Overheard

I was at a chemist's shop waiting patiently for the sales person at the counter to get free.
He was busy dealing with a lady who had come to buy some 'salt solution' which the doctor had prescribed her to wash the dentures of her son. The bottle costed Rs 60 and the lady was visibly upset at spending so much for a one time wash of the dentures.
She asked the sales person if it was alright to wash the dentures in warm salted water to which he replied "arey madam aapko kahan paison ki kami hai" and without battling an eyelid the lady replied, "toh udaa dein kya?"
I couldn't help smiling.

Taking time out

I've recently joined my new employer. Well not too recently either, it's been nine months now. I am a consultant now. An average consultant spends a lot of his life travelling. His travel plans are unplanned and bizarre.
To be honest, I've been lucky and haven't been asked by my employers to explore the length and breadth of this country much.My last post was live from the side upper berth of a Ambikapur bound train. That was my first trip. This was to Chhattisgarh - the land of maoists.
My second and the most recent trip was to Chandigarh, Jammu and Simla.
I've often discussed this with my colleagues and they tell me how difficult it is to be a tourist at a place you are visiting for business. I, however disagree.
I am of the opinion that if there is a will, there is a way.
On my first trip to Chhattisgarh, I could get time do sight see the city of Raipur, explore a mall, shop Kosa silk at the local cloth market and buy souvenirs from the forest department's emporium. I would have explored the jungles of Bastar as well if I had my own conveyance!
On my second trip, which was much shorter and much more rushed, I could visit old acquaintances, have a quick lunch at the Mall road in Simla, shop Kashmiri embroidery suits and be a guest at the Western Army Command's GOC-IN-C.
Am not saying I've achieved a laudable feat. All am saying is that it is important to take time out for yourself and mix work with pleasure. Contrary to the belief of many of my colleagues, it is only after one does this, work becomes pleasure!