31th Jul: Relaxed pace..

Today has truly been our first official shopping day!!! Yipeeeeeeee !!! And actually managed to spot some stuff I actually liked …. Methinks , I need another shopping binge like today’s & I shall be fine!!! (Wonder how much overdraft I can manage without giving Dad a minor attack!! J )

Last couple of day’s, have been totally relaxed & even paced!

Two movies, a play & walk around another lovely garden.

Harry Potter, a movie that once again shows how abstract your mind can think. The visions, concepts, story that your mind is capable of extracting. Like I say … ‘It’s all in the Mind’. The mind can sure take you to ‘places you have never gone before!!’ ;-) The Mind, a creative genius!!!

And watching Harry Potter, loved the few lines & the essence that came up….. When we care too much, we tend to loose that much more. However, when we loose something, it shall come back to us, but not in the way we expect it to…. & when we try harder to do something right, it might backfire, but atleast you have something worth fighting for!!!!

Do you wanna Partner … Do you wanna Partner…… Kya sahi movie hai ….. no head no tail … double meaning to every other line … complete copy of Hitch … but even so , we all died laughing … total tapori & to be fair , one does need some gray matter , to come up with the one liners….. saab ke baas ki baat nahin hai!!! Rachna, you were right … a complete stress buster & I did think of you!!!

We have done it often enough & did it again. Walked into Blue Lagoon, a Thai place, at Haymarket. Told them we had exactly 45 minutes to have our meal & see the play. Amazing service, tasty food & we were through with dinner in 40 minutes!!! The play, The Phantom of the Opera. Another breathtaking musical. The sets are fascinating, the clothes so vibrant, the voices …. Wow ….. from the highest pitch to the lowest & softest tone. Another must see play for all you theatre buffs!!!

PS: Always , always make sure you try to get seat in the Stall & preferably in the centre. If stalls full up, then just go one level higher, never more, the vision is not the best after that!!

Kew Gardens, a Botanical Bonanza. Another place, where you need to spend the entire day. Be ready for loads of walking if you want to see & discover, the various attractions. Special place for kids to chill & things that they can do at the garden. And for all you non-walkers, there is a Bus that moves around from one place to another, where you can hop on & hop off!!!

Highlight: The Chilli section at the Waterlily glasshouse with a variety of Black colour chilli!!! Paisa wasool this was for me …. Considering there is an entrance fee!!!

29th Jul: Special mention on Guru Purnima & the Ratha Yatra!!!!

It is Guru Purnima & Mom missing home & ashram. However, she manages to bring it all here at Fenu’s home, by chanting the Gurugita (exactly as it is done in the ashram). The feel is so like GSP ….

Haven’t we heard often enough, that Trafalgar square is pigeons, fountains, monuments, tourists , couples holding hands ….. well …. Time to change that scenario. Saw the square is a complete different avtar today! ( And am told , that Trafalgar does take a complete different feel & air, for the various Celebrations & Concerts!! )

The Ratha Yatra festival being celebrated in London & our being a part of it, is something, I hadn’t even imagined in my vaguest of dreams!!! An oriya, who has never seen the Yatra in India, leave aside Orissa, becomes a part of this major celebration in London. One Ratha, which houses all the three idols, a family affair, Jagannatha of Puri is walking around London!!!

Chant of Hare Ram, Hare Krishna (ISKON devotees are the main organizers) resonates in the air. The entire journey of pulling the Ratha from Hyde Park to Trafalgar square, by the devotees, the dancing, the chanting, the complete festival air, the electrifying energy engulfs everyone. We too immerse in these celebrations, we chant, we dance, partake in every element. The Ratha eventually finds a stunning spot at the square, where everyone can take darshan.

Trafalgar square is bustling with devotees, curious bystanders, tourists, the various tents showcasing India, the interesting line for the Prasad, the stage which has individuals dancing the Orissi, the groups chanting …. A complete spiritual mela !!

Reminiscing about the day, we realize, that it sure has been like the ashram. Starting with the Gurugita, meeting up with Murliben & other ashram devotees, the celebrations of the Yatra & the Bhandara …….. Guru ka ashirwad sada humare saath hi hai!!! 

Highlight…the 40,000 plus people, have been given Prasad( a complete meal of rice, vegetable, 2 types of sweet, salad, papad & achar ), sponsored by the Hinduja family. Hats off to them  !!!

Query ….Someone explain to me …. How is it that the Prasad is something that everyone gets ? How is it that no one ever goes empty handed , irrespective of the number of people? How is it that the Prasad never gets over till the last person has had his share? How is it that the people who make the Prasad know how much? Aise kaise hota hai ki Prasad na kabhi kaam hota hai na jyada?? How???

Is this Grace …. Is this Miracle … Is this Faith??

25th Jul: Camden Town . a vibrant market place ..

Yesterday, tried so hard to get my I-T interested animals to learn some more about Internet, but they were just not in the Mood. Most upset with me, and just not paying attention coz I hadn’t given them their breakfast of goodies for 2 whole days!!! Sacrilege, I say!!!! Have to just pamper them to get their attention back & make them the Hi Tech Savvy animals, before I leave!! J

Evening was spent with Dion & her son, Ryan . Most adorable, boisterous , full of energy, 2 year old… who wants to speak two to a dozen & by the time we left,  had shown us all his toys !!!! Not a minute of Boredom with him around ….. that’s for sure!!!

Today, took off to Camden Town to meet Ashaji’s niece Priya. Was disappointing not to meet the kids, who were off camping for the day & more so for Sabrina, coz she sure was looking forward to meeting them!!! However, it was an interesting afternoon that we spent with her. A take on the Indians who are still in a time warp & are living in the early Nineties. And sure was nice to know, the culture of the Who is Who , is very much prevalent in schools here too. If you are in a private school, the teachers have to be careful what they say , to who they say, coz , one of the kids could be related to a Minister , Royal family or some big shot somewhere!!!  Which is why, Priya quit her job with a semi private school & moved to the State school…. Like she said … more challenging it is to make sure these kids deliver with their back ground & the fact that private school kids have very little choice of not delivering!!

We planned to go and have a Cuppa Tea with Muffins with Paul McCartney, who lives down the road from her, but then , we were short of time, had to take Sabrina to Camden Market. So, we cancelled that plan …. Aab kya karen, Paul saheb ke kismet main hi nahin hai humse milna, toh main kya karun ….. Sikander ne Porus, se ki thi ladhai, jo ki thi ladhai , toh main kya karun ….. sing along people … as long as the beats make your feet tap & you can hum along!!!!! ;-)

Walked along the Canal from Priya’s towards Camden Lock. A lovely walk, with just the perfect drizzle ,where the canal was lined by boats and in some ways .. London’s version of Venice!!!!!!!!!!

