What, How and Why to Prepare for Masters Degree Abroad

In order to apply abroad, a graduate applicant needs to prepare the following:

Standardized Tests

• GRE (General + Subject)
• TOEFL/IELTS

Academic Transcripts

• Semester wise marks card + Consolidated marks card 

Application Forms

• Applicants should fill the application carefully and with correct information
• Education systems in different countries vary; hence the language on the application form should be read carefully before form filling.
• Get the completed form proof read prior to final submission

Extra Curricular Activities

• Shows overall development of the student in varied interests
• Community Service however not essential, but can help a lot
• Display your ability and experience in management, organization and working with teams

Recommendation Letters, Essays/SOP & Resume

• Must Show Distinctiveness
• Diversity
• Intent in applying for a particular course

Financial Documents

• To assess the financial capability of the applicant.
• These documents are required by the universities for issuing the I20.
• Universities ask applicants to show amounts equivalent to 1 year’s tuition fees and living expenses

Visa

Getting a Visa is not easy; any of the following can lead to rejection:

• Incomplete application
• Wrong information
• Improper documents
• Insufficient proof of funding
• Criminal activity
• Possible intent of immigration

Tests to take:

• GRE
• TOEFL
• IELTS

Why Study your Masters Abroad?

in today's world, companies are looking forward to recruit people with international background i.e he who know international culture as well as has perused education internationally. Governments also recognize the importance of international study for graduates in other countries but In the India, Its a different story all together because of the reservation and other factors. India has long had a more open approach to highly-skilled immigration, offering post-study work opportunities to its international students. Other countries like Canada, China, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand all have big plans to attract international students.

So, everyone agree that international study can be a good thing, but what, are the benefits of doing your masters abroad?

1) It will help you expand your world, discover a new country and culture and personal development and you get new friends.

Studying abroad means living abroad and you will have to embrace an unfamiliar environment, cultural practices and traditions and perhaps also a new language. Unless you spend the duration of your degree with students from your own country, it will allow you to gain an insight in a way of life which may be radically different from your own. This is as valid a reason as gaining an academic degree from an overseas institution.

It won’t just be people from the country you study in that you meet. It is likely that if you are an international student, there will be other students from overseas. What you will gain in studying with these students is an added cultural dimension to your studies. And, imagine how great it will be to have international friends for life! This has more than social benefits: professional networks are incredibly valuable and your fellow masters students may be the future leaders of tomorrow.

2) You will be exposed to a new study environment, learning and teaching methods as well as academics who has a different perspective

Doing your masters abroad will most likely involve getting used to a different way of being taught and of studying. This may involve more hours in the classrooms and less of a focus on grades but it may also mean that the interaction with your lecturers is different to what you may be used to. It is worth observing how “local” students behave in the classroom (better still, speak to international students who are doing a similar masters to yours in the institution you have chosen). Do students challenge ideas put forward by teaching staff? Are you invited to debate and think critically? Can you call your lecturer by his/her first name? These are just some of the questions you will have to answer for yourself.

The country where you have grown up will no doubt have eminent academics and scientists but not the best thinkers are in the same country. What better way to broaden your knowledge than to gain ideas shaped by unique international perspectives you may not have considered before?

By going abroad, you will get to study at institutions which have an excellent reputation and education. The best university for you may not necessarily be where you thought it was. And it goes beyond the rankings. For example, is your masters degree in a niche area not taught in your own country? Do they have experts, facilities and resources (inc. natural resources) not available back home? Is your masters degree specialising in a region? The best place to study your area-specific discipline is arguably in that country itself! Do you have an interest in American politics? Wouldn’t doing your masters in the US be a good option? Do you want to study tropical forests? Where would your masters best be done then?

Something else to consider is whether the process of applying to do your masters is less complex. For example, not all countries require entry examinations and selection is based on your academic record. If you want to avoid having to sit a GRE exam, look into European universities.

3) It will “internationalize” your CV and show you are mobile.

