Waterfall Destination at Bhivpuri on 07th Sept, 2014

Blissful Waterfalls at Bhivpuri on 07th Sept, 2014 

Meeting Point : Andheri station

Purpose of meeting : Trek [Organized by Holy Family Parish Members]

Time: 5.30 am

Weather: Rainy/cloudy/sunshine

Route: Dadar to Karjat (Bhivpuri is just One station before Karjat)

Entry Fee: A minimal amount of Rs.10 per Person.

Overall Experience : 6/10

Another day- end of the waiting game.As it begins, the walk that seemed like it had no ending and has a beginning that needed some sound decision after it was kept pending. Its never too late...when you're chasing a runaway train like waking up from a beautiful dream you cant live in vain. You just got to fight the pace and retrace on the right track to reach the place.You could make it through the way if you have passion and faith. Something you may not relate to, so let me take a break...and direct all thoughts towards the place where i could fly...fly away wrapped in H✞S arms. Play with the creatures, leaving behind the noise of the town life and keep all burdens at the bay.

This gorgeous waterfall  had all of H✞S love & blessings to shower upon us....nestled amidst the heavenly lush green hills this was such an inviting spot to be at. This aesthetically pleasing place was at the core of everyone's heart. We could see People pouring out in large numbers through the day to enjoy under this hard-hitting & breathtaking waterfall. It could only pick us high. It all looked majestic while going onwards and upwards through this untraveled road that lead to this paradise. Reaching the spot, getting to see some beautiful faces from our parish was delighting as always.

Standing on an high-rise landscape, All I could enjoy apart from the waterfalls were the fascinating and serene meadows that kept rolling and rolling endlessly. The trek-route was easy-go until I reached a point where I had to go through a trail of bushes and then prepare to dirty my jeans as it needed gliding over and on, moving up through the rocky area was challenging because of the dampness and the steep height.  The pressure makes us stronger and keeps us moving forward, the hunger keeps growing but we can walk undeterred if we dont let that matter , the experience makes the difference and  the difference makes beautiful moments -that's what makes it all worthwhile. The locals were very helpful, although you may find it hard to communicate with them. There were some wild dogs that came out of nowhere and followed us throughout the trekking trip, to me they appeared as friendly too.

I spent most of the time near the waterfall area. Blissful and soothing atmosphere always makes a nature boy go wow, woooooo, flee flee rapido rapido!!!!!!!!!! I had some quality time for nature musing at this spot.

Loved to be around with a group of people who just wanted to have some fun and experience the thrill.

We had come all the way from Andheri to join in the walk with JESUS. The weather was lovely and it was all bright for sight-seeing this fabulous day

 [ Although, There was not much sight to see by the way].

This day marks an history in various forms for me- I had all kinds of experiences from the excitement growing and then steadily slowing down to dull moments, From feeling sad, misplaced and derailed at times to Fight-unite- & take the Flight kinda feelings(Fleeting Moments for sure).

Special Thanks : To Leevan,  for making us feel welcomed and ensuring till the end that this trek runs smoothly and that there is complete harmony maintained amongst all the enthusiasts who graced the trek by their presence. To Wilroy, for his warm hospitality (Those Salami’s inside the Butter-spread bread was quite drooling and fulfilling especially when our stomach was growling)  :P

Jesus is the way to Heaven and here I was already in it - it felt that way as the beauty connected with the spiritual side of me. It was a year back when I knew I would be with the same Family of friends dwelling around but I didn’t know it was gonna be this awesome with some more extension making it look even larger than ever before!

HOW BIG WAS OUR FAMILY : Over 70 enthusiasts standing Tall when Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall!

:) :D

ALL ESSENTIALS THAT WE CARRIED WITH US :

Lunch for the day.

Water bottle

Additional pair of clothes

Appetizers, Snacks, & Munchies

Camera (Optional)

Lots of Love and energy

Maybe we did carry some wings 

Drinks were also available at the nearby tented shops - No, we didn't carry that!

 [Note: Parish doesn’t encourage to drink/booze]

#Nature #Bhivpuri #Trek #Trekking #Adventure #Waterfalls #Picnic #Church

Rolling Stones Metal Awards!!!

This was on the night before my birthday. 

I met these guy's after their set at Blue Frog and had a wonderful time interacting with them. It was so nice to exchange some words around music and life in general.

WE HAD A BLAST !!!.

BAND: Third Sovereign
EVENT: ROLLING STONES METAL AWARDS, JUNE 2014!
Pic courtesy: Romald & Samir

ALL MUMBAI PILGRIMAGE [29-03-2014]

All Mumbai Walking Pilgrimage which saw it's 26th Year in Christ alone was held on March 29, 2014 starting at 10.30 p.m from Cross Maidan - Dhobi Talao and taking the last stop at Mount Mary’s Basilica - Bandra. Bp. Dominic Savio Fernandes blessed the Pilgrimage and Bp. Bosco Penha celebrated the Holy Eucharist along with other priests and congregation in the church.

