Ski time

Christmas time and no family around is one of the toughest times of the year. This year was no different from the last one, but thankfully there are few friends around like family. But this year was less stressful as I didn’t have to prepare for my GRE ;) yay! Hence the idea of going to a ski resort with friends during Christmas seemed to be a best move for us two.

Christmas tree and crib at home got us into festive mood and the champagne from friends doubled the celebration. With meaningful mass and speaking to all our family over phone made us happy and then we were just looking forward for our trip to Sugar Mountain ski resort.

Sugar Mountain is just 2 hours’ drive from our place, but because of foggy conditions we had difficult time driving. However, amidst fog and occasional showers we reached our condo on 7th floor of the building which was itself built on an elevation of 5000ft.

When we opened our double layered balcony doors, cool breeze rushed on to our faces. With clouds moving fast, glimpse of mountains through cloudy weather gave unique visuals around.

Kick-starting any holiday with a bottle of champagne and company of good friends like Dipanshu, Anju & their little one Kishmish is incredible. By the time we finished our drinks, clouds had cleared and view was now mind-blowing. With champagne effect on head, I wanted to relax and couldn’t stop myself taking a peaceful power nap. Evening was perfected when we spent time on the hot tub, playing cards, drinks and of course delicious chicken.

Next day was a big day for us; with multi-layered cloths, we were all set to ski. We planned to ski for around 4 hours and we got excited when we got our shoes and ski related stuff. But I was so upset when we had to carry all the stuff together with uncomfortable and weird shoes. This justifies when I wore my husband’s shoes (size 10) and didn’t realize for the next 10 min even when he was thinking on why the hell his shoes weren’t fitting although he tried few minutes ago. All this while I was looking at him not bothered: D that’s when my smart husband realized that I must have messed up and asked me to remove the shoes I was wearing :D I can be so silly, ignorant sometimes (hence proved, till then I never believed I was one :) )

Finally, our instructor was ready and he taught us how to walk, balance and reduce the speed etc and asked us to practice rest of the time. Then it was the funniest scenes around where I saw everyone in front of me fall and I was falling along with them. Skiing is entertaining as long as you don’t fall. I had a hard time getting up as I was not able to balance myself with shoes in place. Finally, at the end of 3 hours I could balance more comfortably having fallen multiple times.

After skiing our bodies were all shaken up and paining but didn’t stop us from snow tubing. We had loads of fun screaming, trying different alternatives etc. By the time we reached our condo we were extremely tired, but then drink cocktail prepared by my husband helped us a little.

Next day we moved from our condo heading back to our place, but the weather was encouraging us to explore other places nearby. We walked around Banner Elk downtown with friends and then moved towards Blowing Rocks downtown which is one of my favorite places to roam. We had fun playing in the park and eating ice cream and to get a logical conclusion to our trip we went to a sports bar to have good time and yes, we did. Entire time, right from the time we left for the trip until we reached home. Awesome trip :) 

Silly wish

   Before we go to any hiking during summers here, my husband gets extra cautious and tries to read about the hiking area to see if any wild animals we may have to encounter on our way. Hence he selects those mountains were bears are not seen :) 
    Since I was raised in southern parts of India mostly surrounded by forest area, I try to be more courageous among the two of us with respect to the forest. Sometimes just as we start hiking we would find some snakes etc and my husbands enthusiasm would go off and would get very serious for rest of the 2-3 hours.  After such hikes I got more courage( read over confidence) and used to wish for any bear encounter( view from far though :D ) and used to irritate him every time. Silly me. Same was the case when we camped twice. 
     Exciting weekends continued and our friends planned for a trip to smoky mountains.  I had heard about bear sightings there but thought, why would they come near our cabin! The night we reached, We had a great time with friends chatting in the hot tub with delicious chicken and some drinks for most of the night. 
     I woke up early and thought of exploring our cabin and surrounding area. I enjoyed the greenery and after taking some fresh air, I came inside when all of my friends woke up. When we were just preparing breakfast I went out again, I ran near our car to pick some stuff and came to the second floor of the cabin where our kitchen was. Just then our friends who were in the main floor said there was a bear coming. 
   I got so excited thinking that I would finally see a wild bear and came out to the balcony dragging my husband with me. Luckily, our friends came up and told us to just come inside and lock the door. Just as we came inside, the bear came to the second floor, looking for food near the grill and came near the hot tub, got into the hot tub, played for couple of minutes and went back elegantly. All this while, all of us stunned, watching the bear quietly through the glass walls.  
   Rightly said, if you wish something from heart it happens. That was it, I am never wishing to see bear so closely, ever again. Phew!

