San Juan

The calm and quiet reflection unravels all knots.

- Harold MacMillan

 San Juan is the name given to the festivity of summer solstice in most of Spain. Here at home in the Canary Islands, we celebrate the longest day of the year on the 24th of June, in honour of Jean Baptiste, San Juan Bautista in Spanish.

The modern festivities of today, lead us to the nearest beaches in the city. Here in Las Palmas we head over to Las Canteras, where the beach sees probably one of its biggest crowds of the year. Bonfires are lit in the beach, and the sand is crowded with keen youngsters celebrating the end of their academic year and the start of the Summer. Many believe in burning their notes and books, which are now useless to them. However, the festivity of San Juan comes from a long time ago and in some ways hasnt changed all that much.

San Juan follows the ancient traditions of the Roman Empire. During those times, the sky was considered to be the home of Gods, heaven you could say. Everything that happened in the skies was considered to be divine, and therefore celebrated or feared.

And just as the arrival of spring was a sign of renewal and beginning, (even the original Roman calendar began in the month of Martius 'March') the arrival of the summer solstice was a negative signal. The fact that from that time the days were getting shorter and the darkness will gain ground in the light was not good. Thus a series of rites were performed in order to counteract this negative effect. One of these ancient pagan solar rites consisted in making a round-shaped kink with a hole in the center symbolizing the solar disk, the open air eating soaked in sweet wine.

Today these ancient traditions haven differed much. On the eve of the 24th of June, I headed out to Playa Las Canteras, a beach situated a mere 5 minutes away from my house. The whole beach was packed, actually way overcrowded would do it more justice. There were people of all ages. Some in the sand having BBQs and drinking away, others standing in the footpath expectantly waiting for it to be 12 and thus watch the fireworks go. 

I personally just headed down to the beach to watch something I had missed out on, these last few years. It was also another excuse just to have a get together with friends, and possibly meet other friends at the beach, whom I had not seen in years. The whole experience was amazing. But what surprised me more is that thousands of years ago, a very similar ritual took place. I wonder how many people actually know about this? and I would like to think that come another 1000 years will this still keep happening?
History is an interesting thing. A lot of people feel that it is one of the most pointless subjects in life, and that there is no need to know anything about it. But I find that we always need to know how we have got to a current situation. Some event in the past will always lead to what we are today, and the knowledge of these events make us wiser, and less prone to making any mistakes made before.

Below I have left you a small video with the fireworks display at the beach this year, the real show was much more longer.

Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again.

Rishi...

Playa del Ingles

Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'

- Robin Williams (American Actor) 


Gran Canaria is divided into two main areas: the North which has the main city: Las Palmas, and the South.The South is the tourist area. It gets the better climate of the island (if you like the sun) and is full of hotels, apartments, beaches and clubs. I got to spend last weekend in the South of my island, specifically in the main area called Playa del Ingles, which translated into English says "the English's beach".

 The name alone should give you a clue as to what the atmosphere is like over there. Although to be honest, the place doesn't only have English tourists, nowadays there are probably more Germans and Scandinavians in the area.

Playa del Ingles sees a lot more sun then the capital of the Island Las Palmas. Its the perfect weather throughout the year and gives you the relaxing holiday sensation, many people enjoy.

The weekend in Playa del Ingles was amazing, I got there at about 12 and since then it was like I managed to switch a button inside of me. As soon as I stepped out of the car and stood on the southern land, I was on "HOLIDAY MODE."
The weather was fantastic! It was still spring officially, the last weekend of Spring. But I do not see how Summer is going to be any different. It was the perfect weather, where anyone would kill to be in a swimming pool.

We were a group of 12 friend from the city, that arranged for 3 apartments for the weekend. We spent the whole day laughing and at night we got into the best club in Playa del Ingles. The famous Pacha, there was even a Fashion TV party going on that night, so it turned out to be a brilliant and memorable night. I managed to see half of the Las Palmas squad partying away too, and managed to have a good chat with Guayre and Sergio Suarez.
The next day was again another day of pool, fun and more sun, until the evening started to kick in and we were reminded that this paradise was only temporary and we needed to return back to the north.

This was my last weekend of spring, it probably is going to be one of the better ones I will have this year. I finally also able to get a glimpse of Playa del Ingles, as it has probably been over 2 years since I last managed to visit it.

So now Spring is over, "natures way of saying. Lets Party" has probably ended. But Summer is upon us, and
Summer is humanity's way of saying ENJOY, and you can be sure that is exactly what I am going to do.

Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again.

Rishi...

Life, a Plan?

Most people live life on the path we set for them. Too afraid to explore any other. But once in a while people like you come along and knock down all the obstacles we put in your way. People who realize free will is a gift, you'll never know how to use until you fight for it. I think that's The Chairman's real plan. And maybe, one day, we won't write the plan. You will.

