King of Kings

This is a post about something that happened almost a month back, but I think it is still worth blogging about especially given that I was so excited when it happened that I actually took pictures :).

Summer time in India is synonymous with two things - paralyzing heat, and one special nectar oozing fruit of the Gods, the mango. If mango is the king of fruits, then Alfonso is the king of mangoes. Also called Hapus or Haapoos, these one of a kind mangoes arrive during the very early part of mango season in April. I am not sure whether it is because they the one of the first mangoes to arrive or because their taste is indeed so unique, but the Alphonsoes are one special mango.

To celebrate Ayza'a arrival (congrats Tarim and Mahj), I decided to bring home a box. I realize that a box of twelve is a lot of mangoes for one person, but these mangoes are not sold any other way. It was clear to the shopkeeper that I was a first time Alphonso buyer when I asked him, "Bhaiya, how much for a kilo?" He smiled and replied softly in a Yoda like voice, "The measure of an Alphonso is not in its weight babuji, but the unique experience that each and every piece provides. Kilos and grams, these are concepts for your average mangoes like Langra, or Dashehri. This is an Alphonso."



Alphonsoes only travel first class. They come in their own box of 12, packed with ample padding and leg room to make sure they don't face any discomfort as they travel to their destination. The mangoes were duly washed, individually dried, and kept in the refrigerator for a little over two hours before my patience ran out and I sank my teeth into the first batch. All I have to say is, I can now die in peace.

B2B: Back to Blogging

So I finally get a chance to blog again after nearly a month. Was busy launching something that I have been working on since I moved here to Hyderabad. It is something really small, but it is amazing how many people found it and that too without any announcement or blog post from us.

I used to say that it doesn't matter what other people think as long as you love what you are doing. Wrong! It absolutely matters. When you have spent so much time and effort into something, you really want the work to have an impact. You can't help but care about whether people use it, and like it. Acceptance must be a big part of the satisfaction you derive from your work and I am glad that I work for someone who gives me a chance to have this kind of impact.

Anyway, after I was done launching this tiny feature, I took a much needed vacation. Spent a week in Darjeeling with mum and dad. A very relaxed vacation with a bit of trekking thrown in, but more on that later. I am back in Hyderabad now and ready to start blogging again, so expect a whole lot blogs this weekend.