Color of 2010

Turquoise – an opaque, blue-green mineral is the official color for 2010.

Couple of things:
1. Hard to spell – could it signify hard to live, hard to forecast or just difficult in general? I had to look up the word to make sure I wasn’t spelling it incorrect. I know ‘Red’ could go either way (festive or danger) but it is easy to spell.

2. Blue-green – Hopefully it signifies blue and green of our planet and thus draws and keeps our focus on the climate/environment movement.

3. Opaque – I don’t quite know what to make of it. I do hope opaque as in open mind and spirit and not opaque as in empty and shallow.

4. Vacation – the color that comes instantly to mind when we say vacation is this blue, clear, turquoise water. More vacations?!

So, just so everyone (anyone?) who reads this know - it is a bunch of color-savvy people (and by color-savvy I mean some consortium of people (Pantone to be exact) who make colors for stuff – interiors, apparel etc.) who choose this for…what purpose, I don’t know. But, it is chosen now. Someone made the decision for us. More blue-green on walls, in scarves and more vacations! What’s not to like? Move over dull-RBG color- pellet.

It is a precious mineral and is prized as a gem. I hope we treat our life, our earth, the nature around us, the animals, and the ecosystems with the same sentiment. Cherish this coz’ this is one of its kind (or so we know until a real Pandora springs to life).

May this be the year when the blue-green earth remains as pristine as it is, or better yet, it turns bluer-greener!

P.S. If you were wondering about your 2009 color choice in floor tiles, cake frosting, shirts and hats or just curious in general - the color for 2009 was warm yellow!

Things that bring joy…without amiss

 

- Tears that roll down due to uncontrollable laughter
- Lavender softener smell on your pillow and in your sweat-shirt
- Having to get up to pee and realize you have one full hour before you need to wake up
- Your favorite mug, clean and ready for your first coffee
- Distant church bells
- Mix of rain and sun and a perfect rainbow
- The perfect bite of sandwich that has all your favorite ingredients

Winter Solstice

 

At this season of winter solstice...may reason prevail.
There are no gods, no angels, and no heaven or hell.
There is only our natural world.
Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.

Nothing goes away, just coz’ we turn our heads and close our eyes…

This polar bear replica at Copenhagen, melting away - is a reality. There won’t be enough ice and enough in ecosystem to support life in Arctic. The simple reason is heat. And earth didn’t turn on its heating chamber. We did. This balance is so delicate and so fragile. And instead of doing everything and anything to understand it, save it or at least leave it as is, we are looking for corroborative proof points. And until something drastic happens it is business as usual.

The thing is for those who are already drowning due to higher sea levels, dying die to stronger hurricanes, horrendous famines and for the species who are running out of land to live on and food to live off of – the drastic is here.

Like nothing we have seen before, icebergs are now floating towards land after they break from polar ice. As much as this is a tourist phenomenon, it is a sad-sad visual. The polar ice cap will fully melt every season in a few years. Heat melts ice, rising ocean inundate land, all of it changes ecosystem – it is not rocket science.

I think that none of this is in our control. The world, the balance of nature - We didn’t create it and we don’t run it so we cannot possibly destroy it. But, nature certainly can wipe us out any time it turn against us. So, how about backing off and respecting it a little.

I know that skeptics are a necessary part of world and people fall on both sides of any discussion. But, this is kinda critical. And it is sorta evident.

Just because some stupid people (okay, a lot of stupid people) turn blind towards how humans have treated their planet, doesn’t mean things are not what they are. Political games might be a heavy price we pay before the time runs out.

How (or why) are we so short sighted?

How are we so insanely stupid that we see it right in front of us and still turn away?

Or perhaps we are just plain selfish and ignorant species.

 

It's not only a car that can be recalled by it's maker.

 

For someone who takes pride in being patient with most things, I have to admit that driving tests me and breaks me like nothing else. And by driving I mean bad driving!

I have tried to reason and introspect about this. When I can be patient with just about everything, why is it that driving irks me and irks me almost immediately? It irks me even when I am not in a hurry to get anywhere.

Perhaps driving is that one outlet where I defy my own boundaries. If I am brutally honest it doesn’t annoy me enough to push me to into road-rage like behavior, but it is enough to ignite silent cuss, cold stare and eye rolling behavior.

People taking calls, eating food, shaving, applying make-up, slow driving exclusively in fast lanes, not being considerate – activities that can probably cause accidents, definitely cause delays and indisputably cause stress levels. I just think bad driving is perhaps one of the most inconsiderate daily activities a lot of people indulge in.

