rajakolagatla

[rajakolagatla]

Jaanu (Telugu remake of ‘96′) review

First things first - '96' is a cult classic - epitome of all the lego blocks of movie making, fitting nicely and resonating to provide the highest level of cinematic experience. Be it lyrics or music or screenplay, every technician has put in the complete soul, to provide their once-in-lifetime output. Icing them is the array of emotions exhibited by lead pair - charm, vulnerable, yearning, melancholy (esp Vijay Sethupathi) - you will fall in love with the odd pair at the first sight. I will discuss again about all these in detail in latter half of the review.

I was looking forward to Jaanu for multiple reasons: the lead pair - Sarvanand who is one of best actors in younger crop of current generation and Samantha, who has upped the acting quotient with all the recent outings (Rangasthalam, Oh Baby and Majili). Time and again, it was proved that it will be suicidal to attempt cult movies in other languages, the tighter integration gets lost when remade in other languages (proved with '99' in Kannada). But this movie is spearheaded by original crew itself, produced by 'Dil' Raju (who is known by his penchant for good scripts and output) and centered around universal theme of 'Love'. Comparisons with original are inevitable, puts weight on the team, making them falter. I will reserve the comparisons with original in later half of the review.

The movie belongs to director C.Premkumar, who has brought in the poetic feeling right from the title cards. Though you see only two characters in the second half, you don't feel bored, because of the writing. In fact, you are drawn into world of Ram and Jaanu, that you feel the friction that runs between the two lovers, who get united after 17 years. The reason for separation looks silly, as well Ram hasn't moved on despite knowing that Jaanu is married and settled with kids. But the utopian love story is make-belive by the director with light hearted conversations, interspersed with lead pair revealing the reasons for separation. Placement of three scenes in second half (coffee shop scene, hotel room scene, yamuna tatilo song) shows the director's uncanny ability to keep the viewers hooked. Long pauses, deft touches and teasing the audience with metaphors, all aid to story telling - adding more details will be spoiler to movie. Director is aided by top notch photography by Mahendiran Jayaraju, helping the mood, even elevated the silence in the movie. Music deserves special mention, which I covered later.

Samantha excelled in author backed role yet again - the transformation from 'Jessie' to 'Jaanu' is complete and this will remain as one of her best movie, irrespective of the result. Only glitch in her acting, in some scenes, was when she looked up to Trisha's performance to mimic. When she was her natural best, where she brought in 'Rangasthalam' flavor, she got into the skin of the character with ease. Her adoration and yearning for Ram was palpable, her eyes light up when she sees Ram in clean shaved look, her eyes tease Ram to divulge the details and she portrays the break down so naturally (extension of ‘Majili’). In fact the movie elevates to new level, when she makes an entry (again like ‘Majili’ and ah, the superb background music). She will walk away with the most awards for sure, this year.

It was an bold and interesting decision from Sarvanand to accept the iconic character portrayed by Vijay Sethupati in tamil - Sarva looks much younger compared to Vijay, where as the character requires much matured look and couldn't match the charm and emotions displayed by Vijay from original. Weight of expectations to match Vijay put him down. Despite these shortcomings, it was the earnest acting displayed by him and his chemistry with Samantha makes the movie stand out from regular rom-com movies, we get to watch every other Friday. He deserves special appreciation to let Samantha take the limelight, but he isn’t left behind either. The grief exhibited in his eyes for the lost love, introvert emotions, shy smile for Jaanu’s grilling questions will create impression on viewer. This will remain as one of the best portrayals for him (Prasthanam still being the best). All the supporting actors did fine job.

Child crew, especially who reprises the lead pair, were good and believable. But the biggest blot in the movie is to shift the timeline to suite the younger lead pair and setting the movie in Vizag. School portions looked bit of out of place, seem like happening in village. It's hard to believe flash back portions depicted to happen in 2004 (internet, cable tv was pervasive then and students drove better cycles then :)). It was the director's inflexibility to make changes, leaves bad taste in the mouth. And the dialogue for some scenes is a big let down - they look like direct translations from original.