                                                 
                                               
                                      
Starting all the way from Cross maidan...minute the minute feet the feet a huge crowd was seen walking in the dead of the night. When the city sleeps, what appeared to me was like more than 1500 pilgrims from all the Deanary parishes who had participated in this mega walking event. Like every year the procession began with a prayer service at the shrine near Cross Maidan [where the veneration of the Cross took place]. The journey began with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed following the Tempo vehicles [Holding the banner of Shanti Academy Charitable Trust] each carrying the shrine of Mother mary, the huge statue of Jesus with the Cross. The respective prayer groups who were seen amidst the sea of people led everyone by reciting prayers, singing hymns of the lenten season and continued to devotionally participate in the way of the cross. The Paapya group of east Indian catholics also joined devotedly with their prayers and east indian hymns, and walked to the sound of the traditional clappers through the way.

The pilgrims reached Marine Lines at about 11.45 pm, Charni road at about 11.59 pm. Sobo Central -the area where there is McDonald's at about 12.45 am, All India Institute of medical & rehabilitat around12.55 am, Dr.Annie Besant road-Podar Medical centre at about 1.44 am,  Mount.Carmel church around 4.45 am and finally Mt.Mary[Bandra] at about 5am. The crowd comprised of men of all ages, women of all ages, and also small to big children, and many were moved to tears as they were chanting their prayers with eye's upon the cross.Volunteers were there to encourage this walk throughout with instructing lines when needed "On the move..No stopping!!!" and they also helped directing the people through the street, managed traffic and held a rope to facilitate the movement of the pilgrims in a linear manner.

On the way, pilgrims were offered water, tea and biscuits [Valencia Caterer's helped in this regards]. Toilet facilities were made available at regular spots like on the way to Dadar airport[1st,2nd,3rd floor of a building was made available for pilgrims to ease their bowels]. After reaching the final spot through the night came the Morning-It was 5 am they took a sigh of relief and tried to rest their aching legs by sitting on the quadrangle of the Mt.Mary church and the carpet covered area.The procession concluded with solemn Eucharistic celebration at Mount.Mary Church in Bandra. Huge number of Catholics joined and revered through the walking pilgrimage with prayer, penance,abstinence and with mournful imagery of the passion of Christ.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, praying hard to have mercy on us and on the whole world. If you ask me my heart did hurt to see so many old women walking on bare feet and managing to complete this walk till the last stop at Bandra.BEST and the police had made all the necessary arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrims.Special buses and private buses and other vehicles were also available after the walk for all the pilgrims.
Such a spiritual journey with a sorrowful reflection throughout the path showed that God is shining through the darkness and HIS redemption means a lot to all of HIS follower's and likewise peace and solidarity in Mumbai.

Your's Sincerely,
Samir (Sam) Alvares

Kalaghoda Art Festival :2014 [Where Innovation that matters and Creativity outshines]

A Kaleidoscope of art forms!

About the Kalaghoda Art Festival

1st to 9th Feb 2014 heralds the vibrancy, drama, exciting elements and our colorful and beautiful culture. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is known to give you an experience filled with  kaleidoscope of music, dance, theatre, literature, street stalls, films, workshops for adults and children, visual arts and heritage walks. Nine joyful days to refresh your mind, stimulate your senses and a reason to feel exhilarated!

 

With an heart filled with excitement and time on my side I set out to be around town for this years Kalaghoda Art Festival as I always knew one should not give it a miss and I couldn’t afford to do the same. I was greeted with all impressive art installations at the entrance and through the passage I could see vibrant stalls all across selling bespoke clothes, stationery, books, wonderful home decor, paintings, environmental-friendly bags, decorative potteries and ornaments,  and other artistic ensemble. On the opposite side there were some food stalls. Various companies like Hindustan Times, sports & commercials, banks made good use of  this occasion to promote their brand by flashing their banner all across these stalls. “The waste management was very efficient at the venues, with dustbins and there were good mobile toilet facilities as well as enough police security to help facilitate in the smooth functioning of this event. Kalaghoda is a combination of literature, Music, art and creativity, culture including food, film , Lifestyle and shopping, and in an artistic way and an ethnic feel to it all, it gives out important messages [Like dont drink and drive, do not use mobile phone's while driving, Do not litter waste materials, Pollution control, The darkside of  Rape and other crimes, AIDS awareness, and general role of Youth and about the future world that we foresee.etc] with a central reason to be a part of the cause to support building a better India. 

This year a lot of creativity was shown, that which enriched my mind with thoughts from literary greats, musicians ,workshops and mind-blowing art forms.

And there were lot of  things made with packaging material, recycled plastics, cardboard, wood and other waste materials which was pretty impressive.Each time you look at them you say WOW!!! .

Encore : Rope walker. He was really amazing and displayed some wonderful balancing act on the rope. Farhan Akhtar performing Live. The skilful and dramatic rendition of Kathak dancers.

  

And there was this huge horse or rather, horses which had to be there to support the theme of the festival : KALAGHODA!!!