And as I act indignant let me say that I am sure I am not a perfect driver, but I do try hard to follow rules and employ common sense. I get annoyed coz’ bad driving affects everyone around the bad driver. I mostly have no issues with anything people do as long as it isn’t affecting others convenience or life. Driving is one thing which inherently involves affecting others around you.

Safe, aware and good driving is something we need to aspire for. Think of the lost time and built in anger – they are reasons enough for everyone to include good driving sense as ‘must-do’ in life.

What happened to Radha?

 

Radha-Krishna - THE couple, in Indian mythology, that signifies love at a spiritual level. The courtship, the love, the connection…and poof! It was all there and then there was nothing.

Their connection was the epitome of love. The love so pure and so deep that marriage to another person didn’t diminish its value. It is said that Krishna met Radha even after marriage because he sought the companionship. They were soul-mates and institute of marriage didn’t get in the way of them seeking out who they were really meant to be with. Marriage was a practical, even political, arrangement. Love was something else.

It is not the wife and Krishna (Rukhmani) who we look up to even today. It is still Radha-Krishna. The temples, homes, books all have Radha-krishna idols. How ironic then that we bow our heads in their praise and understand their love and yet abhor anything in real life even close to that? Who are we cheating?

But, that’s the least of my issues. As I understand, we choose to follow things that suit us, that fall into our norms. We forget we are looking up to lovers. We go on judging real people while praising the Gods for doing the same, if not more.

The question I have is where did Radha disappear? Why isn’t there an after-the-Krishna story for Radha. The woman who is proclaimed to be the Goddess of Shakti (courage) left no trace? Did she live alone? Did she get married and live a loveless life? Did she fall in love again? Did she keep meeting Krishna (as is said) and how and where? What did she go through to be able to do that?

The adolescence of Krishna was the closet he got to being human. The fun, the color festival, the stealing, flirting with girls, endless hours of flute, infuriating his mother –all tell tale signs of a teenager. This is the part of his life colored with emotions of innocence, infatuation, love, mischief and they are the best parts. And Radha is a big part of it.

But, there’s no telling what happened to her. She is just a piece of Krishna’s youth. I wish there were (or is) a story of her life. Her life after Krishna, for better or worse. I always think that her story would be remarkable. If a few years with Krishna earned her a place with him forever, imagine her life story. If a few years were so meaningful that Krishna’s name is incomplete without her, imagine her life and its impact on others.

Do we know what makes up happy?

A lot of times I have absolutely no clue of what makes me happy. One of those times is shopping, especially shopping for deals.

If you walk through the malls, full of shoppers fishing for deals this time of the year, you’d think people are there to buy stuff for themselves or someone they love. You’d think this is what they want. You’d think it is planned and fun and it is where they want to be. After all, so much money and so many hours and so much effort went into the trip. But, there is a lot of frustration, exhaustion and fatigue in words, walk and expressions.

And I wonder why?

Of course there is exhaustion because there’s is walking, trying, choosing, waiting in queues, buying, regretting. But there’s the added, even manufactured, exhaustion of ‘have to buy’. We buy because there’s a deal, because there’s holiday season and perhaps because we can. That is double time (triple time) exhaustion.

It seems Christmas throws up all over the mall an hour after thanks giving dinner. Is the window display and shopping bag the new symbol of the spirit of festive season? Commercialization has driven us to a point where shopping is the festivity, even a necessity. No wonder then, happiness rides in back seat.

It is not that I don’t like gifts, I love gifts. I love gifts more when they make me happy. And I like shopping. But, not when bargain clock is ticking. And I get that to gain something you have to give something away – credit card, sleep perhaps a day off. But, if the new blender, a new pair of gloves, a shiny phone were a result of ‘have to get you something’, does tearing the wrapping paper have the same excitement?

I guess a crazy experiment next year of letting go of the ‘need to shop’ might help decide – is it the season, the gifts, the bargains? Not sure how it will work for economy but for an individual it just might just work as level set.

 

Pilgrim

Pilgrim, how you journey
On the road you chose
To find out why the winds die
And where the stories go.

All days come from one day
That much you must know,
You cannot change what's over
But only where you go.

One way leads to diamonds,
One way leads to gold,
Another leads you only
To everything you're told.

In your heart you wonder
Which of these is true;
The road that leads to nowhere,
The road that leads to you.

Will you find the answer
In all you say and do?
Will you find the answer
In you?

Each heart is a pilgrim,
Each one wants to know
The reason why the winds die
And where the stories go.

Pilgrim, in your journey
You may travel far,
For pilgrim it's a long way
To find out who you are...

