Diwali...

I visited one more time to pay gratitude to Sir, the following day after Dhanteras. Then I was handling office as Dad had some work. It was a quite day. I wanted to meet few friends, but time didn't permit. Finally the big day came-It was Diwali, the biggest hindu festival in India. It is also called as the festival of lights. It spiritually signifies victory of light over darkness. It was the day, I finally revealed to a friend that I was in Indore, no more surprises. Obviously, I wanted to meet, but friend agreed just for a look. Then in evening, Dad called a priest to perform Diwali worship. My cousins also joined the party. It is a festival where entire family regroups. I must say, it was Diwali, I was at home, but something was missing this time. The joy of festival was missing and everyone was feeling that. May be the time was not correct or the situation. Once the worship was complete. we had fireworks for the sake of it. All of us had little conversation and then went home to have a good night's sleep.

Tough Times

D as in Dhanteras

Not my flight

There were lot of things going on in my life and to calm them down, I planned to visit my hometown at Diwali time. It was costly, but I must say, it's a perfect time to be at home. You get to meet relatives, eat a lot, I mean a lot. I pre planned two and half months before and prepared everything for the trip. Airline was booked. Purchased lots of gifts for friends and family. Everything was set. I was super excited to meet everyone. I even kept this secret for a long time. 

Finally the day came. I took a flight from Chicago to Germany to Mumbai and finally to Indore. I must say, it was a long flight. It took 10 hours for 1st, then a gap of 6 hours, then 8 hours flight, then 6 hours gap and finally one and half hour flight. Total around 30 hours. I have never been worried about long flights and could not be this time too, as it was special.

As I reached Germany, there was an October fest going on. Don't know more than this. I tried some chocolates and then passed through security to reach my gate for flight to Mumbai. It was a weird airport, I had to pass through security even when I was just passing through from one flight to another, senseless. As there was long time, I tried to get some sleep, but didn't got any. If you are awake, you feel hungry, but there was only one coffee shop and nothing to eat, Bad luck. Next I reached Mumbai around 2 AM and my Indore flight was around 8, again I tried to get some sleep, didn't got any. I must say, it was a tiring trip. 

I never call/expect anyone to receive me at the airport as I don't want to waste anyone's time and money, just to come there. Also my bag is so big that it's difficult to accommodate in activa and my close ones does not have a car. 

I got out of airport and taxi people started coming towards me with various options. I knew how much it is required, hence I kept on walking, ignoring everyone. One auto rickshaw driver gave me a good deal by himself. I came along with him without any bargain. I asked driver on the way for such a good deal. He said, "he thought we are going to a nearby are" I paid him 10 bucks extra for his honesty. My mum received me and was more than happy to see me. Father came down to meet me and then started talking about my trip and everything else. As we were having conversation, Bigdad called to check on my arrival.

I was informed of a personal loss, the same day I landed. So, I finished my lunch and visited his place for the funeral. He was a Teacher, a friend, a guardian for me. Then I came back home and got ready to worship, as it was a festival day-Dhanteras. As the day passed, I spoke with parents and finally went to sleep.

Sharing my LA Story

I started the second day with light snack at the motel. Then I visited office to complete rest of transition. It was easy as it was half-a-day. Once the office was over, I had nice lunch in CPK (California Pizza Kitchen) in Brea Mall.

Then I started visiting beaches. I was informed that they are beautiful. I guess, it wasn't the right time to be beautiful. Still they were good, but kind of OK. There were few people hanging here and there that's it-no crowd at all. I visited lot of beaches and took a scenic Pacific Coast highway no.1-Supposed to be a good drive.

I kept Venice beach (a beach with lots of activities) in the last as it was near to LA. I was about to reach there and at the last moment, got an unexpected call. I had to park my car in Starbucks and attend it. Once the call was over, I tried to visit Venice, but Sun came down and it was over. As I had already checked out of last hotel (in Brea) in morning and I was visiting all the beaches, I had to change in my car itself. When I checked in to hotel in LA, it seemed like I was living in my car. I had all the stuff in my hand and it was scattered all over.

I was feeling hungry, so planned to visit a nearby restaurant. A blue guy came over there behind me and asked for food. I felt pity and got him a burger. He took off after taking it and I felt safer. Then I ate my dinner and came back to hotel. It was a nice and cheap hotel as per LA. 

