Lalbagh Flower Show -- Second Visit in the Same Year

We visited the flower show at Lalbagh twice this year - once in January (Republic Day Celebrations) and recently in August (Independence Day Celebrations). The Arien loves to visit flower shows because of the abundant photo-op(s) that the flowers provide. I am more of a side-kick who carries the rest of the equipment (additional lenses, tripod, etc.) and of course, much needed water and some gen snacks. Sometimes, I am allowed to shoot pics. Why sometimes? Because my pics come out pretty blaah. Why? I am more of a auto-focus and point and shoot person - not too handy with the DSLR or SLR. Of course, that does not stop me from taking more of such pics at any time!!! Anyway, I would rather be the sidekick than sit at home getting bored.

During this visit, we left around 8:45 am - late by Arien's standards but because the flower show
started at 9 am - it made no sense getting there earlier. The taurean was accompanying us this time. We had to park quite a distance away from Lalbagh near the bus stand. We decided to have breakfast before heading out. The breakfast was so-so but the three of us were energized which was good. The loong walk was not so loong after all. The Arien started taking pictures as soon as we entered the flower show area.

The place was jam packed but not unmanageable. A number of photography enthusiasts were noticeable. Most of them had amazing cameras and the Arien pointed out the more expensive ones. There were an equal number of folks shooting pictures on their mobiles, ipads, and the good old point and shoot type cameras.

This time, the taurean became the main sidekick and he was on a roll taking snaps of the flowers, the house-boat, etc. I walked along carrying the water bottle knowing fully well that that day I was not going to get a chance to take any photographs not that I was too keen.

He took this picture of the flag that was made from grains of rice. Lovely frame. You can actually see his reflection in this snap. 

The flowers were a pretty sight and you could see a number of bees, butterflies hovering around them. The Arien, of course does not stop till he gets his shot.  This picture of the bee settled on the flower had the Arien all smiling.

The flowers were not looking too great, said the Arien. I noticed on close observation that they already looked slightly withered and today was just the second day of the flower show. Maybe they add new flowers after a day or two.

Doubt some of these flowers could survive another day or two. I wonder why.

The two shots of this butterfly are so different, you would think they were two different butterflies.. Look again!

We followed the Arien as he tried to take a shot of this butterfly that flitted from flower to flower with the Arien following closely, till we got bored :) Soon, we were standing to one side while the Arien went after the butterfly with single-minded focus. Lovely shots - seriously!!

After these two amazing pictures, the Arien was ready to leave. Meanwhile, the Taurean decided he wanted to buy some plants.

The four other plants that the Taurean had purchased a year ago, are surviving but not because the Taurean looked after them. However, it was clear he had made up his mind. I imparted some gyan "Plants are like pets or even kids, you have to take care of them... blahdeblah", and then sat down to wait as he selected the plants (4 varieties of Hibiscus, 2 varieties of roses, and 2 money plants), new pots, and the manure.

It was after 2 pm when we reached home and I was ravenous. Knowing the senior Arien can get hyper on seeing so many plants - called ahead and told him not to worry. Overall a nice morning. All of us had a nice time, including the senior Arien who had us out of his hair all morning.

Wordament - Phone Game Review

... And I am back! With this post you will know more about what has been keeping me busy - Yes, the games installed on my new Nokia Lumia 520.

Wordament actually came out way back in 2011. If, however, you have never heard of it, that is not too surprising because neither had I. I installed it recently on my Nokia Lumia 520 after I noticed the Taurean immersed in word games on his phone every evening.

In this game, you create words from 16 letters arranged in a 4X4 grid. You are given 2 minutes to make as many words as you can. Each letter is assigned a point and based on the number of words and points you make, your score is calculated. Every new game gives you a new set of letters. Sometimes the game is theme-based where you must find words specific to the theme. For instance, if the theme is laundry, words like soap, towels etc gain more points. Sometimes, you have to make words that use a set of letters. For instance, PRO- means words beginning with PRO, -ED indicates words ending with ED, and U/Y indicates using the letter either as U or as Y and it can be the beginning, end, or middle of the word. At other times, it is good old-fashioned speed round - most number of words created gives you maximum points.

The best part of this game is that a number of other players from all over the world are playing this exact game, with the same 16 letters and you all have the same 2 minutes. So, at the end of the game, your contribution is compared with the others and a rank is given to you based on the number of words and points created in comparison with the others. You can also add some of these other players as your Frenemies and the game tracks your progress together whenever you play at the same time.

So, of course, you will need access to the internet/wifi. Your achievements and stats are maintained and you can view them every time you log in and then try to better your record. If you do not have access to the internet, you could log in as guest. This of course means your scores do not get saved under your name.

Its a lot of fun and very addictive. Go ahead and download the game and see the wild, competitive side of you emerge :)