- Harry Mitchell (The Adjustment Bureau)


The Adjustment Bureau, was the best movie I watched this week. It stars, arguably, the best Hollywood actor of the moment: Matt Damon. The movie follows and interesting idea. Life is a plan! Everybody's life is already written and and we just have to follow it.
Another movie with a similar idea that comes straight to mind is "The Matrix." Another world where everything is working according to plan. These kind of movies do bring up an interesting idea.

Am I writing this blog about this topic because it was already planned?

Are you reading this in this exact moment because you are supposed to?

As far as we may know, we already have our whole life planned ahead of us, all our failures and accomplishments may be written and all we have to do is play our part in this 'game'.
Imagine that? You may be putting you're fullest effort on an exam, but despite what you do, there are already plans for way after that exam.

I personally find all of this a very interesting idea but dont buy into all of it. I believe that every individual may be born with a destiny, but that destiny keeps changing depending on the decisions we make. I believe in hard work; to get something you have to work for it. Of course in many cases hard work doesnt suffice, you have to also be lucky. But luck to a certain extent also has to be earned.

So although, many of us would love to know what is gonna happen with our lives. That there is already a plan and we can look ahead and prepare each step. I am contrary to that feeling. Life would just be boring. Why would I watch a World Cup if I already know who is going to win? The uncertainty of life is what makes it exciting and adds that extra spice many of us need. Life is not a plan, we may fight and work to direct it towards what we plan, but there are always surprises along the road.

Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again.

Rishi...

ps. Bit of a delay on this post but there will be an extra one following this one for this week.. 

Mutation

"Mutation: it is the key to our evolution. It has enabled us to evolve from a single-celled organism into the dominant species on the planet. This process is slow, and normally taking thousands and thousands of years. But every few hundred millennia, evolution leaps forward."

- Prof. Charles Francis Xavier (X-Men Character)

Mutation: a sudden departure from the parent type in one or more heritable characteristics, caused by a change in a gene or a chromosome. (Dictionary.com)

Mutation is an interesting subject, there are different kind of views in which people interpret what mutation really is, and despite quoting a fictional character, I do want to speak about real mutation.

There is always the general idea that mutation is simply "a freak." A human being who is different from the rest. Whose genetical form has a variation from what is considered to be normal.

However I believe in a different idea, in survival. I think mutation is natural. Its nature's way of evolving into a race ready for the new era.

The theory of evolution by Charles Darwin developed in AD 1859, in his book Origin of Species; theorized that humans evolved from a lower order of animals, such as primates. Darwin, said that humans evolved from what we consider to be gorillas and chimps, today. I believe that mutation falls along these lines. Life of on earth changes with time, and the human race needs to adapt to be able to live with these changes. I believe that mutation improves the human being and allows them to survive under the new circumstances. So in this case I believe us humans are mutants from the early Neanderthals. 

The quote in this text is indeed from a fictional movie, X-Men. Therefore many of you may see this as some kind of fantasy and might not buy into what I am talking about. But there are some interesting cases in the world, in terms of mutants. A very famous case is Ben Underwood. 

Ben was a blind person who used to still see without his eyes. STRANGE? 

Well Ben Underwood, used to be able to see sound, and used to therefore make sounds with his tongue in order to be able to visualize anything he wanted to see. The real Daredevil you could say... 

So, I really got inspired, by the movie I watched last night: X-Men First Class. The movie was really good, but the idea behind it was even more fascinating, and the line by Charles Xavier even makes sense in a real world. Humans like animals evolve over time, they do vary. Who knows in a future we could all be Supermen, with ability to fly, because walking isn't an option. 

Mutation is very real, unfortunately its not as real as the mutation shown in the X-Men movies. Wouldn't that be awesome?

Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again.

Rishi...

UD Las Palmas v CD Tenerife

Me gustaría que en Gran Canaria nos hicieran el pasillo

I would like to have the guard of honour done at the game in Gran Canaria.

- Miguel Concepción (23/Jul/2010)

Las Palmas v Tenerife is more than a game in this region of the world. Its the Real Madrid Barcelona of the Canary Islands. Its the clash of yellow vs white and blues.The game matches the two most important islands that form the Canary Islands.

Las Palmas historically have been the better side in football. Having achieved a runners up medal in the Spanish league and the Spanish cup. The yellows sides achievements historically are far greater than those of CD Tenerife. However Tenerife have been the better side in the last years. Having been a Primera Division side last year.

On June 4th 2011, yesterday, I had the satisfaction to attend the biggest match of the year in the Estadio de Gran Canaria. It was the season finale, and it was a Las Palmas v Tenerife. Unfortunately the game had nothing but pride to play for.

Tenerife having had the most dreadful season in years, invested money to bounce back to Primera Division. Their preseason slogan was something like "Back in Primera before you know it." Very Ironic some would say now.

