Pre Trip Thoughts - India

As I await my India trip, there are so many thoughts running in my mind. Few years ago, when we first got to know we would be coming to Seattle, WA, Arun and I were all excited to explore and start our new life together. It has been great so far, made some wonderful friends, who are no less than a family. Luncheons, numerous outings, witnessing fireworks, Leavenworth fall trip, and so many other things have strengthened the bond overtime.

But in spite of all this, every year, I get this undeniable desire to meet my family, my extended family, friends with whom I grew up, shop at Jayanagar 4^th block , Commercial street (Bangalore, India), go to beaches at Mangalore(India), and most importantly have the in person presence of my family, being able to hug them, cuddle them and just get pampered. Over the years, in spite of numerous Skype calls, it all seems so dreamy. Not being able to be a part of their lives and vice versa does hurt a lot. It all seems like a routine that I have got used to. Routine of not being able to see them and just be satisfied by the Skype calls. At the end of the day, it all boils down to the choices we make. I believe in not regretting my choice and cherishing the present.

Anyways, as I was planning my vacation the first thing on my list was getting gifts for my loved ones. I love giving gifts, the feeling is directly proportional to how much I love receiving them. I somehow love the idea of giving and capturing that first reaction of happiness, surprise and sometimes shock. Luckily, I have never encountered the shock factor J. This time the list was pretty long, as it was after nearly two years that I was going home. In the last two years some of my friends have been promoted to the role of mighty mom. As a result I was so very excited for shopping for the little ones, who are extremely dear to me. It was fun shopping for the kid’s clothes. I realized Arun, and I have a very varied taste. He likes simple and comfortable clothing, as he believes one should tend to kid’s comfort. However, I always went for the uber stylish ones. I have promised to work on that J. Then came the bibs, hair bands, and the toys. Some were so cute that I wanted to try them. I for one feel that cute little babies are going to rock my trip this time and I am not complaining one bit. J

 I have been making some amateur jewelry in the last one year, which to my amusement a lot of my friends like. Every visit, they request that I make and get some for them, somehow I never did. As, I always wanted to get them something much more special. This time, I wanted it to be different, still special, but different. So, in the last one week, everyday I spent about an hour to make some earrings. Finally, I have made enough to cater to everyone. Hopefully, they like them.

Then, there are some important family functions. I love family gatherings. Firstly because it is a platform where every one gets together. Secondly, the part where we ladies get a chance to buy gorgeous clothes, accessories and prepare for the day.

Apart from all this, I definitely anticipate numerous temple trips. Not that I complain, I am sure, I would cherish every single moment. From here on there is excitement, anticipation, happiness and the short wait J.

Hawaii - My Journey

There have been so many times in the past few years that, I have created a blog , written a post or two and then stopped completely.So, I decided to start afresh. Ever since I have been to Hawaii,I had this strong urge to write.

Hawaii is the place I have been fascinated with since the time I started using computers.Ask me how?Hawaii used to always deck up as my wallpaper background.I used to keep looking at them and wonder, Could the water be this blue/green?Sky be this clear?

So this January,2014, I got to visit Oahu,Hawaii.Hawaii is one of the smallest but most densely populated states of U.S.It is also only U.S state that is entirely made of islands.Hence it is a very popular holiday destination.It has beautiful weather all through the year so there is never a bad time to visit Hawaii.All I expected was may be a week of warm weather(Happy to be escaping Seattle Cold),relaxation,good weather, wear all the lovely clothes and spend amazing time with my husband.But, I was wrong.It was so much more,it was one such vacation where I actually relaxed, spoke about tomorrow,wonderful dreams,didn't work,wasn't much on my mobile and smiled all through my stay.

The first day,we just walked the streets.That's my most favorite part.I think you actually get to feel the place when you walk the streets.These streets were filled with energy, funkiness, shopping centers, restaurants, seafood bars, jewelry shops(my fav) and lots of people. In the evening we went to beach, it was beautiful to witness the sunset and play around in the sand.Then it was time for dinner,there came the toughest part of finding vegetarian food.We struggled with all through our stay but we managed to find the best Thai Place.Siam Thai Restaurant.This was a blessing with such great food in fact the best Pad Ki Mao.I gorged on the Pad Ki Mao all through my stay.It was Perfect.

Next big destination was the Polynesian Cultural Center(PCC). Where do I begin? PCC is a beautiful Polynesian themed park.Within 8 simulated tropical villages, performers demonstrate various arts & crafts throughout Polynesia.Extremely beautiful girls with lovely,luscious, curly hair.Amazing dance forms, such sync and coordination.Best thing about these performers were that they were so happy performing the art,spreading the word about their culture.It was such a sight,only the pictures below can do justice.

There were these beautiful huts,places of worship,canoe rides.The day ended with a beautiful show namely Ha- The Breath of Life.Such a clean,neat and well executed show depicting different stages of life again coupled with mind-blowing performances.

The following few days were all about local attractions such as the very popular Byodu Temple,beaches,more beaches,hiking, walk the streets and great Pad Ki Mao.

Icing on the cake was the fresh tended coconut I got to have.

This trip was much more then beaches,it was about the beauty of nature and beauty of life.In a way kind of taught me to live every moment and be thankful for every second.