Many multinationals recruit all over the world and all they are interested in is that they employ the best. Seeing that you are prepared to travel means that you may be more attractive to large companies with operations worldwide. Employers are not too fussy about how you gain your experience abroad but if you want to do a full masters degree abroad, you may wish to consider gaining some experience of studying/ working/volunteering abroad beforehand, for example doing an Erasmus exchange, undergraduate expedition/fieldwork, summer volunteering abroad, internship abroad...). Your reason to do your masters abroad may then become going back to the country you enjoyed first time round.

Joint-masters are a good way to study in several countries for shorter periods of time and to gain a masters from overseas universities.

4) You will gain language skills.

Doing a Masters abroad isn’t just for language students and whether you are looking to consolidate your English skills or learn a new language, it will be an asset during your studies, in particular if your course involves an internship in a local company, if you are doing quantitative surveys which involve interviews or if you want a part-time job. Of course, having knowledge of foreign languages (not necessarily fluency but just enough to break the ice) will also help you in your future job search. “Over two thirds of employers are not satisfied with the foreign language skills of young people”. While traditional European languages are appreciated by employers, some are looking further afield for example Mandarin.

5) A more attractive degree duration and structure?

Perhaps there is a very simple rationale for doing a masters degree abroad? The structure of taught masters degrees in your home country doesn’t suit you. Is your aim to do your masters over a short period of time (say a year), albeit intensively? Or, do you prefer the idea of having a summer holiday during which you can do an internship or just have a break? Do you want to do your masters part-time but this isn’t really an option back home? You will find a format that suits you but make sure you do your research. A masters degree will be similar in structure throughout the UK but this may not be the case everywhere so don’t assume that because one institution in your chosen destination offers an ideal structure that they all will.

6) Your career opportunities will be enhanced

Studying abroad will make you stand out and it will also enhance your knowledge of working abroad opportunities. Career advisers in your institution will have in-depth knowledge of the local labor market and of employers in country. You may also have opportunities to meet company representatives at career fairs or at presentations during your studies or perhaps one of your course mates has some tips on how to approach a job search in their own country. You may also be able to acquire unique internships which will enhance your CV regardless of whether you stay on in the country you did your masters, go somewhere else or return to your home country where your international experience will be valued.

Where to go for your masters degree?

So the last thing to consider is where to study abroad. Some destinations like the US and the UK are well known to international students but the picture is changing and new study abroad destinations are making head way. Another and very important factor is the cost of education. Countries with competitive masters tuition fees include France, Mexico, Germany, Sweden or South Africa which are all home to excellent institutions such as the Ecole Normale Supérieure, Universidad Monterrey, TUM, Lund or Cape town University.

References:

1. Recommendations to Support UK Outward Student Mobility (2012)
2. Global Horizons and the Role of Employers (2008)
3. Ready to grow: business priorities for education and skills, Education and skills survey 2010

Cricket

ಬರೆಯುಯುವರು ಬರೆಯುವುದನ್ನು ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು
ಓದುತ್ತಿರುವರು ಒದುವುದನ್ನು ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು
ಗುರುಗಳು ಪಾಠಮಾಡುವುದನ್ನು ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು
ರಾಜಕಾರಣಿಗಳು ಜಗಳವಾಡುವುದನ್ನು ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು
ಎಲ್ಲವನ್ನು ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು ಕ್ರಿಕೆಟ್ ನೋಡಲು ಕುಳಿತರು

ಏಲ್ಲ ಅಂಗಡಿಗಳ ಮುಂದೆ ಗುಂಪು ಸೇರುತ್ತ
ಕಾಲೇಜುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಗುಂಪುಗಳಾಗಿ ನಿಲ್ಲಿತ್ತ
ಆಫೀಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಲೈವ್ ಮಾಚ್ ನೋಡುತ್ತ
ಆಷ್ಟ್ರೇಲಿಯಾದ ಚಂದ ಆಟವನ್ನು ಬೈಯುತ್ತ
ತಲೆ ತಲೆ ಚಚ್ಚಿಕೊಂಡರು

