A Thinking Woman

Truly At Home

September 30th, 2008

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Durga Pujo is coming along

Bringing with it both cheer and song

My heart craving for so long

For the festivities - oh! so forlorn

New clothes I’ll wear on all five days

Changing maybe twice a day

With family and friends I’ll hang out

Visiting Pandals, eating throughout

The sound of Dhak awakening in me

A reverence for the strength of Ma Chandi

The smell of Dhuno through my senses

Wafting in with the Dhunuchi dances

Shakha, Paula; Kangan on my wrists,

With Sindur my long hair I’ll rift.

Bangla Rock Bands and Robindro Shongeet

Will be the music, to which I’ll retreat

Mughlai Parathas, Tele Bhaja and Kati Rolls

Are staples along with the Pandal Khichuri Bhog.

The Maha Bhoj Thali I might have at the Taj Bengal,

But it’s the Chello kababs at Petercat I fondly recall

Kishore Kumar, Hemanta and Manna Dey

Will be the backdrop when the Pandels I parade.

Sandhya and Arati Mukhopadhyay too will sing

A true Bengali spirit in me once again to bring

Where are they gone those happy days now ?

When I was so much a part of that town

Kolkata has always meant home to me

Where Ma Durga is truly at home like me.

Dhak- Elongated Drums; Dhuno- Incense; Dhunuchi – Dancers with Pottery Incense Stands;

Shakha, Paula – Bangles of Conch shell and Coral worn by Bengali married women;

Sindur - Vermillion ; Kangan – Thick gold bangles; Tele Bhaja – Deep Fried Delicacy’s; Khichuri Bhog – Khichhdi Prasad which is nice and spicy ; Maha Bhoj Thali – A Huge Copper thali served with bowls all around with various dishes, A full meal; Petercat Chello kababs – A very old restaurant off Park Street which serves amazing full meals. Chello Kakbabs is an assortment of non vegetarian kebabs, rice and fried egg and roasted vegetable

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Truly

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My Scottish Romance

August 13th, 2008

Man Playing the Bagpipe In Scottish Costume - Tartan Kilt at Waverley

Waverley Bridge

Edinburgh Castle

High Street - Royal Mier

The Fishing Village of Ansthruther

Harbour at Anstruther

View From Edinburg Castle

The train pulled into the Waverly Station in the Scottish Capital of Edinburgh by noon. We had taken the Scot Rail service from Kings Cross in London at 8 am. Five hours of the most picturesque landscape of hills, rivers, meadows, stud farms, villages and towns the train sped through. We halted at Dunham, Newcastle, Berwick upon Tweed and other small towns. Through most of the ride I looked out of the huge, wide windows drinking in the beauty in addition to the huge cups of tea that we picked up from the refreshment cart, when it passed. At all times I had my camera ready, clicking away, except that time which I spent walking through the train to go pick up huge bacon, tuna and salad baguettes and café latte from the well stocked Café cabin .

Our first real encounter with the exuberant, friendly and warm Scot’s was the Taxi driver who drove us to the Haymarket Station. Having made reservations on the internet at a hotel opposite to the station named after it. The rooms were spacious and very well furnished. A stroll nearby after check-in led us to an Indian Restaurant – The Prince of India. It was actually Bangladeshi as are most Indian restaurants in the UK. Over Jagjit and Chitra Singh Ghazals we lunched on a set course menu which as we learnt, was popular. Those unfamiliar with the cuisine did not have difficulty ordering. The food was piping hot and warmed us. In spite of it being summer, it was cold.

After lunch, a little rest and change of clothes at the hotel we went over to the nearest bus stop. Studying the route map on the bus stand we took a bus ride to Princess Street. Taking a walk through we visited the souvenir shops lining the street and the Edinburgh woolen mills which we soon learnt had an outlet at every major tourist spot. We mentally noted what we would buy before we left. It was only our first day and too early to start shopping. Much later in the evening we started walking down to High Street. It is popular for the number of pubs lining it on both sides. A sudden shower en route, added to mother being unable to walk any further, we took a Taxi. After a quick look around the near deserted street due to the rain and it being nearly 10pm we settled comfortably at the outlet of a Café chain Garfunkel’s. Dinner for me was a Spanish red wine and Pork chops with salad.

After breakfast at the hotel the next morning we took a bus through Princess Street to Waverley Bridge. Beside the Waverley Station we collected our Hop on Hop off bus passes. On the corner opposite to the station we waited for the bus in front of a beautifully laid park. A Scott dressed in national costume of a tartan kilt and shirt with a tie played a very merry tune on the bagpipe. While we watched another came and took over from him. They played in shifts and reminded you that you were in Scotland. As the bus arrived we headed to the open top deck. The view from up there was breathtaking. In the distant atop the hills we could see the magnificent Castle of Edinburgh which one can see from anywhere on Princess Street and Waverley.

We looked around at numerous other buildings atop sprawling hills. The park below was lined with pretty flowers in full bloom amongst the lush green grass. It was visible amidst the tall trees as we plugged on our ear phones to the sound of a live audio guide in a cheerful and heavy Scott accent. The combination of the cozy warmth of the sun, with the chilly wind blowing in the already cold weather, was heavenly even as I buttoned my jacket and wrapped a woolen scarf well about my neck. We were amused by the voice modulation, acting skills and humor of our guide. He told us that King Macbeth, whose castle is there, was a good king unlike the Shakespearean Character. Witches were burnt alive since ages in Edinburgh. Dead bodies often were robbed from their coffin and therefore guarded for at least two weeks around 24 hours

Reaching the Edinburgh castle we got off. On second thoughts however we got back on. The prospect of not having such a great orator as our guide on the next bus was a disappointing one so we decided to remain with him through the one and a half hour tour. On route in addition to pointing out various spots of interest he also told us that famous authors of the city included Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Ian Rankin, author of the Inspector Rebus series of crime thrillers, J. K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, who wrote her first book in an Edinburgh coffee shop (Nicholson’s Cafe) the Elephant House and Black Medicine, and Adam Smith the economist and author of The Wealth of Nations, born in Kirkcaldy.

