We received a call today........"The Call"....the call you never want to receive when you live so far away from family and loved ones
It is one of the toughest days since we have been overseas and perhaps the most represents one of the most difficult aspects of living so far away from family..........the loss of a family member.
Murphy was our pet Maltese.........white and fluffy and extremely loving, he was truly a member of our family......and in many ways just as human as we are.
It was tough to leave him behind when our adventure began.........but our oldest son was just beginning college and while he would have loved to have kept Murphy, he was staying in a dorm and they didn't allow pets. We would have loved to have let my mom keep him, but even though he was getting older, he was still energetic enough two years ago that he would have been tough for my mom to deal with.........in addition to having a brother-in-law that is allergic to dogs........
Linda's mom came to the rescue and offered to take care of Murphy in our absence......it was great for Murphy too, because Linda's mom also has a Maltese......and Murphy and Oscar always got along very well.
In the past 2 years, I only had the chance to spend a few days with him last Christmas............Linda and the boys had more time with him..........at least twice per year for several days at a time.
The timing of these "events" in life are never perfect either..................over the next two days, both of our sons will celebrate their 17th and 21st birthdays.................and now this unfortunate incident happens just before their special days.
Life/death just isn't fair sometimes..............it just makes you want to ask...........why at this time????.........why couldn't we celebrate our son's Birthdays without a sadness in all our hearts...........
Isn't it ironic that over the next two days we will be celebrating the dates which brought us two special people into the world............while we are losing one that we all loved and cared so much for..........
Do you think there is a lesson in this? Does it take something like this for all of us to realize just how special LIFE is.......and how special celebrating a birthday is..........
Just the other day, I made the comment to some colleagues that "at my age, my Birthday is just like any other day to me"..........and I have heard others say similar things.......
I don't think I will repeat those words again...........Birthdays are meant to be celebrated........celebrate life and make your day or someone you know feel special on the day they were brought into the world.
I think I am going to go for a ride on the motorcycle and take my mind off of things for a little while.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Obama's Visit to India -Feeling Close to Home
I was in India for the Presidential election that sent Obama to the White House........that was November 2008........two years later, except for a few visits to the US, this was the closest I have been to the President of the United States of America.
Indian's love politics...........they love Indian politics, and they keep a close eye on what happens in the US.......Bill Clinton is still endeared by the India as a whole.....he left an indelible mark on the the global political atmosphere and most Indian's judge all US Presidents on the "Clinton Benchmark".
Looking back two years ago, I was fresh into India, and most of the people I was meeting, whether casually or at business meetings, would ask me what I thought about the Presidential Election in the US.
I always gave a similar evasive answer.........Why?.....My mother always explained to me that "It is never smart to discuss politics or religion with people you do not know well........you will never make friends"
Mama knows best...........and she also knows her son very well.
I am a very patriotic person..........I love my country and I respect the "Office" of the President of the United States.........for the time being, my "politics" ends with that statement.
I have had the pleasure of meeting, in person five of the last seven Presidents of the United States of America.
Jimmy Carter - Denver, Colorado
Gerald Ford - Denver, Colorado
Ronald Regan - Houston, Texas
Bill Clinton - (twice) - Denver, Colorado
George W. Bush - Lafayette, Louisiana
Hosting the President of the United States in your hotel, is no easy task..........preparations begin as early as two weeks in advance.........and for the time that the President is in your hotel, the entire property becomes the "White House". I have been through this drill several times as you can see...........so it was no surprise to me to read about the amount of preparations that were taking place in India ahead of his 3 day visit to India.
Here is a list:
Air Force One
Air Force Two
Nuclear Button - or "Nuke -u -lar" if your are George "W".....he always had trouble with that word!
33 Warships
1 Aircraft Carrier
Marine One - the Presidential helicopter
2 Jets - with advanced communications and security systems
40 - Vehicles in his "convoy"
800 "Luxury" Hotel Rooms.........none of the hotels we are managing unfortunately! That's just Mumbai....there will be another 800 for his Delhi visit.....each city!
13 heavy Lift Aircraft - to carry the vehicles and equipment
3 - helicopters
500 - Security Staff from the US alone - not counting the personnel from the Indian Armed Forces
Sniffer dogs - I remember these animals.........treated very, very well!
I have read that his visit had a price tag of $200 million US dollars per day...........I'm not sure.......
As for me..........the closest I got to Mr. Obama was to see Air Force One.......and AF Two parked at Indira Gandhi International Airport as I was boarding a flight to Visakhapatnam. I managed to "sneak" three pictures, along with several Indian passengers boarding my flight.
They were all snapping pictures with the cameras on their phones......very cool to see their excitement as well. It was very nice to see Air Force One parked at the airport in India...........it made me proud.....just as proud when I see the American Flag flying high when I pass the American Embassy here in Delhi.......its always nice to be close to home.
I missed the traffic jams............closed roads and of course the chance to meet him............but maybe there will be a time..........
I did take a picture of a very cute billboard that I saw down in Vizag on my trip. For those readers who are not familiar with the brand "Amul", they are one of India's largest manufacturers of diary products; butter. milk, cheese, and even ice cream!
They have a very creative advertising group..........
Khanna means food or to eat
Thanks for visiting Mr. Obama............you and Hillary look great in your Indian clothing.
Indian's love politics...........they love Indian politics, and they keep a close eye on what happens in the US.......Bill Clinton is still endeared by the India as a whole.....he left an indelible mark on the the global political atmosphere and most Indian's judge all US Presidents on the "Clinton Benchmark".