Camden Lock, a part of the very vibrant & hip, Camden Market.  Bahut hi sahi jagaha hai …. An interesting array of the most outlandish shops. I can happily spend another day there. A mix of our fashion street kind of stuff to psychedelic shops, funky punky stuff, simple, exquisite, creative, multi cultural, food court ….. a place that one has to visit for themselves to really enjoy the diversity of this market place. All in all, an eye opener of sorts to some of the interesting stuff I hadn’t seen, or hadn’t seen for a long time!!!!

Evening ends with Fish Fry & Bapi M’s exotic, Pinacolada … majorly spiked for Us & the Sadhu version for Mom, Sabrina & Fenu!!!! Cheeeeeersssss !!!

Highlights…. For starters was the Nutella Crepe , ummmmmm …. Inder, if you were here, I know for sure you would have eaten atleast a dozen!!!!

And secondly, the psychedelic clothes & accessories at Cyberdog …. Shockingly delightful!!!

23rd Jul: The Energy still vibrates in the air..

Call from the Vietnamese Temple( 15 mins walk from home) is just too strong to negate. It’s a pull which we cant help but follow.

The temple is in the backyard of the Monastery (atleast that’s what I think it is). I am in some ways transported to Vietnam, coz the place is so dilapidated, so in ruins …. With shrubs , trees, flower bushes, in total neglect. However, within all this, are the most beautiful idols of the Meditating Buddha, Reclining Buddha, Standing Buddha  & deities. The initial shock overcome, we can’t help but feel the vibrancy of this place, there is definitely an energy, which is unmistakable!!!

The day has gone off well , with us spending a lovely time talking with Renu (Fenu M’s friend) & her son Anurag. Anurag is in his 3^rd year engg at Manipal. So loads of exchanging of news about the changes from the time Ruchi was in KMC to the present!! Then spending time with Mr.Sterling & Joan, getting back to a surfacing Sabrina, who has spent most of the night time reading Harry Potter… competition with brother, coz she wants to finish the book before Shaun …. Kya pagalpan hai!!!!

Total surprise…. Shubhada amma & Satish are at home. The feel of Ashram at Sagar Mansion continues. Yesterday was the satsang & today , they are at home, planning to stay 2 days, with Ashaji giving them company while they Miss Us plenty!!!

 Trivia: If anything was to happen to the city of London, due to the underground network of Tubes & Drainage, the entire city will be taken over by Rodents!!!! Eeeeeeeeppppps!!!

Craziness…. En angrezon ka kya Karen … inke law suits ka kya Karen …. A man has filed a case against a Gujju lady, who runs a flower shop. Why ???? Coz, he slipped on a flower petal……

Humour …. Mom was alone at home, went to the kitchen to get a drink, saw a strange man on the window …. She got a shock & quickly shut all doors & windows , not knowing what else to do, till the man, rang the bell & told her he was the window cleaner!!! Relax.. the Humour comes now. When Joan heard about it … she said …. It is a miracle, the window cleaner didn’t call the cops & tell them there was a stranger in the house, considering there is no one ever in this house!!! Can u imagine my mother facing the cops …….. devaaaa……..!!! J

 

21st Jul: Satyanarayan Puja versus Harry Potter.....

The previous evening had ended with Bapi M’s signature cocktail once again. This time around it was the Brazilian drink, called Caipirinha.  Ruchi , you will love this one!! And we are all set for the next days Puja.

Last minute errands are to be done, Puja set up,Prasad, Lunch….. Fenu, Mom & I, are all in a tizzy setting everything before the Sardana’s, Mr.Sterling & Joan come.

Today, is also the release of Harry Potter & Shaun shall not do a thing till he goes to the shop & buys his & Sabrina’s pre-ordered copy!!!

The copies come, both kids go straight to reading the book, promising to come for sometime during the Puja!! And this leads to Mom saying, lets wait & watch, whether Harry Potter can take precedent over the Puja….. is it a challenge .. I guess it is!!!

The Puja is ready to start, with mother being the Pundit ( she sure is becoming an expert at this!! ) & Lo Behold, Shaun & Sabrina, both come down & stay put for the entire Satyanarayan Puja & the 1001 names of Vishnu. If this isn’t some kind of energy that pulled them towards this Puja, I wonder what is!!??!!!

Our souls are satisfied & then it is time for Pet Puja … khaana peena time. 

Satyanarayan Puja, which was done keeping everyone in mind, for everyone’s peace & happiness, will surely touch each and everyone we know!!

Grace at it’s Best!!!

22nd Jul, Bouquet of Laughter ...

The energy continues, Grace gently making its presence felt. Although we are here in London, the Tarun Poshan have their satsang at home.

We speak with Sundaram & Kamal, the background is animated with the kids sharing their views, the enthusiasm cannot be missed. Sundaram says, he felt our presence & he isn’t wrong there, coz we did feel a part of the satsang!!!

We then take off to meet Chum & Kamal. We enter their home with a bouquet of flower & come back with bouquet of laughter.

This has been one of the most chilled out & relaxed days. Where Sabrina is glued to her Harry Potter, where we move from a Bubbly , to Pimm’s to Beer to adrak walli chai ….. to eating fried Herring(quite tasty,I must say), to chicken biryani, to the regular Roti, rajma, palak panner ( Chum is quite a good cook!! ) .

Where the conversations flow smoothly from one topic to another, where laughter plays the main role, where Kamal acknowledges the fact , that atlast , here is a sister in law( yours truly) who is the perfect one!!!! (considering I am meeting Kamal for the very first time!!). Where both Kamal & his cousin Amitabh, are ready to invite me for Amitabh’s Bachelor party, coz I am one of the Boys!!!;-)

A totally ballistically hilarious time, when Kamal takes out his Hukkah & everyone ( except for Mom & Chum) takes a Sutta , including Sabrina( she tries it before the tobacco is added!! ) . Everyone trying their kalakari at dhuan blowing!!! And to be fair, the winner was definitely Fenu M…. she is bloody good at it ….. aab pata chalta hai, hostel main , ladki kya saab badmaashi karti thi!!! Ahem!!! A total Dum Maro Dum scene!!!

By the time we leave, I for one feel completely at ease & vice versa. Not for a minute can I imagine, that this was my very first interaction with them!!! And a point to mention, got Kamal to do a Shashtang pranam, after all , I am the Dedho Sasu!! He he he

Hightlight…. The world is a small place … once again, while conversation flows with Amitabh about his college in Bbsr, we both come across a common link, Aditya. Aditya the mad child, who knows how to rock any city!!!