Last not the least day of my visit was to cover entire LA. I know sounds crazy, still I pulled it off in my way which is the only way.

I started off with Griffith Observatory. Perfect place to take a picture with Hollywood sign without even going near to it. 

Then visited Hollywood walk of fame-A crazy place. A place where you can find names of all the personalities of America. In the last, I checked out Universal studios. I didn't entered inside as it would have been time/money consuming and I was alone. Still, I took an outside tour. After completing everything, I checked out beetle and took a shuttle to airport. I planned it so perfect that there was a lot of time left before my flight. Next morning, I was in Chicago.

Los Angeles

Here it goes again...

There are times when I don't write for a while and then there comes time when I keep writing. It's the later part now. I visited LA few months back but never got a chance to write about it. I was entangled in a way that I could not find time to write anything. Anyways, I am back now. You will find frequent updates from now on...

Here's my LA story.

My Boss comes to my desk and says "You have to go LA tomorrow" 

I said "seriously" 

he says "yes, book tickets now"

And another minute, I am booking tickets for LA.

I planned everything quickly. I can stay only 2 nights, hence I had to plan it properly. Also I was alone, so 2 nights/3 days were enough for me to explore it as per my taste. I had to leave early next day but still I stayed late in office to properly plan and book everything-car,hotels etc.

Next morning, I reached ORD airport and then to LA. I took a Beetle from airport and headed directly to office. I had to get a training from the current IT person over there. She was going out of account, so her office mates planned a farewell party. We attended the party and started taking a walk through the office building. I just wanted to get the feel of how work is done there so that I can provide transition to new tech. We completed our tour soon and then discussed places to visit nearby. I did'nt wanted to deep dive as I was already tired. Evening, I went to the hotel. Got refreshed and headed to eat something as I was really hungry. I did'nt had much in morning. I was trying to take a selfie while eating and a lady sitting next table tried to come into picture. I invited her and then we started talking about places to visit and what not. There were two Cali ladies and were saying that I should go to beach to see more as they are beautiful.
I cracked a joke by saying, "I wanna see girls and not ladies".

I finished my dinner and headed towards the city to take a walk. I spoke with few people at home and then came back to have a sound sleep.
Good Night.

The Mask

There was a change in my life when I visited India last time. History repeats. Everything changed again. I lost a lot when I made my last trip. Trips always gives me memories. Memories can be good as well as painful. These memories are heart shaking. I am sad from long time. Pain is so much that I was being noticed. Everyone around me said, "I look sad". I actually am.

Even when I was at home, my parents recognized sadness in my behavior. I am going through a tough time. I have lost a part of me. I have lost my life. Never the less, I have to put a mask on my face. This mask will help people around me feel comfortable. It will make them feel that I am normal. Again, history repeats. I was in same situation few years back and had to put a mask. I am so good in putting that mask that no one ever knows until I tell them. It took 3 years for me to come out last time. I don't think that this society is gonna let me be in pain for that long. It will be bad for people around me as well. I will have to come out ASAP this time. 

I came out on my own last time, it is gonna be pretty much the same again. I can write all this freely as I know most people are not going to read this. The people who are gonna read this, may not give it proper attention as required. Any case, will get to know.

Chidiyaghar

Don't take it personal, although I know, it is. 

It has been sometime, I have written anything. I guess, the creative element was missing somewhere. Anyway, jab jago tab savera. I have been trying to write this blog from a month, but I was lacking the correct words to frame it gift wrapped. Here we go...

This blog is all about my present living situation. If you have lived as a tenant in Mumbai/any other big city, you may feel the essence of this blog. Sometimes, I feel I live in a Chidiyaghar. We have 8-9 people staying under the same roof. So if I say, it's a chidiyaghar, it is a fact. Each resident has their own unique characteristic trait.

I would like to start from the master of all. Master or I should say first person takes care of everyone in the house. Jolly, kind hearted and fun loving person. Sometimes irritating, else ok. We call him as uncle. He is master of all things you can think of. Hold on... he is not the one whose orders are followed. Uncle speaks with everyone and make fun of all. Its fun.