Edinburgh has been home to the actor Sir Sean Connery, famed as the first cinematic James Bond. It is the hometown of the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair, who was born in the city and attended Fettes College;^[ On the more sinister side, famous criminals from Edinburgh’s history include Deacon Brodie, pillar of society by day and burglar by night, who is said to have influenced Robert Louis Stevenson’s story, the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and the murderers Burke and Hare, who provided fresh corpses for anatomical dissection. The telephone pioneer Alexander Graham Bell was born here and educated at the Edinburgh Academy. Another name connected to the city includes Nobel laureate; Charles Darwin, the biologist who discovered natural selection.

The next time the bus stopped at High Street - Royal Mier we got off and walked through the buzzing and crowded street to The Edinburgh Castle. At the entrance we took an audio guide each and spent some time taking pictures of the breathtaking view of the city from there. Plugging the head phones of the numbered guide we walked into the castle. It is an ancient stronghold which dominates the sky-line of the city of Edinburgh from its position atop Castle Rock. It is Scotland’s second-most-visited tourist attraction. Human habitation of the site is dated back as far as the 9th century BC with the St Margaret’s Chapel here, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, which dates from the early 12th century.

As with all castles, Edinburgh’s fortress has been a centre of military activity. It is one of the few that still has a military garrison, albeit for largely ceremonial and administrative purposes. The Governor of the Castle has always been the head of the Army in Scotland. The castle till date continues to have a strong connection with the Army. Sentries stand watch at the castle gatehouse after opening hours, with responsibility for guarding the Honors of Scotland located on the first floor of the Royal Palace building and known as the Crown Room. These are the Scottish Crown Jewels and Regalia. They include the Crown of Scotland, Scepter and Sword of State.

The crown dating back to 1540 is made of Scottish gold and is set with 94 pearls, ten diamonds and 33 other precious and semi-precious gemstones. The Sceptre is also made of gold, and topped with a large Rock Crystal (Quartz). The most treasured possession of Scotland is also located among the honours. It is the Stone of Destiny, otherwise known as the Stone of Scone, upon which the monarchs of Scotland are traditionally crowned. It had been taken to England and incorporated into the Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey but was returned to Scotland in 1996 on the understanding that it be returned to Westminster for subsequent coronations.

My favourite places in the castle are the small and pretty St. Margaret’s Chapel, which King David I built as a private chapel for the royal family and dedicated to his mother, Saint Margaret of Scotland, This building is still used for various religious ceremonies such as weddings and christenings, with a capacity of approximately 25 people. The second being the Scottish National war Memorial. Walking through the memorial I heard the words of the famous soldier James Graham of Culverhouse on the audio guide – “It is not the expiry pang that is worth thinking of. It is the memory which the soldier leaves behind him like the trail of light of the sinking sun”. I liked the words so much that I rewound the audio several times just to note the exact words.

Handing over our audio sets we took a long walk through the Royal Mier in front. The road is lined on both sides by a number of souvenir shops from where we bought the traditional checked woolen Scarf’s, Pullovers and Sweaters. Sitting at an outside table at a Café on the street lunch was a huge Chicken and Salad Sandwich each with a Kiwi chilled smoothies. There is something about the combination of a chilled drink on a cold windy day with the warmth of the sun, watching people leisurely go by, that is beautiful and relaxing and soothes ones mind. We took the bus back to Waverley Bridge and spent the rest of the evening strolling around Princess Street and after shopping had dinner at the Pizza hut there.

Breakfast at the hotel the next morning was not a buffet but a variable menu with a few options I chose to have a small portion of mixed cereal with honey and cold milk while waiting my neatly arranged plate of scrambled egg, a piece of beacon and sausage each, baked beans and tomato with toast. While waiting for others to finish and for my tea I also had a portion of fresh fruit. We took a bus to Waverley Bridge and since the Hop on & Off Bus passes are valid for 24 hours we took a ride on one to the Royal Yatch Britannia. There was a pre recorded audio guide on the bus that day and we were glad we had stayed on the bus the day before completing the tour with the humorous commentator.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is steeped in history and filled with artifacts from The Royal Collection. It is now in the historic port of Leith. The experience started in the Visitor Centre located on the second level of Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh’s waterfront shopping and leisure complex where we discovered Britannia’s fascinating story. Then we stepped aboard for the self-led audio handset tour. The audio tour took us around its five decks giving a unique insight into what life was like for the Royal Family, Officers and Yachtsmen. Highlights include the State Dining Room, the Drawing Room, the Sun Lounge, the Wardroom and the Chief Petty Officers’ Mess. The luxury, opulence and grandeur of the lives of the Royal family which one can visualize visiting this Yatch are breath taking. I loved the Yatch and through all the photographs and mementos there brought to mind the life of Lady Diana – of whom I was a great fan, her honey moon with Prince Charles on it and the time she spent there with her children.