Las Palmas had a dream start, having declared at the beginning that there was no money left and the team would have to rely entirely on their youth players. The team seemed to be the best of the league in the first few games. However the team soon proved to be a relegation fighting team and managed to save themselves with 2 games to spare.

Therefore the match on Saturday meant nothing to any of the two teams, in terms of the league.

The stadium had 22000 fans gathered inside the stadium and maybe 30 made the trip from Tenerife to get laughed at. The game was a yellow party more than ever. The sensation of being in the stadium watching live spanish football was breathtaking. I loved every minute of it. The chants, the excitement, the mockery... It was beyond belief, and to add to it. My team, Las Palmas beat Tenerife 1-0, to rub salt into their wound.

Now Miguel Concepcion, is the CD Tenerife Chairman. At the beginning of the season, and after knowing that the last match of the season would be in Gran Canaria, the "clown" went on to say that he would have a guard of honour done for his team at this game, implying that his side would be champions of the league.

He did however still get a guard of honour from the fans for this game. It was the guard of honour one receives at their funeral. As on Saturday I was one of the 22000 fans that celebrated the funeral of Club Deportivo Tenerife from the Segunda division.

Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again.

Rishi...

Las Palmas!!

After a storm comes a calm.
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry was an English commentator on the Bible and Presbyterian minister during the 1700s. His quote describes the last week of mine in, what else to call it but: PARADISE.

Las Palmas for those of you how do not know of it, is one of the 7 islands that together form the Canary Islands. Politically we are Spanish, but if you look at a world map and find Spain the islands are no where near the country. 90 km of the western coast of the African Continent. Thats where you'd be able to find the Canary Islands. Still the one and only word I can use to describe my Island: Gran Canaria is PARADISE. The place is beauty beyond belief. The climate is just perfect, never too hot never cold that temperature everybody loves, where a light jacket may be needed on ocassions but a short sleeve t shirt will do mostly.

The island where I grew up gets me for a period of 3 months after years, and I am not going to miss the chance to make the most out of it.

Now my life has gym, driving school and chilling, plus the occasional party. The next 3 months are definitely going to be amazing and relaxing.

For starts this weekend we have the biggest football game the island can have played here. Its the Las Palmas v Tenerife derbi. Its really not a big match this time though. Tenerife have been useless this season and are already headed for the Spanish 2B so its basically going to be like a funeral game, where they get to play in their biggest rivals ground before going down. It is going to still be fun. The RIP slogan which their fans keep stating to Las Palmas is going to be a big one for them this time at our stadium. Loving the idea of it already.

So after being a week here, it really has been the calm I have lacked for the last few months. Its the perfect cure for all the stress I had left from disso or exams, and the hangovers from that last week of partying.

My life to quote Matthew Henry has really been "after a storm, comes a calm."

Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again.

Rishi...

A Chapter ends...

“This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

-Winston Churchill

The average years a male human is expected to live is around 67 years of age. I am 22 so if I follow the average calculation I could be somewhere near the end of the first third of my life expectancy; if I am to only live the average age. To follow the quote of the great British PM during World War II, Winston Churchill, I am at "the end of the beginning in my life."

By Tuesday this week a chapter of my life will definitely come to an end. The university period of my life ends, or even the English adventure comes to its finale. I may be back but it doesn't seem to be planned for the near future.

Life in the UK, has been interesting! to use the right word. There have been ups and downs and it has been a roller-coaster of 4 years. I still remember that first night in September of 2007 when I came to this country and ended up in my university campus alone with no known faces whatsoever. It was definitely a tough start to a great period in my life. I look at myself today and I can for sure state that I have changed a lot from that day in September.

Brunel has seen me for 3 out of the 4 years I have spent in this country. 4 years full of memories. Amazing ones and the not so tasteful ones as well unfortunately. The silly things I remember from my trip here is how my first meal here was at Nando's with 7 random people. How my first night out was in pyjamas, as it was a pyjama party. I remember my first time at Ministry of Sound, during first year and what an amazing night that was. There are so many things that have made me what I am today, and these 4 years have been so much fun too.

After the 4 years I can say I am much better at IT, but of course one would expect that doing a degree in Computer Science. My English skills have dramatically improved, I can adapt my accent to different situations for some reason. My culinary skills can now be called basic, altough I feel I may be pushing it, and last but not least I have met a lot of interesting and/or wonderful people in this country. I will remember London more for the people and how each and everyone influenced my time in the city.

But as I write these words, my bags are now packed except for the last one of course. There is nothing like the feeling you get when you do things last minute. Love it!

Despite not being in love with this city, I am going to miss it for many things, but yet I will also be glad I can leave. My Life will just carry on I guess, because this isn't the end, its not even the "beginning of the end", it may "perhaps be the end of the beginning..." and I am ready for whatever is coming my way for the rest of the adventure. Until then...

Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again.

Rishi...

Bizarre Letter of complaint to Uni

Here is as promised the most bizarre letter I have had to write in a very long time. University decided to let me down last week of exams...

It was really a joke.

--

Dear Members of Staff and Student Body,

I am writing as representative of the student body to make a complaint regarding the CS3100 exam on 11th May 2011.

The examination is a final year core module: Software Project Management. I am not aware if all disciplines of DISC in level 3 undertake this exam but I can confirm Computer Science, Information Systems and Network Computing students were part of the examination.

The examination began under normal circumstances however after the initial 10 minutes students started to question an aspect of question 1. After seeing many students raise this issue, the invigilator asked all students to discard this part of the question.

25 minutes into the examination, the same invigilator announced that the wrong set of questions had been given and that a new set of questions was being printed. Students then had to wait while this was carried out.

45 minutes into the exam we were given a new set of questions. We were told that due to the disruption we will be allowed and extra 30 minutes to continue the examination. This did not account for the loss of time in the examination, in total students should have been given an extra 45 minutes.

I have been asked to raise this concern by a number of students who undertook this examination, who are deeply concerned by the universities processes in relation to examination administration. A formal apology has been given for this mistake or the stress and anxiety this caused by this discrepancy, especially considering it is a level 3 examination. However there has been no other notification of what is going to happen with this examination, and the promised transparency in this whole process is yet to be proven.

Generally student’s opinions of this module have been poor; the module seemed to be taught by a broad mix of teachers as an extra module that did they showed little interest, enthusiasm or vigour in teaching.

As fee payers, contributing to our education, we are entitled to a certain quality of education; this is not it. If AQA, Cambridge or Edexcel made this kind of error at GCSE or A level, it would be considered a serious incident that would be reported to JCQ.

From my understanding this situation has not occurred before and I understand that everyone can make mistakes but it seems unfair to be awarded less time for an issue that had nothing to do with the students. Please can you let me know how you will prevent such incidents in the future and how you plan to rectify the current situation.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all members of staff in the department (support and teaching) and thank them for the otherwise wonderful experience I and other students have had at university.

Yours Sincerely,

Rishi Chandiramani

Level 3 Computer Science Student Rep.

--

Lets hope something is done about it, they did say the process would be transparent, but students have only received an apology letter on the 11th since then.

Also note I will try to post a real personal update before the end of the week! Until then..

Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again.

Rishi....

All falls into place...

"Eventually all things fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moments, and know EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON."
— Albert Schweitzer

Albert Schweitzer was a Franco-German (Alsatian) theologian, organist, philosopher, physician, and medical missionary.

He was definitely an optimist in life. His famous quote may have seemed one made by a laid back, maybe lazy person. But this man won a Nobel peace prize, I wonder how many actual laid back people have done this...

In fact this famous quote is probably the best quote to describe my life for the last few weeks and maybe months if that...

My year 3 at university has been exhausting and has proven to be quite challenging. My social life as a result of all of this has disappeared. But I must admit sometimes you just have to work your socks off for a year to collect the dividends. There have been moments of confusion, stress and disappointment. I would lie if I said that I wasn't hurt after having a job interview and getting a rejection despite thinking the interview went well.

My final year project came to a close late March and after that it was a hard month of revision that brought me to my last 2 weeks at university with 4 exams to do. The first 2 were actually the harder subjects of the 4 being held in the first week. However the highlight day of my year falls on the Thursday of that week, 05/05/2011. I got a phone call on my Spanish mobile at around 2.30 pm. It was a blocked number, and just days earlier I had got a call from Vodafone asking me if I was interested in switching lines. So I assumed it would be Orange or some other company. To my surprise PwC called and offer me a JOB! something I had been hoping for since at least January.

To quote Albert Schweitzer again "eventually all things fall into place.." that just seemed to happen to me on that day. I had finished one of the toughest papers I have had at university and I had a plan now. I wasn't headed back to Spain without knowing where the future was taking me. Come September I have a job!

The following week lead to some more good stories, including the university handing out the wrong set of questions for an exam and wasting 45 minutes of our time. I promise I will publish more on that as I need to fight the case as a course Rep. I am writing a letter to the department so I will probably post this letter so that everyone can see what exactly happened.

But yes now its Tuesday 01.38 AM and I am exactly 7 days away from closing, what is probably the turning point of my life. A chapter that has probably made me in many ways what I am today. The UK experience, the University experience. The country is going to be missed in many ways, but at the same time there are so many things I am going to be glad I am getting rid off. After all I am going back to SPAIN!!

So guys just remember, life is an interesting experience but hold on if you're having a hard time right now, just laugh at all the confusion because remember everything falls into place, it seems to have done that for me at least, till now.

Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again.

Rishi....

Location:Isambard Close,,United Kingdom