To Michigan-Pittsburgh and Washington D.C.

Presidential Limousine

As we were heading towards our first city-Michigan. The guide informed us that in US, odd numbered routes are from North to South and even number east to west. We were on I-94 which means we were going towards east. A good piece of information.

Our first stop was The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, MI. It houses Presidential Limousines, Thomas Edison Lab, Wright Brother's planes and many other interesting historical exhibits. It is the largest indoor-outdoor Museum complex and worth visiting.

Next we visited, General Motors Heritage Center in Detroit, MI. The cool thing about Detroit is that its a bridge distance from Canada and you can actually see it easily from Detroit. The not so good part is that its bankrupt, there are houses available for $1. It's a less preferable place to live due to its alarming crime rate. Our next stop was Pittsburgh-the city of bridges. It was followed by the Capital of the United States of America-Washington D.C.. We visited the Lincoln Memorial, the White House and National Air and Space Museum.

General Motors HQ

It is said that time flies when you are having fun and believe me we never knew that it has been 2 days already with the group. By this time, the group became like a family. First, me and MH couple became a unit and later the entire Indian community became one. Also, the Chinese people became another group but they always used to leave one or the other member behind.

The White House

Whenever we used to stop on the way, we had to stop at a rest are and they dont have much to eat for my parents and even MH couple. In the beginning, the couple had some namkeen puri and pohe to offer, but soon they ran out of it. So, when we used to stop for lunch, I used to quickly go through all the shops and order for both the couples and me. We always used to have a bag of namkeen and pickle. If we don't like anything, just get a burrito (treat as chapati), get salsa (treat as tomato sabzi). When we used to stop in the city to eat, we could easily get an Indian restaurant and had proper food. Still food was a challenge for parents.

Chinatown-Chicago

Our actual US trip started from Chicago or I should say, when we left Chicago. All the Chinese tours starts from Chinatown. The tour company took us from our hotel to Chinatown and then they divided us in different groups, some people were put in a big bus and others in a van. As we were about to board, a girl came to us and asked about my parents and inquired about us. She was sending her parents on a trip and was looking for a company. I said, don't worry, I am accompanying them.

Let me describe the passengers in van. There was an old Chinese couple, a Mother and daughter, an engineer from Bangalore, an old South Indian couple from Africa, then a Maharashtrian couple and in 3 of us. Last but not the least, a Chinese guide and driver. So in all there were 14 people. I would say, the passengers were mixed properly. I am not sure, it was their intention or not but whatever happened was good.

As we started the tour, the guide introduced himself and set some ground rules for the 5 day trip. Like will have stop every 2-3 hours for restrooms and lunch/dinner breaks. We were informed to choose the attractions and pay money for the attractions selected. We were also told to stick to the schedule.
I was sitting next to MH couple and hence they started inquiring what the guide was saying. I had to translate for my parents anyways so I started explaining both of them together. Now, I was taking care of them and my parents as well. It was fun. I felt as if it was my duty and a good deed to explain and help MH couple. Whenever the guide used to say anything, I will start translating it. The guide understood that the trip required someone like me for its success, else it would have become difficult for him.There was no way for him to manage it alone as my parents and MH couple cannot understand him. He used to speak in English first and then translate in Chinese for 4 Chinese people.

Parents BAPS visit

Day 3

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

The 3rd day was supposed to have some free time and just relax, but we had a change of plan. I called one of my friend, who helped us to visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago. It is one of the best temples of Chicago area and largest in Illinois. We visited temple early in morning and in afternoon we had a nice lunch buffet in a restaurant called as Tava. Parents loved good Indian food. Next we visited Hanuman Mandir of Greater Chicago. That was all for that day.

Shri Hanuman Mandir

Day 4

We visited Shedd Aquarium. It has been one of the largest aquarium in the world for some time. We started later in the day, so that I could attend office in the morning. Still we were able to complete it before the closing time easily. I thought that we may not be able to complete it, but we were. I guess, I would have rushed parents a bit. 

Shedd Aquarium

Day 5

This day was supposed to start their East coast tour, but they just picked us from airport and dropped to a Hotel. At least, they were supposed to take us to the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, but they didn't and hence I didn't pay tip to guide for the day. But, we visited ourselves to the outlets and saw the stores. Then came back for a subway.