Next we took a bus ride to Rosslyn Chapel from Waverley, picking up carry away burgers, and coffee not wanting to spend time over a sit down lunch. The scenery around the Chappell was heavenly. I could not carry on inside without taking a good many pictures of the hills and lush woods around which was entwined the cute township. The Chapel is unique and famed world wide for the beauty of its carvings and the aura of mystery and magic that surrounds it. Built in 1446 by William St. Clair it is a major feature in the last part of Dan Brown’s 2003 novel The Da Vinci Code, and where the picture was subsequently filmed though many incorrect assertions were made about the structure. Rosslyn Chapel stands on the edge of the steeply wooded Esk Valley. The narrow rocky gorge below with its fast flowing water gives Rosslyn its name. The richly wooded Rosslyn Glen (river) offers pleasant walks and magnificent view of the Rosslyn Castle. The Chapel has much to delight, intrigue and inspire one. It was closed to public worship until 1861 when it was opened again as a place of worship according to the rites of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Rosslyn Chapel and the nearby Rosslyn Castle are located at the village of Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland

After a tour of the chapel we had buttered scones and mulberry muffins with excellent tea at the Tea Room beyond the gift shop of the chapel. Then we proceeded into the woods. It is a very adventurous trek and not many venture down to see the glen (river) and the castle. It is not advisable for those who are not willing to traverse narrow hill tracks and therefore mother sat by the chapel. The unsure roads led us to a beautiful bridge over the river which we crossed over to the small castle which is closed. The chilly wind blowing through the quite woods actually sent shivers down my spine. We broke into a sweat on the climb back to the Chapel in spite of the cold. The quaintness of the place surrounded by hills, partly covered in the cotton wool like clouds floating above was picturesque. After long wait at a café near the bus top over large mugs of coffee – I needed the energy booster; we took the bus back to Waverley Bridge. Having dinner at a café on Princess Street we headed back to the hotel.

The next morning waking early we made it to the Waverley Station to take the train to Inverness. Picking up Almond coated and Black Currant Jam stuffed croissants and coffee from the Upper crust counter we boarded the train which left at 8.45am. The train ride through the picturesque Scottish lands of Carrbridge, Aviemore, Kingussie, Dalwhinnie, BlairAtholl, Pitlochry and Perth was beautiful and I could not help hoping the trains didn’t breeze past with such speed. The black and white spotted cows’ lazily chewing cud in the meadows by streams, the horse bending over the lush green grass of stud farms by shimmering water bodies in the morning sun was a treat. However when we reached Inverness at 11.45 am walking down to the Ness River with the two bridges on either side of the road I was glad we didn’t take any longer reaching there. It was a picture perfect view.

Not wanting to miss a single moment of the pretty sight we settled down at a window side table of a Café over looking the Ness with a view of St. Andrew’s Cathedral on the banks of the River Ness. After lunch of a cream of chicken soup followed by pork chops and apple tart with ice cream we walked down to the bus stop on Rose Street to take the bus to Loch Ness. En route the cheery driver cum guide pointed out to the various picturesque sights. Loch Ness is a large, deep, beautiful freshwater Loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 37 km southwest of Inverness. Its surface is 52 feet above sea level. Loch Ness is best known for the alleged sightings of the legendary Loch Ness Monster, also known as "Nessie”

We took the Cruise boat to the Urquhart Castle. It is close to the village of Drumnadrochit. Though extensively ruined, it was in its day one of the largest strongholds of medieval Scotland, and remains an impressive structure, splendidly situated on a headland overlooking Loch Ness. It is also near the castle where the majority of Nessie (Loch Ness Monster) sightings occur. The sights from the boat were splendid and with the chilly wind blowing our hair and freezing our faces we stood on the top deck looking out at the rough dark waters. Balancing our-selves on the swaying boat in the then turbulent water we had coffee picked up from the café on the lower deck and took lovely pictures from various angles of the Ness. After a tour of the castle we took the bus back to Inverness. We took the train to Edinburgh at 6.30 pm when it was still very well sunlit. Till then we went for a walk around the town in the light drizzle, crossing over the bridges on the Ness to get a glimpse of it from every angle. It felt like walking through a picture in one’s dreams.

The next morning after breakfast at the Hotel in Edinburgh we took a bus to Waverly station. After a long wait at 12.10 we took the one hour train ride to Leuchars. St Andrews – Market Street was about a 15 minute Taxi ride from Leuchars Station. It seemed much shorter as the Taxi driver, very friendly and talkative kept us entertained. I loved the town of St Andrews which was the former royal burgh on the east coast of Fife, Scotland. It is named after Saint Andrew the Apostle standing on the North Sea coast between Edinburgh and Dundee. Scotland’s oldest university is the University of St Andrews. From mediaeval times until the Reformation, St Andrews was the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, its bishop being the primus of the Scottish church. Today, its historic cathedral lies in ruins.

St Andrews is known the world over as the "home of golf". This is partly because the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, exercises legislative authority over the game worldwide (except in the United States and Mexico), and also because the famous links (acquired by the town in 1894) is the most frequent venue for The Open Championship, the oldest of golf’s four major championships. Visitors travel to St Andrews in great numbers for several courses ranked amongst the finest in the world, as well as for the sandy beaches. After a short walk around Market Street we hired a car from Barnett’s of St Andrews at 66 Largo Road to take us to the other Fife fishing villages. Luckily a copy of the Indian driving license was readily accepted along with 45 pounds to hire it for a day though we had just half the day left.

Map in hand, asking our way around we drove down the beautiful road flanked on both sides by lush green grass and trees. We reached the town of Crail. It is a former royal burgh in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Built around a harbour, it has a particular wealth of vernacular buildings from the 17th to early 19th centuries, many restored by the National Trust for Scotland, Today fishing boats still operate from Crail’s picturesque harbour After lunch at a Café in the central town of white wine and Penne Pasta and Lasagna we drove down the smooth roads amidst sprawling picturesque fields and meadows to the Anstruther Harbour. ‘A fringe of Gold on a beggar’s mantle is how James II of Scotland described Anstruther the East Neuk of Fife with its burghs built around sheltered bays and surrounded by rich farmland. For years Anstruther East Neuk’s largest town has been a popular destination for family holidays due to its quaint harbourside buildings and seaside location. From its monastic beginnings, life in the burgh has revolved around the sea and the harbour – fishing, overseas trade and even smuggling making the town important in the history of Fife.

