UTAH

The Memorial Day Weekend turned out to be a kick ass vacation for me and my fellow family mates. ‘Finally VA meets UT’, like my cousin said! As the last week began, the excitement started to emerge. On Thursday night I had n number of things on my ‘Things to do list’. Laundry, packing, cleaning, etc. At the dawn of Friday I reached the airport to fly away to Utah Land. Twenty minutes before the arrival, the magnificent and absolutely gorgeous mountains of Utah made me say ‘Oh My God, Really?’

It was a complete bliss to view the surroundings during touchdown. As we walked out the airport, we anxiously awaited to meet our cousin and her beau. Hugged her tightly, picked up our rental… and then the party began! First stop was not something fancy, just driving around Salt Lake City was itself a special place to visit. It’s astonishing to see how the entire city is wrapped between trails of mountains. Everywhere we went; the scenic view was breath taking. The evening plan was to watch Hangover 2. Hilarious. Next morning driving to Moab, Utah was truly delightful. The entire four hour drive was encircled with all kinds of mountains. Every hill was different from other. The roads in particular reminded us of Hangover 1 and couple other Indian films. HA! The first stop was at Canyon Land and the view was again thrilling. The red colored mountains, the breeze, the blazing hot sun on top and the cameras clicking us away was superlative. We acted as typical Indians and wrote our names on the mountains. Our desi-ness comes out everywhere we go. Yeah, laugh it up! Next, we drove to Arches National Park. Another ajooba, if I may… To see those really odd looking mountains which mostly looked like bricks well shaped and crafted amused each one of us. The pattern of flowing water was clearly visible of all those rocks. Proved that the entire place was once beneath water. Mother Nature can literally shock you with its miracles.

We ended up viewing the entire sunset from the hills. Awesome view! Drove back to the city and encountered millions of stars in the sky. I doubt I have ever seen that many stars altogether. It looked magnificent. Although, it was kind of frightening to see no one on the road. It was about 1AM and we all were seriously sleep deprived. Next morning decided to stay local. Drove to hilltop, started a snow fight, clicked pictures, saw crowded hills covered with snow, clicked pictures, ate at Punjabi Dhaba, clicked pictures, stopped at Park City, got a glimpse of Olympics area, clicked pictures, updated FB status, discussed n number of activities, however did nothing and drove back home! Phew…

VA met UT and now it was time to fly back to the pavilion. Next morning we all had to catch our flights back home. However, how can one complete a trip to Utah without experiencing some snow showers? It was freezing cold the minute I step my foot outside. The mountains were covered with icy snow, weather looked hazy, clouds hovered upon me and the body kept shivering. That moment made me realize ‘Lord, do I miss home or what’? While Virginians were showing off legs and sweating in sultry weather, I was bundled up in layers. The overall trip was certainly a memorable expedition. Highly recommend the haseen vadiyan and khula aasman…

Age matters between the legs – Amar Singh

Please excuse me for the insolent title of this article. Our bloody politicos are good for nothing people. Last night while surfing through YouTube, I came across an audio recording. I was jolted by the filthy conversation between Amar Singh and Bipasha Basu. I turned over to my better half to find out the details of this scandal.

So, Amar Singh phones got tapped back in 2006 and the Supreme Court had put a gag order on the audio conversations. Just recently the gag order got lifted and BINGO! Amar Singh’s image got exploited in the media. At first, I could not digest the fact that the other person on line was actually Bips! I heard it twice. OMG, even the sound of them two flirting together was filled with disgust. I really don’t understand how these B’town girls can sleep around with ‘tharki’ men like Amar Singh! Ugh…again, excuse the language! Thanks to our movies, I too, have learnt some provocative language. Now that our Beedi girl got exposed, she can say goodbye to her beau forever. Seriously, who would want some old bastard when you are the ‘lover girl’ of the Macho Man of India? Basu’s nine year old relationship eradicated in nine minutes.

Well, tamasha doesn’t end here! YouTube is polluted with such phonic conversations. Another discussion I encountered was with Jaya Prada. I don’t feel the need of going into details. Let’s just say, a lot got revealed about how the so-called-Richie-rich compensate for the best interior decorators for their Villa’s. Not to forget the ghapla’s required for the gaddi’s at the Parliament ghar. Now that Singh’s image is completely tarnished; bogus stories are being made from his side. Per his statement, the voice samples were ‘concocted and doctored’. Give us a break! Will ya…?

Essence of NY & C

What is it about this glittery and electrifying city? Why is one so eager to be at this one particular city? This past weekend I was roaming at the streets of Manhattan. Every time I visit this place, I feel content. This city can allure anyone and everyone. It’s attracting nature, those sky-scrapers, sloppy roads, unkempt subways, and flamboyant attitude is a completely different experience. In the midst of this city, it feels strangely colorful. One can connect with this place within seconds.

