22nd Oct: I believe I can Fly ……

The weather is lovely, so what if the weather dept say's, it is going to be Windy & Cloudy & there might be rains!!! Uday, is absolutely sure that the weather shall hold on, & Fly we shall, seconded by Geeta!

 

So, we take off to the Hanger, get to Uday's piston airplane, Aerostar N18AT, twin engine six seater. This will be one of the last flights that Uday shall make on this aircraft, before selling this & buying himself a Single engine Piper Malibu/Mirage, 6 seater!!!!! Sahi ja rahen hain!!!

 

Ready to take off & the battery dies on us. Uday asks for the tech chaps to come & give his airplane a jump start …. Basically , isko bhi dhakke ki jarorat hai .. & once that is given in a more angrez style, we are airborne.

 

The view of Vegas from the air is lovely & the barren mountains, the complete desert landscape of this region, in its own way is breathtaking. Although arid, the colours of the earth are absolutely stunning & I would have never really seen this interesting array, hadn't I been airborne! Flying over the Hoover dam is a complete contrast, clear blue water snaking across the barren intense scenery!!   

 

After a view to a kill, we are back on dry land for fuelling of the aircraft….. inka bhi ek pukka gas pump hai!!! This sure has been an unforgettable experience!!

 

Then, there has been khana at an Indian restaurant, & a Mexican place which is probably the only one of it's kind which serves more than ten types of Salsa dips!!

 

Appletini which Geeta made, took over my love of Margarita… which says something!   And have my first Bhel in Amerika …. Haldiram sure rocks … ekdum tikha bhel khaya , maaza aa gaya….

 

Agar Heater chalta toh, we would have jumped in the pool & enjoyed the Spa … but just my luck, that the heater decided to go kaput while I was there!! Sighhhh

 

Old city of Vegas has a different charm & reminds me of the old 60's n 70's ka movies. And the light brighten up the already buzzing Strip, to make it look that much more inviting….. aao beta … apni kismet ko azmao!!!

 

 

Uday plays his Roland G 70 synthesizer. This is one interesting musical instrument. With the regular tune that one is use to hearing this also churns out … what is known as the Jazz scat sounds, which sounds like someone humming a song!!! Was quite captivating…

 

And thus comes to an end my very bewitching days in Las Vegas, engulfed with the warmth of Geeta & Uday!

 

Fact …. The plants that have been cultivated in this desert land, have been imported from Florida & California!

 

Shopping …..should be done from the cute and interesting souvenir shops in any of the casino's instead of going to the Largest souvenir shop, was no great shakes, this shop!

 

Maybe … Macua shall slowly take over Vegas??? Atleast that's what the papers in Vegas have to say with all the main Casino's starting a branch there.

Next Time ... have to get Uday to fly over the Grand Canyon , thats one thing I missed this trip!

20th Oct: Walk the Strip!!!!

 

Every Casino I visit on this main Strip, is creativity at its best with their own creation of cities & era's , which are larger than life as they are stunning. There are time's when it is difficult to fathom if one is inside a Casino or outside in the open, considering the ceilings with its day look is so Real!!!

 

Bellagio, with its absolutely impressive, glass petunia and lily pad ceiling, in the lobby by Dale Chihuly, the undisputed king of the glass art world. The Halloween decorations were incredible, specially the effect of real apples falling down from a cart!!! The water fountains, dancing to opera & classical music, with graceful choreographed moves. Kya scene tha…

 

Caesar, brings to the forefront the Roman culture… laga hum us yug main pahunch gaye!!! Replica of Statue of David, was an eyeopener!!!;-) And the interesting toy shop jiska entrance was made to resemble the Trojan Horse!!!

 

Planet Hollywood, with names like Bruce Willis & Stallone on the board, brings in loads of tourist, hoping to spot some celebrity… aab humara kya … me no think hum kissi se kum, was busy loosing my mullah!!! If it ain't the sightseeing's , then they are definitely here for the Miracle mile shop & the recreation of Alladin's life style, which still hasn't been dismantled after Planet Hollywood took over Alladin!! Wonder what the décor now will be ….. Hollywood Sets???

 

Paris, was … Paris created with Eiffel Tower & Arc de Triomphe thrown in for effect!!! Had buffet here, and ate as if there is no tomorrow…. Tasted just about everything, felt like stuffed Pig's .... was a total Feast!!!

 

Venetian, was the one place which was filled with entertainment for all ages at the replica of St. Mark's Square.Totally enjoyed the soprano singer's, the juggler's et all. Also has a miniature Bridge of Sighs, lagoon where the gondoliers take their passenger's on their Gondola's, while singing to them … adorable!!! And the painted fresco of Michelangelo's Vatican's Sistine Chapel which cover's the ceiling leading from the hotel's registration area to the casino ….very impressive!! Some of the most interesting shops were here including a place called, Welcome to Las Vegas, where I bought some cute sovieners !!! Venice Visited!!!

 

The waterfall, on a tropical surrounding with Dolfin's checking as to who all are visiting, is how Mirage, welcomes us. Famous for it's sea life aquarium & white tiger's, And all we get to see is a royal Bengal tiger , who had camouflaged himself so beautifully with the painting at the back , that , it took us a while to realize, that the tiger was not a part of the painting but for real!!!:-)

 

From there we take the tram to Treasure Island!!! One look and I know I have reached a place for adults!!! Has some exotic shows & the enthralling show, Mystère by Cirque du Soleil, which we would have watched, had we got the tickets !!! sighhhhh … Although TI has gone away from it's Pirate theme, the ships are still there, waiting for a war to rage!!! And the most striking was the Pirate type Bike … HD , I think …. Wish I could have got it back with me!!!