The major driving point for ‘96′ is the soul stirring music by Govind Vasnatha. The lyrics and the metaphors used were tightly integrated with the director's vision, making you to yearn for them. Whenever you listen to the songs, you are forced to visualize the exact scenario from the movie - that’s the reason movie earned cult status in Tamil. In Telugu, Govind faltered, again by his own high standards, may be because of language barrier. Prime example is the mediocre music for the Song 'Life of Ram'. Sirivennela garu once again provided wonderful lyrics highlighting ram hasn't moved on and leading lone life, with baggage of Jaanu's memories.

 "Na Ventapadi Nuventha Ontari, Valanoddu Anoddu Dayunchi Evaru, Inkonni Janmalaku Saripadu, Aneka Sruthulni Itharulu Eragaru"

Lyrics resembled the 'Enthavaraku Inta paragu' from ‘Gamyam’, but are prefectly apt for the introduction of Ram's character. Metaphors used for 'Pranam' and 'Intena' differ from Tamil, but lyricist Srimani succeeded in retrofitting the lyrics to original music. Govind brought in subtle changes for 'Komma meedi' ( ‘Iravingu Theevai’ in original 96), but it was Srimani who deserves accolades for coming up with poetic and excellent fresh lyrics. It seems like Sirivennela sir's pen which was used by Srimani for this song:

“Manam Manam, Chero Sagam, Chero Dishalle Marina, Oke Svaram Yekakshanam, Chero Padham Lo Cherina”

Not everyone can come up with heavy lyrics, for retrofitting to original hit music. This was one of the songs which seamlessly harmonized with the narrative, despite moving away from metaphor of nature & night in original. Same thing can't be said about 'Ananthame' and ('Anthaathi' in tamil)- Srimani has completely let down with sub-par lyrics, which looked like rhyming words are stitched to suit the music. Original one compares love with all 5 elements of nature, puts love above them and asks us to wait for the last - last stanza of song or last scene of the movie - leaving for our imagination. This is completely lost in translation. 'Anthaathi' was one of the reasons for pre-release buzz around '96' in Tamil. In Telugu it was the last song to get released - it was evident that 'Dil' Raju sensed the mediocre output. 'Oohale' has better lyrics in comparison, although no match to original 'Kaathale, Kaathale'.  For the record, all the songs in original '96' draw comparison or parallels to nature, highlighting the melancholy and friction between the lead pair. No wonder, director thanks 'mother nature' in title cards.

To sum it up - 'Jaanu' is a refreshing movie in isolation, aided by superb acting by lead pair and will make you leave with heavy heart. For those who had a similar journey at some point of life, this movie will make you yearn for it and the songs will grow on you. For generation Z, who move-on after breakup, this is a big yawn. For those who have seen the original, it's a bit of let down with misplaced timelines, non-exciting dialogue and the blame squarely lies on the original crew, which has helmed '96'.

[rajakolagatla]

#SoftwareEngineersAndTraffic

[Dear Software Engineer]

You can't manovuer an unmanned traffic junction But boast to client on skills of orchestration Shout fellow riders in act of frustration Hope you could inculcate art of application?

[rajakolagatla]

Bangalore traffic

Honk on right, honk on left

I am confused as the road is so tight

Its the every day morning traffic fight

When will BBMP get its planning right

#FridaymorningTraffic

[rajakolagatla]

#for subbu's achievement

Strong will to shake yourself out of comfort

Pursue the dream requiring wrenching effort

Sacrifice to progress as per your applecart

You will remain inspiration for our cohort!

[rajakolagatla]

Turkish 'brother' experience

You get moved by affectionate call of 'brother'.....

Wishing to have everything in platter...

You realize later that he has put you to shredder...

In the hindsight you think why did you bother!

[rajakolagatla]

Why argue over girl's name?

Every rape should be treated as crime.

As India garners notorious fame...

I hang my head in shame!

#Unnao #kathua

[rajakolagatla]

Goodbye Ericsson!