Driving out of Anstruther about little over 2 miles was Pittenween which is the main fishing centre of the East Neuk. Its long history dating back to the 7^th century is very much connected to the sea. Its name is of Pictish origins and means ‘place (pit) by or of the cave(weem)” A drive around the towns winding streets will reveal many treasures – a town whose name is as picturesque as its setting. From here we drove down further and every two miles or so we came across very pretty towns like St Monans, Elie and since it was past six we decided against all wishes to turn around and head back to St Andrews. On the drive back we were glad that we had hired the car or we could not have been so flexible in our tour of the fishing villages. These villages were the best part of my Scotland tour and I took a number of pictures. Returning the car, dropping the key off outside the closed shop we headed back to Leuchars station. After picking up sandwiches and coffee takeaway from the Starbucks café on Market Street we took a taxi ride. The Taxi driver was very enthusiastic and friendly though he had been up since 6 am as it was peak season. Taking the 8.45 train we reached Edinburgh, Haymarket Station at 9.45Pm.

The only place we could possibly head for dinner that would be opened till as late was our neighbourhood, friendly Prince of India Restaurant. It was raining and the warmth inside along with the Pankaj Udhas ghazals playing in the background was a reminder that it was time to go back home and that the beautiful vacation was near over save a two days in London on the return. Looking at the well stocked bar I had regret that we had not had time to visit a working Scotch Malt whisky distillery for which Scotland is known worldwide. It was on the itinerary but we missed it due to time constraint. We slept well after a dinner of Tandoori roti, mixed vegetable, dal and chicken curry which the chef had taken care to prepare to our taste knowing we would prefer Indian food that tasted Indian and not Scottish.

The next morning with a heavy heart we left the hotel by Taxi after breakfast to take the 9am train to London - Paddington, from Waverley station. On the train ride back I had my eyes glued outside as usual. Soon the Scottish lands got left behind. It made me realize, Scotland’s abundant soft water which gives it the green hills, forests, shimmering Lochs, tumbling streams, Salmon rivers and towering and towering waterfalls and the unique malt whiskies it is also what gave me a relaxing and beautiful vacation to remember and cherish a life time.

The Royal Yatch Britannia

The State Dining Room - The Royal Yatch Britannia

Control Room - The Royal Yatch Britannia

Rosslyn Chapel

Cruise Boat - Loch Ness

View From the Loch Ness Cruise Boat

Rosslyn Chapel

View Around Rosslyn Chapel

St Andrew’s Cathedral - Inverness

Inverness

Market Road - St Andrews

Lochness - By the Urquhart Castle

Lochness

Posted in Travel & Hotels | 5 Comments

Rewinding Life

August 8th, 2008

Sitting at the rooftop coffee shop,

People around us we silently watch.

Are they all just as happy as us?

Sharing their life over coffee thus.

A lifetime nearly since we three are friends,

Though now we reside at different ends.

Having come on work to their town now,

Allows us to catch up on life somehow.

Would you want to live life, over now?

Sipping on my peach ice tea slowly I ask.

Going back to college do you think?

We could once again bring back the zing.

Digging into her blueberry muffin she sighs.

The fancy free days and the multiple date,nights.

When classes we missed for movies and café’s.

Would do anything to get them back again.

Life is now much less fun,

Duties, responsibilities we cannot shun.

Wife, mother, daughter all in one,

Being a boss is the most difficult one.

After a sip of her Café Latte the other smiles,

Remember that guy with the crush on you, now?

The other who chased me in and out of class.

It all seems now so much of the past.

With old friends like this one can really be,

Only “ME” – from all else truly free.

Sharing our failings with each other now,

We step down being superwomen somehow.

The guys who chased us all over town,

Married to us chase their careers now.

Children too once grown, will leave,

On our friendship may we still then lean.

Life’s road often is steep and uphill,

Holding each others hand we trudge on still.

Why can’t we again honestly be?

Carefree like we once used to be.

Posted in Astrology | 6 Comments

My English Summer Romance

July 29th, 2008

London Bridge

View From The London Eye

Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Statford upon Avon

Windsor Castle

The Roman Baths - Bath

Cambridge

Bridge Over Thames - Eaton

Eaton College

It was through the fine lines of a light drizzling on the glass windows on a late June, sunny evening that I got my first glimpses of the English Capital. The view was from a Taxi on our way to Kings Cross from the Heathrow Airport. We had made Reservations at a Bed and Breakfast accommodation on the road opposite the Kings Cross underground station wanting to stay at the city centre. It was love at first sight for me and the beginning of my summer time affair with the picture perfect English and Scottish lands.

The Black Taxi weaved its way through the thick office hour London Traffic. On route the Indian Driver cheerfully pointed out various places after learning we were here on vacation and knowing it was going to be a long drive ahead. Through the transparent divide between us, it was not an easy task. His accent matching ours made it easier. My eyes remained glued to the view outside. The baskets of multi colored, pretty, fresh flowers hanging above tall poles of the sidewalk edges, had the strongest appeal like the eyes of the one you are attracted to.

As we walked through the reception area of the hotel and into our rooms we were in for a big surprise. The rooms looked much bigger on the internet than what we were now viewing. I liked the cozy, clean look of the place with its summery wall paper and all facilities as promised on the net. My mother however could not hold her disappointment and said “we can barely move how we can live here?” “You have not come to live here Ma and we will barely spend the night when you will be up on the bed. There will not be much need to move around” I replied laughing. “We prefer to spend money on visiting all the tourist attractions and on good food and travel and this place is hardly cheap being centrally located in London” my sister added.

After settling in and a change of clothes we walked over to the Kings Cross underground station across the road. I tried to stop for a minute but was unable to. The crowd pushed me along and down the escalator. Everyone stood to the right by the railing while those in a bigger hurry rushed past the left side. I looked around thinking that everyone was rushing to a party below. Everyone was dressed in gorgeous attire – women were beautifully dressed and their bags, shoes and accessories perfectly co-coordinated with their clothes which ranged from the lowest of necklines to the highest of skirt and dress hemlines and the thinnest of shoulder straps to none at all. The cold wind blowing outside was no deterrent. Men were in smart casuals.