Looking back two years ago, I was fresh into India, and most of the people I was meeting, whether casually or at business meetings, would ask me what I thought about the Presidential Election in the US.
I always gave a similar evasive answer.........Why?.....My mother always explained to me that "It is never smart to discuss politics or religion with people you do not know well........you will never make friends"
Mama knows best...........and she also knows her son very well.
I am a very patriotic person..........I love my country and I respect the "Office" of the President of the United States.........for the time being, my "politics" ends with that statement.
I have had the pleasure of meeting, in person five of the last seven Presidents of the United States of America.
Jimmy Carter - Denver, Colorado
Gerald Ford - Denver, Colorado
Ronald Regan - Houston, Texas
Bill Clinton - (twice) - Denver, Colorado
George W. Bush - Lafayette, Louisiana
Hosting the President of the United States in your hotel, is no easy task..........preparations begin as early as two weeks in advance.........and for the time that the President is in your hotel, the entire property becomes the "White House". I have been through this drill several times as you can see...........so it was no surprise to me to read about the amount of preparations that were taking place in India ahead of his 3 day visit to India.
Here is a list:
Air Force One
Air Force Two
Nuclear Button - or "Nuke -u -lar" if your are George "W".....he always had trouble with that word!
33 Warships
1 Aircraft Carrier
Marine One - the Presidential helicopter
2 Jets - with advanced communications and security systems
40 - Vehicles in his "convoy"
800 "Luxury" Hotel Rooms.........none of the hotels we are managing unfortunately! That's just Mumbai....there will be another 800 for his Delhi visit.....each city!
13 heavy Lift Aircraft - to carry the vehicles and equipment
3 - helicopters
500 - Security Staff from the US alone - not counting the personnel from the Indian Armed Forces
Sniffer dogs - I remember these animals.........treated very, very well!
I have read that his visit had a price tag of $200 million US dollars per day...........I'm not sure.......
As for me..........the closest I got to Mr. Obama was to see Air Force One.......and AF Two parked at Indira Gandhi International Airport as I was boarding a flight to Visakhapatnam. I managed to "sneak" three pictures, along with several Indian passengers boarding my flight.
They were all snapping pictures with the cameras on their phones......very cool to see their excitement as well. It was very nice to see Air Force One parked at the airport in India...........it made me proud.....just as proud when I see the American Flag flying high when I pass the American Embassy here in Delhi.......its always nice to be close to home.
I missed the traffic jams............closed roads and of course the chance to meet him............but maybe there will be a time..........
I did take a picture of a very cute billboard that I saw down in Vizag on my trip. For those readers who are not familiar with the brand "Amul", they are one of India's largest manufacturers of diary products; butter. milk, cheese, and even ice cream!
They have a very creative advertising group..........
Thanks for visiting Mr. Obama............you and Hillary look great in your Indian clothing.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
"Who Knows"? ......the Incredible burden of being a "living mystery"!
Was it the cough from the guy sitting behind me on one of the seven flights I took in a span of 5 days a few weeks ago? or was it a sneeze....I think the guy sneezed come to think of it......my mind is still foggy.
Or was it anyone of the multitude of surfaces that I touched? Hmmmmmm? Now that's a thought!
There are very few "sky ways" at India's airports....which means transportation to and from the terminal to the airplane is by bus...........and the driving skills and ancient transmissions force you to hold onto something......or you will become a human projectile......and not be very welcomed by your fellow passengers.
I am not a "germ-o-maniac"..........actually the name given to someone who suffers from the fear of germs is Mysophobic. GERM-O-MANIAC sounds better don't you think?
I may never know..........and even up to two days ago, I didn't even care to begin tracing where I picked up my "mystery bug"..........after dealing with the effects of my illness for the past 10 days.......honestly, I still don't care.........._ _ _ _ happens!
What I thought was my allergies acting up, or the beginning of a typical head cold, has progressed into one of the mysteries of modern medical science...........
On Monday October 11th I started feeling bad..............and I have a high tolerance for everything.......so when I say bad .............it means bad enough not to go to work......which for me is a huge deal. I decided to stay home that day and get some rest, as I was traveling the rest of the week......I wasn't doing well Tuesday....my throat was killing me, coughing.....etc.....I had my faithful NYQUIL, that I brought from the US as it is unavailable in India.........it didn't help.......I returned to Delhi on Friday......by the evening, 103.5 degrees of fever...........I had chills..........my body had just shut down. I was aching in my joints.....not just aching.......ACHING (I'll do my best to describe the feeling)
By Saturday morning I was fine.......Sunday ........no issues..no more fever............I sounded terrible........I had a very deep voice.........and was coughing up all of the colors of the Indian flag! Very patriotic don't you think? I still felt like I had been run over by a truck......and I begin resembling Harvey Dent!
Surely you remember Harvey Dent from Batman......the handsome candidate running for District Attorney in Gotham City, who ends up becoming the character "Two-Face" after suffering severe chemical burns on the left side of his face from a battle with the Joker.
The high fever I suffered on Friday night had caused these very unusual things to appear on the left side of my face......one under my eye, one on my cheek, one on my chin, and the typical fever blister type thing in the corner of my mouth. Just like Harvey!
By Monday afternoon..........my friend, Mr. Fever, had returned..............over 102.........no work....
Tuesday...........on and off fever and I had pretty much lost my voice............terrible cough, but nothing in my chest......I had ruled out in my self diagnosis that I had pneumonia........