It was an emotional moment after I handed over the Ericsson ID card and stepped out of Citrine building. The recap started while I was driving to home - it was a journey of 3yrs 4mnths which came to grinding halt, when we are being transitioned to partner company. The Spirit will not be same, though we still continue to work for Ericsson. It was a difficult parting since we have put heart and soul into work (barring past 6 months, where I took a back seat to work on NFV - still sneaked into couple of escalations in between). It was a great team to work with, hang out with and share the floor with. Be it managers or engineers - everyone empathizes the customer scenario and ‘over commits’. Not once we felt the pressure, despite working in challenging environment, with shifts and ever angry customers. Despite some operational issues (thanks to never-ending complaints from customers), we had freedom to take step back when needed - thanks to our ‘B’oss at the helm of affairs.

It all started when I approached my former colleague when things are not going so great for me in Cisco. Two phone calls, followed by interview process - I was in Ericsson. It was remarkable couple of years when I was working on escalations / alerts back to back - at one moment. Today while discussing with TCS forwarding team, we recollected the number of WAR rooms we got involved in. As Ram remarked, the journey may be tedious - but when we look back it was indeed fun learning time. It aptly sums up the whole sojourn in Ericsson. At one point of time, I ended up working 13 weekends, after which my boss forced me to take a break. 

Every escalation has a story:

- Worked on one european tier-1 operator alert for span of 9 months: it firmed up my L2/L3/MPLS knowledge. Has put me in touch with L2/L3 experts in Ericsson. - One African operator's escalation of 3 months: taught me how to hold up. At one point of time, Ericsson country head openly commented on our expertise and asked to move the work out of BLR to US. - Another Russian Escalation: Provided me to opportunity to propose solution instead of software fix. Made good friends with the Russian Solution Architects, who continued to approach for long time after that escalation - Another Spanish escalation: Taught me how to hang on, despite the push from development teams.

And the list goes on and on...

Story changed since a last year or so, when we started working on NFV and cloud - again a great learning with superb team.

I felt overwhelmed when engineers approached me reminding me that I was their first Kanban Lead, after they joined team and thanked for the guidance I have provided. It gives immense satisfaction when you can influence people and hear the acknowledgement from them. I hope I would continue that in years to come.

Ericsson, the way you flushed us make me feel annoyed, vexed and frustrated. You have circumvented to take the easy way out and dump us with partner company. You did with ease and that sucks! Your competitor would have paid me 3Lks for ~20 escalations I have worked over span of 3 years (assuming Amaze 2 award for 16000 for every CAP case). Instead you didn't even unlock my KC shares too. You have set a wrong precedence.

[rajakolagatla]

Reflections of 2017

At the dawn of the new year eve, I spent quite some time reflecting the changes that the current year has brought in - 2017 has been good year for me on both professional and personal fronts.

I got enrolled into the course that I have been longing for (and postponing for quite sometime) - PGPEM from IIM Bangalore. It has been a satisfying experience so far and the course proceedings has been taking quite a chunk of time from my dairy. On personal front, it was a remarkable year with Shanti returning to work and kids moved to bigger school. These changes meant me to take lion share in the parenting, which I hasn’t been quite used to :). I have spent whole year managing work, family and the MBA course.

PGPEM course has helped me to share the class room with league of 78 fantastic individuals, who are unique and talented in their own fields. Some true friendships are forged and i hope the streak will continue in months to come. It rekindled the learning streak in me, which kind of tapered down with the life drowned in mundane activities. I am indebted to my study group, to pull me up on the night before exams to secure better grades in the course.Each club in the class, which I am part of, reminded me of forgotten interests of travel, photography and investments. My only complaint was not able to spend convincing time for the course - hope to carve out more study time in coming year.

This year gave me chance to observe my kids grow from much closer angles - their interests, learning curve, improved english skills, mood changes.  Felt overloaded at times testing my patience levels, but lot of times gave me parental satisfaction, hitherto haven’t felt in earlier years. They amaze me with acute observations, photographic memory, though nag me at times being adamant - all part of parenting. As I pen this, my younger kid is advising me to take leave, spend time for myself - reading kindle, watch cricket - such are their observations on what I have been missing this year :-).

It has been challenging times for telecom sector and tough year for the company.  Thankfully, got chance to work on interesting projects and POCs, lead successful introductions, though it got monotonous towards the end of the year and also hit good camaraderie within the group that we started late last year. Though we lost couple of them, the momentum didn’t die down. I hope to get involved in good projects and contribute to winning sales for company next year too. Order of musings must have given the idea of priorities in my current life :)

Current year ended on high note with much desired get together with my life long B-Tech friends, couple of days ago.