 

The towering mountain at the front of Wynn, is elegant. Wynn is one of the most opulent of all Casino's I have seen so far. From their striking mosaic pathway of flowers & trees, to the 18-hole championship golf course, to the eye catching restaurant's. The only place where we saw a Ferrari showroom & were impressed with the girls at the casino!!! Ahem!!! A place where I definitely want to stay at …….

 

By now, I have Casino's coming out of my ears & nose!!! And have had ample of browsing around the shop's. Saw all the Hi Fashion label's , don't think there is any label that you will not find in these casino's!!! Bahut ho gaya aab …. Daytime visit of all these Casino's!!! Next time around it shall be only during the night, when it is … light.. action … show time!!!!

10th Oct:Las Vegas ... Desert main Mangal!!

 

Vegas has been a complete surprise package for me, unlike any other city I have visited so far!!!

 

Begin's, when I look at the landscape from mid-air & all I see is the arid land , the mountains , devoid of any plantation.It is strange, considering, I have just come from Seattle, which was beauty personified!!!  But in a strange way, this too has a magical feel to it!!!

 

Next is to be hit by the slot machine's, when I step onto the arrival lounge from the aircraft!!! And the shoe shine man with his fundu set up, the designer shops …. Aisa laga ki I have walked into a Casino!!!! Bahut hi sahi airport hai ye …. Dil khush ho gaya!!!

 

Geeta takes me to their Royal Viking home, absolutely gorgeous. Love the blend of the Indian & fhirang touch … the family pictures in black & white are beautiful!!!

 

Welcome by Uday is musical, he plays this lovely tune on his synthesizer, to which I am ready to tango!!! Aloha Vegas!!!

 

16th Oct: Sleepless in Seattle !!!

What a start to this day…

 

Was up and ready to walk around Seattle & visit the places I hadn't the last time we were there. Before that, I called to check if Mom had reached London in one piece & we get news of a BA flight having collided with a Srilankan aircraft!! Poor Madhu got a little nervous till she got all details & realized it was not Mom's flight & just then Mom called to say she was fine.

 

Sigh of relief from all of Us & I take off with Joydeep first & foremost to Microsoft. Go to Madhu's office & then to the office building, the 4th floor office, where Bill Gates is looking for Me to take over , but kya karein, I really have no time , too much on my plate already!!!!;-)

 

Spend a fantastic day in downtown Seattle. Walk across 30 streets & am impressed with myself!!!

 

An interesting time at SAM,short for Seattle Art Museum …. Uncle Sam se inspire naam hai kya ….eh?? Pioneer square is a fun place with all the art galleries housing curious, fanciful but original work. Walk from there, all the way to Seattle centre take's me to offbeat & unusual shops…. Like a shop, called Cutty Shark, where the owner Roger Ottenbach, houses everything and anything that one would find in a ship, from all over the world. An antique shop , which had the most outlandish curios , to the Glasshouse workshop, which completely blew me away with their creativity made of Glass!!!

 

Hunger pangs catch on & I have a wonderful meal at Ipenema, a Brazillian Grill. Olympic Scultpure Park has some bizarre sculpture's , but what really impressed me , was the Tree made of Steel!! The to the top of Seattle Needle. Arial view of the city from Seattle Needle is stunning, so what if at that point of time, I am blown away by the strong Winds!!! It's thanks to the protection around, else all of us that day would have been blown to another part of the city …. The wind was so Strong!!! Babare ….

 

It's been a wonderful day, which was only possible coz I love to walk …. Walking .... so takes you to the nerve of the city…..     

 

Trivia …. Seattle is the glass art capital of the world.

 

Highlight…or should I say Tragic … To watch a bike skid past us, where we could not see the biker, with the friction causing a pathway of sparks! According to the Bus driver , who took some time to recover & get his composure back, so that he could drive again , the biker lost his balance .Thank the lord , the biker did not come under the bus & was fine, coz the driver stopped to see all was Ok & we left only after the police & ambulance reached, which they did within minute's!!! 

 

15th Oct: Mom’s sojourn gets over today!!!!

It's packing time for Mom & making sure that the bags are not over weight!!! While she does that, Joydeep is back home, within the hour of going to work …. Why ….. coz … this is hilarious …. Coz , his office has no electricity & he will have to work from home….. arre bhai … humare desh main bhi electricity jati hai … and we get the generator's working …   kya hoga es desh ka!!!!;-)

 

But it's good for us, we don't have to worry about Joydeep getting home on time from office & then taking off to the airport!!!

 

Mom is driven to the airport, which we make in good time & head to Arjun's school, where he is acting in The Lion King, as the Hog, Pumbaa. It's his first ever attempt at acting & does a fantastic job of it …. An actor is Born!!!!  

 

14h Oct: Downtown Seattle is an adventure of sorts .

After planning to meet at Seattle Centre, Joydeep and kids take off to Gurukul , while we have Madhavi ( Madhu’s friend ) drive us to the bus stop.

