Aaah a dream

7 countries, a cozy gorgeous wedding and 15 days of true relaxation. What a trip. Of course i wont mull over that my parents were to join in for this and had to cancel a day before and we missed them immensely. But will focus on the trip itself.

As always, I start with the Itinerary and a summary description: Some air, some bus and lots of public transportation!

• Barcelona, : 24 hours: Must go back with a longer time there!
• BudaPest : 2.5 days: What a brilliant city dotted with ball room dances in the squares, gorgeous views and friendly people
• Bratislava : 1 day: A easy breezy and relaxed quaint small-big city. The after effects of the post communism era felt the strongest here
• Vienna : 2.5 days: The grandeur, the magestic buildings, the history, aah
• Prague : 2.5 days: The party town, the food, the scenes. Must go back sans kids.
• Paris : 2 days: Of course C'est Paris! Climbing top of Eiffel Tower!
• Ghent-Bruge : 4 days: Wedding Wedding and more wedding fun with a day in the land of canals and Belgian Truffles

Firstly: Yes that was a lot of travel, but how easy and convenient it is to travel within EU. I was left impressed
Secondly: Thankfully, no major hiccups, kids were chilled and we were relaxed and minus missing my parents immensely, we relaxed, slept in, chilled in!
Thirdly: We traveled super light, 2 hand carries and back Packs. Of course the wedding clothes, our dearies got for us(TY TY). But travelling light made it possible to be nimble within the trip.

The trip was so different from our other ones. And i cant place a finger on what exactly made it different! I realized how exhausted I truly was and slept in so much on the trip. And we were so flexible with what we did and when, we sort of went with the flow with what the kids and we wanted.

It was our first time through Central Europe. The countries we were visiting  were so different from each other. The disparity between "before the iron curtain" and now was so evident, the remnants of the world war 2 were like it happened yesterday. At times it was like walking in the past and imagining ourselves in that era. Sometimes we would shiver like in the Jewish Synagogue in Budapest and sometimes we would feel our chest swelled with pride walking in the gardens of Schonbrunn palace in Vienna.

I will try to add additional details over the next few weeks, but as always, travel makes me nostalgic.

Growing up, we traveled, some faraway places, some temple trips, some weekend getaways. It was a mix of things, generally dotted with some work conferences for my dad or just some family weddings or prayer events. But we traveled and I often tell my husband those are my fondest memories of being on the road, our parents shopping with us, for us, we visiting places, using those old fashioned cameras and it makes me smile.

I really do wish my parents would have joined in, but i cant thank them enough for making me "catch the travel bug" earlier in life!

17 years ago....

2 big bags, short hair and overstuffed Hand carry bag

That's how I had landed in LAX, pretty much 17ish years ago. I had a distant uncle pick me up from LAX, take the local roads to my "room" a large-ish studio which I was sharing with a distant acquaintance.
And here I am, 17 years later, taking an oath of citizenship in this country.

It is a bittersweet emotion, India for me will always be home. My true home. But US will also be my home, my grown-up home. As weird as it sounds, it is as honest as it can be.

I have  forged new friendships, got married, had 2 wonderful strong girls, established my career, traveled extensively, lived in 4 US cities, moved over 10 times and not counting the move across the ocean to London for a bit. It has been a ride filled with speed bumps, crashes, speeding and lots of smooth riding as well.

Recently on my planned unplanned trip to LA and southern California, I was nostalgic. Sitting on the rug of my old "real college roommate" and laughing uncontrollably with her brother, their spouses amidst the cacophony of all our kids, I caught myself knocking on wood.

It's been wonderful journey. As I reel with being the Citizen of a new country, giving up citizenship of "home" I feel the path continues on.

Welcome to US, again I say.
I can vote now. The first time in my life. I left India before the legal voting age and since arriving here have not been able to vote.

The harder part of this natural progression is the emotional side. My brother always jokes: Not required in India. I am truly on paper now, an NRI and I will need a Visa to go back.

Jokes aside, I feel growing up in India has set me apart be it the family values, the work ethic, the jugaad attitude, the chalta hain attitude and above all the love for Bollywood. I feel the new passport will not take that away ever. I will be as Desi as Desi can be.

I see my kids who are born and brought up here and I see they are more desi and more global than I ever be.
That will be the true legacy in today's world. A global citizen, what your passport says has little to do with it.

Seoul Welcomes you...

Driving into the city, that's what I read: "Seoul Welcomes You", not "Welcome to Seoul" as most cities with. This slight play on words, made me happy, I had a feeling it was going to be a good trip... and gosh, South Korea blew my mind (well and my back)!