Comparison….. Crossed Queen Elizabeth bridge , which for a second there, reminded me off Golden Gate Bridge ….. but then again …. No comparison to humara Howrah bridge …. Sahi ke nahin??? Tra la la la la ……

19th July: A day dedicated to Guru, Wisdom & Knowledge.

We spend our time with Murli ben. She is a devotee from Baba’s time. An amazing single woman, who has lived her life on her own terms with the grace of the Guru & her faith in that Grace. A woman who has the most refreshing experience about her times with Baba, her total surrender to her spiritual sadhana, her total love for her Guru & his teachings. Absolutely Amazing. I couldn’t but think of Shubhada Amma, another women , who lives life on her terms , knowing that her Guru’s grace can never let her down!!! My salutation to the strength of these women , who live the practical world , with their knowledge of the Self, with complete surrender to their Guru , knowing so well, that the Grace & Love shall never let them down!!!!

20th July: It's the day the sky went beserk!!!

Woke up to a drizzle , which went ballistic…..

In the month & a half that we have been here , I have not seen such a downpour!! The rain drops were no comparison to the one’s we had witnessed in Manchester. A complete deluge with a soundtrack of thunder & the lightening, with a backdrop of the darkness , the black clouds ….. a weather which screamed … do not u try and attempt to go and party tonight… how in the heavens name did the weather gods know , I am to go out partying with Shaun’s friends is something I will not understand. But , have to listen to the weather gods, coz they always listen to me .. so I decide to call Shaun & cancel the bar night.

And then Hallelujah …. The Sun surface, to a lovely sunny day!!! But the day witnesses a complete mayhem with the cloud burst!! Mumbaikars , do not fret, when a cloud burst happens, it takes even the best of the developed nation by surprise & leaves them High and dry!!!

The rains came with a vengeance, with a rise of water level, an onslaught where regular simple rain puddles on streets turned to streams, where sewage water came on the roads, where support & help from the police or council, was no where to be seen, where homes were under more than 6 inch of water, where there is water logging, traffic jam, Heathrow flooded, flights cancelled, flights delayed ( Sabrina gets back today & her flight is delayed by 5 hours!! ), … name it …. You have it all, where it’s only the good Samaritan’s of regular junta helping each other. Where one car hits another coz they cannot see the other car in the water log, where, when I go shopping in the evening I hear someone say … can you imagine, my friends car was completely submerged in water!!??? Does this scenario remind us of an episode in our lives???? You bet it does … & somehow, I cant help but say, it can happen to anyone , can happen anywhere ……… when something of this magnitude happens, the machinery stops to function …. Sometimes, blame game is not called for ……

And the beauty of it all, when the water logging subsides, a traffic warden comes around, giving tickets to cars parked in the wrong place!!! Hey bhagwaan … wot next!!!;-)

Highlight … truly has to be the fact, that even thought the weather takes a complete turn, Shaun & his plan to meet his friends fizzles out…. Guess partying cannot happen when I am not there, can it now ??? ;-)

18th Jul: Absolut Ice Bar is an Absolute one time Must!!!!

Its all about Comedy of Errors.

Hear about Ice bar while Shaun & Ankit are chatting. Decide there & then , that I just have to visit this place. Check out the net to find out about this place. ABSOLUT ICEBAR LONDON, is kept at minus 5 degrees all year round with everything inside made out of crystal-clear ice from the Torne river in Sweden, truly the coolest bar in town, at the coolest locale of Central London!! They have time slots of half hour, coz , one cant really stay there for more than that time. About 50 people in one slot , I think!!

Call the bar to make reservations & can you imagine my surprise , when I am told that the bookings are made for the 28^th day that one calls. Hello … I might be dead in 28 days time … kya rule hai!!! Really now.

But then … where there is a will there is a way , Ruchi finds out that you can book online, & we go ahead with the bookings for 18^th Jul 8.45pm slot. Here on begins another saga…

Ruchi’s aunt , Sangeeta, too manages to get us bookings, & so we cancel our booking. When we ask her the time & date , she says, its for 20^th Jul. Helpppp … we cannot go on Friday , since Sabrina gets back from Barcelona that day & Bapi M will have to go to the airport in the evening. So , its back to square one … no bookings & then Sangeeta manages to book us back on 18^th July.

Come 18^th July, we are all ready to go partying for a time slot of 845pm. I call Uma to reconfirm the time & turns out, no one really knows the exact time the slot has been booked for …. No one has asked Sangeeta about it!!! Bhagwan bachaye … so it is a quick call to the Bar  & they tell me the booking is for the 8 pm slot. Now, that completely chills me , coz flip side to this is the fact , that Fenu M is working & can only be free at 830pm. So, noways can we reach Ice bar at 8pm. Quick decisions time , & I request change of slot to a later time & we get it … wow to that … & gives us a slot of 1015pm.

Now, its change of plans & we decide to eat a quick  meal somewhere and then go to Ice Bar. Shaun & Gaurav from work, Ravi, Uma, Ruchi from home, Bapi M, Mom, & I after collecting Fenu M from work , at Leicester Square ( mullah ke daud masjid taak!!).

A head count on where we want to eat & turns out , max no. want to eat at KFC , except for Ruchi who wants to eat healthy food at Subways. Well, Ruchi has to eat the oily chicken coz Subway has finished with all the breads for the day!!!;-)

A quick  meal & we walk across to Ice bar. A total paisa wasool. Its an experience , no doubt about it. Everything made of Ice, including the glass in which we are served drinks!! A cute place , with loads of etching on ice. Guess you will understand what I mean when you see the pictures. One has to experience it to truly enjoy it!! Hands freezing while holding the ice glass, breaking the glass once the drink is over, dancing to the music, & taking loads of pictures!!!!

All in all … All’s Well, that Ends Well…..

Highlight… wanted to take a picture without the Eskimo outfit( which you have to wear, to protect the ice & yourself!! ). I spot these 2 girls huddled together coz they are so cold. I just have to take a picture of these 2 girls with me .. the coolest one … & when I saw the pictures, it is amazing , they look like mannequins!!! But they are very Real!!! See the pictures for yourself & u will know , what I mean …………

17th Jul: Walk the talk with Avni...

Monday, relaxed at home. Chatted with people on line & when spoke with Ashi, she asked me what I was doing at home … couldn’t help but tell her   “The Magpies flying around. The squirrels & robins , doing a constant chatter , with the squirrels looking at me , wondering what was it that I was doing. And that I had decided to give computer lessons to the squirrels , since they were the most inquisitive of the lot , and the others, if they show interest!!”. And Ashi’s reply … “Cool, hi tech animals!!”

Tuesday, met up with Avni. Saw the girl in action as an interior decorator, who does up homes for people. Quite interesting & lot of hard work. Went with her to her clients place,  was impressed with what all she has done, some of her art décor are beautiful!!!