By Wednesday evening, the chills had returned...........teeth chattering chills..........under a down comforter, the bed covering and two additional blankets.........no position was comfortable........I was/am miserable.
By 2:30am Thursday morning, the decision was made to see the doctor, an option open the entire length of my ongoing battle, but it is a "man thing"...........or I am genetically predisposed to delay seeking medical treatment.
What finallymade "me" decide....caused the decision to go to the doctor...........perhaps it was the rash that began to cover my body............and a very worried wife who was growing more concerned by the day/evening that I had contracted some strange disease in this foreign land we now call home.
As of the time of writing this blog entry..............I look like hell, I feel like hell and all I know is what I DON"T HAVE......!!!!! It is still a mystery!
My blood tests have come back negative for all of the diseases listed in the Center for Disease Control............I am a CDC mystery as well..........
Besides doing some work from home and answering emails between my numerous bouts of rest........I haven't felt like doing much..........nor can I.......I promised to describe the aches in my joints.....ALL of my joints....even my hair joints......if there is such a thing..........I A..C..H..E.........everywhere......in addition to looking like some cartoon freak............it feels like I am walking on golf balls.....my feet ache, my ankles, my damn toes ache.........not to mention all of the other moving parts......knees, hips, elbows,WRIST'S....oh my wrists......just chop them off......my feet are the worst..........like someone has just hit them with hammers.
Oh and my doctor.........a very well certified, US trained doctor from Harvard Medical School..........who also worked at the famed Parkland Hospital in Dallas just after the Kennedy assassination..........told me that it would be O.K. for me to "take a walk in the garden", "not for exercise, but to just get out of the house"......
I/we do not have a damn garden to even walk in.......and if I/we did, it is too damn painful to walk.......all I want is for him to properly diagnose me........which hasn't happened yet!
In the meantime, in addition to the drugs prescribed by Dr. C..........Ramesh has prescribed papaya juice made with both the pulp and the skin.......Linda has started referring to him as "Dr. Ramesh" ......which he insists on making for me........in addition to being healthy, they taste pretty good also..........and probably even a little better with some rum!
I may be on the edge of death...but I haven't lost my sense of humor............or my love for India......
Bye for now.
Or was it anyone of the multitude of surfaces that I touched? Hmmmmmm? Now that's a thought!
There are very few "sky ways" at India's airports....which means transportation to and from the terminal to the airplane is by bus...........and the driving skills and ancient transmissions force you to hold onto something......or you will become a human projectile......and not be very welcomed by your fellow passengers.
I am not a "germ-o-maniac"..........actually the name given to someone who suffers from the fear of germs is Mysophobic. GERM-O-MANIAC sounds better don't you think?
I may never know..........and even up to two days ago, I didn't even care to begin tracing where I picked up my "mystery bug"..........after dealing with the effects of my illness for the past 10 days.......honestly, I still don't care.........._ _ _ _ happens!
What I thought was my allergies acting up, or the beginning of a typical head cold, has progressed into one of the mysteries of modern medical science...........
On Monday October 11th I started feeling bad..............and I have a high tolerance for everything.......so when I say bad .............it means bad enough not to go to work......which for me is a huge deal. I decided to stay home that day and get some rest, as I was traveling the rest of the week......I wasn't doing well Tuesday....my throat was killing me, coughing.....etc.....I had my faithful NYQUIL, that I brought from the US as it is unavailable in India.........it didn't help.......I returned to Delhi on Friday......by the evening, 103.5 degrees of fever...........I had chills..........my body had just shut down. I was aching in my joints.....not just aching.......ACHING (I'll do my best to describe the feeling)
By Saturday morning I was fine.......Sunday ........no issues..no more fever............I sounded terrible........I had a very deep voice.........and was coughing up all of the colors of the Indian flag! Very patriotic don't you think? I still felt like I had been run over by a truck......and I begin resembling Harvey Dent!
Surely you remember Harvey Dent from Batman......the handsome candidate running for District Attorney in Gotham City, who ends up becoming the character "Two-Face" after suffering severe chemical burns on the left side of his face from a battle with the Joker.
The high fever I suffered on Friday night had caused these very unusual things to appear on the left side of my face......one under my eye, one on my cheek, one on my chin, and the typical fever blister type thing in the corner of my mouth. Just like Harvey!
By Monday afternoon..........my friend, Mr. Fever, had returned..............over 102.........no work....
Tuesday...........on and off fever and I had pretty much lost my voice............terrible cough, but nothing in my chest......I had ruled out in my self diagnosis that I had pneumonia........
By Wednesday evening, the chills had returned...........teeth chattering chills..........under a down comforter, the bed covering and two additional blankets.........no position was comfortable........I was/am miserable.
By 2:30am Thursday morning, the decision was made to see the doctor, an option open the entire length of my ongoing battle, but it is a "man thing"...........or I am genetically predisposed to delay seeking medical treatment.
What finally
As of the time of writing this blog entry..............I look like hell, I feel like hell and all I know is what I DON"T HAVE......!!!!! It is still a mystery!
My blood tests have come back negative for all of the diseases listed in the Center for Disease Control............I am a CDC mystery as well..........
Besides doing some work from home and answering emails between my numerous bouts of rest........I haven't felt like doing much..........nor can I.......I promised to describe the aches in my joints.....ALL of my joints....even my hair joints......if there is such a thing..........I A..C..H..E.........everywhere......in addition to looking like some cartoon freak............it feels like I am walking on golf balls.....my feet ache, my ankles, my damn toes ache.........not to mention all of the other moving parts......knees, hips, elbows,WRIST'S....oh my wrists......just chop them off......my feet are the worst..........like someone has just hit them with hammers.