There is a communication error & we miss out on the stop that we are to take. Madhavi & Madhu try to figure out, where the next bus stop might be & we end up going in circles. Till, we spot the bus we are to take for downtown. Typical filmi ishtyle, we ask Madhavi to follow the bus, till it reaches the next stop!! It’s a perfect chase & we eventually manage to get to the bus & head downtown. We are in splits through this entire episode… a complete wild goose chase, which ended right!!!  

Walk across to Seattle Needle, while passing and browsing through some lovely shops & making sure we follow the path of the monorail, so as to not loose our way!!! The Seattle Needle is truly the grandchild of CN Towers & Mom absolutely does not want to go up this tower. So, we take some pictures & walk across this area, which is buzzing with all kind of activities … for kids & adults alike!!! The Seattle centre is alive with an Indian cultural show & is decorated with Indian handicrafts & textiles, to give it the India feel!! Watch some lovely dance performances. By then Joydeep & kids join us. It’s lunch time & time to check out the Pacific Science Centre. Once again, mother dear has no love to go to Pike Market & smell the fish, and wants to head home, which leaves Madhu & Me, to Go Gallivanting!!!

We stay back & walk by the Harbour. Peek into some more curiously curiosity shops, walk up the Harbour steps, through 1^st Avenue enjoying the hub of life, reaching Pike Market. This place is a complete blend of Sassoon Dock & Crawford Market …. The only one of it kind in Amrika!!! Was fun walking across this market place filled with a kind of festivity of shoppers & shopkeepers!!!

On our way back, we make it a point to buy the Green Apple dipped in chocolate sauce with marshmallows et all in it. Haven’t seen or heard of this before & just have to try it!!!

Reach home late evening after an interesting survey of downtown!!

Dessert…..The Green Apple is kind of sour & is just right for the sweet of the chocolate …. Very very interesting , I must say!!!

Highlight .. Mom watch’s a man hunting for a drink through the 3 bins near the Seattle centre entrance, finds one after much struggle & take’s off. The land of plenty we call this country …. Kahin bhi .. kuch bhi ho sakta hai!!!!

14th Oct: Boeing Factory also makes way for Future of Flight Aviation Centre!!!

It’s swimming classes for the kids in the morning, after which we take off to the Boeing Factory at Everett, leaving the kids behind at their friend’s , since they have to be atleast 4 feet tall to visit the factory!!!

We first check out the Future of Flight Aviation Centre, which has interactive aviation exhibits. We watch the manufacturing process in brilliant 3D, crawl inside the cockpit of a retired 727, check out what the latest 787 Dreamliner has to offer & see some interesting aircraft models .What we do not do is take a ride on an XJ5 Flight Simulator or  “design our own aircraft” using high-tech aviation software, since it’s time for us to take the Factory tour.

The Boeing’s main factory at Everett is listed in the Guinness book as the largest building in the world by volume & is so wide spread that the company has bicycles on factory floors, so that the workers can get around to the various space. This is the place where assembling, painting, flight checks, are all done, before the aircraft is ready for delivery.

We see two of our very own Air India Boeings, ready to be taken home & Jet’s 8^th aircraft, a Boeing 777 being assembled. Apart from this we also spot Cathay, Thai & others!!

We are absolutely impressed seeing one of the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s being assembled, one of the most fuel efficient aircraft & lighter than any other aircraft of this size, since it is constructed of composite material.

It seems, if I were to order the Dreamliner today, I would only get the delivery in 2016, since 700 order’s have already been taken … So … I gave up the idea … itna intezar kaun karega!!! Ahem!!!

It was interesting to see the Dreamlifter, that carries part’s of the 787, from various countries to its destination here, an interesting and unusual looking aircraft

Highlight…On our drive back, a snow capped mountain suddenly looms infront of me .... takes me a minute or 2 to figure out it is not a cloud , but a mountain. Ask Joydeep about it & he tell’s us with a major smile, that, it is Mt. Rainier. The ghost mountain has actually decided to pay us a visit …. How perfect it that!!!

12th Oct: Snoqualmie Falls .

Take it easy after a hectic but interesting day at Victoria!!!
 

Madhu drives us to Snoqualmie Falls. An absolutely scenic place, where one can go all the way down to the base, should be lovely trek on a nice sunny day. However, the fall is so small after Niagra …. Aisa lag raha tha ki Niagra susu bhi kare toh jyada bada hoga!!!!;-)

Joydeep takes me to their one an only cool dude Daru place , called Pine lake Alehouse. A total.beer binge time!! Like he say’s …  Village pub where families also gather, not the down town types … but the best nevertheless!!!Has Ale from local breweries around this area, our very own local Tharraa!!! Drink Ale’s with name’s such as, Mac n Jacks, Night owl pumpkin & Serengeti wheat.
 

Arrogant Bastard is the one that’s left …one of these days, will have to try that too!!!
 

Interesting…Madhu is called ,Madhu express, aptly called …. With the speed with which she manages the kids, home, cooking .. the works … just looking at her go about her daily activity tire’s us .. whew ….& now I know why she is the Captain of one of the league’s  Women Cricket team!!!

10th Oct: Canada invite's us again!!!

Madhu warn’s us of bad weather, & ask’s us to take spare clothes, coz we might just be stranded. The weather prediction is bad & is raining when we leave the house!!!However, we have full faith in our weather God, & know , we have nothing to fear!!!

