Why this blog is called "Gallimaufry".

gal-uh-MAW-free\, noun.

Originally meaning "a hash of various kinds of meats," "gallimaufry" comes from French galimafrée; in Old French, from the word galer, "to rejoice, to make merry"; in old English: gala + mafrer: "to eat much," and from Medieval Dutch maffelen: "to open one's mouth wide."

It's also a dish made by hashing up odds and ends of food; a heterogeneous mixture; a hodge-podge; a ragout; a confused jumble; a ridiculous medley; a promiscuous (!) assemblage of persons.

Those of you who know me, will, I’m sure, understand how well some of these phrases (barring the "promiscuous" bit!) fit me.

More importantly, this blog is an ode to my love for Shimla. I hope to show you this little town through my eyes. If you don't see too many people in it, forgive me, because I'm a little chary of turning this into a human zoo.

Stop by for a spell, look at my pictures, ask me questions about Shimla, if you wish. I shall try and answer them as best as I can. Let's be friends for a while....

20 March 2010

Thou unassuming Commonplace Of nature, with that homely face...


Flower in the crannied wall,
I pluck you out the crannies,
I hold you here, root and all, in my hand,
Little flower – but ‘if’ I could understand
What you are, root and all, and all in all,
I should know what God and man is.

~ Alfred, Lord Tennyson ~

2 comments:

nandita said...

The beginning of your blog"I love travelling. I love Shimla. I love travelling to and living in Shimla" ,i read this and i knew i had to write to you..
I have done my graduation from St.Bede's College, Shimla in 2009.
I was the college photographer for two years.I don't know who you are,what you do but i was just pulled by your blog like a magnet..Like i am to Shimla,drawn....I see all sentiments i have for Shimla(food,places,people,weather) in your blog.I have documented Shimla for three years..All that i liked..long walks..pastries..flowers..mist..rain..I am so amazed at your work and so happy that someone else out there feels the same..Congratulations.

Regards,
Nandita Aron

Geetali said...

Thank you, Nandita, for your kind words... It takes one to know, eh? Shimla's like that - one look and you're madly and deeply in love.

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