(Enya)

 

Fall's here...

Fall’s here with its colors
Leaves will change by minute
From yellow to pink to rubicund

Fall’s here with short days and long nights
Giving more time to relax and get cozy
Prepare for a new start, all over again

Fall’s here with foggy mornings
Bringing the mystery back to life
Giving the sun a workout to peek through the veil

Fall’s here with opportunity to let go of old
And begin to prepare for new
Join the leaves, the year, the season

Fall’s here with that sound of crushed leaves under your feet
Nothing grows back if it doesn’t break
Nothing comes back if it doesn’t leave

Fall’s here with the in-between cold and hot
A break from one, a brink of another
Time to introspect and time to look forward

Fall’s here with the rain
Nourishment and relief
Rinse away and buff up

My favorite season of all
Here comes the fall.

Reminiscing Louvre

Louvre is perhaps an artist’s Mecca where there’s nothing to not like but even for a lay person like me, Louvre is too rich to not like something. It just offers too much and (unless you have been dragged) you have to come out of it feeling cultured and a little shocked by the sheer volume of art. And not just the volume, but the quality and scope of paintings are just too much to grasp.

It really is very hard to put a finger on a few paintings (or art pieces) you like. When you are looking at pieces by Da Vinci and David and the canvas is of the scale of ‘Coronation of Napoleon’, it is hard to pick one, two or even three.

But, I am writing of the two which spoke the most to me. Both paintings display intense emotions. The expressions held by faces tell a tale without having to second guess what’s going on.

The first is ‘Marcus Sextus’ which depicts Sulla’s return to find a dead wife. It is by the French artist - Pierre-Narcisse, baron Guérin. In the painting, it is as if the shadows smell of death, the blank stare screams of the loss and the tragedy. It is such a striking depiction of loss of a loved one - his alive fingers entwined with her limp, pale fingers; his sad-hard face shocked and defeated.

The second is the famous ‘Sabine Women’ by David. David’s painting is such a wonderful mélange of expressions. The helplessness, the begging, the bravery, the innocence and the drivel of rage are all tied together in a perfect moment. It is as if the painting is not a moment but a story.

Such strong emotions captured so vividly. Hard to imagine the state of the artists and their dedication, given the time these pieces took to draw. It’s not just the genius but the empathy and sensitivity of artists that you see in their work.

Louvre is for everyone. For everyone to see these stories, know of the genius artists and take a lesson in history as a memory.

See-Thru

Some time back (this year) I read an article on anomalies that cause skin-transparency in animals. There are frogs, butterflies and others with see through skin. They look very different – almost alien just coz’ of the exposed interiors.

As you can see in the picture, the animal’s (frog) vestigial organs are on full display. You can see the beating heart, the curly intestine, the rosy pink life as it flows through the creature. And now, imagine a see-thru person!

Imagine what a see-thru person would look like. Pretty gross was my first reaction too but imagine how it would change the way we look at people. How our communication would require another level of sophistication. A beating heart on display (for fear, nervousness, and joy) cannot be easily masked with fake emotion on face. Of course there are gross things like affects of over-eating, infected organs etc. but, imagine the kind of life that would evolve. Masquerading wouldn't work when everything you feel is on full display. And think of the poor doctors if everyone could just use mirrors for MRI.

Imagine yourself as see-thru. How naked and yet liberating would you feel? How simple would things be? It would all be there, out in the open for everyone to see and no one would have to be afraid of the ‘unknown’. It is the unknown that scares us anyway. What you know can do a little harm.

Would it make us focus our energies on more meaningful stuff? When the insides are out would the outside matter? The ‘outside’ that we are so involved in. The 'outside' we use to judge. The skin, the color, the camouflage – with nothing hidden, would we change the way we look at people? It would be there for the world to see, so there’s nothing left for them to judge. A beautiful beating heart, a satisfied stomach, a calm mind – that’s what we would look for, strive for, live for. The differences would melt away with the veil because underneath it all we are all made of the same pink flesh and same crimson blood.

Think of the equality that see-thru would bring. And think how this cloak (skin – ironically whose function is to protect) prevents us from being so much more than we are capable of. The idea of skin is so ingrained in us that what’s really inside when showcased in its pure form, looks alien. It’s a pity that most of the time we cannot see beyond the visor. How I wish see-thru was possible for us!

Canadian Rockies

Lake Louise (in picture)

Pristine blue water of glacial lakes, the majestic peaks of the Rockies, the crisp air of mountains, the un-real glow of glacier, Banff is all that and more. My trip to Banff took me to nature’s best workshop. There was rain, snow, winds, flurries and occasional sun and yet the serene mountain living for 4 days refreshed me to no measure.