ಎಲ್ಲರ ಬಾಯಲ್ಲೂ ವಿಕೆಟ್ ಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆಯೇ ಮಾತು
ಸ್ಕೋರ್ ಎಷ್ಟು ಎನ್ನುವುದೇ ಬಹು ಮಾತು
ಮಳೆ ಬಂದರೆ ಭಾರತ ಗೆಲ್ಲುತ್ತೆ ಎಂದ ಒಬ್ಬ
ಗೆದ್ದರೆ ಸಾಕು ಎಂದ ಇನ್ನೊಬ್ಬ

ಏಲ್ಲ ಮುಗಿಯುವುದು ಮ್ಯಾಚ್ ಮುಗಿದ ಮೇಲೆ
ನಾವೊ ಅವರೋ ತಿಳಿಇವುದು ಈ ದಿನ ಮುಗಿದ ಮೇಲೆ
ಆದರೂ ನನಗೊಂದು ಆಸೆ, ನಾವೇ ಗೆಲ್ಲಬೇಕು .

Trek To Dudh Sagar

Next four days was holidays as it was Diwali season. We did not expect traffic in Bangalore to be so high on this day, which made us to reach late than all other members in the team.

Sad part of the “to” Journey was that, we could not reserve tickets and was supposed to travel in general compartment of Rani Chennamma Express, above all we were late due to festive season traffic in Bangalore. Luckily by the time we reach Bangalore Railway station, our team members had rushed and made some seat arrangements for some of us.

We were team of 19 people; 7 girls and 12 boys. Some people got seats and some other shared seats with them. Finally, train departed with heavy rush from Bangalore Central Railway station. In every stop, we could see more people boarding this train compared to people who were getting down.

“Is this the first time you travelling in this train?” an old ex-military guy asked me. I answered “Yes” and looked towards the window, expecting no other question after this. “Did we pass Hubli?” next question from the same guy! I said “Don’t know” with an uncertain look, “I am travelling here for the first time”; I repeated. “Some compartment will be detached and attached to other train, do you know where will this be done?” again another question. My patience was tested, I did not answer anything and just continued looking outside and this guy did not bother me again. I wonder how could this guy expect so much out of me?

Finally we reached the destination by 8:00AM on 1^st of November, 2013. We got down from train carrying our own luggage. Train departed and soon we realized that we had left two rented tents in the train, which we lost it.

All were hungry, had some idli-vada and packed some pav-bhaji to have it on the way of trekking to Dudhsagar.

Amar and Bhanu hired a taxi to drop our team in Castle Rock, later which we figured out we paid a lot more than what we should have. A tip for fellow travelers would be not to pay more than RS 1000 for Sumo from Londa to Castle Rock. If more than 10 People, you may call this driver Sandesh: 08762519729

Finally, we reached Castle Rock. Remember no permission is required to trek from Castle Rock to Dudhsagar. After a snap with our team and tips from Amar, we started the trek around 11:00AM.

Amar was in a hurry to get all of us to Dudhsagar before 4:30PM as scheduled, because we wanted some time to play in water before it gets dark. On the way enjoyed the trains passing by and small rivers on the side. 2^nd Tunnel which was ~409m long, was found dark and we ensured everyone was safe while crossing this. Few pics on the way and play during the trek kept us enthusiastic about 75% of the journey. After this few people walked with same pace. Whereas, Amar, Adithya, Manasa, Bhanu and myself lagged behind due to heavy backpacks. On the way, Bhanu screamed “snake.. Snake” and ran out of the way, while it was a narrow escape for him to step on the snake. Then we realized it was a dead snake! Brave hearted Bhanu then calmed down.