Walked around Sloane Street, checked out quite a few of the designer shops on this oh la la lane. Ruchi, I went to Jimmy Choo …. Nothing majorly exciting , we get the same stuff in our desh , thoda farak hai .. but hey , kahan 2000 rupees and kahan 400 pounds ….. babare … & then it was being treated to a lovely meal at Wagamama( again!! Yes!!).

Wow factor… the prices in all these designer shops including Harrods. Beta, idhar toh , 70% off main bhi, some of the stuff I really liked were about 450 pounds. Talk about great taste and all that . Someone tell me …. Does Money grow on Trees or should I be saying… Money grows in middle East!!!! But then again , I love brands , clothes .. shoes .. should be branded … & they all are .. branded by ME!!! ;-)

15th July: It's BBQ time at Ravi & Uma's!!

The day started off with heavy rains. Fenu M, making macroni salad, for the party. Me, being the errand runner & driver. Mom helping out. Shaun & Sabrina , off to Ravi’s  place to help set the place.

Thank heaven’s for the talks that the weather gods & I have. The promise made to Ravi & faith in our talks , hold through! The weather turns around & when we reach at 3pm , the Sun is out. Perfect for BBQ!!

Meet their regular gang & a few new friends. Loads of food & drinks to go around. Kids playing football, all kinds of music playing, general gup shup , masti .. the works!!! A lovely time, with Ravi & Abbu being the official chefs !! The chicken & prawns were delicious ….

By the time the evening ended, we had made new friends & ready for another BBQ party at Fenu M’s on 5^th Aug , if all works fine!!!

Highlight was the fact that like minded people do find each other & when the basis is the Guru, how can it be otherwise?? We met up with Chitra & Ajay, who have recently started going to the Art of living Satsangs. The talks went from the Guru’s, spirituality, Vedas, Indian philosophy …. A super interaction of minds, knowledge, wisdom !! Since, Ajay is very well read  & his first Guru ever was Swami Vivekanada, I was so reminded of Sainath!!

Twins… Arun Patnaik has a twin in London, Abbu looks so much like him … was uncanny!!!

14th Jul. Went to the other end of London & wot a trip!!!

Took off, in the morning , to visit Nirmal & family at a place called Hounslow, near Heathrow. Did not realize how far it was till the journey began & ended at his door step!!!

To my luck, the Victoria line was not working , so had to take the bus to the nearest place where the tubes were operating. From there, it was one crazy trip. Kept changing lines, stations , to eventually reach the last line, which took me to Hounslow. A simple journey, which should have taken me an hour, took me 2 hours!!! Sighhhhhhh

But, all worth it. Met the family, Nirmal & Priti , the perfect host & their son Nimit , is one cute kid …  beauty being, has no accent whatsoever when he talks in hindi or English . However, according to Priti, the accent comes out when he talks to his friends!!! A happy afternoon with them, where we discussed future business venture in Bombay, if & when they move back!!!

From there, I took off to the Sharma’s residence, which is 15 minutes away from Nirmals. Met Mom & Fenu M near the station & walked with them to attend the satsang. Dharmendraji & his wife Kailashji are old devotees, who have met Baba & their Centre has been running since the eighties. Also met Murli ben & other devotees , we have met at the ashram. The satsang was absolutely lifting & we felt we were in the ashram, the energy there was amazing!

Got home at around 9pm …  to say that I crashed out after this crazy day is an understatement.

Energy…. Which was so strong at the satsang , was felt by all. And was lovingly put by Kailashji, that it was the energy that the Bombay walla’s had got with them from GSP!!! 

13th Jul: First day I get back in the wee hrs of the morning!!!

Met up with Cathy Donner , Pete( her husband) , Ellie & Sophie ( the little girls) , dinner with them at China town, another place with amazing Chinese food (a place that Bapi M hunted for us) , with the girls ( including Sabrina) gorging on the Prawn Crackers. Cathy & I , went down  memory lanes , we were, after all meeting up after about 15-20 years , I think!!! Loads of exchange of happenings till date. Her girls are adorable & Pete is one fun chap. Have extracted a promise from them to come & visit , since the girls love ‘Popaddam’ & ‘Carrot Sticks’ & ‘Regular Water’ …. Bahut hi sahi bachhe hain …… who want water instead of juice!!;-)

Then met Shaun & took off to The Loop , again , to meet his University friends. Eight of them ..… all fantastic .. had a complete blast . Felt as if I was in Bombay … totally cool!!! Such a grounded bunch ….. pleasure being with them. Partying, drinking, the shots, dancing  & crazy conversation with 2 smashed chaps , who came to our table, with Shaun chewing their brains ….. all got over at 2.30 am . The gang went home , while Shaun & I walked around Central London, … it was buzzing with life even at this hour & got back home in the wee hours of the morning , around 4 am!!!! Definitely a first for me!! Wicked , I say!!

Highlight …. N what a highlight … 2 of Shauns friend wanted to know how old I am … and the max they went to was 28yrs … do I love this .. or do I love this!!!! Am looking forward to Shaun taking their picture, when he tells them how old I am , which is after I leave London!!! LOL…..

9th Jul - 12th Jul :The bonding days ..

Monday was spent with Joan, all day general masti, window shopping ( coz I cant seem to find anything that I like!!! ) , coffee drinking , walking in the drizzle & the best being ….  getting stuck while getting out of the station at Kensington station , coz here we used the National rail, where Oyster card (specific to bus & underground tubes only, as I found out)  does not work & is a miracle that I didn’t get caught in the train , warna …… 5 pound ke jagha , I would have to shelve out something like 20 pounds … just got saved big time there!!! Thank the lord!!

Tuesday was the arrival of Chandra from Amsterdam. Was fantastic meeting her , more so for me .. coz I was meeting her after 10yrs ….. she hasn’t changed a bit, loads of exchange of news with the days flying past … with dinner on both days being Party time!!! She left on Thursday …. Wonderful 3 days with her!!!

9th Jul, a day where one actually saw the Skyline of the City ..

For the first time, since we have come, I actually can see beyond the River Thames!!! And so, we make our way towards Thames  Barrier, a marvelous piece of engineering feet….. major Hi Tech dam, I say!!! And check out a French market with all the French food!!!

And then it is Puja time, with Havan at the Sardana home place. A very family affair, an energy which brings with it, blessings for all !!

Watch parts of the Wimbeldon Men’s Finals & my major disappointment, this trip is that I could not watch any match on the Centre Court Live ……. Some time in the near future .. I shall plan this out…… sometime real soon!!!!

7th Jul, Open air Theatre at Regent Park.