Banff is an hour’s drive from Calgary. But, getting to Calgary is a different story all together. The plane ride was early but adventurous. I had never seen mountain ranges from the plane; and the rugged, high, grey majestic Rockies are a sight from air. These mountains clearly have it written all over them – don’t mess with us! September is summer season and the mountains didn’t have any snow which made them much more intimidating. As Calgary approached the ranges quickly receded into plains. providing an amazing view of drastic change of terrain. It was like a scenery we draw as kids, mountains and right below them there’s grass. When you visit Banff you have to look out of the plane. A must see.

The drive to Banff unfolds gradually, unlike the view I had on plane (duh!). The grassland showcases Rockies as a silhouette looming in the far. The sharp drops, steep cut rocks, grey drab color and high (HIGH) peaks make these mountains so intimidating and yet breathtaking. The cut on rocks makes them rugged and their color is clear indication of their cold (ice-laden) nature. Standing tall, together and quiet, they fill the air and command respect.

I stayed at the Lake Louise Fairmont. Driving to the town of Lake Louise, as you turn for hotel’s final ascent, you see the glacier that fuels this lake. The sight of the glacier from this drive is jaw-dropping. The lake is not visible up until you walk to the backyard of the hotel. Nestled between the valley of two merging ranges and at the foot of a melting glacier, this lake is like a mirror. It reflects all of its surroundings in its turquoise blue. It is by far, the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. You have to see it to know that water could have this color (and I know scientifically water has no color). You have to see the panorama around the lake to see that tree lines could have a perfect natural curve.

This lake freezes over in winters and becomes a giant ice skating ring. The lake is 210 feet deep and boasts of many activities including hikes and kayaking. Simple sunrise and coffee by the lake isn’t too bad either. The lake is fueled by glacier Victoria right above the lake. The hotel by the lake is beautiful and warm. The hotel even has its own dog ‘Sonny’ who lives in the lobby. Stay in a lake-view room to truly enjoy the view. Even at night, the shinning glacier is a sight to remember.

I hiked a popular trail – Johnston canyon in bow valley. The 4 hour hike takes you to a valley and through two waterfalls. The hike is at least medium intensity but well shaded. It leads to a valley and the view is nothing short of spectacular. When the trail ends, you are in this valley surrounded by Rockies, with a river flowing through it. The stillness and calmness of the place is deafening. Visitors leave their mark in a unique way here. They use rocks from river bed to create rock figures. Lots of bear like and alien like rock formations were very cool. I left my 5-stone structure as a token. The valley also has 8 ponds called ‘Ink – pots’. Each pond a different mineral make-up and all of them have some shade of blue water in them which stays at 1 degree (centigrade) throughout the year. Standing there feels like you were looking at post card and it came alive with 360 degree panoramic view, stillness and… oh yes, 3.6 mile hike!

Nest day: Jasper. Jasper Park has one of the best Vista points called Peyto Lake. The drive to Jasper is emblematic of what Rockies are about. I climbed the small hill (10mins) in high-speed flurries and freezing cold weather to go the tip of Athabasca glacier. The sight was well worth it. The light blue ice at the bottom, the freezing cold and big blob of ice made me feel like I was on another planet (perhaps this is as close to another planet as I’ll get).

It rained when I was at Lake Moraine, it snowed in Jasper, it was cold at nights and still it was a remarkable experience. Banff is where water is very blue (and still like mirror), mountains are very high, glaciers are really melting and time truly seems to stand still. Standing beside the lake it seems like nothing moves. Air, time, water, mountains – everything is tranquil. It tugs your heart, moves your soul and engulfs you in its own.

Johnston Canyon 'Ink-Pots' Valley

I am all or I am nothing

 

Roads I travel, paths I choose
Friends I make, people I loose
I am all or I am nothing

Tears I shed, those I swallow
Fears that I hand pick to wallow
I am all or I am nothing

Rage I feel, love I show
Bonds I break before they grow
I am all or I am nothing

Freedom I have, chances I miss
Dreams I knit, things I can only wish
I am all or I am nothing

Feelings I weave, walls I build
2-piece baggage of sadness and guilt
I am all or I am nothing

Flutter of heart I feel and choose to ignore
Firm on ground but my spirits soar
I am all or I am nothing

Truth that hurts, lies that bleed
Story in eyes but no one to read
I am all or I am nothing

Life forward and past behind
Struggle between being wise and kind
I am all or I am nothing

Dark night guided by dim stars
never found when looking for something
The rain or downpour, white snow or bitter cold
I am all or I am nothing.