Oh and my doctor.........a very well certified, US trained doctor from Harvard Medical School..........who also worked at the famed Parkland Hospital in Dallas just after the Kennedy assassination..........told me that it would be O.K. for me to "take a walk in the garden", "not for exercise, but to just get out of the house"......
I/we do not have a damn garden to even walk in.......and if I/we did, it is too damn painful to walk.......all I want is for him to properly diagnose me........which hasn't happened yet!
In the meantime, in addition to the drugs prescribed by Dr. C..........Ramesh has prescribed papaya juice made with both the pulp and the skin.......Linda has started referring to him as "Dr. Ramesh" ......which he insists on making for me........in addition to being healthy, they taste pretty good also..........and probably even a little better with some rum!
I may be on the edge of death...but I haven't lost my sense of humor............or my love for India......
Bye for now.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Feeling Empty
October 2nd..........Gandhi Jayanti........Mumbai Airport.........a taxi cab driver named Mohamed
Four quick and easy facts that I will never forget............the day I lost a very dear friend.
We had known each other for just over two years.........almost had been inseparable since the beginning of our relationship.
We worked together, instinctively.........feeding off one another...........the other always knowing what the other was thinking...........we did some great things together, if I do say so myself.............but this was confirmed by others who thought the same.
My friend taught me to look at things in life differently........everyday life..........what I could see with my own eyes was surprisingly much different that what I could see through my friend........my friend pushed me, helped me to try new things.......led me to take risks..........taught me to capture the moment............taught me that life was an adventure and meant to be enjoyed.
My friend made me slow down..........stop and smell the roses, the daisies.......flowers of all kinds actually. My friend taught me to take an interest in others............strangers..........strangers who became temporary friends......there were times we brought joy to the lives of those we interacted with.....we were good together......
Damn, we made some memories..........looking back and remembering all we had been through..........all that we have done together. We were close..........we drew stares when we were on the street.......sometimes people would smile at us............sometimes we were dismissed with the wave of a hand.......my friend had a special talent of breaking down barriers........especially language barriers.......
I feel sad and stupid .....at the same time.........lost and empty......void and sick to my stomach when I think about how it happened.
I feel this way often.............especially when driving through uncharted territory.............watching life and opportunities flash by through the window of the car........any car..........any city..............even the view from the window of an airplane...........it doesn't matter where.......I miss my friend.......I hate seeing things that remind me of the loss.
It's like calling a familiar number.................and not having anyone pick up on the other end.
I have constant reminders too...things left behind........things that used to charge us both.........things that prepared us for our next adventure together, left behind as useless reminders of our past together......
I have suffered many losses in my life..............this feeling is not new to me.....just the most recent...........certainly not the most painful..............but it is currently serving as a reminder ....be careful with those that mean the most to you.........don't take anything for granted...............don't treat things casually...........you never know when a loss will occur............when a friend will disappear from your life..........perhaps as a result of something you did..............something stupid......something that you will regret.
Damn.......I could kick myself................it was my fault...........I just want to scream........oh how stupid could I have been.
I know..........life goes on.............new relationships can be forged........new memories captured.......maybe I should look at this as an opportunity.......I know......I have been told............something better is right around the corner...........get a new friend.............a better friend.........but right now I am at a low point...........unmotivated to search..........discover.............yet I dream.....the sickness and emptiness and the desire to kick myself returns
I lost my friend............it was my fault.........October 2nd..........I LOST MY CAMERA........I placed it on the roof of the taxi........got distracted...........turned and walked away......left it behind....I didn't realize what happened until I was in the strapped tightly in the seat of the plane...........just before speeding down the runway of the airport in Mumbai.........
Four quick and easy facts that I will never forget............the day I lost a very dear friend.
We had known each other for just over two years.........almost had been inseparable since the beginning of our relationship.
We worked together, instinctively.........feeding off one another...........the other always knowing what the other was thinking...........we did some great things together, if I do say so myself.............but this was confirmed by others who thought the same.
My friend taught me to look at things in life differently........everyday life..........what I could see with my own eyes was surprisingly much different that what I could see through my friend........my friend pushed me, helped me to try new things.......led me to take risks..........taught me to capture the moment............taught me that life was an adventure and meant to be enjoyed.
My friend made me slow down..........stop and smell the roses, the daisies.......flowers of all kinds actually. My friend taught me to take an interest in others............strangers..........strangers who became temporary friends......there were times we brought joy to the lives of those we interacted with.....we were good together......
Damn, we made some memories..........looking back and remembering all we had been through..........all that we have done together. We were close..........we drew stares when we were on the street.......sometimes people would smile at us............sometimes we were dismissed with the wave of a hand.......my friend had a special talent of breaking down barriers........especially language barriers.......
I feel sad and stupid .....at the same time.........lost and empty......void and sick to my stomach when I think about how it happened.
I feel this way often.............especially when driving through uncharted territory.............watching life and opportunities flash by through the window of the car........any car..........any city..............even the view from the window of an airplane...........it doesn't matter where.......I miss my friend.......I hate seeing things that remind me of the loss.
It's like calling a familiar number.................and not having anyone pick up on the other end.
I have constant reminders too...things left behind........things that used to charge us both.........things that prepared us for our next adventure together, left behind as useless reminders of our past together......