The glamorous life of this city is extremely mesmerizing. It’s a city of dreams. A city of risk takers. It can hit you hard or it can hold you firmly in its hands. A taxi driver can become millionaire in no time and vice versa. One needs to try their luck at this place. The most bewildering part is that a taxi driver and a stock market analyst ride on the same subway. Quite astounding… Times Square is one of the most hip and happening place on our Globe. 24/7 it gleams and sparkles with lights, glitzy commercials, humungous banners promoting the hottest technology, movies, movie stars, famous brands, top selling cars… Everything is done with panache at this city. It seems as if special advertisements are created for all the products to showcase on Times Square.

I envision NYC as the most pampered city in the entire US of A. Believe me, special arrangements are made for this particular place. Security is extra high; the New Year ball only drops at Times square; best targeted location for terrorists; the most favorable location for every visitor; excellent spot for commercialization/advertisements; world’s best transportation rests beneath the sky-scrapers; and superlative place to discover all sorts of trashy people. Yeah, I detected ‘those types of people’ as well.

The article cannot be complete without the mention of 9/11 attacks on the most fondled city in USA. Well, justice has been served. OBL is dead! The souls of all the victims may rest in peace and a big salute to all the fire fighters who selflessly rescued hundreds of people buried in the piles of debris. However, with security increasing post death of OBL, one question is hovering on everyone’s mind… Is a dead Osama better than Osama alive?

WOW… Mar gaye re OSAMA!

Literally! The news has shaken the entire world. The demise of Osama Bin Laden was much awaited by US of A. What Bush couldn’t do in years was accomplished by Mr. Barack Obama. That’s it man! Donald Trump can stop playing his cheap tricks because Obama is not stepping down. The second term presidency is fixed for Mr. O.

Back to Osama, so the loser was staying at Pakistan all this time, that too in an open Mansion close to the capital of P’tan. It seems as if Pakistan has become a guest town for all terrorists. I can ramble on few more sentences but I prefer to leave it as it is… Everyone is raising enormous questions since Obama-Osama aftermath. Why was Osama staying at Pakistan? Did Pakistan know the whereabouts of Laden? Where are the pictures/videos? How can we be sure that the person who died is unquestionably Osama only? From the speech given by Obama, it seemed that US is on a peace track with Pakistan. However, by reading the very latest news on CNN, Pakistan is alleging of being obscure of the entire mission. Another question that popped in my head was why the sudden rush of burying the body; that too in the sea? Many will believe it and others will interrogate the media left and right! It’s extremely hard to digest the fact that the Number One most wanted man is DEAD!

Sunday night people suspected the termination of stringent security checks at the airport. However, Monday morning the US government declared even tighter security at every port of entry/exit into USA. Infact, at my work, I received an email with the subject ‘If you see something, say something’… US have hit the terrorist world hard. I can only imagine the consequences of Laden’s downfall in the coming years [maybe months].

US have done a splendid job by killing Laden. Infact, every county who had been targeted by terrorist should’ve been on the same track. However, it’s time for America to release the transparency of the whole matter. How they founded and gutted down Osama, else it’s going to create falsehood in one’s mind. Actually, it already is… On ever y search engine, one can only find opinions/assumptions of the entire mission. It is extremely important for the world to find out how, when, where, the mission started?

Will Anna’s crusade lead to a non-corrupt India?

Raise hands if you learnt about Anna through the barrel of Facebook… My hand raised! Be it UK, Australia, or America, most of the Indians didn’t know about Anna’s fight for corruption. Actually, count India as well. Bet many youngsters were obscured from this news. Even though many of us are quite regular on TOI, we still bypassed the intense news revolving around politics or corruption. Reason being: Cricket World Cup Match. When Cricket is broadcasting on TV/Internet/News, Indians stand still. No one gives a damn about who’s getting hitched/ditched? Who’s running the elections? Whose raping or getting raped? Who’s dying? No one cares! The story ends at Cricket. Period.

India won and next thing you know [via Facebook], Anna Hazare going on fast. Support him at Jantar Mantar! Mera Neta Chor Hai! I bet, even today, thousands are alien as to why Anna-ji was fasting and what was the hoopla all about? My significant other had to explain me what exactly the Jan Lokpal bill is… I doubt an army of a dozen people can prosecute politicians or bureaucrats. Corruption in itself is a very powerful enemy and we need the entire country against it to diminish permanently. Considering the fact that the whole nation went completely ga-ga over Hazare’s crusade; from this point onwards would you think twice before jumping a signal or bribing a cop so that the situation can be dismissed? Easier said than done’! Few days back, my dad gave me an excellent example of Chandigarh and how bribery is nowhere to be found in that place. Even the cops are loyal, let alone other facilities and the mango people…

Anna Sahab did his deed by showing the right track to our youth. He even made our work elementary by concocting a body of individuals with the power to prosecute even the prime minister let alone politicians or so-called-lawmakers. Now it’s our turn to stay focused and motivated and loyal to the non-corrupt path. Can we all do that? Rome was not built in a day! So, the change will go into effect but bit by bit. After all, we too desire an honorable and truthful life.