 

Take the Victoria Clipper Catamaran from downtown Seattle, which takes us on a relaxed pace to Victoria. Once again, immigration is no problem!! And, the Sun is Shinning in Victoria. What a magnificent weather it is!!!

 

We walk along the harbour crossing the Parliament & the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the street’s of Victoria. It’s amazing the number of restaurants which serve such variety of food, but mostly to go with sea food!!! The shopping here would be fun too, there are some real interesting shops that we cross…. One need’s to stay, for atleast a week, where you can do all this & also go to the islands of Vancouver!!! 

 

We hire a car (apni Maruti zen ka bhai!!) & take off to Butchard Gardens. At this time of the year, the flowers are not in bloom, however the leave’s are in their various stages of metamorphosis. The colours here are the best we have seen so far & all we can do is capture nature at it’s visual best!!! And I, go photograph crazy ……

 

While I go taking pictures & be a model in a few of them, I have a group asking me if … which part of the world I come from … when I tell them India .. they have a look of wonder & ask … if everyone there is as happy & strong as I am!!!! I still haven’t understood what they meant by Strong … but Happy , I understand!!!

 

It’s back home late evening to Madhu’s perfect ghar ka dal chawal & sabzi !!!!

 

Highlight…. Spot a family of 4 Orca Whales on our way back…. Amazing watching them at play …..  & also a Seal comes towards us to say Hello!!!

 

Highlight… at the US immigration, the officer keeps looking at me & the passport photograph’s. He can’t imagine , he is seeing the same person as in the passport since all photo’s in my passport look different!!

 

Highlight … Joydeep forget’s to give back the car key’s to the rental chap’s!!!! Hope they have ample of spare key’s to go around… there must be a lot of bhuladkar’s around!!;-)

 

Next time around…Have to see, the Undersea garden, Thunderbird park which has Totem display & the Helmcken house,the oldest house here still stands on the original site…. Apart from other stuff I might have missed!!!

 

Fact: Due to the loads of Japanese settlers in Victoria after the War , the shushi here is one of the best!!!

9th Oct: Sammamish waiting to be discovered!!

Joydeep’s home is on the highest level of Sammamish. This place with its winding roads, the mountains, the forest land … take’s me to Kashmir, Dharamshala, Mahabaleshwar … & the climate is just like Delhi in the winter’s!!

We walk across to the park which has a lovely lake, where the scenic beauty could be anywhere in one of our hill stations, except for the splash of colours.

Drive around this part of Seattle & enjoy the beauty this place has to offer. Go to these home’s where they have a view to Kill …. Wonder what kind of premium they have to pay to live in these house’s!!

The sun is not out to it prime, what else does one expect in the month of October , it isn’t July!!! And Joydeep is most upset because of this, since he so wants for us to see all the mountain’s that surround Seattle!!! Including Mt.Rainier, which is also called the Ghost mountain by the native american’s, as this mountain has a tendency of suddenly looming in front of you, when you least expect it to, specially when it is not a sunny  bright day!!!

It’s spending time with the kid’s & Madhu, while Joydeep, has us in splits with his episodes on how adjusting to the Amrikan ways took him a while!!! The cool dude Bambaiya kid .. who knew it all … and still fell prey to quite a few things ….like filling Gas on your own…. Sandwiches .. which were not the types we were use to .. the square bread walla .. but Subways … which were a foot long ….Hilarious… which also included his episode’s of  Rourkela Engg College, on ragging , his days being the senior….. some walk down memory lane it was!!!

Highlight … the best Starbucks Latte is here … although .. even if you say, without sugar, there is still sugar coz the cream used for latte has sugar premixed … so .. if one wants coffee without sugar .. Caffe Latte is definitely not an option!!!

Facts: Seattle is the birth place of Bill Gates & Microsoft ( he has completely changed this city), Starbucks, Amazon, Boeing, to name a few ….. the diversity is what makes this city!!!

7th Oct: Westward Ahoy..

We arrive at Seattle after about a 10 hour journey!!! East se West aana koi khel nahin hai bhaya ……

Joydeep is there to welcome us. As we drive towards his home, our tiredness just disappears, with the visual delight of the Fall colours!! The terrain here is so different, as is the foliage …. A city which is surrounded by mountains ….

If the fall colours were just starting to show up in the east coast, they are in their full force in Seattle. A display of shades of green, pink, orange, maroon,yellow, brown …. Kya kahen een rangon ke barre main ….. this is definitely going to be one of my favourite cities in Amrika!!!

How does anyone ever get a complete fill of this Magic created by Mother Earth??? How do I capture all these colours …. I just hope the camera can do justice to the pictures that I take!!!

Saturday we take a break & talk about our trip so far, Sunday sure has  loads that is waiting to happen!!!

Begins with apna road side walla yummy Bun Omelette, made by Joydeep. Poha made by Madhu for Mom. After breakfast we are whisked to a Sunday school, alled Gurukul, which teaches Hindi to kid’s including giving them a complete dekho & awareness about the Indian art & culture. Joydeep is one of their voluntary teacher’s &it is absolutely delightful to watch him teach these 5 year olds & his interaction with them & the enthusiasm of the kids!!! The million dollar one …. When he told the kids the “Kutta … bhow bhow karta hai” … and then immediately changed it to “ amerika main Kutta … Ruff Ruff karta hai!!!” ;-)

We are also a part of their cultural dekho of the week … & will surprises ever cease … it is a demonstration of Odissi dance by 2 young girls, who were students of Gurukul!!! We the Oriya’s manage to get the dance form to Gurukul the minute we step into Seattle!!! Ahem!!!