The Cloud gate and Chicago Skyline

Day 6

It was the starting day of our trip. The tour guide took us to lot of places in Chicago including- The cloud gate, we were able to get a good picture as there was no one around. Next we visited the Chicago 360. Dad didn't entered for 360 view. Then we had a beautiful boat ride for Chicago Architecture tour. It was raining, so were sitting inside the boat for first half of tour. Since the guide was speaking in English and I was also not following her, it was just a boat tour for Mom and Dad. We also visited Navy Pier followed by Chicago Theatre. Theatre was a good place to visit due to its architecture. It's stairs were copied in the movie Titanic. Last and least we visited Chicago Arts institute, it was not much of fun, as we dont enjoy arts that much.

Smile Please

Parents US visit

It's been sometime, I have written anything. It is due to a mix of factors which includes my girl and my travels obviously. This July, I had my parents visit US for a short duration, 14 days to be specific. In that short span of time, I managed to have them a tour of US east coast. The planning of US tour was being in progress from an year. After such a long time, finally my parents made up their mind to visit. I had booked their flight and tour 2-3 months in advance and if I book flights, there is a rare scenario that I am going to cancel it. This way, I knew that its going to be a success this year. I had prepared an excel which allowed me to book everything in advance and plan each and everything smoothly. 

I had to book separate flights for domestic and International, so that they don't have to wait for long in Delhi. They had few hours between flights, which made situation tensed. They were bit late which put them in pressure as they were trying to cross security at Delhi airport. I was also in tension, as I had no contact from them after Indore. With God's grace, they were able to board the International flight successfully and I was able to make contact with them. Now, I was relaxed. They easily passed immigration at Chicago port and then I met them. I posted a picture over the family group to let everyone know that they have arrived. 

I kept the first day of arrival free without any travels. They came home and relaxed. Father had a tea and mom-coffee. Aunty prepared some snacks. We spoke for some time and then I told them to relax. In night, we visited nearby local shops. So that they get to see US a bit. The next day we planned for shopping, I didn't wanted to buy anything while we are traveling to avoid carrying and bringing it back to Chicago. Soon, we finished shopping and came back home, then we had some time to relax before going to Chicago downtown.

Evening, we visited Chicago downtown starting from Chicago Board of Trade, Cloud gate, Buckingham Fountain and ended the day with marvelous fireworks at Navy Pier.

Kerala: Gods Own Country

Mom Dad

Kerala is also known as Gods own country and I had an opportunity to show this beautiful green place to my parents. Mom, Dad always wanted to visit Chennai and have a look at the place where I am staying and if anything good nearby. I thought its best to go for Kerala instead showing few time pass locations in TN Kerala has a lot of things to offer in addition to greenery. I applied for leaves in my company and fortunately everything was settled up, again there is always one reason for things to turn your side or otherwise. Next day, parents booked one way flight ticket and I booked train tickets from here, else it would have been very costly.

Kathakkali

Finally the day arrived and mom dad came to Chennai, we booked a cab from airport to my room. We had a special dinner not just because they brought different types of pickles, sweets and namkeen but because they were here, the very first time. Soon we headed for railway station to catch our train for Aluva (Kerala). It’s the nearest station to Munnar (a Hill station). We had our cab booked in advance to pick us up from Aluva, so that we don’t have to waste any time after reaching there in looking for cab.

Different expressions in Kathakkali

Journey from Aluva to Munnar is full of greenery. We stopped at few places on the way to had lunch and side scenery. For a traveler like me, it was not much but still worth watching. There were two waterfalls on the way, they provided quite a view, one side waterfall from mountain and valley on the other end-perfect place to hangout.

Later in the evening we stopped for a cultural dance known as Katthakkali, it was quite good. There were clouds entering from the roof side and Kathakkali was being performed on the stage, at one point of time you may feel like, you are on seventh cloud. That’s the beauty of nature and hill station. In addition to it, there was Martial arts the old fighting thing, it was awesome, and they were showing fight as if they were actually fighting-awesome. Both the shows were bit costly but a must watch, also note that the shows are performed at 5 P.M. So be there at the right time.

Martial Arts

We were quite exhausted and planned to go for sleep. As it was drizzling and I was with my parents, I also slipped in bed else I would have gone out to enjoy the cold breeze that the nature has to offer. That we can enjoy now, now is the time to enjoy. This time is never gonna come back, do whatever you have to do today, else you will never be able to do it. Remember tomorrow never comes.

Enjoyyyyyy your life to the fullest.