As I stepped into the train I could not help being glad I had not paid heed to husbands “Don’t take so many clothes and accessories – who is going to look at you there” thereby packing light. It does not matter whether any one looks at you; if you are not well dressed in London you could feel pretty lousy and awkward. But then again it is the way you perceive things. As for me when in Rome I like to do as the Romans do. We obviously did not get seats but admiring people, our stop Piccadilly Circus came very soon. As we tried to get off we realized that nearly everyone else was getting off with us. Once again we could not stop walking as the crowd prevented us from stopping.

Stepping out into the sunlit 9 pm cool evening I realized that the whole of London was partying and as we walked down the road people with their drink glasses were all over the pavements, spilling out of the series of pubs lined on both sides of the road. It was a Summer Saturday Evening and I was thrilled at the sight of the biggest party I had ever been to. We walked on all the way to Leicester Square and in spite of the barely clothed women around I was glad that I had dressed warm in addition to well. The wind was biting cold. We chose a table at a Café. A popular Cafe chain Bella Italia in the centre of Leicester square. I just could not take my eyes and ears away from all the revelry outside. It was like the venue of a gala event with stalls around where you could pick your glass and mingle with everyone.

Though I would have loved to start my first meal with the traditional English Fish and Chips I decided that I would savor it over lunch the next day. I would then not feel guilty about the entire fried carbohydrate intake at night. I settled for a smoked fish dish with plenty of salad and washed it down with a good measure of wine. On the bus ride back, I ran up the stairs to the top deck. London by night was a magnificent sight. It was past twelve and the sun and the underground trains were no longer visible.

The next day waking late we missed breakfast at the hotel. Picking up a bowl of fruit salad and green tea each with our sandwiches from the chain Prêt A Manger we took the train ride to Water Loo station and crossed the road to the London Eye. Perfectly named for we certainly got an eyeful of London from the glass capsules. As we rose high up we could also view the huge crowds and queues we crossed to get up there on a summer Sunday afternoon. After a big Oriental buffet meal just adjacent, we walked over to Big Ben keeping the grand Thames in sight to our right as we did.

After the post lunch walk we settled down comfortably on the well mowed lawns over looking West Minister Abbey to catch our breath but more to just get a feel of the place. The evening after a change and a little rest leaving mother to call it a day we headed to Oxford Street by the near empty Sunday afternoon tube. Picking up a Coffee each after Apple & Cinnamon Tarts and Low Fat Carrot & Valencia Orange Cakes at Star Bucks opposite to the "Next" showroom we walked the length of Oxford Street on both sides.

We looked through the dressed windows and the visual merchandising with over 50% discount sale on all the major brands like Zara, French Connection, Benetton, Mother Care and Kipling. It certainly was a treat for the eye in addition to catching glimpses of my first point of attraction the flower baskets hanging on the side walks. I have to thank my lucky stars that all the shops were closed as it was about 7 Pm. All shops close by 5.30 Pm. I was saved from ransacking my funds and blocking my credit card limits out. It’s difficult to resist the “Sale” signages.

Of course we just could not get back on the tube without a walk through Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square again. Sadly the places were desolate as in this case every evening is not a Saturday evening and we headed back to Kings Cross to dine at the Flavors of India restaurant. The way the dishes were spelt “ Motor Poneer”and the Bengali dialect the staff spoke we knew instantly it was run by Bangladeshi’s as are most of the Indian Restaurants in the UK. We found them in every small town in the days to come. The food though somewhat bland is a relief to those vegetarian - who cannot sleep well without their Dal & Roti and to others who need the smell of Indian spices to feel human. Though I don’t fall in either group and love continental food as much as I do Indian cuisine I joined the others in the group.

On Monday morning when we went down to the underground station the formal attire, business suits and attitude of the crowds rushing past was a contrast to the weekend party mood. I watched in awe at the people who work as hard as they play. We took the tube to Victoria Station and bought ourselves Hop on Hop Off bus passes for sight seeing through the day. As the name suggests one can actually board or get on and off at any place one chooses to. The top deck of these buses was open giving a good view and feel of the place through all ones senses. They also give you the time and space to see everything at your own pace.

We started with the Change of Guards drill at the Buckingham Palace. Followed by a meeting and photography sessions with Audrey Hepburn, Lady Diana, Amitabh Bacchan, Indira Gandhi, Sharukh and Salman Khan. It was with their Wax statues at Madame Tussand’s museum. Aishwariya Rai’s statue did not match up to her beauty and neither did Sharukh’s his looks on screen. In spite of it being wax I thoroughly enjoyed posing for pictures with most of them as they come alive in the photographs. I finally had Fish & Chips at the Café in front of Madame Tussand’s for lunch. It was one of the best I’ve had. The fish and crust were baked to perfection and just melted in my mouth.

We got onto our bus and from the top deck with the cold wind blowing our hair while the sun kept us cozy we passed Downing Street with a couple of minutes at No. 10 and went on the rest of the route listening to the audio guide through ear phones plugged to our seats. We passed Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street and finally got off for the Thames Cruise calling at Westminster Pier Victoria embarkment opposite the Big Ben. On the half hour cruise to the London Towers we went under the London Bridge which was a magnificent sight. On the cruise one can also see other things of interest on the banks of the Thames one such being Shakespear’s Globe Theatre.