Our trip was a sans-kids trip. A quick stop over en route to India! 4 days: A perfect trip!
DAY 1: 

We arrived super early and kick started by a peaceful beginning at Jogyesa temple. What a serene environment and the laughing Buddha did me in!


We enjoyed the palaces of "Gyeongbokgung", took pictures with locals in their attires and then enjoyed a colorful change of guard ceremony.

Walking around aimlessly and enjoying the subtle sights of "Hanok Village" including having a massive ice cream for breakfast!!! This was a highlight for me, it is truly a village admist a bustling city.

It was a crazy hot day and we needed food and more cold water and a complete meal. The 16 course Temple Food at San Chon. It took us 2 hours to finish the meal and boy was I thrilled!! Sumit did really good researching this place and this was a definite MUST DO AGAIN!

Jet lag creeped up and we checked in to our hotel and slept through. In the evening we went to check out the "Night Market" : Myeong-dong. Shopping till wee hours on jet lag just didnt feel right! Of course we did find the Korean Yellow tent shopping area!

We headed over to a Korean Bath House at 1 am.... and that my friend needs a post on its own. A 6 storey building with a traditional and super clean "bath house" experience. We came back to the hotel around 5 am and yep, you guessed it: Slept Again!!!

DAY 2:
We kick started the day with the "Namdaemun Market" and boy I could spend hours more without complaining. The colors, the street sights, the amazing trinkets left me wanting more!

 As always, tummy grumbled and we headed to a Tibetan place called" Potala" a must do. Some Chinese fusion food in, we headed out again to a "forest" in the bustling city center:

Cheonggyecheon: The stream, the breeze and the ability to soak our feet in the middle of the city was bliss.

Some silly pictures later, we headed up in a cable car to " Namsan" tower to enjoy un-interrupted views to the city.


Only when you reach up there do you realize how massive the city it. Some crazy love padlocks and ice cream later, we called it a night.

DAY 3:
This was our pre-booked "DMZ" tour day. The ability to see North Korea a stone's throw away, understand the history, the pain of the locals and see the love and want for unification between these two countries was just a sight! Hiking in the 3rd infiltration tunnel was so much fun and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
 

We then headed out to the "Gangnam" area.... i mean come on- Gang-nam style is a must see!
After a jet lagged nap later, we wanted to experience the infamous Seoul life! Party in Hongdae

We waited for cabs at 11 pm ... and eventually got a cab at 2 am... yep, and mind you we were in the most bustling part of the city... all cabs were already full and heading to Hongdae-
This was an experience.. and boy I felt old. 99% of the clubs dont let "Over 30" enter... yep... which meant, they chuckled us and told us "You too old" and we laughed sheepishly. I mean we took 3 hours to get here.. Some pleading and some begging later, only 1 club let us in. And we enjoyed some K-pop, some fun music and lots of college kids around! Nope, i felt right at home!!









And then... I fell.. on the stairs (My excuse: They were wet and slippery). Sumit says, I am too old! Oh well. Our night or early morning got cut short. And then for the next 2 weeks, I was out with a bruise on my entire back.
I could barely walk, I could not stand after sitting and lying down, haha, not possible. So the supportive husband did what he does best- got me a wheel chair and took pictures of the "Old Garima" and I coult not even protest. even raising a hand to hit him, was painful!

So day 4: for me was sitting in the hotel and enjoying un-interrupted movies while Sumit went for some fun trinket shopping for a bit!

So I left Seoul onward to India. With a back blown out, but lots of laughter, smiles and wonderful memories of the friendly people and "feeling old".

All I did was Chill!!

In the uber ride at some ungoldly awesome hour,on our way back from Manhattan to my friends place in NJ, the driver said" In NY the you can eat the whole world and experience the whole world"

And to think of it... it's true: Name the cuisine, it's there, you walk around in Time Square and within 20 ft of you there will be at least five different countries being represented. I Guarantee you! It truly is the "melting Pot" where you become one with the city and city becomes one with you.

Before my much awaited trip to NY, a friend asked: What's your plan in NY.
And I thought and instantly replied... well, nothing, just chilling.

For the time that we were in NYC and around... that's what we did... Chill.

Met our closest and oldest friends, played with their mini-me's and bonded, as always got inspired by our older relatives in the city, hugged a friend on a recent heart break, hugged a cousin on new love in their lives, laughed with our kid cousin, started where we left off with some friends, reminisced a lot and truly chilled. 

As I wandered hand in hand with Sumit for a bit in the city, I realise, the glitz and the glamor enamour me- EVERY SINGLE TIME. I am back to being the 12 year old when I visited NYC for the first time in my life.. and the charm, the heart of the ciry still continues to enthrall me.
As Sumit says- NY never gets old.... I somehow feel that's true.