Drag Shaun ( like a lamb to slaughter .. he he ) to Regent Park, coz I want to see the Midsummers Night Dream, at the Open Air Theatre, in the Inner Circle of the Park.

Once again it’s a lovely summer day, perfect for the play, where we have no interruption due to the rains!!!

I absolutely loved this experience. The setting was ideal for this play, with the fairies et all coming out from the bushes around the set. The actors do such a marvelous job of creating the perfect atmosphere. A must, for anyone who has read Shakespeare, or just for the love of theatre, or for the love of something interesting. And this play more so, coz it is so hilarious!!!

Walk around Regent Park & I absolutely love this Park, has more character than Hyde Park or St.James Park!!!! Even the café has a festive air to it!!

We walk across 221, Baker Street. Visit Sherlok Holmes & get back home through the mysterious dungeons of the Tubes, which are riddled by the police, coz security is spruced up, considering it was this day , last year , that they went through the London Bombing!!!!

Watch, Live Earth, the concert for a Climate in Crisis happening at Wembley Stadium. There are a whole load of artists, but at the end of it all, Madonna still ROCKS!!! & Rhianna reminds me of Kutchi!!!

Highlight, is the Dark Chocolate icecream with Jamaican Rum, drenched in dutch cocoa powder, with Chocolate sauce at the Garden Cafe……. Ummmmmmmm

6th Jul, Teen Deviyan, away from the bustling crowd!!!!

The Sun is shinning & there is no ways, I am going to be stuck to the house. Fenu M has taken leave, so we just have to, have to, go out, no two ways about it!!!

And we do, drive off to the countryside, way past Surrey, where we get lost, ask a shop which is selling a whole load of garden stuff, as to where we are & if there is a Pub nearby, where we can enjoy the Sun. He does have a smile on his face seeing these three women, wanting to go drinking in the afternoon on a week day, however, he tells us about a small village Pub, 5 minutes down the road. We take off promising to have a drink on his behalf!!;-)

We find the Pub, The Barley Mow, exactly where he has told us. It is the first time the Teen Deviyan, have gone off on their own. Its absolutely Wicked!!! While Mom & Fenu M drink Orange juice, I enjoy a pint of chilled Beer. It’s sunny, the wind has a nice nip to it & has a speed which blows a peanut packet off the table, which makes mother dear stomp her feet like Sabrina, and cringe at the fact that her 65 pence ka sabse chotta packet of peanut was all over the floor!!! It was too too funny, with Fenu M & Me , going completely ballistic laughing!!! To compensate, we had a real tasty plate of Mushroom in Pesto sauce & a portion of Garlic gooey cheese bread!!!

A perfect days outing which ends with Mom making Barra Tarkari for everyone & feels real bad that her husband is not there ……. If this aint love .. wonder what is!!!

5th July, Back to school..

It was definitely Going back to the Past. To school days, when we took part in the Annual school day functions.

Sabrina’s school, Old Palace School of John Whitgift, had their Annual day which they call  ‘A Celebration of Excellence’. Was a fantastic blend of Gospel Choir, delightful short skits, a lovely Ribbon dance by the Gym group, young achievers who have won national junior level in Chess & Karate, singers, name you , they had it all.

Finale was the Music Choir. Sabrina was a part of this 40 student combine. This choir which goes off to Barcelona in 2 weeks to perform at 8 venues!!!!

Highlight, would you believe this …. Was my surprise at seeing 2 girls, do the complete jhatka’s , apna bollywood style on remix hindi/bhangra songs!!! Beta…. Indianess is taking over the Angrezi school too!!! Way to go…..

4th July, the day Amerikans got their independence in 1776 from the Britishers!!!

And out here, Shaun has got his independence from University & Pocket money. He is actually a Graduate now, has got himself a lucrative summer job, before he goes for his Masters!!!!!!

Celebration time, it was on Sunday, Dim sum lunch at Kung Fung at China town.One of the few that serve’s dimsum on trolley’s, with loads of variety. Ate as if there was no tomorrow, had to try out every variety & ended up tasting squids … octopus!!!! Me no like that, but am sure Deia would have loved it , considering she had no problems trying out the Bloodied Clam’s in Bangkok!!!

Then it was Cappuccino at one of the Italian places at Leicester Square, Frozen Yogurt at Rendevous ( I prefer our version better). The celebrations could not have been completed, without Bapi M making Irish Coffee, the best ever!!!

The developed nations had better watch out when they talk about all the floods, the traffic, the congestion, etc etc etc …….. In reference to the developing nations.

Considering they go on & on about their infrastructure & no problems, but there sure are, its just that they know how to keep it under wraps unlike the developing nations …… something to learn there, methinks!!

Take into account the congestion in Central London , where one has to pay 8 pounds, to just pass through the place between 8am to 6 pm!!! Then, the office hour traffic, which moves at snail’s pace even on the motorways. Not to mention quite a few of the places which have been flooded , damage estimated at 1 million pound or more!!! ( House’s under 3 feet of water, food in short supply, drainage a problem….. .. & the beauty being Bapi M getting stuck in the train from Manchester to London due to floods!!! ;-)

Eat your words, is the phrase we should use now!!!! Ahem!!!

Tuesday the 3^rd July, birthday time, for Akshay & Ashish. Ek teeer se do nishane ka din tha!!!

 If it was upto me, I am not sure I would have gone all the way to Harrow to visit the birthday boys ( remember for me, anything beyond Worli is the other end of the world!! ) , so, all credit shall go to Julie & Saroj Aunty, who drove all the way back & forth, a good 2 hrs drive .. or was it more, through the Rain’s!!!

Once again, it is funny meeting Sangeeta & the boys in London at her mom’s place. The party for Akshay’s birthday , which was planned for 10-14 people actually turns out to be for about 50 people, with a professional comedy artist/singer roped in!!! Some party this was …. With Moi meeting most of Sangeeta’s family! 

If Namisha hardly talks, her sister is the exact opposite, like she says, once too often “ I love to Talk and Namisha & I are poles apart!!”  ;-)

A lovely time we had at Harvester’s, with Amisha talking one to a dozen ( I absolutely loved it!! ) , Ashish making sure everyone celebrating, after all, he is the birthday boy.The kids, Ilesha & Parth, making the most of this partying!!! Surprisingly, I did not feel I was meeting this family for the first time, guess, Namisha had told us enough about each other, for that to happen. Sanjay & Namisha, time you came here for a holiday with the kids … u all will absolutely love it .... loads to do and maybe , just maybe you two can get a dose of craziness from the couple here!!;-). Is it true Sanjay, you plan to open an office here???hummmm

Highlight today was the Rains….. the weather today, one minute is sunny, another raining, then moves to sunny again, then pours cats and dogs, with thunder & lightninh thrown in, while we can see about a mile away, a perfect cloud free sky!!!! Typical would one say of the very famous London weather?????? cheers…….