I have suffered many losses in my life..............this feeling is not new to me.....just the most recent...........certainly not the most painful..............but it is currently serving as a reminder ....be careful with those that mean the most to you.........don't take anything for granted...............don't treat things casually...........you never know when a loss will occur............when a friend will disappear from your life..........perhaps as a result of something you did..............something stupid......something that you will regret.
Damn.......I could kick myself................it was my fault...........I just want to scream........oh how stupid could I have been.
I know..........life goes on.............new relationships can be forged........new memories captured.......maybe I should look at this as an opportunity.......I know......I have been told............something better is right around the corner...........get a new friend.............a better friend.........but right now I am at a low point...........unmotivated to search..........discover.............yet I dream.....the sickness and emptiness and the desire to kick myself returns
I lost my friend............it was my fault.........October 2nd..........I LOST MY CAMERA........I placed it on the roof of the taxi........got distracted...........turned and walked away......left it behind....I didn't realize what happened until I was in the strapped tightly in the seat of the plane...........just before speeding down the runway of the airport in Mumbai.........
Eat, Pray,Love..........Living with a Movie Star!
Last night was the "opening day" of Eat, Pray, Love, the movie starring Julia Roberts....which was partially filmed here in India. The movie is based on the "best seller" written by Liz Gilbert, which share's the same title.
I guess it is safe to begin talking about this now that the movie has been released in both the US and now India.
Linda has been on a "gag" order since the filming of the movie.............yes......it's true, a gag order! This meant that I have also been unable to put anything in print regarding the movie.............until now......I'm ready to "TELL ALL".........are you ready for the "juicy" Hollywood gossip?
Before the gossip.......I awakened this morning to read Roger Ebert's review of the film.........2 Stars......and a rating of "Fair"............Roger.....while you are entitled to your opinion........there are are at least 20 people who enjoyed the movie and rate it much higher!!!! maybe even higher than 4 Stars!
Now the story and the gossip!
About one year ago, Linda received a call from one of her "bestest friends", who prefers to remain nameless.....it was a last minute invitation to participate as an "extra" in the movie.......Nameless's "number one hubby" as she refers to him, was to attend but due to work, he was cancelling.......and Linda was asked to "tag along".....with the understanding from the Director's Assistant that she would not be paid for attendance......she would simply be a "volunteer extra"......so, no lucrative salary like Julia!
The instructions.....wake up at 3:00 am.........be at the movie set by 5:00am.......bring two dresses..........the wardrobe department would select which one she would wear....no camera's.......no discussing the film before it is released......and on and on ....Nameless's entire family was participating.....kids and all.........and as it turned out, Number One Hubby also was able to arrange his schedule to participate as well........so Linda was a "tag along".
Linda and Julia spent a great deal of time together on the set........sitting just a few feet apart.......and yes Linda confirmed that she is truly a "Pretty Woman" in person, but much shorter than she appears in her films.
There is a great deal of waiting on a movie set........endless takes.........more waiting.........more takes......camera positioning.......more waiting.....and hearing the song "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang over and over and over again..........during one of the breaks, Linda shared that she was able to get a glance of Julia's children who traveled with her while she was filming......not bad for the children who visited Italy, India and finally Bali.....
http://www.sobermusicians.com/Tunes/celebrate.mp3
After a very long day........ Linda arrived home around 7:00pm that night, exhausted but excited and not knowing if she would be in the film.......one never knows in a situation when reels and reels of film are shot.......and after the final editing........if they made the final cut.
The film hit the cinema's in the US on August 13th..........and the telephone and emails started pouring in......Linda made the film.............requests for autographs also.......real time "movie star" moments.........but her Screen Actors Guild (SAG) card has not arrived in the mail as of yet.
It has been a long two months waiting for the film to come to the big screen here in India.......
Last night, the red carpet was waiting for Linda........at the PVR Gold Cinema at the Ambiance Mall in Gurgaon.......a theater experience much like home............large reclining chairs in a huge auditorium.....where you pay out of your nose for a seat.......but it was the only way to watch Linda's debut on the big screen.....
What scene..???? about halfway through the movie.........the character Julia Robert's portrays (Liz Gilbert) is attending the wedding of a young Indian girl who she meets at the ashram and befriends........the Indian wedding causes Liz to recall her own wedding......and a flashback to her "first dance" takes place......
It is during this flashback scene that Linda appears, as a guest at the wedding, sitting at a table watching the newly married couple..........the entire scene in the 2.5 hour movie lasts about 1 minute........and it took over 12 hours to shoot!
As the camera focuses on the dancing of Liz's husband, Linda can be seen sitting at the table at least five times as the camera angles change........about 15 seconds of time on the big screen! Hint: if you want to see Linda, she can be seen several times just over the shoulder of the groom....clapping and smiling on cue.
Hey.............everyone is entitled to 15 seconds of fame..........but who would have thought that it would have happened in India.
About a week later, while I was in Jaipur on business, I received a call from Linda.......Nameless, through her film connection, was asked by the Director's assistant if she could find a "Tall handsome American" to play the role of a doctor.........I thought it was very nice of Nameless to think of me........I fit two of the criteria at least..........but unfortunately work prevented me from participating......by the way, I looked for the "doctor's" scene in the film, but I don't think it made the final production anyway........so for now, the house has only has one Movie Star......!
Monday, September 27, 2010
"Rakhi" Roads - Raksha Bandhan - Old Delhi "Rakhi" 2010
India is abundant with festivals, traditions, celebrations and gods.............and one of the benefits of working in India is that it affords you the opportunity to involve yourself in the culture...regardless of your beliefs......holidays are abundant....and sometimes in the middle of the week......