Sad Squirrel Story…I hope not.

All animals behave in a similar manner when faced with extreme situations. All of them, including humans. They scream and they don’t care that they are screaming.

I woke up from my afternoon nap (my favorite thing to do) as I heard what I thought was a fight between one of the birds and some other ‘thing’ in my backyard. On a warm but fairly windy afternoon I squinted to see there was a squirrel making weird pecking sounds followed by a shrill. I couldn’t see the bird but it clearly sounded like one.

After some observation and much amazement I realized it was the rodent that was doing all the screaming. It had been going on for 10 mins and went on for another (at least) 20 mins. The squirrel kept making the pecking four-part sound following by a bellow. It kept pacing and what looked like...panicking. I tried to see if there was something she was after or something she was trying to save. As the squirrel kept pacing I realized it was perhaps on the other side on fence as it kept trying to move down the other end. It furiously screamed for 30 mins or more and ran up and down the length of fence. I am sure it wasn’t just to get noticed.

It didn’t run off after seeing me trying to see what the ruckus was about. From what I could figure, it was in complete panic. Not caring for bigger things around, not caring for beating sun, not caring for her (I can assume) parched throat from constant screaming, it kept on and on. I can only imagine it was for a cause that was breaking her heart. It wasn’t a cheerful whistle after all, the animal was shrieking! I was hoping it was not her kit or pup in trouble. But, from the looks of it, it was something like that. It was just on a brink of breakdown and crying for help. It was heart breaking.

I don’t know why it ended abruptly or what it looked like when it stopped. And it was a horrible feeling to not do anything. But, it did have me thinking. It had me thinking of what it might feel, how did it give up and why and what actually did happen.

But, most of all, how something close to us when out of control infuses panic in us. Helplessness is a felling too, not a nice one but it is a feeling. And we all have it. And we all pretty much react (or want to react) the same way. The tiny rodent didn’t care for anyone including itself. It kept using every breadth and every fiber of her to squeal and shriek and shoo away the critical moment. I hope it worked. I hope it stopped because it worked and not because it was not enough. And I hope no matter what happened...the squirrel is alright.

We all hope for the best, we have to. And if the worst happens, we hope we have the strength to get through it. Panicking in helpless situations is a visceral emotion. We can’t run away from it even if we want to. So, staying and screaming your heart out for help seems very reasonable to me.

Maharani Gayatri Devi

One of the most beautiful women of the world passed away on July 29th, 2009. She was also one of the most intelligent, compassionate, humble, liberal and brave woman I have seen. She was the queen of Jaipur, princess of Cooch Behar. An era culminates with the passing away of Maharani Gayatri Devi.

Even at 90 she had radiance on her face, command in her voice and warmth in her heart. She was known for her style, iconic fashion and killer looks. But, she was more…much more than that. She was an avid golfer, adept equestrian and an able politician. She single handedly took charge of building schools for educating girls in her state. I hail from the same state and though I never went to one of her schools, I can vouch for their standard and their invaluable contribution to education and women.

I never met her, saw her publically once and read her biography more than once. And yet, in my mind (in everyone’s mind who knows Jaipur) there’s no one I see more emblematic for the pink-city than the late Raj-mata Gayatri Devi. No one after her, from the blue-blood clan, has been able to make room in people’s hearts and no one after her has been willingly given a status of royalty. No one after her, commanded such respect from their masses.

Her life as a liberal, her interest in her state, her politics for the good, her fight in freedom struggle, her love for her life partner, her discipline in life, her taste of subtle colors, and her eye for fashion were remarkable. She stood for education, progress and kindness. A woman who had a private plane from the age of 21 and who had customized Bentley in her early youth, didn’t while away her life. She used her power, intellect and empathy to create a state she envisioned.
I always read of her as the gorgeous woman and never thought of her as only gorgeous. She was a strong, opinionated woman with her heart in the right place and a will to make a difference. The pink city will miss her…her charm and her nurture.

The Swiss Alps

There’s a reason why we use Switzerland in analogy when we need to describe the ‘beauty’ of a place. Every bit of that reason is in its full bloom in summer time. The air, the rain, the flowers, the outdoors, the people – it is magical. If heaven is even remotely like that, I could change my mind to work towards a place in it.

It is said Switzerland is neutral. They don’t take sides. Damn right they don’t! Coz’ they are too busy enjoying life, doing things, having fun. To sit around and judge is a waste of time. Time that can be spent in air, water, on bikes, in trains, hiking, drinking and watching God’s green earth in its splendor.