Every boss has a boss. We call her as Home Minister-Aunty. She is a good cook if she want to be. She also takes care of all the same way as uncle. Also, she has added traits. Sometimes she become angry, else good to go. Aunty informs everyone individually about every incident, its also fun.

Next is the oldest tenant. Over the years, it has become quiet, just like even a ferocious one becomes silent if kept caged for long time. I appreciate that patience though. He is busy in himself and does not get involved in Chidiyaghar chi chi.

Moving on to another interesting one. It can never sit silent, every time it will have some or the other issue with everyone. Well, I can say-everyone have their own talents. It is also good, but known as Raja sahab who doesnt keep his feet on the ground anytime. His one feet is always one feet above ground.

Now its time to talk about another female member. A clever one, who knows what to speak and when. Considered as favorite of uncle and aunty. She is also known as coffee maker of the Chidiyaghar. She is also a good cook, again if she wants to be.

Here we go for the assignment person. Yes, its last name is "assignment". Best thing about this one is, its my roommate. It is so involved so much in his own stuff that it does not want any quarrel, so always tries to ignore Chidiyaghar issues like food and what not. He is famous for tea and headquarter meetings.

I am next, well you all know-all about me. Still few tits and bits related to Chidiyaghar. I wake up at exact time in order to avoid restroom time clashes. I don't like to take someone else time and expect the same. My job is to prepare cool stuff mostly ice and milk related.

Then came the Doctor of house. He does not have the doctor feel, but a degree. Since the beginning, he did'nt had a proper impression on the family members and hence considered another different case. Well, that's not his fault completely, but the situation. Sometimes, situation is not under your control.

Last but not the least, nother chai guy. He is roomie of doctor. But unlike doc, he sleeps peacefully. I think, he is accustomed. He already tried 2 accommodations and then came to this mad house which makes me say, this place is actually cool.

Long story-short, every place/people have their own ups and downs. You can't get everything anywhere, adjust and keep going. Bhai...chalne do.

No photos, privacy policy...Ha ha ha.

July 4th Parade

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

On the next day of trail fever, we started trailing from Roaring Fork Motor Nature trail. I must say it was a lovely drive with great scenery. It's a slow drive drive on a narrow road with twists and turns. Just roll down the windows and see mountains, nature at its best with streams and hiking trails to waterfalls. Come early to get a parking spot. We missed the rainbow falls on the way, but that's ok.

Grotto Falls

There is one more fall on the route of roaring fork called as Grotto Falls. Perfect spot to take a picture behind the waterfalls. Hike was rocky and rooty, I would say a moderate hike but worth the effort. Tennis shoes are best for these hikes.

Laurel Falls

Another popular fall with a moderate hike. The hike is paved but long and uneven. It also has good spots to take picture with the fall. Be careful, as its bit slippery. Also you should bring extra clothing, if you plan to get wet. Lot of beautiful people were enjoying the water and bathing. We stayed longer at this fall, just to enjoy the view and take pictures.

Horse Ride
Our kid girl was asking for Helicopter and Horse ride since the start of our tour, so we visited horse camp next to find out that they were closed. But it could have been a great ride as it was a F 5 mile ride. Awesome.

Helicopter Tours
Next obviously was the most bragged topic-helicopter tours, so we turned our car towards them. Fortunately, they were open and gave us a good ride. Pilot even did a somersault which was a nice touch. 

Happy 4th
It was 4th of July which is Independence Day of USA. But the US people just call it as Happy 4th instead of Independence Day. I am not sure, exactly why, there are different theories about that. It was a nice small parade of 1 hour.  There were many people gathered to see the parade which starts at midnight and the best part, everyone disappeared within 5 minutes as the parade was over. Also it create a big traffic jam which is obvious.

Birthplace of KFC
When we were returning next day, our Mata wanted to visit the birthplace of KFC. We granted her wish too, so that both the girls are happy. We stopped for lunch in Kentucky on our way back. The best part of our drive back was songs on high volume and then their translations.

Indian Food
We had to drop baby girl near Shaumberg and we didn't had Indian food anywhere in our trip, so we planned to visit an Indian restaurant for a sweet ending. Ordered different kinds of delicious food, had a closing chat and then dropped car at rental agency. Finally Ubered home.