A drive though the campus of Microsoft (since both Joydeep & Madhu work there) , it is lunch at a place called … Tu Kassa ( a maharashtrian place???) ?? ….. nah .. kidding .. it’s called Tu Casa … mexican!!! We eat some very good & totally Cheesy food (agar diet kar rahe ho toh .. beta vat lagegi!!)… & their signature Margarita!! And to make matters really interesting, the kids, Arjun & Aniket order Salad!!!! Uffffffff … ye aaj kaal ke bachhe!!!

The day ends with Joydeep cooking some amazing Indian Chinese…. This boy sure has become a tres good Chef  & a good cocktail mixer too .. coz he manages a pretty good Mojito!!

Highlight… When we were checking our baggage, we had an excess of about 2 kgs in one bag & we were asked to transfer some stuff from this bag to the other which was below the limit. Since it was just 2 kgs, asked the chap if it was ok if we didn’t transfer( too much effort of removing stuff from one bag & putting it in another!!) , since we were out of the country for 5 months & we should be allowed a little leeway … The look on his face was a Beauty … his Jaws nearly dropped … asked me, if he had heard correct … that we were out for 5 months … it’s a miracle that he still managed to send out luggage to the right place … coz, he kept mumbling that he had heard about 5 days or 15 days … max one month … but … 5 months …. That was just not happening …. & just had to ask me … how I had managed to take so much time off!!!! He he he 

5th Oct: Time to say Alvida to East Coast!!!

Rest of the days go in a tizzy!! Last minute shopping’s, do take a lot of our time. Then it is another Libran baby born. It’s Niru Aunty’s birthday on 3^rd Oct. Another party at Panda Heaven, a place where Uncle has been wanting to take us forever!!! Now he gets the chance & we know why…. The food is excellent ! It’s a mix oriental place, where we order Chinese & Shushi. While Aunty & I, down the food with Margarita’s & Martini’s, Mom & Uncle are the sadhu’s who have Juice!!! A totally happy family evening!!!

Goodbye’s are always difficult & it sure has been! A totally chilled out & relaxed time at Reading, it’s a dukhi maan moore, khuda hafiz time with Aunty & Uncle.

The same continues at Washington, with Shabnam & Montu Da. It’s a day with them since we are taking the flight from Baltimore to Seattle. Last supper at home with Beer & amazing food cooked by Shabnam’s cousin Rohit.

We knock off fairly early, considering we have to be off to the airport at 4am next morning!!! 

Highlight…. We have a window open, which Uncle does not realize when he switches on the house security. An error show’s up & we tell him about the open window. He shut’s the window & then resets the security. We take off for a drive around the area & when we get back, we find a note left by the police. Seem’s, they have got an Alert call & had come to check if everything was alright!!!;-) 

01Oct: Soho Calling as is Olive Garden!!!

Drive to New York with Raj & Rohan, is scenic, unlike the highway bus route. The leave’s have started to change to their colours, and I can envision how gorgeous this place must look with all the vibrant colours of Fall!!

Meet Racheal at the Bus terminal. The girl has lost oodles of weight (a lot more than necessary) , but looks good!! We are meeting after 5 yrs or more, and as usual there are loads of news to be exchanged. We have coffee at her favourite place, walk around Soho, & eventually meet Vishal at a place called Felix (where Vish eats the best sandwich ever!!).

This is the first time I have walked around Soho & love it…. Have to do this again. Its time to say good bye’s after an interesting day of seeing the sights that Soho has to offer, the architecture, the café’s, the shop’s, the people, the energy & we 3 making sure, that no news is left behind!!!

Bus drive to Reading, where Kashi Uncle is waiting to take me directly to Olive Garden, where Mom & Niru Aunty are celebrating Mom’s birthday.

Surprise ….. that’s what my getting here late evening is all about …. Mom has no clue that I am getting back this time of the night…. & thanks to Aunty, we managed the surprise… although … Kashi Uncle nearly blew it!!!

The look on her Mom’s face is worth it!! A fabulous meal of pasta,pizza, salad, n fresh bread dipped in herb walla olive oil & we take off for a cuppa coffee at Sheraton. Deva …. What a dampener it was, totally dead … so we walked out asap types!!! From there we went to check a place called Hooters!!

Now, that is a place where one has to visit! The food is good, is the place to watch American football, where the girls are dressed in the shortest shorts & the girls are perfect Host, as they make sure your food is served & then give you company while you eat …. Boys … this is one place, you should not give a miss!!;-)

Late evening & we are back home, all smiles. Happy Birthday Girl, tres happy!!!

Grrrrrrr…. Have seen the black squirrels, but still haven’t managed to take a single picture of them!!! uffffff 

IF ONLY …. I had more time, wpuld have made sure I went visiting Paul Simon , who lives in New Canan!!!

30th Sep: No Stopping at Stamford..

It’s was a long drive on Friday, by bus from Reading to Stamford with an hour & half layover at New York. But all worth the while, coz I am pleasantly surprised at the perfect schedule’s of the Bus. They are right on time & I could have actually synchronized my watch according to their departure & arrivals….. & then again, I sure was lucky there were no major office traffic or accident or road construction to delay the bus!!!! Jo bhi ho, humme Greyhound and the internal bus transport se , samay kaise rakha jata hai, jaror sihkana chahiye!!!! Kash, our internal transports were as good!!! Is someone listening???