I have to say that cadence of life changes to an unusual rhythm under Swiss Alps. I was in Interlaken for three days. And it was relaxing and yet never ever slow. People are fun, there are fun things to do and just so much to see.

Jungfrau railway station, the highest in Europe is 11,332 ft above sea level. Along with Eiger and Monch, Jungfrau makes for a stunning view of Alps. As luck has it, when I was up there, it was -4 degrees with zero visibility. But, I saw pictures and it is exquisite. Jungfrau peak is 13,642 ft (Mt. Everest is 29,029 ft), looks over Bernese Alps and is home to the largest glacier in Alps and all of Europe. On a clear day, it is something to experience – standing cozily in a tower looking over from top of Alps. There’s a cool ice-palace on top as well. It is quite an experience to see the waterfalls, rain, clouds and greenery and then ascend into snow peaked mountains through the clouds, passing through beautiful small towns. A train-conductor spoke as we got out in snow to change trains, “Welcome to Swiss Summer! If you were wondering, winters are colder.”

The best part of Interlaken is the plethora of outdoor activities. Most are not for the faint of heart but nearly all take you to the edge of adrenalin rush. Bungee jumping into lake from gondola, sky-diving over Alps, canyoning in waterfalls, canyon jumping in Eiger canyon, hang-gliding, hiking in snow – it’s all there. I tried tandem hand gliding which was fun for two reasons. One, I really felt like a bird, it was smooth and quiet and glider just hovers like an eagle. Two, it gives a great view of lakes, the peaks, the beautiful lush green city. Landing while almost flat on your belly is so much fun!

I also tried to scare myself out of my mind by canyon jumping. Now, bungee jumping is a nose dive fall and vertical bounce. Canyon jumping takes that to another level. With harness tied to your waist (not feet) and 360 ft free fall you jump into a canyon. The rope catches you and swings you across canyon, over gushing river at 120kmph. At one moment if felt like an out of body experience to look up and see huge canyon walls around and then the blue sky. The total sense of freedom washes over you. Jumping, jumping willingly into the canyon is hard. I needed a countdown but, it was so worth it. I’d do it again and again without thinking twice. The rush of adrenalin as you jump ‘1-2-3 and in air’ and free fall and then swing on the river – that feeling is nothing like I ever felt before. So, now I know a sure way to let go of fears - face fear head on and jump!

Interlaken has many hostels for backpackers and other tourists. To really explore the beauty, you have to do some outdoor stuff, even if it is a bike ride or a walk to top of waterfall. This place is too beautiful to sit inside. Oh and the chocolates! I don’t like chocolates but I like a lot of things with chocolate flavor. Have desserts when in Switzerland. Taste them, feel them dissolve in your mouth and melt your heart. Pictures don’t do justice to this place. It is the air that you have to feel on you face to feel it. And then you’ll never forget that feeling, feeling of almost being in heaven!

Around the half world in 8 days...and lots of $$

I had always thought that Europe is a different world - rich in culture, literature and oozing with historic trivia. And I was right. It is a different world, with all that and more. I would add though, that exploring it is a one costly affair. And oh! So worth it.

My July 2009 trip to three countries and cities across Europe was very exciting and the only exhausting part was the journey back. I didn’t want to leave Swiss Alps. France, Italy and Switzerland were on the agenda. Trains, trams, elevators, stairs, 1-flight (other than to and fro), boats, gondola, hang-gliders, ropes and harness – all means of transport and pure entertainment.

My journey to Paris was marked with bad in-flight food and some very entertaining stuff. The first was nature’s amazing thunderstorm and lightning display that I saw out of the plane window. It went on for quite some time and like nothing I have seen before. The horizon lit up time and again with lightning bolts. Then there was this Chihuahua travelling with a lady across the aisle. I was so impressed with the little thing for making no noise and so worried for his lack of …walk! I wondered where and how it pooped, if it was drugged and what it ate and what it thought of the trip. And the lady wasn’t alone; she had two kids traveling with her. Amazing! I hope everyone, especially the dog, enjoyed Europe whether it was visiting or returning home. And then, there was this fight on the street of Paris. As I stepped out of a metro station I saw this chaos and what liked a fist fight. Before I could get too scared or think about being in a stampede, six cop cars came in and rounded up the ring leaders. I had never felt safer.

Train journeys were my favorite. Gondola was overrated and canyon jumping harness by far the most fun. I saw more paintings, sculptures and art-pieces in eight days than my entire life. I saw nature at its best, art at its peak and Bellini at its zenith. I wouldn’t say it was relaxing, I did plan it to be but it was definitely an eye opener.