By 4:15, we did reach Dudhsagar station and saw many people waiting for train to head back to Castle Rock. We enquired with Station master for the way to reach Dudhsagar. They did showed us the way and advised to be back soon as train was about come which was heading towars Castle Rock. We did inform them that we are gonna stay there. Thank god, we realized that no permission was needed to stay there.

Started walking towards Dudhsagar, roar of the wonderful waterfalls was heard when we crossed 11^th tunnel. Kept walking and I could see the milk falling from head of the mountain. “Wow! What a view!” I said. All other in our team then joined us and were astonished to see water flowing like milk. All our tiredness of hard walking on train track and stone pricking was reduced to nothing after a wonderful view. By that time, Amar was in some hurry and asked us to catch some place to pitch the tent. What a creature, not giving enough of time to enjoy the nature? I thought, but then we realized there was another team which came to stay there and would have left with nothing if they had occupied the place. Luckily this team was not big and we had enough of place to pitch tent.

Aditya and myself, pitched the tent while Amar and Pramod went in search of route to get down to water in a safe place. After an hour both returned back with absent kind of face. Asking what had happened, they said that they lost the track for 30 mins and was scared as it was going to be dark. Thank god, at last they found the way back.

After pitching the tents and Amar/Pramod confirming we cannot get “down” to water, we had no choice rather to just wash our face in nearby water and come back to tent. It was time to cook! We started cooking were as Amar started a quiz of kannada as it was November 1^st. Lots to learn with kannada words J

Completed cooking upma with help of a stick, but forgot to get plates to eat. Mythri helped in serving this to all by hand itself (In kannada we call “kai thuthu”). After enough of food, people started playing “Antyakshari”, game of songs! Wonder people don’t have better job. By 10:30 PM we decided to sleep.

Some people slept outside as we had lost tents in train. Luckily, it was not so cold. But Pramod did suffer and later enjoyed sleeping outside!

Pramod had slept off on train track and train did pass above him. By mistake he did woke up and his head was got a Bang! Relax, this is not true. This was Pramod’s dream. Every time when train passed by as Pramod was sleeping near to track this was the dream he got! Pramod the poor fellow.

It was early morning and Manasa shouted, “you couldn’t find better than this. Wake up!”. When we woke up, we saw the Dudhsagar shining in early sunlight. What a view!

It was time to play in water, we got down to place where Amar and Pramod found a day before. We did spend quality time enjoy in flowing water and was back to tents. Packed the tents and had some breakfast served by Mythri again like yesterday night.

As we all opted for train to travel from Dudhsagar to Madgaon rather than trekking from Dudhsagar to Kulem and then take a train to Madgaon , we waited for Chennai express, but this was 4 hours late. Luckily, Amaravathi express was there in Dudhsagar by 1:00PM. We reached the Madgaon railway station at 4:00, and from there we took a big auto to Colva beach. It was awesome fun in the beach. We did the Banana ride, Jet skiing, Para sailing etc. It was awesome. We all took bath in the nearby sulubh toilet and got ready to leave for the Madgaon railway station. Since we had reserved the seats for the 9:00 Vasco-Yeshwanthpur express.

We arrived on time to the railway station. But the train was late by 3:30 hrs. We finished our dinner and took rest for a while. While some of us slept too. The train arrived at 12:15 and we were in our seats by 12:30. We all slept. The train was scheduled to reach Bangalore at 1:30. We enjoyed a lot in the train from 7:00 hrs to 1:30 hrs. We sang, made fun of each other, played Dum shards etc. The experience was superb. We reached Yeshwanthpur railway station at the scheduled time and parted form there bidding farewell, with the promise of meeting in the next trek.

Lessons learnt from this trip:

·         Always reserve your tickets or be early to railway station to make some seats

·         If plan is during any long weekend, expect more traffic in Bangalore

·         Carry less back packs as possible

·         Take care of your things while getting down the train or while boarding the train

·         Do enquire with many people before hiring taxi in unknown place

·         While leaving your team in search of any places, discuss how would you pass the signal in case of lost route

·         Lastly, expect the unexpected!

