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Showing posts from March, 2014

A Week Without “Appa”

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Quiet. How I'd like it to be sometimes. I went to the temple almost every day. I didn't have anyone asking me, “Appa, are we done?” I could just cement myself there, without hurry, for a few hours. I could recite the Rudram without somebody tugging at my sleeve. And yet, every now and then, I would think that it would have been nice to have the kids there too. I didn't have to worry about picking up Akhil or Sahana from somewhere. I didn't get messages from my wife asking me to make a pit stop at the Indian store or Costco. I didn't have to look at the clock and suddenly remember that someone had basketball or tennis. It was as though life had come to a standstill. And I liked it. In the middle of a normal workday, I could be in an important meeting when Akhil would come charging into the room. “Appa, please approve.” For a brief second, I wouldn't even understand what he was asking. Then I would realize that I had absentmi...

New Zealand and Bora Bora

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If I have to just put one picture to represent our entire trip, this would be it - Roy's peak, Wanaka Whenever I think about travel, my thoughts take me back in time.  Almost ten years ago, I was in Germany as a part of work assignment.  I was roping in a few folks who could accompany me on a weekend trip to Paris. I asked one of them, "Dude, let's go to Paris.  It's just an overnight journey by bus." He replied, "No, I don't want to go." I was taken aback.  So, I asked him again, "Are you sure?" "Yes.  What is there in Paris? I have already seen it on TV." I have not seen him ever since. Anyway, luckily, my wife and I don't have such interesting conversations.  We simply decide and go. New Zealand has been on our agenda for a very long time.  Ever since I watched the 1992 world cup diligently getting up at 5 in the morning, I have been fascinated with Australasia.  I have never seen the Indian stadia with s...