There’s so much to see, so much to know of how things changed over time and how human nature is so consistent. Rich led sumptuous lives whereas poor made ends meet and the bourgeoisie were in the ever-hopeful, never-ending rat race. Things haven’t changed much, have they?

I met a group (mother and two daughters in perhaps late teens) at Moulin Rouge sitting in front seats. They were traveling, like they did every summer, all over Europe. They were from middle east and visibly well-off. I was so moved to see a mother bring her daughters (introduce them) in to experience a cabaret. To help them seek art like helping them find candy, no matter what it is wrapped in. And then I saw this amazing contradiction which took me by surprise and forced me to mull it over. As scantily clad men and women performed at arm’s distance, the mother was going through her prayers, chanting through her beads. Was I looking at religion becoming a habit? Is belief stronger when bound by rules? She wouldn’t let go of her ‘ritual’ (a ritual I am not sure was spiritual given the venue) and yet she would step out and chaperon her daughters to a liberal art. I don’t judge but I was fascinated. Humans are so complicated, it fills me with pride and confusion and things I can’t even identify.

Everyone I met had their unique story. Their reason for where they were. And somehow, they converged for a ride, an hour of sight-seeing, at a same place. People you meet have such different lives and stories and yet their life for a moment entwines with yours. It is true – there’s more to see than can ever be seen, more to find than can ever be found. And add to that people, and everything changes to another unknown, unpredictable dimension. The trip intensified my hunger to see more places, search for differences, similarities and just stories. I don’t know if it is because it reinforces in me that I need to live while I am alive or because it humbles me by showcasing the vastness of world and life. But, it stirs something inside. The need to know more, to know I am not alone and as much as my life might seem too big sometimes, I am a minuscule part of the bigger picture.

On the banks of Seine...

The city of Paris is full of gems, life and street vendors selling crepes! There’s so much to see and do that you can spend days without a minute to spare. Yes – there’s Eiffel tower and yes there’s Louvre but my favorite thing in Paris, rather things are Mont Matre and Notre Dame.

The metro, the trams make travel in the city very simple and quiet affordable. You can be at any place within the city in a matter of minutes. The magnificent Eiffel tower is a monument to see, more like a thing to see at night! During summer, sunset is late and so the best time to be around and/or on the tower is around 8:30 or 9pm. Running up the stairs (half-way) is a much better way to experience the tower. Each bend has some trivia of the structure. Paris looks amazing from the top. The city with the river, the grounds, and the white-roofs looks dense and intense. Like a lot of stuff packed into a small place, the city oozes life. The best part for me was actually laying in the park and watching the top of the hour 5 min light show on the tower. It is quite a sight to sprawl on the cool grass and watch the 1,063 ft tall structure above you light up in shimmering glow.

The Champs-Elysees (Shaun-z-ley-zees) is beautiful. The wide open road leading to the beautiful Arc de triumph is a great place to have lunch and do window shopping! Everything from a Ferrari to an ice-crème is available.

Louvre is perhaps Mecca for those into art. And it is not just the Mona Lisa, it is the huge painting and sculpture collection that stretches across 4 wings. To top it all there’s the palace outside and stunning square with famous Louvre triangles. Château de Versailles is another place to confirm any doubts you might have of Paris’s historic value. The opulent mirror room, gardens and fountains are just magnificent. The scale and scope, more than anything else, takes your breath away.

And now to things I loved! Notre Dame is an exquisite church. I didn’t even get to go to its top (closes at 5 pm) and yet I am mesmerized by what I saw. The eyes have to adjust to the darkness and ears to quiet-ness as you enter the main church. In all directions you see stunning glass work. Light filters in through blue and greens and makes the church look like a different world. I absolutely fell in love with each glass piece and the way it glowed in the filtered light from outside. I don’t know if my spirit moved and soul stirred, but my senses definitely were in a drive.

And then there’s parrtyy! Mont Matre, the humble and underrated gem of Paris is just the place to party. The white-domed Basilica of the Sacré Cœur in the fore front covers an absolutely fantastic array of artists and restaurants in the back. The street around the main square (at the back of Mont Matre) is surrounded by artists showing their work, selling their pieces and engaged in live sketching. In the middle are the patio restaurants and bars. The place has electric energy. And then as you walk to the front of church, the steps are filled with bevy of people just sitting, singing, admiring random performances and enjoying the setting sun over the city. The church is up on a hill (130 m) and gives a perfect view of the city, perfect entrance through old village and perfect experience of party in open with strangers! The best kind!

