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.

A thought at the Church..

I was attending a Saturday evening mass at St.Therese Church,Mooresville and as usual my mind was full of thoughts. Church was full of people belonging to different walks of life,different ages,colors,countries etc. It was such a joy to watch this. However, when I stood up to get Holy Communion and Precious Blood I noticed a old couple in front of me. They were in their 70's or more but the support they were for each other was immeasurable. Old Lady was hardly able to walk but was eager to get communion. Her husband who was also old but looked healthier than her was holding her hand and leading her the way towards the priest. He helped her take the communion although he didn't take it himself (may be he wasn't baptized). But what amazed me was the love and affection he showed on his wife. After a silent prayer for them I walked out of the Church feeling so blessed thinking that patience towards your love still exists and is still going strong in the world. Love triumphs all.

South African tale

My nervous hearbeats were beating more faster when the Kenya Airways touched South African soil on Jan 05th 2013. It was my first international travel, very nervous yet excited to start my work at Standard Bank office, Johannesburg.

As I entered the apartment where I was going to stay, my roomie welcomed me and the moment I entered my room, my heart just sunk deep down the ocean. I was disturbed thinking on what a terrible blunder I had just committed. Why the hell I left my husband,my family and my country and come to this country which is thousands of miles far from loved ones,my comfort zone. With this depressing heart, I unpacked my clothes & tried to settle in.

Next day, was peaceful.I spoke to my roomate Jidnyasa, cooked and slept through the entire day.

3rd day was hectic. It was my first day at office. I met my managers and colleagues. I wasnt comfortable but I had in my mind not to let my company down who had sent me here.  But the best thing that happened to me was to meet my colleague named Judy. Aww.. Though the initial days weren't the best amongst us, but as the days passed, we became comfortable as colleagues.

Days, weeks and months passed. I got busy with my work and occasionally going around the places in SA. Best place for me was Kruger National Park. I simply love African Safari..Wow! I fell in love with wildlife. The moment when I spotted a Rhino during my second visit to the jungle was very refreshing.

Kosibay, is another coastal area in SA which truly reminds heaven on earth. Durban is second home for Indians. That's where I fell in love with love with Pakistani food.

Johannesburg is commonly known for its crime rate though there are much more other amazing things in SA. I was always nervous when some people narrated any unfortunate incidents, until it happened to me. I was scared to death when I and my friend Pavitra witnessed this Smash n Grab horror. This hasn't gone out of my mind until this day whenever someone knocks our car whenever I sit in the car.

My adventurous stay at SA came to an end when I returned on Jan 11th,2014, where I was finally meeting my family and my love of life. SA has given me a lifetime of experience which had all the adventures in terms of-being part of an accident,visiting police stations and writing complaints, driving confidently with my 3 lovely friends Divya, Deepali and Pavitra(our car was known as maal gaadi), friendship shown by lovely people, amazing professional challenges,the African Safari,beautiful places, yummy food prepared by my best buddies in SA, tasty food like grilled chicken at Nandos, meeting amazing SA people like Judy, the Mandela village, L&T friends... And the list goes on..

Rishon.. A year old now!

Our little prince is one year old now.. Feb 2015.

I couldn't wait any longer to hold my little nephew and continue my stay abroad without meeting him. The occasion where our bundle of joy turning a year old wasn't far. My husband had booked my tickets and my dates to travel was coming close. Desperation to see my dearest tiny boy just built up, frequently asking my mom on how  my nephew is doing each of his things. I finally reached Mumbai after a long journey and was just counting hours to be with my darling Rishon in mangalore. My happiness was doubled to see him from the buggage claim section, who unknowingly was waiting with his innocent face along with his parents and his grand father for me. I rushed out and finally found him. Wow.. Well I cannot explain how I felt after seeing him that moment. 

They say there are moments on earth which are compared to heaven on earth moments. Not exaggerating any, I experienced them each time when Rishon smiles, when he occasionally cuddles me,when I see his 4 upper teeth etc. 

Like a naughty boy he has his set of mischievous behaviors like troubling his mom when eating food,drinking milk, crying for gadgets like mobiles and remotes etc. It feels so good to sing for him,dance for him. As he is leaving tomorrow to Muscat, I would miss to see my nephew crying,laughing,crawling,running,walking,kissing..his innocent face, tiny feet,little fingers. Waiting to see him next year.. Our little cyclone..

When our Our bundle of joy arrived

Jan 22,2014

When I came to mangalore on 18th January 2014 with my husband, there was a sense of anxiety and excitement. This feeling was to wait for my little surprise who was inside my sister in law's womb. Doctor was curious why wasn't our baby coming out of mom as per the dates, and at the same time I was nervous that my vacation was getting over and it was the day for me to leave to Mumbai without seeing the surprise. Something was stopping me from missing the moments that were ahead of me in mangalore. I extended my vacation for a day and I decided to be with Noel and mom in the hospital. My anxiousness came to an end on the day I had to travel.As we were sleeping, we got a call early in the morning.we rushed to the floor where Reema was there. Finally nurse gave us a little life with tiny fingers, tiny toes, small and angel like face and our joy knew no boundaries. Our bundle of joy arrived this earth at 5.25am on jan 22nd, 2014. My only elder brother became a proud dad, my parents became official grandparents and i became an official aunt to my little nephew. The moment I held him was so emotional, couldn't thank enough my sister in law for the magic she just created.