       

\     AMAR

A Travelogue

A TRAVELOGUE- DUDH SAGAR

As planned we were all set at the Majestic railway station on 31/10/13 at 9:00, since we didn’t get any seats to reserve for the “TO” journey we had to get into General compartment. We did our best though I, Jyothi and Manasa arrived late. All we did was, we sat in the already held seats by the rest who had arrived early. Thank you guys J . I never knew journey in general compartment would be so fun filled, People fighting , Slippers falling on the people sitting down and they throwing it out of the window . It was awesome J , and I had got a superb company the guy who irritated me every second by asking questions to which I couldn’t answer.

 

We reached the Londa railway station by 8:00 on 1/11/13 in the morning; we had Idlis in the railway station and also got vadapavs packed for the lunch. From there we took a taxi to Castle Rock since direct trains or busses were not available. Please do not pay more than 1000 for the big 12 seater taxi though we were cheated, which we got to know later. From there we started our trek on the railway tracks to Dudh Sagar. The 14km trek to Dudh Sagar railway station was actually tiring, tiring because of the heavy bags. Finally we reached Dudh Sagar railway station at 5:00, and took rest for a while from there its 1km to Dudh Sagar waterfalls, we reached the falls by 5:15 and we enjoyed the majestic Waterfalls. We pitched the tents and we enjoyed in water for some time. Amar anna we are sorry we are collectively responsible for the loss of 2 tents which we left in the trainL.

Later we set up fire and we cooked Upma, Thanks to all those who involved themselves in cooking while the others were playing Kannada game with Amar anna. By 11 everything was done and we slept. While 5 slept outside the others slept in tents. The night was the best. We slept right next to the track and every time the train went we were in shock for a moment. Ha ha ha Pramodh your dream was the best. We woke up at 6 in the morning and got ready to take a dip in the falls. Since the current in the falls was very high in the top we followed Amar anna who took us to a safe place 2km down the falls. The path to this is the right which has to be taken in the dual tunnel right after the falls. We had unlimited fun in the water for a long time. We came back and unpitched the tents. We all got ready for the train from Dudh Sagar to Madgaon. Since we all were tired we decided to take the train rather than trekking 20km more. The train was delayed by 2:30 hours. It was scheduled to arrive at 11:00, but it arrived at 1:30.

We reached the Madgaon railway station at 4:00, and from there we took a big auto to Colva beach. It was awesome fun in the beach. We did the Banana ride, Jet skiing, Para sailing etc. It was awesome. We all took bath in the nearby sulubh toilet and got ready to leave for the Madgaon railway station. Since we had reserved the seats for the 9:00 Vasco-Yeshwanthpur express. We arrived on time to the railway station. But the train was late by 3:30 hrs. We finished our dinner and took rest for a while. While some of us slept too.

The train arrived at 12:15 and we were in our seats by 12:30. We all slept. The train was scheduled to reach Bangalore at 1:30. We enjoyed a lot in the train from 7:00 hrs to 1:30 hrs. We sang, made fun of each other, played Dum shards etc. The experience was superb. We reached Yeshwanthpur railway station at the scheduled time and parted form there bidding farewell, with the promise of meeting in the next trek. The best memory I have of this trek is .......

 

Finally, never think there is anything impossible for the soul. It is the greatest heresy to think so. If there is sin, this is the only sin; to say that you are weak, or others are weak.
Swami Vivekananda

Poojith Prakash

TRAVELOUGE

       TREK TO KUMARA PARVATHA

As planned we (cousins) met at the KSRTC bus stand platform no 17, majestic at 4 in the evening on 29-03-13, though we are relatives, ironically we didn’t know each other well apart from Pramodh Kashyap and chaithra. I introduced myself to all who were present there. I met Satya, Mythrai, Devika, Jo (Jyothi), Swathi and ashwin (my friend). We waited till 5:15 for Amaranth Anna to come, and we left to Hassan at 5:30 noon. A nice bus journey we discussed may things from science, man vs. wild to lectures and jokes with Amar Anna (Amaranth) and others. At 9:30 we reached Hassan and from there we walked to Sathya’s house around 2 km from Hassan bus stand.