The Great Smoky Mountains

Our first pitstop: Clingman's Dome

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond. It's just a half mile hike to the dome, but mark my words that half mile will make you take many full breaks till you reach the top. The hike is actually steep, you gain around 300 foot elevation from base to top. Once you make it, it's worth. 

Our next pitstop was Cades Cove Loop

I must say cades cove exceeded everyone's expectation. Its a one way road, so only one car can go at a time and all the cars just follow it. A scenic drive with plenty of pull off spots to look for wildlife. We stopped our car lot of times and everyone was so humble that no one honked. First we opened slide door of our cars and drove for a while, then we opened car backdoor and two people were sitting there. I must say, it was just beautiful. Also special thanks kid girl for taking the wheel and giving me sometime off to enjoy the drive.

Abrams Falls Trail

On our way back we stopped for Abrams Falls trail. As we started going in, it was getting darker and darker which is not a good sign. Also we saw a baby bear there. Considering these two points, we thought, it's better to drop off this trail and go back. 

Pizza Hut

When you are hungry, what can be better than a Pizza - 4 Pizzas, because you cannot satisfy your hunger by drawing a piece of cake. So we parked our car in paid parking and had nice pizzas.

Old Time Photos

As we were roaming around town, we checked out this amazing thing called as Old Time Photos. There are little shops where you can pose in costumes from 80s. We can transform ourselves into a Cowboy, Western Gentleman or anything else we like within a minute.

Let's Go

July Long Weekend

Whenever a long weekend is there, you have to go somewhere. It doesn't matter where, but somewhere. At the end, the destination never matters but the journey. I have always cherished it. We thought the same and visited The Great Smoky Mountains. The Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The sprawling landscape encompasses lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Streams, rivers and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. An observation tower tops Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, offering scenic views of the mist-covered mountains.

On the way...@ Rest Area

Before I get lost in the greenery of Smoky, let me tell you about our plan. It was in the air, like any other plan. I always say until unless we reach the destination, plan is always in air. It can change. I was also not much excited about the plan so didn't paid much attention to it until the last. When there were few weeks left, I took my favorite coat of manager and started gathering everyone. There were 2 boys(me and Sandy) and 1 girl(Mata) in the beginning, 1 guy(Mania) was confused. Soon we got one more kid girl and silentor also joined in the end. So we had super six players ready to rock the boat. These people names depicts their identity. If you want to know more, just check out their FB profiles.

I booked a Chevy traverse-a medium suv enough for 7 people. I was showing the same to one of my colleague and he showed me a better option, it was to book a van. Since the price was almost same, in fact Dodge Grand caravan was cheaper and bigger than traverse, so I booked it. I must say that was a better car. It was roomie which is the best part, next it had sliding doors. So you can keep the doors open and roam around. Also those doors were remotely operated-just awesome. Thanks to colleague for advising such a nice car.

We packed lots of food, 6 foodie in the car and started our car towards The Great Smoky Mountains. The worst thing about driving in big states like Illinois is tolls. If you pay them or note their no, its ok. Just in case if you forget to note the plaza no.s it becomes pain. Our crew was so smart that they noted the no. but lost the paper where they note it down. I don't get the point how come today's generation still use paper/pen when they have smart phones.

Anyways we started bit late and hence reached motel by morning. Everyone was so tired that we hit the bed as soon as we can. We woke up by afternoon and then finally went to our first pitstop Clingmans Dome.

   

Eat, Drink, Digest, Repeat

Sunrise @ Carribean Sea

As I was waiting for my room, a Canadian caught me and started conversation. She was also alone over there, so we became friends soon. She insisted me to get ready and step in the pool. She told that I am looking as a tourist and should relax out. So I already had a good friend even before getting a room. I guess, it’s easy to make friends rather than a room. As soon as I got the room, I took shower and got refreshed to enter in the pool. Then I started the endless rounds of eating, drinking, digesting and repeating. As mentioned in the previous blog, it was an all-inclusive hotel which means you just keep on eating and drinking. When you feel that you are full, you swim, walk for some time to digest it and then start eating again. So I did the same, I ate some veggies, took some cool pictures with the help of Canadian friend. When I was full, I walked with her towards the end of beach and yeah took pictures again. Now I was ready to eat again. At sunset, I moved upstairs and took shower. There I saw bath robe which was the first time I saw it in reality, so got excited and took some pictures. After resting for a while, I came down for dinner and then took some pictures of hotel entrance hall. I also went for a small walk to digest and finally sleep.