The London Tower which is Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress is a historic monument on the north bank of the River Thames. The tower’s primary function was a fortress, a royal palace, and a prison (particularly for high status and royal prisoners, such as the Princes in the Tower and the future Queen Elizabeth I). This last use has led to the phrase "sent to the Tower" (meaning "imprisoned"). It has also served as a place of execution and torture, an armoury, a treasury, a zoo, the Royal Mint, a public records office, an observatory, and since 1303, the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. After Tea and Blackcurrant Muffins at the Tower café followed by an hours wait at the river banks outside we took the Cruise Boat to Greenwich

It is a picturesque district in south-east of London, on the south bank of the River Thames in the London Borough of Greenwich. It is best known for its maritime history and as giving its name to the Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude) and Greenwich Mean Time. It became the site of a Royal palace, the Palace of Placentia from the 15th century, and was the birthplace of many in the House of Tudor, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth The maritime connections of Greenwich were celebrated in the 20th century, with the sitting of the Cutty Sark and Gypsy Moth IV next to the river front, and the National Maritime Museum in the former buildings of the Royal Hospital School in 1934.

Greenwich formed part of Kent until 1889 when the County of London was created. We took a leisurely stroll around the pretty town and were amazed to find a Mogul restaurant, Flavours of India and a shop called Shiva. We had dinner at a French café at the town centre after which we took the last boat back to the London Tower from where we took a bus to London. Our Hop on Hop off bus was no longer available as they operate till 6 pm only.

After our regular breakfast of Chilled Milk and Muesli; Poached eggs on toast with bacon, baked beans and tomatoes all washed down with fresh juice or breakfast tea we took the bus to Paddington to take the train to Oxfordshire through Slough, Reading and Didcot Parkway. Half way through the bus ride I had to go back to the room and return with my passport after realizing that I had left it behind as one cannot use the British Rail as a foreigner without it. As a matter of fact it was stupid of me not to have it on person all the time. Oxfordshire was far bigger than I had imagined and had a lot more than the university and colleges.

I loved the place with its honey colored lime stone buildings and inspite of it being too late now, could not help dreaming of going to college at such a beautiful location. We did the Hop on Hop off tour to ensure that we didn’t miss anything and then visited Alice’s shop (Alice in Wonderland), Christ church, the Sheldonian theatre and went punting from the Magdalene Bridge. It was the best part of the Oxfordshire visit and I felt one with nature. Each time I visited a new place I thought it was prettier that the last and thereby my love affair with the countryside grew stronger. It was picture perfect as we crossed the Hilda’s college and other spots on the way downstream.

On Wednesday morning we took the bus to Marylebone station. With the British Rail passes we had purchased from India entitling us to eight day paid rides and a ninth free we took the train to Warwick. It was just a ten minute walk from the station. It is one of the cutest towns I have seen, felt like a toy town to me. Maybe with all the children running around it felt so. A number of school groups had brought their junior school children to the castle, summer being a great time for out door activity. The excitement of naughty below 10 year olds was a treat by itself Warwick castle is a walk back in history that dates back to over 1000 years and is quite simply the greatest medieval castle in Britain. Once inside we first had tea and buttered scones before proceeding to look around. On our way out we picked up souvenirs from the gift shops which have an amazing and interesting variety of memoirs.

Walking to and back from the station we crossed about four Indian restaurants and I was really surprised at how Indian Cuisine was popular even in a small town. We took the train to Statford upon Avon with our lunch packs of Tuna sandwitches from Subway to save time. It was barely a twenty minute train ride and the huge paper cup of tea I had picked up lasted me through it. The smallest cup of tea or coffee available anywhere in the country is twice as big as the ones in India. Given the weather it is however warming. Statford upon Avon is another picturesque town and even one is not interested in Shakespeare for which the town in popular it is certainly worth a visit.

The Shakespeare houses here comprise of five historic buildings directly associated with William Shakespeare and his family. His birthplace in Henley Street; Nash his grand daughters husband’s house overlooking his retirement house’s site ; Hall’s croft the house in which the dramatist’s son-in-law and eldest daughter are believed to have lived and his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage in the village of Shottery and the girlhood home of his mother Mary Arden before she married John Shakespeare his father.

Visiting these houses helps satisfy ones curiosity about Shakespeare and his family background. His native town was of significance through his life. Statford was where he was born, attended school & church, met his wife and saw his children grow up and first watched plays, invested in property, retired and died. His birth house now run by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is a museum with varied artifacts of his period, life and times and maintained impeccably.

We picked up some nice soveniours from the gift shop in his birth place and getting a few pound coins crushed to a souvenir in the coin crusher. We had refreshments at the Café – Tea and fresh cakes, in front of his birthplace and walked around the town visiting the other houses. Each with the fresh blooming flowers was prettier than the previous. At about 5.45pm we took the train back to Marylebone station on the Chiltern railways.

The next day that was a Thursday we took the train to Cambridge from Kings Cross. Most trains left from Kings cross and therefore the decision to stay there. Once again on the ride of the Sight seeing busses we took a look around the town and visited the Fitzgerald art museum with its amazing collection of paintings and artifacts from years. Over Lunch at the Café on the Cambridge River Tours punt starting point by the river we had time to view the fun filled group activities of the students and visitors with a backdrop of the river. I liked Oxfordshire better and completing our Cambridge tour we were back in Kings cross by 5.30 Pm.

Once again leaving mother to rest in the room, this time more readily as she was exhausted from trying to keep up with our energy levels we headed to Leicester Square. We walked from Oxford Street as we had got off the bus there. The walk around central London in the evenings was enchanting. We tried getting Theatre tickets but none were available that is sold. Therefore we just walked down to spend the evening at Trafalgar Square after Irish coffee with Whisky at a Café on Leicester square. Dinner that night was at the MacDonald’s adjacent to our accommodation. It was convenient and the only place opened that late.

On our return to London after a week which we spent visiting Scotland we stayed at a Hotel in Paddington. Reaching by 2 Pm we spend the rest of the day visiting relatives. Inspite of having a number of friends and relatives in London the reason we chose to stay at hotels is that it gives you a freedom to do as you please and is so very crucial for a good holiday. The next day we took a train to slough and changed one to Windsor Castle. Visiting the Castle took more than half the day. We also got a chance to view the Change of Guards.

