Memoirs of A Geisha

The first big movie outing of the New Year. The movie itself stayed surprisingly true to the book and wasn't too bad considering the scathing reviews.

Also, surprisingly, I did not feel the need to bitch-slap Zhang Zi-Yi so much. Which was weird and not exactly pleasant. Though I completely adored both Hero and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, my enjoyment was marred by the constant twitching in my hand that just wanted to dive into that screen and pummel Zhang Zi-Yi to a pulp or at least till she wiped that self-satisfied smirk off her pip-squeaky face.

In Geisha, she was almost likeable but still could not hold a candle to the luminous Gong Li who played Hatsumomo to perfection - bitter, defeated yet dignified, gorgeous. What was Zhang Yimou thinking when he cast her aside for Zhang Zi-Yi?!!

Twas also nice to see the RH Padawans back from their break. Missed them much.

Picture time!. Do forgive motion unsharpness; my hands are not as steady as they used to be - old age and all that... (Actually most pictures were taken by Venki who appropriated the camera, thanks Venki!)

Sans Preeti (rushed back to RK's arms), Arches, Muna, Claudius (rushed away into the glow of alcohol) & Arpita (gazing at Nitin)

With a "bedeviled" Arpita who this time proceeds to block Corine

The Other Side...eh Arpita again! The girl is insidious I tell you.

Despite his avowed "horniness", Arpita still thinks Nitin is "bagus"!

Divya - all hot and bo(the)red

Ram & Prasanna

Good Deed For the Day - Reuniting Long Lost Cousins, Nitin's and Sriram's SHIRTS

Blardy Mallus - With Sanjay

After dinner we (Nitin, Arpita, Sanjay & myself) rejoined the Alcoholically-Inclined at the Scarlet Hotel. Unfortunately we got too comfortable and missed a salsa session with Kavita and Sunita2. Eventually though we got tired of the intellectual conversation and hit the clubs.

Got turned away from Attica supposedly due to Sanjay's "age". Whatever. Went to Forbidden City instead and then to the pre-requisite supper/breakfast where Arpita rejoined us.

On a whim, we turned into this sleazy looking place blasting excellent hindi songs. Turned out to be one of those "men only" places with dancing girls. The girls were so gorgeous! One in particular was so beautiful and engaging that we "tipped" her. Wonder what's the story there?

Ended the night watching the Sun Come Up on the East Coast Beach