2^nd day of my trip started early as I had to get ready by 5 AM. My ride was on time; it took people from different hotels and then finally dropped us at meeting point. Then we were divided into 2 groups. One went to Tulum and we went towards Chichen Itza. It is the world famous complex of Mayan ruins and also one of the new seven wonders of world. It took around 4 hours for us to reach there and then we were again divided into 2 smaller groups. Both had one guide which showed us the entire temple area in two hours. We reached there around 9 AM and were free by 11; they gave us 1 hour to take pictures and shopping. Beware: the vendors inside the temple will ask you dollar or Mexican dollars, always says Mexican and then you can bargain. They may reduce the price to 1/4^th of the actual price they say. For example, they were selling a piece in 80 and they may reduce it to 25, I guess they would have come down more. I completed shopping and came out on time by 12. It took around 3 hours for us to get back. Everyone was so tired that they just needed a bed to sleep. Obviously, I was sleeping on the way back to hotel. But when I reached there, got refreshed and then started eating rounds. As I felt that I was full, I walked towards another end of beach, not to the end as it was too far.

Sunset

Evening, I went upstairs to take shower and then tried Sushi. I have to say; I didn’t like it which is ok as I might not have taste of it. Then I walked on the street to explore nearby cool places. I found a picnic spot full of lively people kissing and having fun. There was a play area for kids and a Cancun sign board for cool pictures. It was so attractive that there was a line to take picture with that board. As the sun settled down, I came back and started shopping. There was a couple who helped me with shopping; they even got me some discount. Then I ended the evening with salad dinner and a new friend. As I was eating, I asked for help from a Columbian guy for taking pictures. Once pictures were done, I invited him to have dinner with me as he was alone. After dinner, we took some more pictures and then we walked on the cold sand, nice experience. It was a long and tiring day, but when it gets finished with little desert in the room, we feel special. Yes, Hotel staff kept nice sweet at night for me, hospitality at its best.

Random Pictures

Next day morning, I thought of waking up early and taking some sunrise shots. I tried, but sun rises fast at shores, I was late by 10 minutes and Sun was already up. Still I took some pictures and then slept again. I woke up finally around 8, spent some time on beach and got ready to go for lunch. I came out for my ride at 11. Super shuttle was already waiting for me in parking which helped me to be back on airport on time. Passed all the security checks and boarded flight to Atlanta, soon I was back in the States. 

Mehico

Mehico written as Mexico

Atlanta Morning-Sunrise

Note: Don’t read this article, unless you want to live rather than existing.

So here we go to Mexico. Unusual, I know. Actually, I had a Amex miles card which was about to charge me 100 bucks from next month, just to use the credit card. Instead I wanted to get something out of it. Everyone wants the same. I wanted to avoid that charge and hence had to cancel it but it had 76680 miles on it. I wanted to utilize that as well and hence I was planning for a trip. India trip requires at least 80000, so that was not an option. Next was to visit somewhere within United States, again a bummer plan as I have already seen most of the hot spots. I was looking for a place to spend those miles and have a nice trip on long weekend. A colleague referred me Cancun, a Mexican city on the Yucatan Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea. I checked out the city and everything was looking perfect-miles, long weekend, location, even visa and budget. I researched for few days and finally made up my mind. This is the place, I am going and that’s it. Will figure out whatever happens next.

My Flight-Ready to Fly

I have heard some scary stuff about Mexico such as its famous for drugs, you might get kidnapped over there or your identity-passport/visa might be stolen. But who cares, I am ready to face anything and almost everything now a days. I am fearless bird who can migrate from one place to another in fraction of a second. I booked my flight with 75,000miles + 80$ and then 1,680miles + 270$ hotel. The best thing about hotel is that it was an all-inclusive hotel which means the room rent includes food and drinks as well. When we say food and drinks, it’s not 1 drink with lunch. It means unlimited food in all the restaurants on hotel property and unlimited drinks as well. I would say its heaven for drinkers and eaters. I bought some beach stuff for the trip like flip flops, lower and shoes. Then I packed everything a week in advance along with passport and visa. Finally the departure day came; I took off early from office in order to have some sleep. I planned in such a way that I had to stay at Atlanta Airport overnight and hence lil bit sleep was important. I didn’t get any sleep on airport as I was talking overseas half of the time, rest it was chill and I didn’t had a blanket. I got goose bumps as soon as I crossed customs and immigration as I was in a totally different part of the world all by myself. I have forgotten to mention that, it was a solo trip, yes I was alone. Quite adventurous!!!

