Not just Another Brick in the Wall

Psychedelic Rock! What in the world is that? and Progressive Rock? Some people would think it to be more decadent than the name suggests. Then why the fan following and in fact sometimes fanaticism about this band called Pink Floyd. During thee 70's and 80's they played music that was always associated with that extra puff that would get you to understand and vibe better with them. In fact, there was a time a friend asked me in response to my liking Pink Floyd, "Do you dope?". It was only in time I learned what that statement meant and how odd a fan I was!

I have never understood their lyrics and don't think I ever will. But their music has always been a indefatigable source of inspiration for millions including my room mate, RGB. The music can take you to a high, that in my opinion, even the biggest puffs (of magic purple dragons) cannot not give you. The intoxicating guitar, the esoteric lyrics, the blinding pyrotechnics and light displays, all contributing to an enthralling performance that literally mesmerizes you.

Roger Waters had come to Mumbai as a part of his promotional world tour of Dark Side of the Moon. The concert was, well, not as flamboyant as Pulse, but that was a different story all together. That was more of a wonder for the elite than something for us, the bourgeois. Not disparaging the performance here by any means, it was awe inspiring. It wouldn't be too presumptuous for me to hint at me coming to Mumbai to work as divine intervention.

Roger Waters had come to Bangalore 4 years ago and I missed him that time, but this time I kept my date and it was worth every penny I paid. This adds on to my tally of three: Sting, Mark Knopfler and now Raaaauuuuger Waaaterssss.

The Dark Side of Roger Waters

How poor are they that have not patience!
What wound did ever heal but by degrees?

I have, since the time I was young, always wanted everything to be done at a time that I chose and and a pace I was comfortable with. I usually blew my top when there was something slow, someone slow or anything getting excessively delayed. I could convince people to do what I wanted them to. I don't know if that was something innate or something I acquired. I had my bike and I could leave home few minutes before I needed to reach the place. I had never waited. I had had it easy. All the while I thought that I could do anything I wanted but Shakespear thought otherwise. I was poor!

All of this, till I came to this place that everyone said will give me a good exposure. And Mumbai didn't disappoint. This city of large distances, right from day one thought me time and time again to wait, to have patience.

I had to travel by public transport, something I had never done before, because I never had to. In this gigantic city of unending surprises, I had to start traveling two hours to and back form work. I lost my cool. But slowly realized that, that was how a metro would be and had to live with it. Someone had moved my proverbial cheese.

In time I did keep learning how to adjust to the cheese being moved, tried to keep changing with time, trying to keep my motivation up, and each time trying new techniques to rid myself of the blues. It could be music, sport,movies, prayer, excursions... or anything.

Living outside home is not difficult if you break the problems down; can manage with the food, can keep the place clean, can wash clothes, can handle the pressures at work, can fight boredom.... but doing them all together, and moreover without the family is what is difficult. But again as I said, I have learned to move with the cheese and that has kept me enthused.

Let him that hath no power of patience retire within himself,
though even there he will have to put up with himself.