There was a time I was very interested in crackers (when I was a kid) - Since I belonged to a middle class / lower middle class family, I did have my fair share, but not in abundance, as I would like to have. I used to think, when I start earning, I'll buy a lot of crackers for Diwali and have fun.
By immense Grace of God, I do earn well, much more than an average person of my age would - But, I have lost interest in crackers. Every year I buy and I give it away to kids around and sometimes watch them have fun. Last year I didnt strike a match! This year thanks to my mom's persuasion, I went out and burnt away some hard earned money. It is not that I resisted my interest or kept my senses in control - The interest just died away.
Why did I write this? Because, I feel, one day, I'll lose interest in the automobile stuff too. It seems impossible now, but losing interest in crackers was even more improbable 10 years ago. So, I feel, if I can indulge in something, and I can afford, even if it means stretching, why not?
When my colleagues where buying entry level, 100 cc bikes with maximum fuel efficiency, I bought Fiero as soon as it was launched -just out of my college. I then swapped it for a Karizma a couple of years later. All my relatives/cousins, couldnt believe I spent almost a lakh on a bike. I loved every moment of the time I spent on the Karizma - Early morning drives, drives to Nandi Hills - I used to take the bike out in the rains, especially if it rained after midnight, and have coffee in MG road (Bangalore). My interest in bikes may go, but the moments are etched in my soul. I can never forget my first 110 kmph (Fiero) and 120 kmph (Karizma)
I happen to be an IT guy, which is a misnomer. It is like telling I do manufacturing. (what?) - I love software as much as I love driving, and I am confused as to why I get paid so much for what I do. I'll write software for free
Same way, when I wanted to buy a car, my budget allowed something like a Alto / Zen. I bought a 1.6 Ford Ikon ZXI (SXI model was then withdrawn and all the features (Alloy wheels, CD player etc where shifted to ZXI model).
I travel a lot, and whenever I travel to US, I change my rental cars every week or once in two weeks - I have driven huge number of cars Chevy Aveo, Kia Spectra, Toyota Corrolla, Ford Mustang (I kept it for 1 month), Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Infiniti G35 (2 days on personal funds! Too expensive as an office car), Pontiac Grand Prix, Chevy Malibu, Chevy Impala (list goes on...)
After driving many 200+ BHP cars (and even 300+ BHP (infiniti)), the Ford Ikon 1.6 manages to put a smile in my face - Every time I drive! An awesome investment from my view.
It does not matter IT people or not - I feel Indians are not very confident of themselves and are worried about future (nothing wrong about that). My friends may have 25L in their bank accounts, but I have an equivalent set of experiences, which may make me richer!
Living life to the fullest, need not be being envious, dissatisfied or being greedy. I appreciate even cars that I cannot buy now (except for one rare moment, I let out a rant when I heard the price of a M3). Whenever I need to buy a car again (which is now :-) ), I plan to buy one which will put a wide grin on my face. It doesnt matter if it appears flashy to rest or not. As long as my company need not credit the salary to the car loan account
, I'll get the car.
As some one noted in the thread earlier, cars / bikes need not be everyone's passion. But it is important for people to know what they like (shouldn't hide from themselves) and try living life to fullest.
Sorry if I wrote too much. It is almost 1:00 am in S. Korea and I need to wake up early tomorrow. Signing off..
Regards
Sriram
PS:- GTO Sir, I have posted my thoughts in this topic - Thanks for your suggestion to do so.