Selfie @ Pool

I didn’t book my airport transfers with the hope that I’ll get something cheap locally. I tried searching for some time and got one for 33 $ round trip. Since, I was single, so it’s ok. It was Supershuttle- a well-known service, so I was in safe hands. I reached hotel earlier than the check in time around 11 AM and check out time was 12 PM. None of the rooms were available. As I was waiting for the room, I thought it would be best to snap some pictures in the meantime. I used the same time to schedule my visit next day to Chichen Itza. Got a offer at Viator for booking via mobile. I booked a tour called as “Early Access Tour” it allows us to complete the tour in morning. You can avoid the extreme hot temperature by visiting in morning and you have the rest of the day to enjoy and relax. Keep reading for rest of the tour…

Home far away from Home

Next day of my Biz trip was to explore Wyomissing branch office of Pennsylvania State. I checked out of hotel in morning and visited office. Then I had lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant with a touch of Chinese decor. Once the visit was over, I started driving towards New Jersey to stay at a Cousin’s place. Her home was like a home far away from home. It feels good to see our family when we are living in entirely different part of the world. Below lines exactly depict the situation of a person living far away from home.

I've come so far

To hear the words

Of hope and consolation

With no star to guide me through the night

Through many realms of fantasy

I wander and I roam

Far away from home

I stayed overnight at my cousin’s place. D and Jiyaji were caring and loving; they were waiting for me for dinner. They even prepared desert and then gave me a good bed. Not only this, they also provided me home food for rest of the journey. Once everything was set, I picked up my colleague from airport and visited 3^rd and last branch office-New Jersey. The most crazy and funny thing about that office was-they had a code even to enter restroom. Just in case if someone is in hurry and not able to type the correct code, then God help him.

We visited the tour early, had lunch and then I dropped colleague on to his hotel. When I was driving back towards Philadelphia airport, it was a long drive and after 3 days of hectic travels, it was looking way longer. Anyhow I reached airport, returned car and now I was all set for returning Chicago. I came home and had my dinner followed up by calls and finally good night.

3 States

You might have read Chetan Bhagat’s 2 States or must have seen the movie. Just like it has 2 states, I have got one more in addition. All credit goes to my lead, he added a state to my business trip in the last and hence it became 3 states. Yes, this time it was not a tourism trip, but a Business trip. I covered 3 states in 4 days. Every night I used to travel from one state to another. Still I was able to add just 1 more state in my US traveled states list. Rest 2 states were already covered in previous trips. I started from Chicago on a nice Sunday morning and reached first city: Atlanta in Georgia State. When I moved from Airport to Hotel, I understood, it was a blue land and I should be careful out here. I had only one day to roam around and explore the city, but I spent that day with my family. Morning to evening, I was on the phone. Finally in evening I came out and explored the city. The major attraction of Atlanta is its Georgia Aquarium; it’s the largest not only in America but in Western Hemisphere. I have already seen Shedd Aquarium of Chicago, so I wasn’t much interested into that and also I didn’t have that much time to explore it completely. Hence I visited The Coca Cola factory, it was a nice experience. It’s a guided tour with a complimentary welcome drink followed by tasting several flavors of coke all over the world.

It was quite late by this time, everything else was closed. There is a Centennial Olympic Park also in downtown, but some music event was going on inside. Next I visited Walmart to buy a belt as I didn’t have any and I can’t go to office without that. After such a long day, I took a cab towards hotel. I was hell tired so the best thing to relax was to take a hot shower. Now it was around 9 PM, I was worried that I may not get any good meal. Fortunately there were many restaurants around the corner and they were open. So I had Mexican dinner and then joined the daily office sync up call.

