrees. I had an idea about whether in Warsaw which should be about -12 degrees the next day. I booked the cab for early morning though there was just a 50 yards distance between nearest station and the hotel. In the normal circumstances, I would have reached Brussels airport in 5 euros and 10 minutes. Interestingly, with cab I paid 30 euros and took 20 minutes.

Packing and covering me from all sides, with sufficient winter clothing I ambitiously left the hotel for airport. The car was crushing the newly formed ice on and across the roads.  The ‘long flight’ was about three and half hour duration and landed at Warsaw well in time.

Unexpectedly and much as a shock, the outside temperature happened to be -17 degrees. I was supposed to call someone to receive me however I could not dared to remove the gloves. I waited inside the airport for some time, sipped coffee and reached out to cabbie. He was standing right outside the airport though it was not easy for me to venture out in -17 degrees. Realizing my situation he came with one long leather coat, enveloped me and guided me towards car. Just like someone would do in case of rainy season. I could see the heap of ice everywhere and almost empty streets. The wind was making it even more difficult carrying the chill along with it.

I ventured outside in the heated car with my counterpart for lunch. We thanked each other in keeping the commitment of meeting even in adverse situation. We went to a place called ‘The Barista’ to grab a sandwich. I had flight to catch and was given a drop to airport. I hardly got a chance to see what else is out there in Warsaw. I would have loved to eat polish food, try some local beverages, and shop a little.  I am not sure whether I would travel to Warsaw again and in case yes, would it be -17 degrees? Who knows……

The Jogging Track: Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia

The Jogging Track: Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia

‘Health is Wealth’ and most of us realize this when hit by some medical issues. The doctor prescribes ‘exercise’ as medicine and you are at quandary – what are you supposed to do? You choose the best possible option of walking or jogging. You buy branded shoes and all set to begin with exercise. The moment you hit the roads in the city or metros you realize the sound and air pollution and most importantly the potholes. The road full of crests and trough, that leaves no motivation for jogging. I am seized to complain about roads and situation we have here in cities in India. Lack of gardens, jogging tracks or places we could shake our legs. Place which will motivate and build that eagerness to go out there every day.

During my stay at Melbourne, I head out for a morning walk and ended up at the place called ‘Albert Park’.  It’s like some good things happen in your life without planning.  I didn’t know the background of Albert Park however realized it must be the best place to visit every day, of course if possible.

Albert Park is nearby Melbourne city adjacent to St. Kilda road. It has a long beach façade which makes it stunningly beautiful. Interestingly, Albert Park is also the venue for Formula One Australian Grand Prix. You see the park embedded with superclass road Grand Prix circuits, sandy jogging track and golf court. In case you get hungry you can go to Victoria Hotel located within the park at one end. While you eat at Victoria Hotel, you can see dozens of small yachts sail around the lake. 

All trees within the park are numbered, placards with instructions for ‘no fishing areas’, needless to say neat and clean. 

Federation Square – Melbourne, Australia

Federation Square – Melbourne, Australia

Australia is blessed with natural beauty. The credit goes to Australian government in preserving and maintaining it and at the same time people who are conscious of their surrounding cleanliness. You go to any state, may it be New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), Victoria (VIC), and Western Australia (WA) they all are beautiful in their own way. They all have some great mesmerizing t destinations which should take you by surprise by the enchanting beauty.

I was fortunate to spend some quality time both at Sydney (NSW) and Melbourne (VIC). Both the city offers some splendid destinations like Sydney has Opera House, Riverside Quay, Luna Park, Harbor Bridge and Darling Harbor. Melbourne is on the southeastern side of Australia and attracts more tourist than Sydney. Melbourne has more for tourist than Sydney and if one has to make a choice it should be Melbourne. In my opinion, Melbourne is far more simple and easy to explore. You don’t need to carry the train/tram guide books or any domestic help to figure out the city. You take a quick city circle free tram ride and you would know how to maneuver in Melbourne.   Melbourne has Federation Square, Eureka Tower, Yarra River side, State buildings, Parks, shrines, cultural centers and some amazing eateries.  

I visited Melbourne during early spring time. The weather was nice and the cold was just about over couple weeks back. So in some way I was lucky to have decently sunny weather during the day time. I spent good amount of my time at Federation Square. Fortunately I had to reach Flinders Street station every day to catch another train or tram and Fed Square (is commonly called) is at the intersection between Flinders Street and Swanston Street & St Kilda Road adjacent to Flinders Street Station.

Fed Square is a cultural precinct and happening place for tourist. The place offers a good seating arrangement facing flinders street station and you will see many artist, actors, comedians and musicians presenting their art in front of people. WIFI is free so you can connect to internet, click live videos and pictures and share with your friends.

Fed Square buzzes with activities especially over the weekends. On that particular Sunday ‘south Vietnam’ team was presenting their culture, food and live orchestra. The place was adorned with colors of Vietnam flag - the bright yellor background and horizontal red strips. Though I did not understand the songs however loved the people shaking their legs on the Vietnamese music. I found the beats similar to koli songs what we get to hear in Goa/Konkan and Maharashtra.  There was special drawing event for kids with Vietnamese artist. The food stalls presenting Vietnamese cuisines was the bonus. I haven’t seen such multi-cultural events in India. In half a day festival you end up gathering so much about the Vietnam.  

If you are visiting Melbourne don’t forget to visit Fed Square over the weekends.

Tourists savoring Vietnam cuisine at different stalls. The food ranged from their family dishes which included the steamed white rice, Fish/seafood, meat, tofu. stir-fry dish, Pickled, steamed, or fresh vegetables, Canh and Fresh fruits or desserts

The singer performing on the stage.

Food stalls

 Live performance of an artist - Federation square overlooking Flinders Street Station. 

   

Home Towns

I grew up in small town in India population close to 0.7 million people. Now people outside India please don’t compare with your small towns and population as you enjoy low population density. I migrated to city after education largely for sustenance. Usually people fall in love with the fast and furious lifestyle loaded with money however I am still being an outlier. 

Recently i returned from one week vacation which I enjoyed at Amravati, my small town.  You don’t take time to notice the issues like small and fractured roads, erratic traffic with no good traffic rules, noise and air pollution because of use of low grade fuel and large number of vehicles and the overall unclean habits of the populous. 

So why is that i miss this place so much? Why do I want to come down here? Why do I find this place so peaceful? Is it just because I spent more than two decades of life at this place?

Frankly not many efforts are required to find the answers. It starts with people! They give you a warm welcome and you can feel - ‘You are welcome here’. Wherever you go you feel you belong here and this is your place. They are frank and straightforward, warm, loving and big hearted.

Small towns remains unchanged in some way, things don’t change dramatically except sporadic instances of new building or new road or some reconstruction somewhere. Like the Old theatres are now reshaped into fancy mall like look with increased ticket prices. Largely the view remains the same. My school looks the same as it was before few years except the color ‘cream and grey avatar’. The famous tea and snacks joints ‘Raghuveer’ offers the same tasty ‘Sambarwadi; and ‘Kachori’ which people savor with enthusiasm.

Not everyone is privileged to have small town upbringing. It might be sometime difficult to remember the places and people however it’s not easy to forget. It gives you sense of attachment, the feeling of owning something and finding the peace somewhere.

This reminds me of the song written by John Mellencamp ‘Small town’

“Got nothing against a big town
Still hayseed enough to say
Look who's in the big town
But my bed is in a small town
Oh, that's good enough for me”