To a trip, filled with chilling, to a city that never really truly sleeps, to re-energising, to re-connecting, to re-becoming young again. NY for me will always be.. a Charming City

A tale: From shorts to pants

Changing back into Pants From Shorts... how simple can that be. Very Simple.

But recently such a task was "Oh man" moment for me.

With my parents visiting, we had an impromptu trip to Florida for part medical and part Lets take a break! I think Sunshine brings out the best in us! I was happy when I landed from Chicago in mid 70's at 10 pm in Florida. We were in flip flops, shorts, singlets and hats and sun glasses. We carried lemonade through the day to keep us hydrated and enjoyed the sun shine.

The short trip was good. Always nice to get a decent bill of health and in addition soak in some sun!

On our way back at the Florida airport, kids were asked to remove the shorts from their sun kissed selves and wear full pants, long sleeved shirts and their sweaters.

And that's when it came all flooding in!!! IHATE the weather in Chicago in April!

Its should be Spring weather at least, may be mid 60's instead of snow!

This time is for

• Kids to stomp on the playground and smell fresh flower buds, instead they are covered in layers.
• We should trade in the heavy jackets and bring out the bright and cheery sweaters.
• It should be the time that sniffles die away.
• It should be a time of green, sun and breaking away from the dreary grey

To be transparent, I don’t mind winters at all, don’t get me wrong, its manageable and sipping hot tea and enjoying fresh snow flakes has its charms, but still in April: Cold, Grey and Snow is VERY depressing.

As I settle back in my routine with layers and jackets here in Chicago, I await the moment when I can trade my warm pants to something cotton, light and colorful and shorts!!!!

And may be in the next 6 weeks, I can wear the shorts for a brief 6 week period, if we are lucky here in wonderful Windy Chicago

Day 2: Great wall of China... Kids Edition

China tales continue...... See here for our Day 1, Our itinerary and some pointers before travelling to china with kids

"Great Wall", this remains the unanimous highlight of the entire trip of 14!
The older kids of course knew what the "hoo haah" was about... and the little ones, well were just sharing the excitement.

The day started with a trip to the Jade Museum and it was as touristy as it sounds. But we did find an amazing hidden 'picturesque' spot and of course the photo taking began and we had to pull everyone back in the bus saying "enough with the pictures man!" But it's never enough!

As the roads winded to the Great Wall, all guests were gasping and oohing and aahing. It's much bigger than any picture you may have seen, its more mesmerizing and the mystery of why it was build in the first place leaves you asking more questions! We got off, geared up, bundled up and started the "hike"

My nephew, 2.5 years of age is super active and believes in running more than walking, so rightfully so, my brother and sister in law decided to enjoy the foot hills of the wall and just catch a breath! The rest of us started the 'trek'

What a trek it was!! The steps are high, uneven and rough, but it inspires you to climb more and conquer this wall.

My friend bundled her baby on one of those carriers and climbed up... yes all the way to the top. God bless her soul. She did more than any of us combined.
The hike and the climb to the top is worth it. We were blessed with great weather and the higher we climber, the stronger the sun got and more layers came off. The kids were competing with one another, and definitely my friend (fittest of us all) kept up to their speed and reached the top.
Please do this hike with your kids. Please do, yes you will be slower, they might complain, carry water, candies and hats, but please hike up. The sense of achievement my 5 year old, Little Lady felt was amazing, she still recants with utmost pride! My Chatterbox has hiked plenty before this, but I feel the amazement of a man made wonder with such rich history left her speechless!

The views, well a picture speaks a thousand words.

Our descend was of course quicker and honestly more "treacherous". We paired up and climbed down and again, my friend had the baby tied to her back... I think she deserves a standing ovation or a really nice leg massage!!! Of course I came down to my nephew jumping with joy and giving us high fives! The sweet innocence.

After a traditional Chinese lunch, we returned back to the hotel, by now, bone tired. But again, the "rule breakers" that we are... we all had had our own experiences to make that evening! One family went on to see a mesmerizing show of the dynasty. One family decided to stay back and just enjoy down time with the kids and do local shopping and well the rest of us, once again boarded the local train and headed to the silk market. And we had fresh orange juice from a vending machine, yes FRESH. I have a video to prove it and content kids to talk about it with!

The market itself, what an experience! I don't think I have it in me to bargain or withstand the aggressive selling they do!


The ladies were done in for the evening, imagine, girls saying no for shopping!!
We took a cab home with the kids and pretty much collapsed after some food and packing up. Sumit and our friend returned victorious after some more shopping and finding an Indian restaurant with delicious food, yep, I was jealous!

The next day was an early start to check out, head to a medicinal museum, Summer Palace and then onwards to Shanghai-Wuxi. We bid adieu to this city, the old and the new!