Trip to Macau

Interesting city. Also called the Las Vegas of East. There are 31 casinos in Macau!Gambling is legal here.

It was a Portuguese colony for about 450 years. While the language is no longer spoken, the signage's are still there a reminder of its past. Many sites worth visiting; all a reminder of its legacy. The ruins of saint Paul's cathedral, the Mayors old residence, Moorish Barracks, Guia Fortress, and Churches. The old Portuguese architecture is very soothing. Enchanting. The exterior is mostly painted White or Creamish yellow. Lots of Arches, shady verandah's and big windows. Reminiscent of a long gone past- of sailors and priests.....life was so uncomplicated. Serene.

Complexely interwoven in the cities culture alongside the Postugese monuments are the brightly light, Golden Hotels and Casino Buildings. I was left wondering about the electicity consumption of this city. The Hotels are maginficent- The Grand Lisboa, tallest building in Macau, MGM Grand Hotel and the Ventian is a latest addition. The buildings are absolutely stunning- all covered with Neon lights from top to botton. At night the city glows and shines....in rainbow colours. A lot of the newer areas are reclaimed land. Well connected by a mesh of fly-overs and bridges right in the middle of the Sea. Public transportation is limited to the Bus. Taxis are abundant. The Macau tower is an interesting experience. Opportunity to Sky jump, Bungy jump and sky walk. It is the 10th highest tower in the world and 8th highest in Asia. Amazing modern Architecture.

But what the city probably lacks is the spirit of Las Vegas. The loudness, the naughtiness of Vegas. Something about Vegas makes it look and sound like a very sexy women. I found that missing in Macau.

Macau has its owm currency called Phataka. In terms of value 1 Phataka is almost equal to a Hongkong Dollar. However Hongkong dollar is also accepted all over the city. The people of Macau are very friendly and helpful. Hotels decent and staff is courteous.

Overall a very exciting and interesting experience.

Breaking free from old patterns..how easy or how difficult is it?

Breaking free from old patterns..how easy or how difficult is it? I am discovering for myself.

Basis this realisation that I have been living a regimented life so far. Its not just about me. I am just a prototype; there are millions out there who share a similar background. At least in the Indian urban context. From the time I gained some semblance of self (ego or awareness), it was school and life revolved around the school. Almost 14 years of a very strict, time driven disciplined life.Then came college and professional education. This period was not as regimental, but being the studious kind of a person, I dint really hang around in the canteens or movie theaters....so again there was discipline and routine for me at least.

Education over, came professional or work life. Again time bound. Almost as strict and disciplined in terms of time and effort as school/College was. The School teachers were replaced by strict superiors and bosses.

School put one kind of pressure on the mind...to do well.. to score well... to perform in extra -curricular etc etc...Parents and teachers had set % targets (across all the standards right from 1st onwards...). Reprimand from teachers....

Work life has been similar pressures.... to do well.....performance...reprimand from bosses....

Now my mind is completely conditioned to this routine, pressure and discipline (forced one).

But for how long can we take this without cracking? Result burn out. Exhaustion, boredom, disinterest, lack of focus, urge to get away from it all. What is the way out?

The solution lies in getting out of this pattern. But not easy. Requires one to take some harsh and risky decisions. But then I have realized that to grow and discover a higher self, it is important to take this risk. To get out of this conditioned existence and break free. I was delaying it. But yes, there has been an acceptance that this patterns has to change.

Now I am working towards a plan to free myself of this conditioning; get out of this highly time bound and disciplined life!! To find a more meaningful and creative purpose.

Has not been easy....It is very difficult to unlearn so many years of such rigid existence.

The pressure to perform has become so much a part of me..that now that its not there, I feel this terrible lightness in my head....:)

I am trying to break out of this pattern. So many small small habits....keep looking at the watch; keep looking at the phone as if it will come to life suddenly; keep checking mails....

It is not easy to break free from such old conditioning. But yes, I am trying!

Why do we have to take decisions?

Life would be so good if there were no decisions to taken..isn't it so?

But no...we have to choose...take decisions. I am happy that god has given me the power and intelligence to take decisions....but sometimes I hate choosing. If only one event after the other would unfold on its own and life would go on smoothly. What will happen after the decision has been taken is what I fear. So many a times I keep postponing decisions.

It is a realisation that as we grow older, the decisions we are required to take also become more complex. Don't know why? I think as we grow older we also become so complex. Too much unwanted information gets stored in our brain. As we grow older we take longer to decide. Reminds me of my computer. When the hard disk is loaded with too much data and I recall some information....the poor computer takes this ages to get the info. Same happens to our brain too. We check out too many pros and cons, calculate the outcome of our decisions and are too cautious!

I have realized that the more I postpone taking a decision, the tougher it gets to actually decide.

But then what would life be if we had no choices to make? Nothing :)-