A beautifully built house, “I loved your room Satya”. After this we decided to cook food, All the girls in the group prepared chapatti’s, the were too good. We all commented upon it just for fun. Finally we slept around 12:00 and Adithya Anna came home late night too. I and ashwin slept in a separate room, “Thankx a lot Swathi”, you set up the bed for us. We got up at 4:00 in the morning becoz T.T was to arrive at 5:30. We all bathed and got ready for the trek. Of course we made fun of each other. Here two of Satya’s friends Kiran and Uday joined us..

 I am not sure who but 2 people vomited more than once. Around 9:00 we had breakfast at a hotel on the way. We ate chapattis and Upma. At 11:00 we reached PUSHPAGIRI WILDLIFE SANTUARY. We called our parents and told them about the proceedings. We went to the forest office first and took their permission for the trek. A good young officer wished us and gave permission for us to trek.TT arrived at 6:00 and we left for the trek. Around 8:00 we drank tea and coffee. Journey in TT was fun, especially satya’s and girls dance. Girls singing was good too

We started our trek with an aim to reach peak by 5:00, With Amar Anna’s guiding we started our trek. It was simply superb and stupendous. I loved every second of this trek. We had fun at every stage. As said by experienced trekkers, yes it was a difficult one. Especially the slopes and rock climbing part. Heavy backpacks made it more difficult. There was no water source from base to KP peak. With difficulty of luggage we managed to reach KP peak by 5:30. We helped each other at every part of the trek. We were a group of 8 boys and 6 girls.

After we reached peak we were very tired, we had no water left with us to drink. Here we understood the “VALUE OF WATER”. But before we could do anything I, Satya and Amar Anna took up the initiative to pitch the tent during this time we sent ashwin and Kiran Anna to search for water, we asked all the others groups which had come for the trek but all said there is no water source. But I am proud to say that our group found water source about 1.5km from KP peak towards kukke subramanya our greatest achievement. During this time we had a great sight of setting sun. It was awesome. We could see clouds touching us. I felt as though the clouds kissed me when I stood stretching my hands. After this one of the greatest challenge we had was to find the fuel wood. We couldn’t find dry wood anywhere. And it was dark too. Amar Anna, Ashwin, Varsha and I went in search of fuel wood. After an hour of vigorous search we managed to find some wood enough for us to cook Maggi.

We prepared ourselves to cook food. Amar Anna and Varsha took up the initiative. Due to harsh wind, keeping the fire on was a difficult task. Thanks a lot to the entire group. All made a wall with Pramodh’s bed sheet. I helped them in cooking. We had fun here too. My mom called me while I was cooking and Amar Anna made fun telling I am not doing anythingJ. But later he spoke to my mom and told I was cooking tooJ. We cooked enough food to fill our hunger. During this event the sight of Chaturthi Chandra was awesome. While some people slept, Amar Anna, Varsha, Mythrai, Devika, Ashwin, Adithya Anna and I played Antakshari till 12:00. Hmm girls gave up and went to sleep… NO! NO! … We actually trapped them. They said it’s late and we said go and sleep so indirectly we won!!

While it was very cold outside 5 boys managed to sleep in one tent, Including Amar Anna who joined them later after keeping a watch on wild animals. Satya, Adi Anna and I slept outside. I couldn’t have slept without my Sleeping Bag, Thanks to it.

We got up early and prepared to start our trek back. This time we put another camp fire, To lite it up we used Pramodh's torn "PANT".... While we overwhelmed the sunrise all prepared to trek. We unpitched the tent and packed everything. We started our trek to Kukke Subramanya around 8:00 in the morning. By 8:30 we reached water source and all were hungry. I told all I have 2 packs of cup Noodles, a ready to eat Halidirams bhel and 2 big kurkure packs. And others had 6 Buns this served as our Breakfast. We first prepared Maggi and served it then we ate buns with Maggi soup (As coffee). I prepared a cocktail out of the Halidirams bhel and 2 big kurkure packs everyone loved it! Didn’t you guys??

