Turning 31... and getting Third Time Lucky

Thirty One - and feeling like it!!

Renu and I finally managed our trip to Goa. We started going out in Oct 2001 - and Goa never happened. And I knew it would be so much fun because we have a great time together wherever we go. To top it all, we were being joined by none other than my dear buddy Akshay - who flew down from Sing-la-land to spend some time with Apoorva and us.

But before that, Fred made this quick trip to Mumbai - and it was great meeting up with him. He amazes me with his brilliance. Really. There is no doubt in my mind that he is one of the most intelligent people I've had the pleasure to meet in my life - and to have him as a friend is simply a gift. During the course of dinner, he psyched me out with his take on the Peak Oil theory. Anyway, we hugged, said our goodbyes and promised to meet soon.

So back to Akshay's visit. He arrived at 11pm. We headed home. and didn't sleep all night because our cab was booked for 3.30am. He did his NRI return bit - the one with the gifts for everybody etc etc. I had booked the earliest possible flight to Goa - and regretted every bit of that choice. By the time we got into the flight, I was so zapped that I didn't care where we were going. In all that muffle, I could hear Renu complaining of the breakfast quality and Akshay trying to decipher C I A R A N S.

Apoorva joined us later that night... but the evening was amazing. We watched the Manchester United Vs Chelsea game at a shack - and boy, what a game.

Goa was good - the heat was very bearable, the sun wasn't too strong, the beer was cold, the sea was wild, the waves were nasty (but we beat them with some serious trench formations) and the fish curry rice was insane. Infact we OD'd on the last one a bit too much.

Akshay and Renu (along with the hidden third vote) forced Apoorva and me to watch TASHAN on 28th - my birthday. We went to a multiplex at Margao - and I was SO hoping that tickets were unavailable for this film. I knew it would be bad - the marketing of this film was terrible - and somehow I had a bad feeling about it. It was easily the worst film I have ever watched. EVER. What that director was thinking - I really would like to know. To think that this no-good first timer has another 2 films to go with a great banner like YRF scares me. I have only abuses and filth to throw at this man. RGV Ki Aag was a better film. By a few miles.

So, the goodbyes happened - and we headed back to Mumbai - excited about the second leg of Champions League Semi-final between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge - or should I stress - Fortress Stamford Bridge. Chelsea were ousted by Liverpool twice in the semis. The advantage was slightly towards Chelsea this time as the match was not being played at the intimidating Anfield stadium.

To know more about the game, visit the sports links on this blog. A few pictures for your pleasure here.

A great night for Avram Grant and some relief for the great, brave Lampard. Good on you mate.

Next - May 21, Moscow - Chelsea Vs Manchester United.

Akshay had given me a DVD of EASTERN PROMISES. A brilliant film that helped wash away the stains left by Tashan. It really took a Daniel Plainview to deny Viggo an Oscar.

Also watched Iron-Man, the first of the summer movies at Inox. By far the best Super-hero movie for me. Intelligent, good humor and finally - a super-hero who decides he needs to act as well. I only thought that Gwenyth Paltrow was totally wasted as Pepper Potts. It could have been anyone in that role.

Akshay returned on Sunday - and I spent the whole afternoon and evening with him. A nostaligic trip down to Colaba, washed a few beers down and topped it off with some bheja rolls at Bade Miyan.

See you soon - and enjoy the summer blockbusters coming your way.