This is my second Rakhi celebration while being in India.......and how did I choose to celebrate it......by walking the wet streets of Old Delhi to witness the beginning of the day and to capture some interesting photographs.
Man Catching Up on the News
Ramesh and I had just dropped Preston off at school when he drew my attention to the odometer reading of our car...........
Odometer Reading on Indy
Rakhi is basically a sacred thread of protection embellished with the love and affection of a sister for her brother. This day is also known as Raksha Bandhan and celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana in India. This frail of thread of Rakhi is considered as stronger than iron chains as it binds the most beautiful relationship in an inseparable bond of love and trust. The Rakhi festival also has a social significance because it underlines the notion that everybody should live in harmonious coexistence with each other.
Young Woman Purchasing Rakhi Gifts
In the US, we have no such celebration........while I am confident that my sister is overflowing with love and affection for both of her brothers.........she has never tied a string around our wrists to mark such an occasion.
Morning Jasmine Flowers at the Chandni Chowk Flower Market
Flower Vendors
I fondly remember the response I received from my mother and father when I was a child.......on the occasional Mother's or Father's Day when I asked........."When is Children's Day?".......the response was always ...."Children's Day is everyday!"........so I am sure that my sister would respond in a similar fashion if I even suggested that she celebrate "Rakhi".
Cat seeking Shelter
However......on this day....I did my best to "coexist in harmony" with those who make up the wonder of Old Delhi on this special day......
Dogs on Carts
Dog in a Doorway
As I walked the streets.......I did my best to capture Old Delhi as it awakens......before the hustle and bustle of the crowds in the Flower Market............before the deafening horns of motorcycles and auto rickshaws (tuk-tuks) and before the shop owners hoist the metal shield's that protect their goods and wares from pilfering in the night.......
Boys Bathing on and Old Delhi Street
Girl with Umbrella
I wanted to experience Old Delhi as very few "natives" have.....as most start their day much later.....that is of course the exception of those that I shared this morning with.......the street vendors fixing chaat of all types.............the vendors of the vegetable market arranging their fresh deliveries....
Potato Lady
......those with carts moving to their favorite spot on the street to set up shop for the day.......
Stacking Pears
the cows slowly making their way in the streets in reverence to those who worship them and are blessed by their presence........the dogs on their make shift beds..........young men bathing at the side of the street................young girls with umbrella's, a man reading the newspaper, cats finding shelter from the drizzle........cows being fed day old chapatti's...
Cow Chapati
I hope you enjoy a small peek into how Old Delhi awakens.....and the faces of those who make this an Incredible place to experience.
Chile Walla
This is my second Rakhi celebration while being in India.......and how did I choose to celebrate it......by walking the wet streets of Old Delhi to witness the beginning of the day and to capture some interesting photographs.
Ramesh and I had just dropped Preston off at school when he drew my attention to the odometer reading of our car...........
Rakhi is basically a sacred thread of protection embellished with the love and affection of a sister for her brother. This day is also known as Raksha Bandhan and celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana in India. This frail of thread of Rakhi is considered as stronger than iron chains as it binds the most beautiful relationship in an inseparable bond of love and trust. The Rakhi festival also has a social significance because it underlines the notion that everybody should live in harmonious coexistence with each other.
In the US, we have no such celebration........while I am confident that my sister is overflowing with love and affection for both of her brothers.........she has never tied a string around our wrists to mark such an occasion.
I fondly remember the response I received from my mother and father when I was a child.......on the occasional Mother's or Father's Day when I asked........."When is Children's Day?".......the response was always ...."Children's Day is everyday!"........so I am sure that my sister would respond in a similar fashion if I even suggested that she celebrate "Rakhi".
However......on this day....I did my best to "coexist in harmony" with those who make up the wonder of Old Delhi on this special day......
As I walked the streets.......I did my best to capture Old Delhi as it awakens......before the hustle and bustle of the crowds in the Flower Market............before the deafening horns of motorcycles and auto rickshaws (tuk-tuks) and before the shop owners hoist the metal shield's that protect their goods and wares from pilfering in the night.......
I wanted to experience Old Delhi as very few "natives" have.....as most start their day much later.....that is of course the exception of those that I shared this morning with.......the street vendors fixing chaat of all types.............the vendors of the vegetable market arranging their fresh deliveries....
......those with carts moving to their favorite spot on the street to set up shop for the day.......
the cows slowly making their way in the streets in reverence to those who worship them and are blessed by their presence........the dogs on their make shift beds..........young men bathing at the side of the street................young girls with umbrella's, a man reading the newspaper, cats finding shelter from the drizzle........cows being fed day old chapatti's...
I hope you enjoy a small peek into how Old Delhi awakens.....and the faces of those who make this an Incredible place to experience.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Visakhapatnam Beach
September 16, 2010
I am not sure that I can explain to you what motivates me to set the alarm at 4:30am..... to wake up and leave the comfort of the bed..... to catch the rising of the sun when I am near the ocean. Any ocean!
The beaches at Visakhapatnam have captivated me since I first walked on them two years ago during my first visit to India..........I immediately fell in love with their awesomeness, beauty and calming effect that they have on my soul.
What made this visit to the beach even more special was my mode of transportation......a Royal Enfield motorcycle, arranged for me to cruise along the beach road in search of the perfect isolated place to catch the first rays of the sun over the Bay of Bengal.