After the Breakfast we continued our trek. The Best part of the trek was when we reached SHESHA GIRI peak. We clicked many snaps. While we were a bit back, Amar Anna told us he saw snake and when we ran we realised that it was a prank, He wanted us to be fast so he had pranked us. Here Amar Anna enacted  as VATAL NAGRAJ :-) ha ha ah it was awesome. When we left the peak Pramodh’s leg was hurt badly. So Amar Anna, Adi Anna and he stayed back. They said they will meet us in Bhattara mane around 10km from this peak. Our next halt was at Kallu Mantapa. We enjoyed a lot here. Hmm I remember me being KrishnaJ. We spent 45min of our valuable time here enjoying every bit possible and left to Bhattara mane. After a few km of walking I saw some natives running down to the base. This filled power in me and I ran too. Here Varsha joined me, we said let’s do in and ran to reach Bhattara mane. We shouted loud when we reached a view point, but we didn’t get any reply after some running we were at a house, we thought it was Bhattara Mane but when we asked them they said it was the forest Dept. Office. Here we saw Chepekai trees (don’t know what they call Chepekai in English). And we were tempted Varsha climbed a tree to pluck juicy Chepekai. The fruits and even raw Chepekai were very tasty. We missed route a bit, but we managed to get the route back and reach the next View point. Without stopping here we reached Bhattara mane by 1:00. We waited for others to join us too.

Others came in too and we heard chaithra was injured during the trek. We all had our lunch and waited for Amar Anna, Adi Anna and Pramodh to join us. They joined us by 2, we welcomed them with Neer Majjige. I felt really sorry for them they were very tired carrying heavy luggage. But here their thirst was quenched with water and food. Here all understood the “VALUE OF FOOD” and none commented on it.

We continued our trek at 3, with sharp eyes we kept close watch on every movement since the officer at the forest department instructed us to be very careful because the further path was prone to elephants. We all discussed to be together and we silently continued our trek. We rested a wile at different places. At Bheema’s rock Amar Anna cracked jokes it was awesome there. Since I was in the front with Uday Anna, Kiran Anna, Varsha and Jyothi we had great fun discussing about Driver-Conductor etc. Especially the story narrated by Varsha about PRACHANDA PISHACIGALU was awesome. “Hope u continue reading it Varsha”. By 6:30 we reached the base, we took a group photo here. And by 7:00 we booked rooms in a lodge to take bath and leave for Kukke subramanya temple. At 8 we left the lodge and went to the temple. A great procession with the elephant was there inside the temple. We peacefully saw god. This was the best moment. After this we sat outside the temple for a while and ashwin, chaithra and I decided to leave because we had already booked tickets to Bangalore for 9:30 express bus.

I had the hard moment of my life here, bidding them was hard. I remember every moment I spent with them. It’s very sad that the time has passed fast. I MISS YOU ALL. HOPE I MEET YOU ALL SOON.

THIS WAS THE BEST TREK I HAVE EVER DONE THIS WILL BE REMEMBERED BY ME ALWAYS!!         

I AM SORRY IF I HAVE HAVE HURT ANYONE IN ANY WAY ! PLEASE FORGIVE ME AND DO COMMENT IN THE COMMENTS SECTION 

The Alchemist. . . . . .

The Alchemist is a story centred on a shepherd “Santiago”, stories hero. Who follows his dream in the story. On his way in perceiving his dream he learns different things from different people.