A weekend with Jatin & family, at their home of just 3 weeks!!!! A beautiful home, filled with love & laughter. Had never thought I would actually manage to meet Vinisha’s little brother(staying with them was maybe, just a thought), who I had met after 1996, with his family for exactly 10 minutes in Bombay.

The 2 days flew past, with me, not being sure if I was a friend of Jatin or Rajshri , was so comfortable with both of them. Had difficulty in thinking of Jatin as Vinisha’s little brother, coz he is so grown up ….. a perfect family man!!! Went for Rohan’s soccer practice, Neev’s tennis coaching. Thai lunch, where Neev was most upset that we hadn’t gone to his favorite Chinese place. Movie, typical Raj style ghar ka khaana, jumping at the trampoline & playing base ball with the kids. Ending this lovely stay of mine with Suryavanshi style BBQ!!! An evening of Margarita’s , good food & discussions of the most varied topics!!!!

However, the stay couldn’t have been complete without a few surprise’s. Met Sarbani after 1981, if you might please!!! Madam is Single ( atlast, a dalian joins the Singles Sizzle Club!! ) & Professor of Astronomy at Yale!!!! We picked up from where we had left, the so many years of having lost touch, somehow just disappeared ……

Will surprise’s ever cease ….. meet up with Sulpha bhaiya & Kusum. They make their way to Jatin’s, through their busy schedule, to take Sarbani & me, for a lovely lunch at their most famous Thai restaurant in this area!!! ( First time, that I have had a perfect combination of prawn & chicken, in a single dish!!! ). Then it was a drive to their home, a cuppa coffee, before driving through the winding lanes, back at Jatin’s. 

Highlight.....Vinisha’s complete surprise, when she spoke with me & realized, I was at Jatin’s. Then to speak with Sarbani, was a double blaster. It was happiness that we were at Jatin’s but just that twinge of regret at her being so far away, from this Reunion!!! Don’t think she has still recovered!!!

Highlight…. While waiting for the bus for Stamford at New York, the lady next to me, couldn’t get over the Stole I was wearing. Once I told her I was from India, she went into complete raptures about the beauty of India, its rich culture, handicrafts!!!! Bharat desh Mahan!!! 

Highlight…. Neev giving me a look, which said it all ….. was too much for him to imagine that I understood Baseball & had played the game in school!!!! Is he an MCP or wot .. at such an early age that too …. Refuse’s to even acknowledge that his Mom can play Tennis!!! Eesshhh!! J

25th Sep: Reading beckons ..

We wait for a good one hour at the airport, coz Kashi Uncle does not spot us & vice versa. To top that, his cell is not working coz his battery is down & there is barely any signal inside the terminal!!!! If that wasn’t enough, uncle takes another half hour to find his car…. Can’t buzz for it, coz the battery for that too is dead!!!! Devaaaaaaaa ….. he & daddy are the perfect best friend, made for each other!!! 

The drive home is hilarious with him talking about school days. His interaction with dad, how they became friends although so diverse in everything they did & how everyone called Dad “Sir”, except for Uncle…… And how every whim of dad’s was taken care off by the teachers coz he was the apple of their eyes!!!! The stories were never ending & the 2 hours seem like minutes!!!

Aunty is all set with Red Wine & complete khaana , to welcome us. It’s happy celebration time….. 

Last time I went to Trump’s Taj Mahal at  Atlantic city , lost all money & more …. Hoping this time around, I make some money , even if one dollar!!!! Sighhhh

It’s Caeser’s Calling this time around. We hit the slot machine’s there. Hai re meri kismet … once again loose all the mullah, including the only 2 hits which mom makes & doubles the money …. Is she ready to kill me or wot …..

Thank the lord for Niru Aunty, who won in thousands & then lost it all, that I am spared!!!!

Next time , methinks , I shall go to Bally’s … maybe that shall be lucky for me!!! Looks good too, the complete wild west types!!!

Walk around the place… the casino’s, the shops, the restaurants, making such a lovely backdrop to the pier, with the water looking so calm & serene.  Loved Rainforest café & next time, must have a meal here!!!

The Pier of Caeser’s, newly done up, has one floor of various restaurants & after much checking of the menu’s for vegetarian fare, we finally decide on a place called Buddama. An absolutely delightful place, interesting setting (reminds me of Shiro’s) , asian fusion food & delicious…..

Day’s here begin with Uncle taking Rocky( reminds me so much of Snoopy), for a walk & then constant bickering with him about how spoilt he is , how is cant do without the cheese slice, how he is not eating his regular dog food…. To how he shall skin him, if he does not eat all of that… to how uncle must owe Rocky something in his previous life to be treating him better than his kids in this life!!! ha ha

Rest of the days, have gone doing some shopping, khaana, peena  & talk’s with Niru Aunty. Conversations about their school days with Uncle & a whole load of talks about American politics, Indian politics & his love for gadgets … from camera’s to PC’s, to notebook’s to name you whatever … no doubt his side of the basement looks like a heavy duty gadgetry junkyard ……

Rock Star….. Niru Aunty, who has a special membership card with the Caeser’s group & their affiliated Casino groups, with free hotel stays on most weekdays in their hotel & other special privilege’s , since she is such a special guest of the Casino!!!! ( She & her friend’s go their atleast once every 2 months to chill out!!! Wah … kya life hai!!! )

 

Depression…. When the woman seated on the slot machine next to me , Won around $ 25,000 ……… I Hate Her…………..