I stopped thinking of new year resolutions few year back, since I don’t have history of sticking to them - although I have stuck to my priorities this year. With less than 60 minutes to ring in the new year, I drop my pen with objective to seek improvement to be ‘Good student..Better Father & Husband....Eternal learner’ and do some workout every day :)

[rajakolagatla]

IIMB PGPEM Interview

I took my PGPEM interview few weeks ago, seeking admission into 2017 batch. MBA degree was like a monkey on my back, which I always wanted to take off since my graduation. After the food poisoning that I suffered when I took my first CAT exam way back in 2002, which hospitalised me for a week, followed by 3 weeks of rest, I was always longing for managerial education. I have even done distance learning MBA from Symbioisis, it didn’t quench my hunger for MBA. I felt that if you can fill few pages, yapping related to question in subject, you can cross the pass cutoff. 

The interview went for 30-40 minutes, short but grilling one, with one of the profs always making satire on my profile [felt like it was part of their game to pinch you]. Panel consisted of 3 members, couldn’t judge who is alumni and who were the profs. Initial part of the questions centred on my work profile, difference in work cultures [since my last two companies were american and European respectively], why I have opted for public sector company in initial part of my career and left it [here one of the panellist was pinching me if I did masti in the company], why my engineering degree percentage is low [was asked again if I was doing masti :)]. I felt I gave convincing answers, why I has to opt for public sector company, explaining how Europeans do meticulous planning. Although, my engineering percentage is low, I could get through the exam for the public sector company, facing competition of 2 lakh engineers to get shortlisted for 2000+ posts. There was a question why I transitioned from PjM back to individual role, during my tenure with the services company.

Second part of interview was more tiring one, with all the panellists were firing questions simultaneously [first half was smoother, there was some gap in questions from each person], probing my activities in spare time, my reading habits, what I do to keep abreast of current affairs, why it took so long to realise that I need a management education when moved to senior roles [which I answered as part of my initial question]. My responses were good until brain freeze movement arrived, when I answered I don’t read news papers much. Although I mentioned about WSJ membership on my kindle and my binge reading activities, probe was still on how I can spare time for the course.

Overall there were some enlightening moments for me in the interview - i don’t want to mention as they were too personal. One of the comments [or rather satire] made me thinking for the rest of the day. Whatever may be the result, I am going to remember this interaction for rest of my life!

[rajakolagatla]

That 33 overs.....

Finally India bounced back! Even I felt that the first test match was played into Australia’s hands. Somehow current crop of cricketers aren’t capable enough to play classical spin bowling. Smith succeeded a bit following cheat sheet but still isn’t authoritative player of classic spin.

Comming to the second test match, it was one of most engrossing matches in recent times, esp on Indian soil. Loved the way Lyon started off hitting the correct length on day 1 and disappointed with Rahul, Rahane and Pujara throwing away the wickets.

The decisive session of the test match was the last session of third day where Pujara and Rahane rear gaurd action put India in command for first time in the series. Pujara changed stance upset Lyon’s rythm and worked beautifully for lndia. Good thing about Smith, the captain, is that he never runs out of ideas. He quickly introduced pace attack 4th day morning with new ball and cleaned up India. And ashwin, finally hitting right lengths, bundled Australia to give satisfying win for India.

As always India - Australia series isn’t complete without squabbles and altercations, to add spice, this test have plenty of those moments. I felt mark Waugh went way ahead calling Kohli suffering from brain fade. But today Smith today admitted himself having brain fade, to cover up his signal to dressing room to decide call for DRS. Bite that Mr. Waugh!!!

This series is definitely a learning curve for Kohli. He hasn’t been challenged on home soil by any other team, since he took over as captain. Intensity and application put in Australia is going to hurt India further in the series. Positive points for India are the things falling in place, finally and pending good knock from their captain. Engrossing two matches ahead!

Finally those 33 overs of grinding by Rahane and Pujara turned momentum India's way.

#borderGavaskartrophy

[rajakolagatla]

India GDP stats Q4

Interesting read from today’s / yesterday’s business news papers is about how GDP data might have been manipulated, with India pulling out Chinese tricks!