I snapped more that 230 pictures while I was at the edge of the water this morning.....I chose only six to share with you.
I am confident that the pictures will do more justice to what I witnessed, rather than the few lines of prose I have written in an attempt to describe the magic that unfolded before me. I hope that you enjoy both!
The Beach - Visakhapatnam 2010
When I am at the beach
time for me is measured by the rise
and setting of the sun
The thunder of waves crashing in the surf
slowing, calmingly as the edge of the water
eases its way up on the golden sand
The water’s edge cutting knife like
sea foam and bubbles clinging to the grains
receding back, pulling and tugging all within its path
The sunlight accentuating the abstract art
left behind along with exposed rocks and shells
repeating its rhythmic dance time and again
Between dawn and dusk
time disappears, vanishes
when I am at the beach
Beautiful......don't you agree?
I am not sure that I can explain to you what motivates me to set the alarm at 4:30am..... to wake up and leave the comfort of the bed..... to catch the rising of the sun when I am near the ocean. Any ocean!
The beaches at Visakhapatnam have captivated me since I first walked on them two years ago during my first visit to India..........I immediately fell in love with their awesomeness, beauty and calming effect that they have on my soul.
What made this visit to the beach even more special was my mode of transportation......a Royal Enfield motorcycle, arranged for me to cruise along the beach road in search of the perfect isolated place to catch the first rays of the sun over the Bay of Bengal.
I snapped more that 230 pictures while I was at the edge of the water this morning.....I chose only six to share with you.
I am confident that the pictures will do more justice to what I witnessed, rather than the few lines of prose I have written in an attempt to describe the magic that unfolded before me. I hope that you enjoy both!
The Beach - Visakhapatnam 2010
When I am at the beach
time for me is measured by the rise
and setting of the sun
The thunder of waves crashing in the surf
slowing, calmingly as the edge of the water
eases its way up on the golden sand
The water’s edge cutting knife like
sea foam and bubbles clinging to the grains
receding back, pulling and tugging all within its path
The sunlight accentuating the abstract art
left behind along with exposed rocks and shells
repeating its rhythmic dance time and again
Between dawn and dusk
time disappears, vanishes
when I am at the beach
Beautiful......don't you agree?
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Mirabai's Clouds - A tribute to Janmashtami
I stumbled upon the poetry of arguably India's best known poets of today; though she lived some 400 years ago.
Born to a noble Rajput family in what is known today as Rajasthan, she married the heir apparent the ruler of Mewar. Unfortunately, her husband died before he could take the throne and he left no heir.
During a battle against Muslim invasion on the year 1527, both her father and her father in law died as a result of the fighting. A new child king, and his mother, took the throne and then made life difficult for Mirabai to remain in the royal court.
At approximately the age of 30, she left and began writing poetry, much of which is devoted to Lord Krishna.
The birth date of Krishna was recently celebrated during a festival called Janmashtami.......and while I would have enjoyed the day off like many, I found myself on a business trip to Visakhapatnam (Vizag).
Still the season of monsoon, the clouds from the plane were magnificent, and I grabbed my camera to capture the ever changing scenery from my view from the plane.
This poem by Mirabai seemed perfect to share along with my photographs......enjoy the poem and the scenes from above India on my recent journey to Vizag on Janmashtami.
Thick overhead
clouds of the monsoon,
a delight to this feverish heart.
Season of rain,
season of uncontrolled whispers---the Dark One’s returning!
O swollen heart,
O sky brimming with moisture---
tongued lightning first
and then thunder,
convulsive spatters of rain
and the wind, chasing the summertime heat
Sarah Palin in India? Help Define three new words!
Just two short months ago,Sarah Palin, "created" an new word while on National TV. in the United States.
She has been criticized for this gaffe and has become quite the fodder for humorists and late night talk show hosts; and probably will be for a very long time.
She has also earned the new nickname...."The Shakespeare of Twitter".
The word........refudiate!
Until I began researching this topic for my blog, I didn't realize that there is actually a title for someone that creates new words.
A person who creates or "makes up" new words is called a neologist.
The new word is called a neologism.......and it seems like we are surrounded by such "made up words" all over India.
Here are a few that we have seen around Delhi recently:
COMPUTRIED -
DUPLICTOR -
BREAKE -
I thought it would be fun to open up to all of the readers of my blog, the opportunity to help define these new words..........
I welcome all of you to submit your suggestions on a definition for these new words.
And in the recent words of George W. Bush, another famous neologist, never "misunderestimate" your creativeness when you are attempting to define these new words.
Have fun!
She has been criticized for this gaffe and has become quite the fodder for humorists and late night talk show hosts; and probably will be for a very long time.
She has also earned the new nickname...."The Shakespeare of Twitter".
The word........refudiate!
Until I began researching this topic for my blog, I didn't realize that there is actually a title for someone that creates new words.
A person who creates or "makes up" new words is called a neologist.
The new word is called a neologism.......and it seems like we are surrounded by such "made up words" all over India.
Here are a few that we have seen around Delhi recently:
COMPUTRIED -
DUPLICTOR -
BREAKE -
I thought it would be fun to open up to all of the readers of my blog, the opportunity to help define these new words..........
I welcome all of you to submit your suggestions on a definition for these new words.
And in the recent words of George W. Bush, another famous neologist, never "misunderestimate" your creativeness when you are attempting to define these new words.