Highlight…..Uncle letting a car cut him. When I ask him why he let him do that …. his instant reply …. ‘I let him go , coz he was an old man” …. Beauty being, Uncle is 70 years & the man who cut him, wouldn’t have been over 50yrs!!! J

Green fingers …. Just like Dad, Uncle has green fingers….. he has a kitchen garden of baigan, dudhi, karela, kari patta, turai, & my favourite …. Yup , you guessed it … green chilli’s!!

23rd Sep: Time flies at Toronto .

Another weekend & we take off to Yorkville, the quaint Victorian architecture which houses dozens of restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. We walked around hoping to spot some celebrity since the Toronto International Film Festival was on …...but guess, humare samne saab phike paad gaye & couldn’t take the competition!!:-)

I can sooooooo live at Bloor Street & Cumberland street. Just about all the designer’s are here & someday …. Like Anwer said …. This Devil shall wear the Prada!!! Amen to that!!!

China town, largest in North America, reminded me a bit of fashion street. However, we did discover some cute shops & is a fun place to walk around. There are probably  more Chinese here than China itself!!!!

We drive through the length of  Younge street, the longest street & pass Dundas square, Toronto’s Life Square, which is Toronto’s answer to Times square!!! Also, go across to the country side of Milton (where I went hunting for Milton ke flask!!he he ), & checked out some of the Indian Reserves & saw the small ski slopes of the area.

Meet up with Jayesh’s sister Pallavi, her husband Vijay bhai & son, Chirag & his friends. Missed meeting Jay, though. Dinner was a mix of  Punjabi fare & Gujrati , where we all overate!!! Was a fun evening with everyone getting to know everyone. With Rayan doing masti as usual, which lead to some major horror stories about Chirag as a kid!!! Pigged out & also got home a dabba full of Dhokla!!!!!

The Past continues to meet the Present. Meet up with Subhash Ganguly ,after about 20 odd years. Both of us wouldn’t have recognized each other, have changed since college, but was a afternoon where we did exchange notes. Wish his daughter,Sonya hadn’t fallen ill , then would have met her & his wife, Eithna. But his meeting us , has once again connected us to his mom….. Leela aunty called us from Bolton & she hasn’t changed either , sounds just the same …. & hoping to meet her in Kerala sometime in February!!!! Another holiday waiting to happen , I guess!!! ;-)

And meet up with Rafeal & Joanne. Last I met Rafeal was at the ashram, around 7 yrs back. Rafeal is a musicians & can play quite a few instruments. Was lovely talking about the days in the ashram & how life has taken him through, living in the ashram …. to making a mark in the IT industry today !! Yehi hai Zindagi, meri jaan …..

Since Monday was a holiday for Osman, took off with him & Rayan to Casa Loma,built by a wealthy Toronto businessman Sir Henry Pellatt in the early 1900s.Named ,the "House on the Hill", it  boasts of central AC and an Elevator, even in those times. Has a wonderful history behind it & does look like a castle!! Walked all the way to the top of the castle & Osman was not very happy walking up & down the spiral steps … dizzy that child was!!! Saw a photo shoot happening at the Conservatory … would have taken some pictures, if the model wasn’t such a sad looking anorexic types.

From there went to Hockey hall of Fame, which one can skip, unless one is inquisitive about Ice Hockey or is a die hard fan!!! Took a few nice pictures & that’s that … koi interest jo nahin hai hume ….  and poor Osman had no choice but to come back with us!!

African Lion safari was with Rayan & that child had a blast. Loved watching the elephants do their tricks & went racing with a Bird of Prey!!! It’s got all these animals from various parts of the world living in their natural habitat!!!A place where we are caged in our cars, while the animals roam free in the 50 acre reserve!!

We are ushered out of the house by Noori & Anwer. Thinking we are going for a short drive around the country side, we end up at Niagra Falls. Its nature at it best, an intimidating experience, to see the power & strength of the falls. Maid of the Mist, is a must, to feel the droplets of the falls shower upon you, the mist that is created at the base of the falls, the Horse Shoe Niagra falls which can only be seen from the Canadian side!!!Next time, I would like to spend a night here, to enjoy all the other attractions, including trying my luck at the Casino!!! 

Osman making me a star with his friends, who came home to meet me …. Met a couple of his friends this time & next time, will make it a point to meet all his friends!!!

Its time to say Adios to Toronto , and a heavy hearted goodbye till we meet again to Anwer, Noori, Osman & Rayan. Without them this trip would not have been much to write home about. They made us feel a part of their family. Today, I can say that they are an extention of my family!!!

Warmth that touched my heart was … Rayan crying at the airport when we said our goodbye’s & Osman , giving me a side hug & saying “ Aap ke saath bahut maza aaya”!!!

Now, it is Reading calling with Kashi Uncle waiting for us at EWR!!!!!

Trivia………. Casa Loma was used as a location shoot for the 2002 movie Chicago.

Highlight …. Noori’s version of Meat Biryani , Lajawaab!!!