Next Morning, I checked out of hotel and took a cab to Atlanta branch office. My office contact lady was all prepared; she showed me entire office and was ready with complete documentation of the branch. I did not had space to carry such a big file, so I left it. She promised me to send it via courier, which I never received but its fine. I had soft copy of most of the details. They also had my name display on their TV which was a nice gesture, liked it. Once office work was over, I moved back in downtown. Atlanta’s another attraction is CNN Headquarters, although it’s not that cool, kind of ok. I completed that and finally moved towards airport. I took a flight towards Philadelphia; if you are thinking that day is over, wait. Next, I took a rental car from Phily to Wyomissing. It was just 2 hour drive but tough as I was seriously tired. As soon as I reached hotel, I watched movie for some time and slept. I guess, I have to watch screen for some time to make me sleep.

Windy City: Chicago

Lake Michigan

Google “Windy City” and you will get one and only place called as Chicago. Chicago, on Lake Michigan in Illinois, is among the largest cities in the U.S. Just in case, if you are still not aware or you are new reader (Welcome), I have relocated to Chicago.

Downtown

In rare case, if you are a frequent reader, you might know that this is not my first trip to Chicago. It's actually third and now it's more than a trip, it's relocation. My first perspective of Chicago from a tourist eye, more details can be found @ my blog This is just a Beginning.

This particular instance, I am getting a view of local person. I am looking at actual Chicago. It is the 3rd largest city in US and I can feel it. If you are from India, this city is comparable to Mumbai-Pune. It has local trains as well as metro and obviously buses. It's main airport O'hare International Airport is busiest airport in the world in terms of air traffic. As per my understanding, as the population increases in a democracy, issues arises. I have seen Minneapolis and now I am looking at Chicago and feel the difference. As population of Chicago is higher than Minneapolis, it has higher issues.

Colleagues

The worst economical situation of MN as per my info was to run out of money after cleaning snow.

While in CH, Teachers came out on streets to oppose the corruption due to which public schools ran out of money. I heard there used to be serial killers in MN, we have gang wars in CH. MN driving is much more easier and polite than CH. I used to work and live in suburbs in MN, well in CH, its opposite in both cases.

Constant touch with smart people

I am working in downtown in a big red box. It is one of the skyscrapper of Chicago. A normal travel consists of at least a walk, a bus and a train. Same applies to me, I walk first, catch a bus, then travel in train (colored line) and then again walk in order to reach office. It takes 1 hour to reach office, but it's normal in big cities. Fortunately, I found a place where I don't have to cook so I save some time which is covered up in travelling. I pay considerate amount which includes everything which is the cool part, I don't have to worry about anything. I have to share the room is the bad part of it. Anyways, life teaches different things at every point of life. So I am taking life as it is coming to me. Now a days, most of the time, I am busy in calls. I love that. I even changed my phone plans and number, so that I can make more and more calls. If you are in touch with me, you will understand this. It's the same reason, that I am not getting much time to update my blogs. As a matter of fact, I am spending more time on mobile than on Laptop. Strange but sweet truth.

That's the red box, where I work

I am staying in a place where maximum population is of immigrants Indians and Latin Americans which is cool as you get cheap commodities, but the place is bit dirty which is bad part. Guess everything is cool as well as bad. It looks like, in order to get Rose, you have to cross thorns, oh yes, I can experience that. I am bit worried about my tummy, so I have started walking in evening. It's a new place, so just exploring nearby places/shops.

Before I move on and explore more states in US, I thought of writing my new place: Windy City-Chicago.

Next in line....
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any guess???

Amsterdam

Hapsi ka mu, hamesha khula hi rahta hai

I have a tendency of planning things well in advance. If I have complete information, I'll book everything before hand. Actually, I'll plan out every minor detail as soon as plan is set. Hence I had a friend booked who will drop me from my home to airport, but he dropped out at last day. I had to call out my gang who left their office and came. 

3 Musketeers of US

I am lucky that I always get a gang of 3 musketeers right from school to company. This time, they were crazier than ever. I had to catch the flight for India, but traditions are above all such things. We have a tradition of eating Pizza whenever we meet. 

Our Fix Order: I used to take advantage of the scheme and add
lots of toppings. #Baniya Buddhi

We were already late, still ordered Pizza and then started for port. Bhati and Mehte were thinking that I am tensed and must be cursing them but guys, I was not worried at all. I think that whatever happens is going to happen, why to worry about it before it happens. 