29th Jun, Liverpool, the European city of Culture!!

It’s a day for paratha & aloo bhaja , farmayish of Natalie for Mom, which we all gorge on!!! Then off we are for Liverpool.

Love the city, there is a vibrant air here, not to mention the cold wind that can blow us away , but the Sun bright & sunny as ever!!! If one of you kids want to study in Europe, this city would be a good choice!!;-)

The Dock area is where all the activity is , a city which reminds me so much of Aberdeen, visit to the Liverpool Cathedral, Beatles Exhibition …. Just wish one of the Beatles was there to belt out a number LIVE & that would have surely been the Hightlight of this day!!!

I can happily live in one of the apartments in the Dock area!!!;-)

The evening has a perfect end, with Natalie Playing the Flute, singing while playing the Piano(a livewire of Talent) & we having the perfect family party time dinner of wine & Pizza!!!

This week has been one of the most musical week of this entire trip, one that I shall truly cherish!!

Highlight: We saw the Moon on our way to Manchester …… or is it the we are confusing the setting Sun to be the Rising Moon??? ;-)

28th Jun, Ye din Natalie ke Naam!!!

The day begins & ends with Natalie’s performance.

The day begins at 7am, where all of us take of for Natalie’s dance performance. It’s a 9am show, at Rochdale. A charity show, performing for kids who are mentally challenged, a Special Needs School for their closing gala, celebrating & starting their year end with Indianness, which continued through the day.

I am the impromptu, last minute presenter & have a blast with an interactive presentation of Natalie’s performance of Odissi & 2 apna hindi songs.These kids grooved to the Hindi songs & were clapping their hands , dancing on their chairs when Natalie performed Kajrare Kajrare. Was a pleasure watching these kids enjoying to the fullest. A morning to remember!

Go to a place called The Lowry, which holds exhibitions of artists, has a theatre & a few Designer/ Chain outlets. We are very happy with the M & S outlet.( Kalpana , it’s a place for you!!!! ;-)

Evening sees us at The Victoria Theatre, where Natalie’s school( Bolton School) orchestra.  She is one of the lead flute players, sings for the Choir. 

The finale was fantastic, a medley by 12 kids of Jazz, Opera ( Natalie sang a number from Phantom of the opera with another boy), Rock, Soul. Their Music Head apart from getting the 100 odd kids singing the chorus & doing a few dance steps, even got the audience clapping & waving of the hands.

I went back to school days, those sure were some fun days & have decided I have to learn the Tabla once I get back…. Ojas .. where are you????!! ( Dharmali, I do hope you are still the Tabla player!! A musician , is always a musician!!! Am I right or am I right!!!) And should never never let go of strumming , waqt nikalna chahiye, no matter what … after all , music is life!!

Old, young, ill, healthy, drunk, sane, mentally challenged, physically challenged …… matters not, music shall always bring about some emotion, a tap of the feet, a hummm , a song, a memory……….

HEY Bhagwan , when will I get use to the daylight …. Hum jab jagte hain tab it’s day light & it’s only when we sleep after around 11pm that there is darkness, the darkness here is just between 11pm to maybe 3am!!!!!

27th Jun, Rain continues...

The monsoon hasn’t let up here, & sounds of Tanpura resounds in the entire house. Such a musical family, where Usha Aunty plays the Piano while singing 1-2-5-3-1( Niloufer, am sure , you understand!!!) Natalie turns up with new dance steps, Uncle’s fingers drums out tabla notes on any surface!!!! It’s musical bonanza, where, piano, sitar, flute, songs & dance , are part of every moment in this home!!!

Dinner is with friends who have come to see the family from Bombay, I feel like this exotic species who they want to check out!!!;-)

Natalie plays the piano for us, she is good & one can’t help but notice that she enjoys music!!!

Trivia…. The Brits say Dinner instead of Lunch, Tea for Dinner, Supper for the after dinner snacks!!!??!! It’s a miracle they still call Breakfast, Breakfast!! Like Reshma very aptly said, that either the angrez taught us all wrong English, or it is time for us to Teach them Queens English!!! Kya zamana aa gaya hai, aab hume angrezon ko angrezi shikani padegi!!!

23rd Jun, Reminiscing....

While Shaun gets ready to head back to London, we reminisce about the spell bounding exhibition of Andy Goldworthy.

His work is intrinsically bound to seasons & landscape which are temporal and ephemeral. His creations are made with things that are found in nature & which when disintegrates, become one with nature!!!

His exhibition that completely knocked us was what he has done in rooms of the Underground Gallery (with help of his team).

The first major structure that hits you when you walk inside is the Stacked Oak, which dominates the foyer .It is pyramid shaped made out of logs of wood. Different sizes, lengths, width , shapes, arranged such that they Balance, without crumbling down, entirely self supporting ………. Wonder how long it took them to make this, how many times it fell apart!!!

Balance is an Art, how can Balancing ones life differ???

The first room, is the Stone room, has eleven domes, all perfectly made to fit the room, all in harmony with each other. These domes are made of stones, cut in such a way, that they are built from the ground upwards into 5 layers, stacked together, with the last round circular stone has a black hole, suggesting this work penetrates into the earth below!!!

Ashes to Ashes … dust to dust … 

The Clay room, where he has clay cracked walls, which is made up of 20 tons of clay, mixed with … believe it or not … 300 litres of human hair!!!

Reminds one so much of humare gaon ke ghar … clay, mud, cow dung, hay … totally bio degradable & in complete unity with Nature, Origin of surface of earth!!!!( Did he take this idea from us … will have to ask him , if I ever meet him!! )

Clay comes in contact with Sun, Wind, Nature & cracks are formed, in Life, every experience & wisdom creates that crack!!

The Wood room, is another self supporting structure, chestnut, which has been stacked all around the room. When you walk into the room, it is complete darkness, till your eyes get use to it  & then this larger than life structure that reminds you of a nest, turned upside down!

From Lightness we went into Darkness, adjusted to the darkness, saw the tunnel with the light, walked towards that, to be once again blinded by the bright light, to adjust to the light!!! There is Light no matter what, one just has to focus & adjust!!

Last & the most stunning of them all is the Leaf Stalk room. A Stalk Screen that spans the 12 metre room, held together only with blackthorn, with a  circular opening in the centre of this screen.

If one has the courage to jump through this, it would be like finding another fascinating world on the other side. Leap of Faith??? First glance & I thought it was a really thin net with all the stalks fit together, till I realized otherwise, it was once again a pure balancing act. Was like a spiders web …. In some ways , methinks , this must have been one of his inspirations for this screen.