Santiago is a humble and self-confident shepherd, he had an ambition of becoming shepherd and he continued to be so. He always carries a book and wine with him. One day he had a dream “where he saw treasure hidden thousands of miles away, near the pyramids”. He later goes to a gypsy where she tells him to start his start his journey in search of pyramids. Then Santiago meets Melchizedek, a strange wise man who claims he is a king from a far-off land, Melchizedek tells Santiago that he will help him to seek his treasure. Coming day, Santiago sells his sheep and starts his journey to Africa to pursue his dream.

After arriving in Africa he will be robbed first, due to this he loses all his money, hence he decides to join a local crystal shop. After joining this shop there will be a huge progress in the sales. After working for a year he gets large sum of money enough to buy hundred sheep’s, though he thinks of going back to Andalusia he decides to go ahead and perceive his dream. He buys a caravan in order to reach Egypt, during this journey he meets an Englishman. He had been travelling to Africa just to meet a renowned alchemist. Englishman tells Santiago about the Alchemy, Santiago feels there is a connection between Englishman’s words and Melchizedek’s words (Language of the world or the soul of the world). During this travel both come to know about the tribal wars happening nearby.

He finally arrives at Al-Fayoum oasis the place where Alchemist says (As Englishman had said earlier) here Santiago meets a beautiful girl named Fatima their eyes meet and they fall in love (Love at first sight). When he goes to have a look at the desert Santiago sees two falcons fighting with each other, he interprets this to be a sign of upcoming battle. He decides to convey this to chief of the oasis and he does so, the war takes place next day, the chief offers him a position as a counsellor due to his true vision. Now Santiago decides to stay at the oasis with Fatima, but the Alchemist finds Santiago and suggests him to continue his journey towards achieving his destiny. He also tells him that he will lead Santiago to his treasure.

On the way to pyramids the alchemist teaches Santiago to listen to his heart, when they almost reach Egypt a tribal group arrests them. Alchemist tells them that Santiago his friend is a great alchemist who can turn himself into wind. The tribal group releases them and says he wants to see the miracle. Santiago tells he doesn’t know how to turn himself into wind. After three days he gets ready to perform the task, he asks the help of desert, wind, sun and heaven (soul of the world) and finally he disappears and comes back on the other side of the camp. Seeing this, the tribal group releases them and they drop them at Coptic monastery as per the request of alchemist, here alchemist shows his ability of turning lead into gold. Alchemist bids farewell to Santiago and goes away.

Santiago reaches pyramids and he starts digging at the place where his tears fall, here he will be robbed for the second time, and here he realises his dream and destiny. The robber tells Santiago that he had the same dream with one difference, the treasure being buried at Spain. Santiago realizes that the treasure was back in Spain the entire time. He reaches Spain, and the church where he had that dream. He finds the treasure buried at the base of sycamore.

His dream came true, but now he remembers Fatima and shouts “I am coming Fatima”. . .

Trek to kote betta !

I was frustrated at home in these holidays. I asked all my friends regarding treks but it was of no use. Finally I registered with BASC for a trek to Bandaje but I was not short listed. Though everything happened I finally went for a trek to “KOTE BETTA” for this I will always be thankful to my teacher Arun and his friend Srikanth. We started on 30^th night (april) from satellite bus stand on Mysore road and we reached  Madikeri  at 5 the next day. From there we reached Hatti Halli by 7.

We started our trek after  freshen up at a river there. After that we had our breakfast where Srikanth cut his hand with a swis knife. “ Navu raktha surisi trek madudvi ” Later we reached different water points and continued our trek. We took rest at different places, at last we were at the peak by 2 and then we had our lunch there. We slept there for an hour and left peak by 3. But we lost our way, we roamed there for half an hour and finally my camera helped us to find the way back. We trekked back and reached the base by 5 before leaving we enjoyed at the river.

We waited at Hatti Halli till 7:30 for bus, we were tensed we were planning to reach madikeri by hiring a jeep! But the bus arrived in time and we reached madikeri by 8:30, half an hour before the starting time. Everything went on fine and we were back at Bangalore by 4:30, Srikanth dropped me at Banashankari bus stand and I reached home safely.