Thanksgiving 2015

Thanksgiving day 2015

Turkey trot was a special program conducted by Christian mission to support hundreds of families during the time of need and crisis, and I couldn't find a better option than spending some time by volunteering on thanksgiving morning on the streets of Mooresville where the race was conducted.
I was truly amazed to see young and old people participate with equal enthusiasm in completing the race.. I was totally moved when I saw some parents running and pushing the stroller where they have placed their little kids, physically challenged people using wheelchair and participating.. They had just come to be of some help to those who are in need.
Its undoubtedly very beautiful to watch when people do their bit just to make others lives better. Blessed thanksgiving truly.

Adventure at the West Coast

Finally my husband and I, were all set to enjoy,drink, gamble, roam and explore west coast of the U.S. Journey to our first destination, Vegas was super exciting and the excitement doubled when we saw our hotel tower from the plane, when landing. Entire city was glowing and sparkling with lights, each hotel and casinos displaying their extravagant styles which was visible when our cab drove towards Stratosphere hotel where we, along with our friends Mohit and Paddy planned to stay for next 4 days.

As we were driving towards West rim of Grand Canyon on the second day , we had a quick stop at Hoover Dam. The view was truly captivating and hurriedly we drove further, eagerly waiting to see nature's creation! Grand Canyon is extremely appealing, every angle here provides you its own beauty. The rocks, the water,the depth, the sky,the color, the sky walk, everything is enticing, the view is beyond compare. Scenery at Lake Mead again got us thinking of nature's enigma; during the sun set each of six hills I saw here, displayed different colors and looked divine.

Casinos, bars, streets are open 24/7, music never stops here, each gambling machine continuously buzzes every time you step in at Vegas. This city never waits for anyone neither sleeps, this kind of lifestyle really stuns me. But the most amazing place in Vegas for me was the Fremont street. This stretch of street has everything which a person wishes for in Vegas, it has zip lining, Colourful lights covering entire cealing, drinks, concerts,casinos, food joints, street acts, magic,dance and what not. As for me, I was content winning $30 at the roulette table and enjoying free scotch drink, the highest thrill rides on the stratosphere tower, sumptuous dinner at the top of the tower, meeting our friends kalpit n Pooja etc.

After our four days of Vegas adventure, we enjoyed our 6 hours bus journey to the city of movies, Los Angeles. We enjoyed our quiet evening near Queen Mary seeing the lighted LA downtown, on the first day. Nothing really thrilled me in LA apart from posing pictures near Hollywood sign or Walk of fame or trying Japanese cuisine and enjoying Santa Monica beach.

However our next stop to San Deigo sea world was wonderful. I just loved the way Killer Whales, Seals and Dolphins are trained. Enjoyed the water splashing moments by these water wonders, with some pleasant rides there(however, I don't appreciate sea world anymore,after reading and watching documentaries). Evening got more exciting when we spent some fun filled moments at the San Deigo beach, however the journey back to Long beach was never ending after such exciting yet tiring day.

Our last stop was at San Francisco, where we drove for around 9hours after taking few detours. We had some impromptu stops, to enjoy the charming views of beaches. Though the high tides scared us, it didn't stop us from enjoying the view where water was continuously trying to hit the land and then going back to its home. The last few days in SFO were spent visiting Universal studio, exploring downtown, seeing oldest trees at Muir Woods, much hyped Golden Gate Bridge, walking the steep streets of SFO and trying authentic food of Italy, tequila shots and many more such moments. 

Though I lost my phone during this trip and experienced few unpleasant moments which now seem to be funny, but the fond memories which I gathered are totally imbibed in me, and will always be with me. 

Thoughts from North East

Finally decided to complete this post after 4 years in draft mode...

Right from the early years of my schooling, my dad made sure that he takes me, mom and brother on short trips during most of the summer vacations. This way I had got chance to visit some states of India. Staying in humble hotels or with relatives made these vacations simple yet most memorable. But one vacation after me and brother Noel started working was very special. This time our trip was to visit to North east states of India and specifically to Nagaland, where our uncle Fr.Alphonous who is doing his missionary work lived. This vacation was specially planned because our uncle was completing his 50 years as a priest who selflessly served for people all these years.

My dad who hails from a humble background made sure I and my brother realize importance of spending money carefully. That is why he never took us on plane until we earned it on our own, but didn't hesitate to take my mother on flight whilst he sent us in bus. So this time me and my brother were super excited as this was going to be our first experience in flight.

We started our journey from Bangalore to Delhi and then to Assam through flight. My uncle was waiting eagerly in Guwahati airport, and when I saw Brahmaputra river and my pre paid phone not working I realized that I was indeed in different part of India. 

Guwahati is a very simple developing city, people are friendly and were happily guiding tourist people through the lanes. I got an extra glimpse of the city when we took cycle rickshaw for our commute, but felt the pain when I realized that the person has to put so much of hardwork to make his living. 