It is the queen’s official residence and favorite weekend home. The State apartments are lavishly furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection and the opulence and luxury of the castle was breathtaking. I particularly liked Queen Mary’s Dolls’ house. After lunch at a French café in the shopping area close by we walked down to Eaton College which is just a brisk 15 minute truly picturesque walk. The town of Eaton is just on the other side of the Thames from the Windsor Castle.

We just about made it by 4.30 when entry for visitors at the college closes. The town was very well dressed and pretty. The bridge we crossed over the Thames to the other side to Eaton town was a breathtaking sight with ducks and swans in huge numbers swimming below. We also had a light rain shower through the sun on our walk making the view spectacular. The Eaton College is the institution of the Royals and has a long list of rich and famous Alumni. After a tour of the college we picked up memoirs from the gift shop nearby which also had a good collection of books with a list of great tips on how to make perfect gentlemen and ladies.

The evening we spent catching up with friends at Covent Garden in central London after meeting up with them in Trafalgar square and walking there. We sat at an open air café near the apple market with fire near the tables and it was a lovely night with the late evening sun, a chilly wind blowing, and warmth of the fire. We had the traditional huge servings of Fish & Chips with good measures of wine and cheer. In spite of it all I was sad. I was leaving the next day while others stayed another couple of days. We just about made it on one of the last trains to Kings Cross where we had to change to another for Paddington.

My last day in London was the longest. After a sumptuous breakfast of Banana Nutella Pancake at a Café near the Paddington Station we took the train to Bath utilizing out last and ninth British Rail pass. One can use the pass only for group travel so we completed it before I left the next day. For the last time in my fifteen day summer romance I sat on the top deck of the Hop on Hop of Bus to view the city of the Roman baths- Bath. It is a city in Somerset in the south west of England. The city was founded, among surrounding hills, in the valley of the River Avon around naturally-occurring hot springs where the Romans built baths and a temple, giving it the name Aquae Sulis.

Much later, it became popular as a spa resort during the Georgian era, which led to a major expansion that left a heritage of exemplary Georgian architecture crafted from Bath Stone. The city became a world heritage site in 1987, and has a variety of theatres, museums, and other cultural and sporting venues, which have helped to make it a major centre for tourism; the city has two universities and several schools and colleges.

On return to Paddington station picking up Almond and Jam Croissants with big portions of crushed mulberry ice cream we went back to the hotel to get ready for my last evening in London. It was a Friday evening and having taken a Taxi to Covent Garden we realized that though not as much as a Saturday it was good day to be out. After beer and huge mixed platters shared among seven of us - other friends having joined us at a pub we walked on to Leicester square.

We took a table outside the same Café as on our first evening - Bella Italia. Sitting there I looked out at the basket of flowers hanging above -. My first attraction to England. I know the memory of those blooming flowers will always remain and I can evoke them just by closing my eyes. I slowly picked on the Lasagna I had ordered with a very heavy heart. The red wine seemed to help gulping it down and also to make my heart a bit lighter as we walked on from there to an ice cream parlor. We reached our hotel at 2 at night and after a few winks of sleep I took the Heathrow express from Paddington at 7.10Am.

A Ship Under The London Bridge

Shakespeare’s Birth Place

Nash’s House in Statford upon Avon

Flowers in Full Bloom

London By Night - From the Top Deck of a Bus

Trafalgar Square - London At Night

Downing Street

Buckingham Palace Gate

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The Coffee Shop Encounter

July 10th, 2008

What can I get you Ma’am? The waiter asked trying to catch my attention. I was staring out at the busy Bangalore Street. I was looking past the outdoor seats surrounded by nice shady plants, through the huge glass wall. It was just past 10am and I was sitting at Barista the coffee shop. Having flown in that morning for a business meeting at 11.30 am I decided to spend that extra time at the coffee shop close to the office building the venue for my meeting. I was the first customer and till then the only one.

“A Café Latté, please” I said without looking at the menu he held out to me. A good cup of coffee is all I needed. I was slightly drowsy from having woken up very early for the flight and I needed to be alert for the important meeting. Having had my fill of the sunny view outside I opened my laptop on the coffee table and looked at my watch. I had nearly an hour and a half to kill before walking across to my meeting. I was seated close to the door and away from the Take Away and Cash counter.

Three other staff at the counter was busy, probably over-seeing their store opening checklist between throwing me a few curious glances. Taking a long breath along with a gulp of the steaming brew which the waiter had brought very quickly I decided to first check my official mail. Just as the mail began to download a young man walked in and took his seat at the other end of the shop. Shortly thereafter a young and very attractive woman walked in and having spotted him took a seat opposite him. After that two white men came in conversing loudly in heavy Americanized accents and took the table adjacent to mine.

I loved the warm, cozy, laid back, feeling in the café overlooking such a busy street. The traffic as well as pedestrians rushed past outside. I had my back to the side wall and I got a good view of the inside and outside of the café. As I tried concentrating on the numerous mail, getting ready to respond, my mobile rang and my eight year old son came on line from Delhi “ Mama where are you, I woke up to find you gone. I hope you are coming back this evening. I will wait for dinner. I’m calling from school. Its break time now”

“Amit, darling, I will be back this evening but please don’t wait. Have dinner with granny and grandpa. They are old and you need to be a good boy and see that they don’t eat late” I replied making him feel responsible. “Ok Mama but I will be up till you come, Bye”. He hung up.

I sat there, his words ringing in my ears. I always felt guilty for not spending sufficient time with him. Whatever little time I could manage away from work I spent with him but that just wasn’t enough. Lost in my thoughts looking into the laptop screen I just didn’t notice a figure approach and stand at my table. A light knock on the table made me look up and I had to stretch my neck far back as it was a very tall frame that I was looking up at. When my eyes met his I just froze. It was Neeraj, what a surprise. He was the last person I had expected to bump into here.