It haven’t sounded true since it is hard to comprehend increase of private expenditure during demonetisation period, where indians stuck to purchase only essential commodities. It doesn’t sync with results by various companies indicating sharp decline in consumption capacity. Other part is increase of bank credits, during the period where bankers are grappling  to handle the cash transactions, staffing was done only for cash disbursements.

Government itself has stated about the parallel economy, which contributes to 20-30 percent of the GDP and is primarily driven by cash, has been hit due to demonetisation, these numbers are hard of believe. Also couldn’t digest markets cheering to the so called ‘skewed’ numbers!

Is this one of the tricks to influence the UP election results, to chest-thump the demonetisation decision and follow up with revised estimates later? Time will tell!

[rajakolagatla]

Gurmehar Kaur Episode

For once, I agree with view of Sashi Taroor!

You got to leave the tweet by a 20 year old girl, even though staged one, as ignorance or wrong opined. You don’t want ministers like Kiren snooping on the wall of mere DU student! Even Sehwag’s response was a bit of surprise, viruji you got carried away :). And the whole bollywood, celebrity brigade jumping on either side of fence adding further spice to the drama.

Having said that  shouldn’t Gurmehar Kaur gauge the backlash before making controversial comments / posts on Twitter / Facebook, when the whole DU is burning out because of incident last week? If an 20 year old can’t take the backlash, 20 years old can’t maturely comment on controversial comments, isn’t it?

Timing of the incidents in DU doesn’t warrant me to think that they aren’t staged ones. Unable to comprehend how BJP walks directly into the trap! BJP, every time you meddle into university affairs to help student wing ABVP, you are shooting yourself in foot. You need stronger first line of defence and better media managers, better you hire good ones! 

[rajakolagatla]

Oscar 2017 Ramblings

- Even hollywood is hitched to romantic movies...#LaLaLand. Need to see how good it is, may be this weekend :p

- Always loved the Denzel Washington’s sincere performance (most of times in patriotic roles), wished best actor award for him!

- Somehow felt Arrival as dark horse, but nothing for it, except for well deserved sound editing.

-  Mahershala Ali into main stream. Somehow I didn’t find him to be good actor in ‘House of cards’. Need to watch Moonlight to change my stance!

- Gaffe’s at oscars too!

[rajakolagatla]

Taipei Daries

I landed at around 1pm in Taipei. Along with my flight, couple of flights also did a touchdown, making it a long queue for immigration check. I could see only 2 Indians (including me) in the 10+ immigration check queues for international visitors. It looked like a preview of my next three weeks stay in Taipei.

                Immigration check took only 20 min despite long queue, no questions were asked since I am on visiting visa (or may be my company name is well known there :)). Airport has couple of ATMs and I took money from Bank of Taiwan, right side of the exit. As advised by my colleague, I withdrew 6000 NT Dollars, which were sufficient for next 2 weeks (I did shopping on my credit card and used cash for every other transaction). You can either visit the prepaid taxi stand or ride with the Taxi drivers, who will be waiting in visiting area and request you to come along with them. One of the drivers approached me while I was waiting in ATM queue and I obliged to ride with him. Although it took more than 15 min to withdraw the money, he waited patiently. I was charged 1000 NT Dollars (INR 2200) for a 30 minute and 45km journey, not bad for Mercedes S-Class.

                My accommodation was in Fuzhong, Banqaio district, New Taipei City. New Taipei City is the outskirts of the Taipei and is well planned and well connected by MRT (Mass Rapid Transport). Although cards are accepted everywhere, Taiwan is cash driven economy (you know where I am mentioning here). Per-capita income of Taiwan is high (39600 US dollars and ranks 29) and it reflects in Taipei. I was told by my colleague that the real estate prices in Taipei has been sky rocketing since last decade. It reflects in your hotel charges:).