Oh and then there is Moulin Rouge! The can-can performance and the costumes and the thrill of being in front row, all came together in form of just an amazing experience of music, dance and show-woman-ship. For anyone who loves live performance, Moulin Rouge is one of its kinds.

Paris, a city where art lurks and thrives at every corner – music, painting, literature, food, architecture. Musicians play in metro tunnels, on trains, on street corners. The scale and preservation of history and art is admirable. You can walk on banks of Seine, climb the tower and the hill, walk your day off in palaces and museums, stuff yourself with yummy crepes and there’ll be still something left for the next time. That is Paris. The city just has so much to show off; it holds your daze and persuades you to fall in love with it. Everyone can find something to love in Paris.

Venize

City of bridges, city of water, city of masks! Venice is the most amazing man-made city. 118 islands over Venetian lagoon form this ever floating city. Water-taxi, water-bus and gondolas navigate these water ways. There are no buses, no cars, no cycles. You either walk or you take water-borne vehicle. Even the garbage is taken out on boats; the things are delivered within city on hand-cart! The city, being close to water is humid and hot but the first thing you notice around is the Grand Canal and on both sides of it the patio restaurants and the flowers, oh the flowers! Every nook of the city is filled with resplendent bunches.

Small lanes, bevy of visitors, amazing smell of food, ice-crème shop at every corner (pistachio my favorite), water canals at every bend and masks – is typical Venice. I think there are enough masks for everyone in the city a few times over. Don’t know what the city is asking its visitors to masquerade, but you can find any color, any style and any price on these masks. The streets, hotel-rooms, restaurants are tiny, the canals stink a tad, the Marco-polo (all roads lead to Marco-polo) square is littered with people all the time. The Basilica is beautiful on the outside and serene inside. The difference is literally night and day when you step from bright light and crowds into the dark and quiet interior. The square itself is amazingly roomy. With restaurants all around and basilica and tower in center – the pigeons, the musicians, the tourists, the vendors, the gondola salesmen, and the artists – everyone finds a place here.

I have to say the gondola ride (in my opinion) is over-rated. It is short and in small canals (which stink due to stagnant water) with a few minutes in the Grand Canal and through historic buildings of Casablanca, old market, jail and first Venetian bridge. And there’s no traditional singing by fellas. Not even humming, sometimes not even talking!

Bellini was invented in Venice and historic Harry’s bar offers some delicious food, lots of choice in Bellini and a fine view to go with it. The square is the place to be at night with musicians at every corner. The hour of the night is signaled by bells on basilica by metal figurines. The streets at night are less crowded and very safe. The edge of square becomes calm and as gondolas park for the day, looking through to the islands and listening to gentle water washing on steps is very soothing.

I also walked to the other end of the main island and watched the beautiful city from across the main channel. A looming statue of a boy with a frog in his hand is quiet amusing. Venice is a beautiful city, a unique place. I can’t imagine living there - imagine grocery shopping. And that’s the reason the city is so touristy! All you see are hotels, shops, restaurants and gondolas. It has had issues with flooding and constant danger of sinking, but for what it is and how it is; it is a place you have to see for yourself to believe it exists.

Pride 2009

Love makes a family – doesn’t it? Shouldn’t it?

What other law, what other policy do we need to put in place that trumps this?

For families to have kids they want, for those kids to have homes that are safe and environment where their childhood is happy and growth into good citizens is ensured.

For people to have a loved one around when they are sick, sad or just alone.

For anyone to have someone to rejoice with, travel with, spend vacation with.

For anyone to have someone they can miss, they can cherish, they can love.

And an equal right for everyone to pursue this.

What good are societies if they can’t deal with differences with dignity and evolve with time to understand that differences are created for a reason? If we were all the same, we all wouldn’t be needed. We built society to safeguard humanity. We built rules to facilitate communities. Not to weed out differences like well, like weeds.

And who is anyone to say what differences are right and wrong. They just are. We are all the same, in the make-up of our ‘human-ness’. Flesh and blood and emotions and flaws and capabilities. Same origin of birth and a same end goal of death. Who is anyone to decide that the path anyone follows in that journey is wrong just because it isn’t like theirs?

And this is what I felt at pride 2009. As I thought about last year and happiness and hope of equality, I was so upset by harm Prop 8 did. Who gives anyone the right to take away other’s rights? Where’s empathy, where’s juts basic good logic and sense?

No one can stop progress. No one ever has stopped evolution. If a community is asking for its rights to be treated and acknowledged equal and committed to pursue happiness, may it thrive! And be well. And have all the power it needs to make it happen. The colors of rainbow, the ‘pride’ will thrive.