Highlight….. Ganesh Chaturthi was on 15^th Sep, so we did our little puja & Mom put tikka on her forehead & mine. Rayan was playing outside the room, decide’s to check what we were doing , spots me with the Tikka & says “ Aunty, You have Fire on your forehead!!”, with a complete look of awe!!! To say that it took me sometime to send him away from the room & get back to the puja, is , welll…….. another story altogether!!!

Highlight …. An ostrich decides to scare us by coming towards the car, saying something & then pecking at the car & window!!!! Thak the lord we were caged inside the car , warna humara kya hota , Kalia …………

14th Sep: The city of Toronto..

Weekends are family times, 2 days when we can spend the entire day together!! And thank the lord that Anwer has his own company, can afford to take off even during the weekdays.

Took off, on the weekend to Eaton Centre. Why is it so famous …..don’t even ask me, coz in my books , its just another Mall !!! But was interesting driving around the downtown area, where for the first time in so many days, we actually hear the impatient car Honks…. Humare raste ki yaad diladi !!!!! Next day was dedicated to shopping for the week & buying some decorations for the house & painting stuff for me…. Let me see if I can manage to do a decent enough job with the 3 canvass we have bought!!! Walmart here is better equipped than the one’s I have been to US of A, including the quality!!

Anwer has become our self appointed official host (not that we are complaining!!), he has made it his call to make sure he takes us around every distinct attraction, even if it kills him. Considering the poor chap, half dead & dying still took us around through Ramzan with the fasting, which began on 13^th Sep.

CN Centre, 1815 feet free standing tallest building. An imposing structure…. One has to give it to the people who have a vision and actually create something like this!! Kitna dedication, discipline, patience …. Just about everything that helps a vision come to Life!! Was fun watching everyone skeptical about walking on the glass floor deck for an eye view of the city at 1122 feet… which also includes mother dear ….. who, Anwer & I, thought would faint with Vertigo!!! Just imagine walking across a glass floor & looking down straight at the ground below …. Take’s a while to get use to it ……

Rogers Centre, with the world’s first fully retractable roof , looks better from this vantage point . As do the Harbour, the impressive buildings of downtown, the Islands ……  the complete city!!

CN Tower & The Cathedral Church of St. James’ spire, the oldest & the second tallest church, are structures that look over the city at all times!!!

Couple of days disappear with me painting & helping Osman paint his first canvass, which comes out real nice. Rayan takes off from going to his play school & gives company to Mom!!! Take off for a late night show of Bourne Supremacy & another day for a late night Coffee ….. just like we do in Bombay!!!

Royal Ontario Museum was an eye opener. They have redone this place & the bldg is modern & impressive. With collection, artifacts, galleries, natural habitats …. Fantastic display…. If only we could learn from them & make our museums as interesting & informative!!!

Modern & old architect do give this city a European touch.

Highlight….. a sea gull deciding to take a photograph with me at the CN Centre, wasn’t scared & made sure it gave us a perfect profile!!!

Highlight …. Rayan pressing mom’s leg, applying pain relief ointment coz she had sprained it & was in pain, she still hasn’t got over it!!!

Highlight…. Seeing pictures of the Dalian gang when they were in school …. They look so different & funny, I could just about recognize 3-4 of them!!! How everyone has changed … so grown up ….. then again … maybe not …..

9th Sep: Relaxed paced of affairs ..

4^th to 7^th is spent at Dharmali’s. Go to Hritik’s school & make a friend there too!!! Mom & Uncle, do a lot of soul searching, while Dharmali & Anish get set onto the adjustment mode of new home & new job’s!!! It’s interesting to watch Tanmay’s fettish for keeping things in order ….god save the woman he marries!! ;-)

We do a session of chanting the Gurugita ,a gift to the new home by us!!! A fantastic spicy dinner at  Anjappan Chettinad place near their home. But nothing can beat Dharmali’s typical Gujju roti !!!

Then off we go to Anwer’s, bag & Baggage! Since it is a Friday, we eat at the most typically typical Indian Chinese,  place called …………….. Bombay Chopsticks, talk about homecoming!!! Our plan of going to downtown Toronto goes kaput coz of traffic!!! Once again …. No one dare complain about Bombay traffic …. Every city has its own rush hour & one can be stuck in that for Hours!!! Hummmm

It is visit to downtown Toronto, drive through the area, go to Eaton Centre (just another Mall , if you ask me!! ), drive around an area near Mississauga, which is known for its most Posh Homes …. They really were something else … most impressive!!! (Anwer Mian should be getting one home here in the next 5 years or less!!! ) Have crossed my fingers & eyes already for that!!!!! J

Spend half a day at Anwer’s office (very chilled), trying to understand what they do … still more to understand !!!! Noori is the face & Anwer , the heads on man!!!!

The walks with Osman at the park, while making friends with anyone with a child or a dog!!!! 

Highlight…. Osman hunting for the man or the machine!!! Saw a real cool convertible Lamborghini at Montreal, with the person driving the car, missing…..  and once we find any one of them , we shall both just have to go for a drive!!!! Just have to ….

Double Highlight …. This home is such a complete mini India, one can’t miss Bharat desh mahan …. And haven’t spoken so much of  shudh hindi, for the longest time , coz no one is allowed to speak in English in this house!!! devaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Atlast …. Mom has found a home, where Dad can actually have a fantastic time. She is totally taken in by all 4 & can see Dad chill out here, walking, gardening, talking shop with Anwer, getting spoilt by Noori & adoring 2 kids, who will keep him on his toes all the time!!!