The beauty of all these rooms is also that, apart from the Wood room, all have a skyline & the sunlight gives its own shadows & textures to the structures, a mystery waiting to unravel!!!

Highlight, is me driving around Manchester & managing to cut lanes , without causing any accidents!!! The desi in me has come alive, what else can one expect, itne sare desi hain idhar , ki lagta hai, I am in apna Saher, ka kahen!!! Ahem!!!

26th Jun, Blackburn , burns to the beauty of a Sunny day!!!

Atlast the sun is out, lovely weather & waking up to Usha aunty strumming the Sitar. After a morning at Joy Uncles Surgery, I am off to meet Reshma & family at Blackburn.

The previous night’s masti continues & it’s a perfect time with Reshma, Asfaq, & Rimsha. Loads of talk about Kalpana & Devika.Where I pick up words like “ In it” .. which really means “ Isn’t it”, & “Chalne”…. Yup, it’s the Gujju muslims here who are the Brit’s but do say a few gujju words & one of them is “Chalne”!!! We have come to the conclusion that UK will soon be taken over by the Gujju’s & Pakistani muslims!!!Ahem!!!:-)

Have Chai made by Rimsha, all of 10 years & the Chai is typical desi with masala & perfect!!! Best of all, if getting shoes from Deia, Devika was not enough , I just might get shoes from Rimsha too….. her foot size, like the girls, is same as mine!!! Have to make sure the TRIO create a band, they are alike in so many ways & one reminds me of another!!

Then off for some shopping, visit Reshma’s new home (kitchen shall be the most lived in), lovely location & landscape. Dinner at Frankie & Benny’s & then they drop me back through the most scenic route, which reminds us all off  Uttaranchal!!!

Trivia…. Clinic here is called Surgery …. Is it coz the GP’s do chotta motta surgery ???

Highlight, is the fact that the world is truly such a small place if one thinks about it!!! In course of talks at dinner, I find out, Asfaq is from Rampur, is a Doon school product & knows Arun as the total Crazy Arun Puri, who’s entire group was Wild!!!! To say that after that the entire conversations moved to wildlife, Doon, Uttranchal, the shikar’s, is an understatement. Ands that’s why I said, the drive back was a reminder of back home, coz his SatMap, took us through farms & complete forest rasta, did not for once touch the motorway!!! We were just waiting for a Tiger to show up!!!;-)

25th Jun, To Lancashire with Red Rose!!!!;-)

After a day at the Centre, where a few elders at the computer section thought I was a new computer teacher( Sanjay, maybe I can change my profession!!!), we are ready to head to Bolton!

Drive with Joy Uncle to Lancashire, another country side which perfectly manicured!!! Haryali hi haryali!!! … Have noticed that all the landscapes here are the same, houses make to order , all in harmony of each other.

Reach Rani Mahal, the Rout’s residence. And take off with Usha Aunty & Natalie for a very very tasty tasty Thai meal at Nam Ploy, run by a Gujrati family!!! Kya hoga es desh ka!!!!????

It is an evening filled with masak masti, with everyone in their total elements of partying. Hysterical laughter is the main ingredient of this dinner. Not to forget the over eating coz  for some strange reason, we were given special dishes on the house. Natalie & I realized, that for every dish we had ordered , we had got another dish free!!! Aisa na kabhi hua hai, na hoga!!;-) The restaurant people are definitely not forgetting us in a hurry!!! Aur aise bhi, hume bhulna itna aasan nahin hai!!!    

Round off the evening with Joy Uncle’s signature Capuccino, & movie at their newly done up Mini theatre, which also doubles as Natalie’s dance & piano room.

Highlight is what Mr. Haldar at the centre said on his love for India “A child does not know or recognize his mother while in the womb & in the same way, we did not realize our love for India till we came to UK!!!”

24th Jun, Gordon Brown comes to Power & first official speech in Manchester!!!

The Veterans day event, organized by the Manchester city council, at the Town Hall to celebrate contribution of those that served in the armed forces. An afternoon where we just missed seeing Tony Blair & Gordon Brown, met up with the Ex & current Lord Mayor of Manchester City & a few govt officials!!! Jeje, is one Mr. Popular here, with everyone walking across to meet him & since we were with him , hume bhi bhav mil gaya!!!

It was a lovely festive atmosphere, with the veterans grooving to the music & enjoying with the special performers who had been invited to entertain them. Sater saal ke budhe ya satra saal ke jawan???!!!!

Since all the major Leaders are in Manchester, the protest marchers around Town hall in full form, band baje ke saath, protesting against the Iraq war,!!!

Mama was upset that Jeje didn’t talk to the right people, whereby we all could have gone & met all the delegates & heard Blair & Brown’s speech.Must say, that sure would have been some affair to attend!!!

Hightlight has to be the fact that my T-shirt which says “I’m not crazy, I’m mad”, raised a few eyebrows & smiles !!!;-)

Trivia …. Only about 40% of  British kids, go to University in comparison to other nations!!!!( according to Gordon!!)

22nd Jun, Yeh haryali aur ye rasta!!!!!

Woke up to birds chirping, rabbits & squirrels running wild among the variety of flowers, cherry , plum & other trees. Mist, covers the forest & fields surrounding the Donner’s home (reminds me so much of Kashipur!). The incessant Rains, which give’s this place a feel of me being in Lonavala!!!!

The country side is breathtaking. Its greenery all around, with wild flowers that dot this landscape.

We take off to Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which holds Andy Goldworthy’s current exhibition. Walk around the gardens which exhibit sculptures of Barbara  Hepworth (The Men), the hillside with sculptures from various other artists like Eduardo Paolozzi , Anthony Gormley & others.

Slipping, sliding & still holding balance through the slush, murky muddy path & the continuous drizzle of rains, on the Nature trail. Around the lakeside & back across Cascade bridge route to YSP for lunch at the Cafe, through the sculpture trails of Henry Moore.

It is time to drive through the torrential rain … so Bambaiya … Loving it ….. towards Nostell Priory dedicated to Saint Oswald, which now houses the 18^th century house built of Sir Rowland Winn in 1733, surrounded by acres of parkland & lake. Now open for public viewing, their main attraction are the over 100 pieces of Thomas Chippendale furniture, including the amazingly intricate doll house, a total beauty!! (How I would like a few pieces in Sagar Mansion .. sighhhh!!),!!

Trivia … the money came from coal mines in the good old days, but the same was so beautifully hidden by the parkland, that no one could see beyond the beauty into the ugliness of mining!!! Kya business acumen tha inka!!

An absolutely fantabulous time with Nancy & Ricky comes to an end, as they drop us to the station to take our train back to Manchester.