                Surprisingly, food isn't very expensive. Good (not plush) restaurants charge 150 NT for a good meal (which is very much like India). If you are a vegetarian, Taipei is a hard city to survive, hardly anything is vegetarian there (even the croissants will be stuffed with meat). Since language is an impediment, you need to be choosy while going to restaurants - most of the restaurants won't have even English menu – Google translator doesn’t pick up some of the local dish names. I managed to tell in Mandarin -  'No Beef' and 'No Pork'. Taiwan's staple food is rice with lots of meat (pork, lot of sea food and chicken) and boiled vegetables. Hence fried rice is common in every restaurant and you need to tell them to exclude pork / beef. Taiwanese prefer local food although there is fair share of westernized restaurants. Don't expect to find any spicy here, except spicy tofu. You can try out fried dumpling or spicy dumpling (again non-vegetarian), fried noodles.

                If you are vegetarian, you need to survive on fried rice with vegetables, noodles, tofu and some bland curries. Salzeria is one Italian chain of restaurants where you find not-so-westernized Italian food (in fact it was my go-to restaurant when I ran out of options) or you can go to Thai food restaurants (again it is hard to find unless someone helps you out). If you are sea food fanatic, you find sushi express everywhere and can add other sea items to any dish you order. If you are rice eater (south Indian), you can try Vietnamese Pho (rice noodles), Korean Bibimbap and Japanese rice bowl (called Duong here). Japanese restaraunts I tried are Yoshinaya and Sukiya. Both of them don't have English menu, you need to ask for Ji (pronounced as shi, mandarin word for chicken) . McD, KFC  and subway are quite common, but does *not* serve vegetarian. Mos Burgers are good try too - I found them fresh compared to McD and have one chicken option :). During my stay of 2 weeks, I found only one pure vegetarian restaurant, that too in a hospital basement, next to my work place :). Most famous Indian restaurant according to google reviews is Fusion Asia Indian restaurant, near Da'an district, which I haven't visited. I visited one Indian restaurant near my work place (Sagar India restaurant as per google, but photo says otherwise) - you need to take exit 1 of Dongmen station and take a right, walk for 100 m and you will see the restaurant on the left. It was a decent restaurant I would say, since I went with limited expectations, but found it bit expensive.

If you are okay with beef, don't miss beef noodles here and dumplings (ah there are 100's of varieties). Dumpling restaurants, we tried near Dongmen station are said to be very famous and we have to wait for 20 min during lunch time.  If you have appetite for Taiwanese food, try Din Tai Fung, whose branches are found all over the world, which is famous for Xiaolongbao (bigger than size of dumplings, tastes like kudumulu in Andhra - http://mommyfood.com/recipes/sweets/kudumulu). Another food item you can try is Taiwanese naan (similar to paratha in India) - similar to street food in India, served with egg, different kinds of sauces.

                Taipei is full of coffee shops and Starbucks is found in every nook and corner of the city. I found Louisa coffee is good and serve all types of American coffee. I frequented Oklao coffee too as it was near to my work place- they don’t serve cappuccino, but latte was fine, not so much milk like in India. Make sure to tell to add some sugar otherwise it will be very strong for you J

                I found Taiwanese people friendly, calm, patient and willing to help. Hardly you find good English speaking citizens, but they were always willing to help. I was amazed at their discipline in MRT, where they rush to form queue on the right hand side of elevators / stairs and leave left hand side completely for people who are in hurry – wish we could learn from them. Taipei MRT is world class and

follows the color coding system like any other Metros in world. You hardly find dirt in the cabins or stations as the drinking / eating is completely banned. You can purchase Easy card which can be topped up at any station and also can be used in regular grocery stores. Commuters wait for the people to leave the train and then get in, they strictly follow queues. Frequency of trains on all the lines till 10PM is quite high, train every 3-5 min. Information kiosks / maps are present at every station detailing the site seeing places in that area. All the must-visit places are connected by MRT. Like all the south Asian nations, Taiwanese are data savvy and gorge on video games. You see people glued to their mobile phones in MRTs, buses, while walking and crossing the road too :). Whole Taipei (including MRTs) is covered with 4G and touch amazing speeds. Data plans are very cheap and most of the service providers provide unlimited plans at decent prices (1100 NT). MRT has good connectivity all over the city and touches most of the site seeing places. During the 3 week stay, I boarded bus only couple of times. Every

MRT station is equipped with good information, signs (in English) of nearby places.