Shillong is a hill station in Meghalaya which is very beautiful, full of greenery and you get amazing view of the city from the top. It was very beautiful to watch the animals grazing grass on the hills and cool breeze crossing our faces. During this journey I tasted authentic dumplings(momos) for the first time.

After two days, we travelled to Kohima which is the capital of Nagaland.  Road which leads to Nagaland from Guwahati is extremely beautiful. It's full of mountains, greenery and curvy roads. We saw few land slides which blocks the road frequently during rains, but the situation is much better now compared to earlier years where people had to walk through the roads since clearing of the road would take days. My uncle told how difficult it was for the earlier priests who had to come to educate people here because they had to walk miles to reach their house with suit cases on their shoulders when such land slides occurred. This is the moment where my respect for missionaries increased tremendously.

Houses in Nagaland and Manipur just look like little match boxes built by cutting hills. People are extremely hardworking and try to grow their own crops. Western clothing and accessories are expensive because most of the things are brought from other cities. Another source of income for people of Nagaland is the tourists and by making different kinds of Naga dresses/shawls and selling them. I was surprised to know that specific design in a shawl had unique meaning and I was excited to get a gift from uncle, a shawl which is worn mainly by the graduates. Visit to the well maintained Kohima war cemetery was very emotional to see so many people laying down their lives for wars. Naga heritage village is a informative place where you see how 16 different tribes of Nagaland lived their lives with their unique style of houses.

The most memorable memories of this North East India tour was getting up early by 4:30am since sun rises by then, experiencing hospitality of these people, they are extremely loving, hard working and respectful, to see how missionaries are treated with respect and love, most importantly the kids who look extremely adorable(little rats), visit to the market where people eat different kinds of meat, trying to learn few dance steps of the folk dance etc. Like other parts of the country, even these states have their share of hardships, challenges along with unique cultural background but then life has to go on..like everywhere..

Memorial Day weekend

Amidst the mountains, good roads, beautiful view and good weather, our car was speeding from Mooresville towards Maryland where my husband's friend Kalpit and his wife Pooja lived.Travel of 6hours wasn't tiring anymore when when we met our friends and started talking endlessly. Next day when the view from 16th floor apartment mesmerized us, bright sunlight filled us with energy alongside healthy and delicious breakfast.

After coming to the US, this was the first time I visited a full vegetarian eating joint named Amsterdam Falafelshop, which had very tasty food too. Buildings in few streets of Washington DC had antique looks, the paints, grills, window panes had simplicity in its own way. Similar looks were also seen in Alexandria,Virginia which looked like a old town. There were antique shops,houses,old buildings of restaurants; lanes reminded me of old European town which are picturised in many books and posters. You can find people singing high note English songs or group of people dancing for some African music or some playing instruments which are self made for their living. Bank of Potomac river provides a visual treat when exploring this town. Delicious Thai cuisine made this evening more memorable.

Washington DC boasts its presence through memorial buildings like Jefferson memorial, Lincoln memorial, War memorials, Washington monument, sophisticated yet old style governmental buildings, museums, bridges, beautiful cherry trees on the banks of Potomac river, White House etc. Bikes at the capital helps this commute between this historic place easier which also got me go back to my childhood days when I rode my BSA ladybird cycle to school. Lincoln memorial and Washington monument are so perfectly built on the same line that it amazes me thinking of brains of Architects who lived decades ago.

Harpers Ferry is another old town in West Virginia which is situated near Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and this place is famous for many water sports. Various small houses and small buildings on the mountain, looked similar to the houses in Nagaland. View from St.Perters Church is extremely beautiful and walking through the small lanes through this town on a beautiful evening was such a delight and it made me realize that simplistic old town had its own essence than the modernized gigantic buildings in cities. It made me reflect that simple and low paced life has its own joy,peace and satisfaction.

Visits to Mooresville Christian mission- non profitable organization

Being a homemaker in US without family is quite a challenge,but having a supportive and ever encouraging husband makes this challenge pretty easy. However, the urge to help people always forced me to think if I could go out of the house and do something positive for strangers. This thought was further nurtured when priest asked us to make our lives meaningful during one of the mass preachings on Saturday.

When I met Jaquiline and few other young and old people happily helping people made me think how it is to feel when you do something good for others. They are filled with smiles and tremendous energy though they spent few hours every week from past many years without any monetary benefits.

Giving food coupons to people without any income so that they can get food for their daily living, understanding poor people's problems and guiding them and helping them to live life with dignity is such a fulfilling job. I never felt such peace during my entire career of 7.5 years in IT industry where I was being paid every month as much as this service gave me. I wish I continue helping, till the end.