Arrive at Manchester & Shaun whisks me off to Piccadilly Circus, while Jeje takes Mom back home. We walk around the city, its like London, but slow paced & it even show cases its own Millennium Wheel!!! We meet up with his friend Priyanka, go for drinks, a lovely meal at Wagamama ,the Japanese Noodle Bar. The night life in Manchester cannot be complete till we go half distance back home by Tram & rest by a Taxi!!!! Bahut hi maza aya …..

Hai re meri Kismet !!!! Clarks has a 50% off  & I cannot get the pair that I want coz my size is the smallest, I actually go to children section to see if they have something for me … woh alag baat hai ki Shaun cannot believe my foot size is so small , his expression says it all!!! Utter disbelief!!! 

21st Jun, Aloha to Yorkshire !!!!!

Visit to the Indian senior citizen centre, and one realizes the kind of hard work, focus, love & dedication, that has gone through, to set this up. And how everyone is in complete Awe of Jeje, an inspirations to many & like someone said, “ The Diamond of this Centre”. This centre, which was initiated by him, today is a model, that everyone wants to imbibe.

Managed not to get lost & reached Wakefield with a change at Leeds!!!

Time has stood still for Nancy & Ricky, except for a few additional grey hair, they both look just as they did when we last saw them some 10years back!!!

The evening has been one which has left mom & me with aching jaws , coz of how much we laughed. It’s been watching Ricky be a complete replica of Dad (while Nancy reacts in the same way as would Mom to Dad’s antics), same reactions , same love for food & he even went to sleep in the living room while we all were talking !!! too too much …. Dad & Ricky , twins in some previous birth!!!

Highlight for sure was Nancy’s Shortcake with crushed Strawberry & Cream …. yummmmmyyyy!!!!

Dialogue for the day was Ricky asking “Are we desserting now” ???!!!!! ;-)

Trivia for the day ……. The great divide between Yorkshire & Lancashire!!!  No love lost between the two it seems. Cricket main toh battle field hai hi , otherwise too!!! Can’t see eye to eye!!! Where one believes in the White Rose( Yorkshire) , the other sports the Red Rose ( Lancashire) !!!! Diversity rules in these two parts!!!;-)

20thJun, I wanna kill someone ...

Grrrrrrrrrrrr, am I ready to pull my hair out , or am I ready to do Hara kiri , or do I wanna kill someone ……. Too many thoughts that have crossed my mind since the afternoon!!!!

We went off for the farewell ceremony of the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester  by the Asian Community!! Reached early , checked the hall & saw it was a sit down types & expected the works. And were we disappointed!!! Ek toh all the Mayors in this region wear some gold medallion necklace of sorts, which separates them from the regular junta!! The whole programme was a one man show & felt it was some family affair, the way the presentations were made …. Didn’t know , whether I should , laugh or cry !!!The food( Indian)  was pathetic, the beer was …… the service … less said the better. To top that , khana peena kept happening while the speakers spoke, while the cultural bit            (dances by the local dance school, without a stage , which meant more than half the people cudn’t see!!) was happening  ……. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! The epitome of uncivilized behaviour  was the fact that the Master of ceremonies , started to thank people while one of the dances was still on …….!!!!  Havent come across such a badly organized programme for the longest time!!!Why for , apni befkufi ka padarshan karte hain ye log …!!! The desi angrez definitely need more than a lesson from us Desi’s …. Bharat rocks for sure!!!!

If it wasn’t for the fact that Jeje, that is , Dr.B.C.Das , was one of the special invitee’s & speaker, considering he has been honored  the MBE by the Queen herself & the people here really hold him in high esteem for the work he is doing  with & for the Asian senior citizens, we would have walked out!

Highlight today , which gave us all a reprive was the fact , that for a while there, Shaun became khanti Oriya , didn’t understand English , only Oriya!!! Ladka sahi raste ja raha hai!!!;-)

19th Jun, Day at Trafford Centre!

The largest Mall not only at Manchester but in UK. Some areas are decorated so loud , that it reminds me of JW Marriot!! Take’s getting use to, aye!!!

A fun day with Jeje & Mama . Lunch at the food court, Theatre all to ourselves for private screening of Jhoom barabar Jhoom (slight exaggeration, there were exactly 16 of us!!!) & then a fantastic evening, watching couples over 70 yrs of age , dance to Jazz music. Brought a Smile, to watch them dance with perfect rhythm . Jeena issika naam hai!!!

Highlight today has been Mom teaching Shaun how to sit cross legged on the floor & teaching him Oriya ….. it has been one hilarious evening with Shaun & his accent.Then Mama taking off in colloquial Oriya & telling us some folklore stories. Shaun & I, the complete Bokka’s… went way above our head, till Mom explained what the words meant!!! One laugh a minute evening!!! LOL ….

18th Jun, What a day ...

We nearly missed the train to Manchester, due to traffic jam ( is it bad or is it bad!!!???!!) & diversions due to the loads of construction work happening in & around London. If Bapi M didn’t know the city so well, we would have for sure missed the train.

On our way to the station, I had to rub my eye is disbelief to see a place called Mahatama Gandhi Industrial Estate!!!! Bapu … bole toh, ekdum popular hain ….

View from the window is a delight. The green pastures, with khate peete ghar ke Ewe’s &Cow’s, the farm houses that look like castle’s, the synchronized homes….. And passing through the various cities, it is interesting to note, how well kept, organized & clean even the industrial area’s are!!!

Do not be surprised, if the colour of my eyes go absolutely green, with all the shades of green that I have been seeing here!!

Laloo should give the American school’s a break & come check how the railway system works here & the cleanliness of the train & the platforms ….. when will our stations & trains be like this ……. Sighhhhhhhh!!!

Taxi driver’s all over the world strongly believe that the maze of streets belongs to them, rest are trespassers!!! I died laughing, when a cab driver brushed Bapi M aside, instead of apologizing, for stopping his cab at a turning to take a passenger. Bapi M was ready to scream blue murder ……. remember we were ready to miss the train. So typical of any Cabbie ….!!!!! Ufffffffff !!! :-) 

Highlight was ,Walking in the Rains at Manchester!!!

It had been drizzling since morning. Evening the Sun decided to welcome us, so we went off for a walk, to be caught completely off guard by the cloud burst, where each drop was ready to make a puddle!!! The tradition of walking in the rain every year carries on … if not in Bombay, getting drenched to the bones happens in Manchester!!! As does Murphy’s Law…. The rain stopped the minute we reached home!!! ;-)

Trivia…. Shaun’s observation , how he has never seen Taxi’s filling gas at the gas station ….. interesting … wonder when they do & where!!!