Have fun!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Kanwariya's - India's version of a "Water Boy"
As an American, the term "Water Boy" brings to mind images of Adam Sandler portraying, Bobby Boucher, the erstwhile "water-boy" turned hero in a comedy movie bearing the same name.
If you lived in or traveled the roads in Delhi earlier this month, you would have surely noticed a stream of people navigating their way through the city, clothed in orange and carrying decorated poles of bamboo from which hangs a cane basket at each end. Inside the baskets are water-pots filled with water from the Ganges River.
Last year, I witnessed the same annual pilgrimage…….literally thousands of people walking for miles carrying the pots of water from the river to their villages dotted all across North India. Last summer, I spent more time in Jaipur than I did in Delhi, and was without Ramesh, who typically serves as my first cultural resource when learning about India.
Many questions remained unanswered from last year, so while Ramesh was serving as my pilot during our morning journey in the car to work, he was also receiving a constant bombardment of questions from me……the entire gamut; Who? What? Where? Why? When?....over and over again……every morning……Ramesh would share his knowledge……or lack of……when he humbly responds with a soft; “I don’t know sir.”
So….who are these people and why are they doing what they are doing? I’ll start with some definitions that will help bring everything together.
Kanwars – These are the either the water-pots inside the little cane baskets or the entire combination of decorated bamboo pole, water pots and baskets………I am not sure (perhaps I could get some additional help from some readers on this)
Kanwariyas – The people, men and women, who are making the journey, are fondly referred to by this name.
Gangajal – water from the Ganga in Haridwar, Gangotri or Gaumukh (the glacier from where the Ganga originates) in Uttaranchal ……….I have seen water trucks around Delhi bearing the words “Delhi Jal Board”……but it wasn’t until Ramesh told me that the people were carrying “Gangajal”, that everything made sense to me.
Shravan – Shravan is the name of a young man in a Hindu story that was accidentally killed by King Dassarath (Ram’s father). More on the story later……Shravan is referred to as a holy time on the Hindu calendar which denotes the monsoon season of July and August…….and in north India, the trees and foliage turn orange(hence the color of the clothing worn) in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Harayana, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Bihar.
Samudra Manthan - Is the story of the “Churning of the Ocean” is one of the most famous episodes in the Puranas and is celebrated in a major way every twelve years in the festival known as Kumbha Mela .
The mission of the Kanwariya is simple; to fetch Gangajal, return to their hometown to consecrate the lingams as a gesture of thanks giving to God Shiva.
One legend has it that at the time of the churning of the sea a pot of ambrosia (amrit) and pot of poison surfaced. While the Gods and Goddesses eagerly tasted the amrit (if consumed was to provide immortality) none of the Gods/Goddesses wanted to have poison. The poison, known as, Halahala or Kalakuta, needed to be dealt with by the Gods, for it was so toxic, that had it may have destroyed all of creation. On the advice of Vishnu, the Gods approached Lord Shiva, for help and protection. Out of compassion for all living beings, Shiva drank the poison and held it in his throat, where it caused tremendous heat in his body and changed the color of his neck. This is why Shiva is sometimes referred to as “Neelkanth” (in Sanskrit “neela” means the color blue and “kanth” means neck) It is to pacify this heat that Gangajal (water from the Ganga) is poured over Shivlingas, a process known as JALABISHEK.
And then there is the story of SHRAVAN……a very touching story of a son and his devotion to his parents.
Shravan’s elderly blind parents wished to visit a holy place before they died, but were too frail to make the journey on foot. Having no other means to transport his parents, Shravan constructed a simple device to make the journey easy; a bamboo pole upon which he attached a basket on each end that his parents could sit in. With this pole draped across his shoulders, he began the journey of many kilometers with his parents comfortably at each end. One evening, after setting the camp for the night, he walked to the river nearby to fetch water. King Dassarath, at that time still a youngster, was hunting at this very place. He heard noise in the river, and in the darkness he thought it was the noise of a deer that had made it to the river to drink. He released his arrow, “the arrow of fate”, and it struck Shravan. (This is where the words fatal, fatally and fatality are derived from). Before dying, he asked the king to bring water to his poor, blind and thirsty parents……..which the king did, but when the parents discovered that it was not Shravan who was serving them, the king confessed to his actions.....he was cursed by the parents that he too would experience a separation from one of his son's.…….and Shravan was left to endure a terrible death worrying about his mother and father.
Whether the tradition or mission of the Kanwariya is inspired by either story…..or both, being chosen or volunteering is considered an honor, privilege and prestigious position among those in the village.
It is an act of devotion and a feat of endurance, for the journey must be made by traveling on foot for thousands of kilometers…….taking only one meal per day and making sure that the water or “Kanwar” is never placed on the ground during the entire trek.
The water is never to touch the ground until it is used in the consecration of the Shivalinga. The Kanwariya must devote his life for a period of 20 days during this period…….his life is completely devoted to the task of traveling to the source of water and returning safely back to his village, chanting and singing and keeping their minds free from evil or wrong doings.
Some travel alone.....most are men, although some women and children volunteer or are chosen by their village to make the journey....
..some travel in groups followed by vehicles that blast music over loud speakers......most carry simple poles......some are elaboratly decorated versions which require the stamina of many devotees to carry the kanwar.....
Unlike the American version of a "water boy", there is nothing comedic for India's Kanwariya's.......it is serious business......incidentally, do you think that it is interesting or coincidental that the color of Adam Sandler's uniform is that same blazing orange that is worn here in India......one may never know!
This post is devoted to the “Water Boys and Girls” of Incredible India!
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