Just a thought: Indian people are very tolerate. However, now the misuse has gone beyond imagination. The way our government’s chamber of secrets are revealing; it’s getting difficult to stay mute and bear the burden of our rotten politicians. It’s high time now!!!

Oh Gym Shym Karle Ve…

Tu slim shim banle ve zor laga ke… Oh my!!! How much I miss out on my workout sessions, gym days, and the never-ending strenuous Shenandoah Valley hiking trails? Every day I feel guilty while consuming another bite of ‘roti’. Every day I get pissed for wasting another day without workout. And now it has been almost a month without exercise. Sitting at home, loading up on food, becoming a couch potato are not the best ways to stay in shape. Living around Indian food has many pros and cons. There’s no other delicious food out there except for our desi food. Okay okay, my fellow readers will get offended if I don’t mention about Thai food. That’s an exception! Yumm! However, believe me; the amount of ‘desi ghee’ poured in every desi entrée is un-believable! Plus, there are out of this world feeding tactics used on every child in every family. ‘Take one more roti just one more, last one, com’on take it take it, some rice too’. Count the roti’s and then calories!

The worst part is yet to come. While having lunch, the dinner menu will come into play for a discussion. And while having dinner, the next morning’s breakfast will get debated. Are you serious? Shouldn’t we enjoy the present moment and the food in front of us? Not so, in our culture. I can sense the fattening feeling from the debate let alone consuming the food. I’m sure all my blog readers can relate to this amazing quality of all the families out there. Only if everything we consumed was fat-free… Only if the calories never existed on Planet Earth… Only if no workout was required to stay in shape… Only if. Every female can associate herself with this article. It’s more like ‘har ladki ki kahani…’

Anyhow, the whole point of writing this article was to motivate my inner self so that I could get back to the ‘routine’. Only if the summer was already here, I wouldn’t be cribbing. But, thanks to this never-ending winter!!! Hoping/praying for a red, hot, sultry, sunny, sweaty, summery season. Fun times ahead…

We Bleed Blue!

Goodness gracious!!! I missed my articles, my writing, my random thoughts, my opinions, and much more. This past month, life changed dramatically and believe me…I relish this change every minute. Anyhow, let’s not get into those details. I have another article under-production dedicated only to that transition.

We Won! We Won! India Won! That’s the brand new mantra all across the nation and globe. If there’s a single Indian residing in an alien country, s/he is celebrating to the fullest. Winning the match from a strong contender and our very own neighbor is no Joke. This match was not an ordinary match. It was bigger than a Karan Johar or Shahrukh Khan Film or the 3G scam or even the Commonwealth Games. This was the baap of everything. The intensity of Cricket is beyond imagination. To find out the real meaning of Cricket, one should travel to India during the World Cup. No one cares about job, school, college, homework, exam, movies, movie stars… Only cricket runs through the mind. And if Sachin is playing, the world stops and so does the time. He’s the God, the real idol of our nation [literally]. For proof, please meet my significant other. He won’t tolerate a single comment against the God. Period.

Today is the D-day itself. It’s life or death. The last world cup we won was in 1983 on this very day. We have been eagerly waiting for another victory. India is batting at this very moment and our beloved got out. I almost had a fit for a moment and Facebook got crowded with sad comments/frown emoticons. Tweeple started bombarding twitter with uncalled tweets. The fans are going totally bonkers at the stadium. With every good shot the entire public goes ga-ga. ‘We will rock you!’ No doubt, no double thoughts, no qualms. The match got real intense in the beginning. It could have gone either way. Sri Lanka had a fair chance however we didn’t lose hope. On the last ball Dhoni did it with his SIXER. He lifted the spirits of the entire nation. That’s exactly what we needed. We did it! We won the World Cup 2011. After twenty eight hard years we finally achieved the one and only goal. A salute to all the men in blue. The atmosphere became too sentimental. Everyone around had joy of tears when the boys picked up the God himself. This win is wholly and entirely dedicated to Sachin. He’s the man and always will be. Hail to the Master Blaster!

The street life after the match was unthinkable, unmatchable to any celebration ever. Mango people went totally bonkers. Traffic didn’t seem as painful. The patriotism emerged out of every living soul in India and elsewhere. There were more tri-colours on view than ever before. Thousands and thousands of euphoric Indians were on the roads. I wish I was in India to witness the enthusiasm, the madness, the mania. The scene on the Marine Drive/India Gate/Gateway of India was bizarre. We created history on Saturday April 2, 2011. The most memorable day ever! RESPECT to the men in blue…

“He carried the nation for 21 years and it is about time we carried him” – Virat Kohli