Khan Sab, You were not missed.

Somehow we managed to be on time. Mehte came inside the port to drop me off. Now I was on the way to India, finally. There was a Dutch lady sitting next to me which makes sense as my first flight was to Amsterdam. She was going to see her parents. She reallocated to States long back and was going to see her parents. She was working in a company which manufactures Memory/RAM. I asked her, "so you make memories?". 

Amsterdam, one of the most beautiful places in world. I can't go out of port, but sitting at port and thinking about what's waiting for me in Indore was an awesome feeling. It was enough to compensate for me not going to explore Amsterdam.

Home Sweet Home

Dedicated to people of my age...
Best of luck.

It has been more than 3 years that I have left my home sweet home. It has been more than a year that I have left India. May be it was right time to meet and greet everyone at home. Many things have happened in past year, some are good, others bad. May be it was right time to take all those in. Many things lined up for future. May be it was right time to understand those. All these feelings arouse when you are at a prime age. In case you are staying away, things grow at rapid rate. There are many things/situations that today's youth has to go through. Two of them are listed here.

Shadi (Marriage): That's the hottest topic, I ever heard in India. Especially relatives do their best in match fixing. Thanks to all of em. Everyone will have at least one contact with an eligible candidate.

Whereas youth have no idea, what's going on? They understand that it's high time, that thy should settle but they gets afraid with the Shadi word itself. They want to live their life before getting settled. Even if they are earning in lakhs, they are afraid of the current economy. They also think that marriage will bring additional responsibilities. Also they need candidates who is perfect in many criteria such as working/non working/business, location, community, even sub community, culture and more. It's like the person should satisfy all the parameters to be eligible. Note, they apply in Love marriages as well, just that criteria s are different there. Even then it takes a lot of time of time to finalize, as it's a matter of lifetime. 

Job: If you do not get job, its a problem. if you do get job, you want to switch. If you have already switched, you want to go towards Startup. If you are in startup, you want to go in Business. In spite of all these, there are those as well, who are still struggling with their exams. So basically you are in a confused state of mind, wherever you are. One thing is for sure, wherever you are you want to move ahead from it. You want some change in life. Change is inevitable. Also you are afraid of the change, which reduces your speed of moving towards it. Above factor also contributes in this change. As per my thought, all of us need change and should bring it once in a while. For example, if you are working somewhere you should take leave from it at least a month in a year. You should meet 1 new person at  least in a week.

Funny thing among all these is, we might think "OK, we are in a job. We should settle now and get married". But the real thing starts right after that. Our society wants more now. First they want us to get good marks, then good job, good girl and now they want a good kid.
If you listen to me, I would say...
Their is no stoppage in this life, it wants more out of you. Just try to keep yourself on track. Take the life as it comes. STOP once in a while, take a deep breath, see around yourself and then move ahead. Else life will go very fast and you won't get time to live it. Life is precious. Stop surviving, start living.

Washington DC

Rocky

The second day of our trip was full of History, starting from Philadelphia to DC. We started from Baltimore Hotel towards  Philly, the largest city in Pennsylvania and famous of rich history. It has Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. It was also the temporary US capital while DC was under construction. We wanted to cover more in DC, hence we skipped all these places and just visited Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of art. These steps have been immortalized by Sylvester Stallone’s triumphant run in the film "Rocky."

Bull Rider

Next we stopped at the actual US capital to meet our friend Obama. Many of us might not know that Washington was named after first President-George Washington and DC stands for District of Columbia. The fact is Washington was previously called as DC. Please do not get confused with Washington state, its different. We started exploring DC from 

Capitol

1. The United States Capitol, often called Capitol Hill, is the seat of the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. Moving towards ...

2. National Gallery of Art-American & European works in 2 buildings & a sculpture garden.

3. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History-The National Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum administered by the Smithsonian Institution. With free admission and open doors 364 days a year, it is the third most visited museum in the world. Crazy, Right.

4. Washington Monument-Landmark obelisk rising from the National Mall that honors America's first president.

Outside Museum

Now we were tired of walking, hence we directly visited the most important place-White House. Clicked few and then moved to Hotel after dinner.

Last day was basically, just travel from Hotel to home sweet home Minnesota.