              Taiwan weather is highly unpredictable, because of the tropical climate in the island – you never known when it will rain. Always keep an eye on the weather forecast whether it is going to be sunny, rainy or cloudy. My visit is during winter season – although the temperatures don’t fall below 12 deg C, because of the wind, the real feel was well below 10 deg C. Better to carry umbrella without always.

 Must visit places in Taipei (not according to priority):

 1/ Baiteou hot spring - Red line and branch out to Xinbeitou. As suggested by my colleague: If you want to try hot spring bath, there are quite some hotels around this park, they offer “2

hours hotel room” for hot spring bath. In Chinese it pronounced as “Pao Tang” for this kind of service.

The price are quite different, Most expensive is Kagaya, pretty decent. Also the most traditional one is this : http://www.longnice.com.tw/. With reasonable price, old but historical. I haven't tried hotels though, but public hot spring was fun. Walk along this place till the temple on the hill will be good.

2/ National palace museum and Shilin official residence near Shilin station. National palace museum is must see.  Lots of historical things and it is a huge one, might take more than half day to visit all the rooms.  In fact, this museum has more collection than the national museum in Beijing. Shilin official residence was okayish, gardens were good.

 3/ Longshan temple - not very big, but most popular temple in taipei. Actually you find so many temples since Taiwanese are very much religious. You find same as in Bylukuppe, Karnataka and rituals looked pretty much like india (India is birth place for buddhism :)).

 4/ Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial hall, huge sprawlin garden in centre of city - make sure you go up to the monument. I couldn't enter the memorial hall as it was closed due to some agitation in-front of the building.

 5/ National Musuem of history - i felt it was okayish.

 6/ Taipei 101 - similar to Willy's / Sear's tower in Chicago - once upon a time tallest tower, now pushed to 5th. You can see the Taipei's sprawling concrete jungle from observatory at 88th floor. If you have full pocket, you can empty it by buying expensive gifts on the deck. Entire area is good for branded shopping, taipei 101 mall itself is very good. You can spend half day for this.

 7/ Taipei Zoo and the Maokong Gondola - good one day outing!

 8/ High Speed Rail (HSR) from BanXiao or Taipei main station - I haven't tried it though.

                I would suggest to take the city tour (although you may not get the english speaking guide), but many places can be covered at a stretch.

                Like all the cities, Taipei also suffered due to exploded urbanization post 1970 – several tribes, places on outskirts lost their independence and lot of people migrated from rural places to work as bonded laborers contributing to city’s skyline. Details are seen in the museum near the Baiteau walkway. Despite wide main roads and busy traffic, Taiwan government has made sure that dedicted cycling paths are marked in main city. Govt provide bicycles at most of the MRTs (UBike, which can rented using Easy card and costs 10NT per hour at most places) and can be left at different destinations. There is a dedicated bicycling path on the banks of the rivers that cut through the city. I rode 8 km stretch near the zoo (http://kitchen.j321.com/taipei-cycling-bicycle-bike-rent-hire-path-taiwan, check the Jingmei River Bikeway (Muzha)).

              Me and my colleague's observation is that branded sport shoes are cheaper compared to India and you find lot of models, that are not found in India. Pineapple cakes are very famous here and must takeaway. Iphone and HTC mobiles are cheap here :) and you can go to syntrend mall in Taipei, where each floor is dedicted to different gadgets for more options (although on higher end). Branded shopping can be done at Megacity mall (opp Banxiao station) and QMall (on top of Taipei Main station) - street shopping (not at all low quality) can be done at underground malls at Taipei Main station, Zongshan stations. Taiwanese regard Jade as one of the ornamental rock (it dates to their historical times, also main land china is one of the highest producer of jade) and you find all kind of expensive ornaments made of jade in the local market – they are heavily expensive, one of the Jade ornament, which is termed as luck bringing shape is being sold for 42K NT, which is hardly of size 3 cubic cm.

   To summarize, taipei:

 Must visit places: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial hall, National palace museum and Taipei 101

Must eat: Beef noodles, spicy / fried dumplings

Must buy: Pineapple cakes, High end electronics

 Finally, when Cathay pacific airlines CX405 took off on Thursday (28 days after when I landed), the words in my mind – Xièxiè Taipei!