“Hi, it’s so good to see you Sharmila. You look the same after all this time. What are you doing here? I was sitting there at that table and suddenly I spotted you here”. He said pointing in the direction of his table and I immediately recognized it as the one occupied by the couple who had arrived just after I did.

“I am here just for a day on work but I could ask you the same question”

“I am getting engaged tomorrow and my fiancée is from here. Wait I will introduce you to her” so saying he went across to bring the lady who I had noticed earlier as being very beautiful. Walking across back to my table he introduced her as Rina and then said “Rina meet Sharmila. I have told you about her but I didn’t know if you could ever meet.

“She is really beautiful. You are really lucky” I said flashing them my best smile.

“ Thanks. I’ve met your son Amit a few times and he is really a great kid. We got along well” Rina smiled back.

“Oh! Is that so I had no idea you two have met. Amit has never mentioned meeting you. After his father and I split and after the divorce he spends his vacations with his father in Hyderabad. I suppose you work there as well?”

“Yes I work for an IT company in Hyderabad, the same one Neeraj is in. Amit is a very sensitive boy and extremely mature for his years. You have brought him up very well” Rina smiled.

“Oh! So that’s how you two met. I am glad you have met Amit and that you two like each other. Amit has had to grow up fast and he is lucky to have his grandparents live with us. They are a great support system for both of us. Amit loves his Dad a lot too. It’s been really hard on him after the divorce but he is a brave boy and is coping very well”

“We should get going now. Got to go and get some shopping done. Look forward to Amit’s vacations and to catching up with him.” Neeraj said seeming uncomfortable.

“Yeah, I’ve got to rush to my meeting too and it was really nice meeting you guys” I said signaling the waiter to get my Cheque and waiving the two of them good luck for a happy married life.

I turned the laptop shut and paying for the coffee rushed out to my meeting. I was at the reception sharp at 1130hrs to announce my arrival. In five minutes I was taken to the President’s Cabin where we were joined by other key personnel and I made my presentation and was able to handle all questions well leading to us signing a contract. I had a business lunch with my clients. Another two meetings were lined up for the day. I rushed from one to the other like some kind of a robot. I smiled a lot and confidently interacted with several people during which time I completely forgot everything else but the purpose of my visit that day.

Finally at 4 Pm on the drive to the airport I allowed myself the liberty of switching off from the professional personality I had been wearing all day. The car stereo played on, amidst the chirpy sound of the Radio Jockey one latest sound track after another. Resting my head back on the car seat I let my mind go over the morning encounter with Neeraj and Rina at the Coffee Shop. The pain of seeing them had been so numbing that it had served me well to go about my meetings in a state of shock appearing totally professional as a result.

Now the reason I froze when my eyes met Neeraj’s is because he is Amit’s father and my ex husband. Seeing him was like seeing a ghost and seeing Rina with him felt like the ghost were strangling me. It’s been four years now since we are divorced but it seems like just the other day that we were all a family. Living in Delhi we had known each other since college. I distinctly remember how we had been so much in love and had married in spite of resistance from both our families. I still love him and maybe always will. After the divorce I went to live with my parents who also lived in Delhi. If it was not for their support I don’t know how I would have come so far.

The memories of the nasty fights we had over his excessive drinking and late nights leading to our divorce waded through the music into my mind. My heart felt like it was wrung so tight that tears flowed down my closed eyes in abandon from the squeeze. I wondered now when Neeraj had met Rina? Was it before our divorce when he traveled to Hyderabad often on work? I wondered whether he had fallen in love with Rina and therefore precipitated the fights between us to spur on the divorce. Rina was very beautiful after all. I could not really hate her after all she had liked Amit and would possibly now be playing an integral part of his life as well.

As the car stopped at the Airport entry gate I quickly wiped my eyes. I peeked into my hand bag mirror and ensured that my running eye make up was cleaned up. It was so difficult to stop the dam of emotions and tears that had opened. All day there was not a single tear and now stopping the barrage was a fight. Luckily I had my return boarding card as well and could go through security right away. On the flight as we soared higher I tried to think of the positive side. It was after all out of this not so great marriage that I had a great son. I understood that Amit had not mentioned Rina as he didn’t want to hurt me and had made an effort to get along with her to please his father.

As I walked through the door at home Amit came out to greet me though parents were asleep. On seeing me, he hugged me so tight like he wished that he could take the pain away. He told me that his father had called and told him we had met. He was so smart that he did not tell his grandparents, not wanting to worry them.

“Mama, don’t be sad I will always be there for you and I promise I will never leave you. I will get you married too”. I hugged him and wept uncontrollably. Not able to hold back any longer all the pent up emotions since the morning. “I’m fine darling, don’t worry about me. Why would someone with a son as brave as you have to worry”

I was tired, more emotional than physical and just wanted to lock my room and cry till there were no more tears. Amit would not let me do that. He insisted I eat something. When I refused he went and got me a glass of milk from the refrigerator and refused to sleep till I had it. I realized that I had to be strong, had to carry on. Amit was the child and in spite of his strength and maturity dealing with all this was too much for his delicate psyche. Getting a grip of myself I said “Amit tell me how was school today? As he slowly started telling me about his friends and teachers at school, he fell asleep resting his head on my lap.

I lay awake for the rest of the night mentally trying to shut the door to the pain and the trauma of years. Tomorrow would be the beginning of a new life. Meeting Neeraj with Rina and knowing that they were going to be married took away any hope I had of ever getting back with Neeraj. Maybe it was what I needed to let go, to start life anew. I was finally able to shut the door to my past taking Amit along with me and I entered a new day and a new life free from a self imposed bondage.

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THE PRICE OF SUCCESS

June 20th, 2008

It was sharp at 8am one