It’s one of those rare moments in my life wherein I have finally got down to penning some lines about my present jaunt @ SF. No! I won’t coin "busy ness" or work as an alibi. It is just a question of acknowledging how laid back and lazy I am. It’s an extreme rarity that the pen takes over my lackadaisical nature. And it’s true the all engulfing monster called "work" keeps haunting me in such a way that even when I am not working the images and thoughts just keep passing by. I have been battling with time, laziness and energy all at one go.
Coming back to SF was simply great. I consider myself to be fortunate to have a second opportunity to live a portion of my life here. During my last visit, I was in awe of the place and trying to make this most of my US visit almost spending every weekend in a new place -be it cross country or southern California or Nevada . It is my firm belief this time I came back to spend more time here and can finally say that I made communion with SF. It’s superseded the feeling of being in USA , feeling big or glamorous, and craving for the best in life. I can succintly declare that I am in love with the city of SF itself. After my hometown, no city has evoked this feeling in me.
The SF skyline, the Golden Gate, the Bay Bridge, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the haunting sound of sea gulls. It seemed that that the vivid memories that were previously trapped in the mind raced out to envision itself in reality again. I felt connected totally. My first visit to the Deloitte office evoked a feeling of being "BIG." I was mesmerized by the Bay Area that could be foreseen from the office. I wondered what it felt like to view this picturesque vision. Perhaps it seemed normal as is anything that becomes a part of routine life. I had the premiere experience of jaunting through Muir Woods and gazing Sausalito.
[By the time I have reached this paragraph, I am back in India for about a month. I feel ashamed about my track record for writing but nevertheless thought of writing some more paragraphs about the SF jaunt and finally sign off today]
Apart from the absorbing and scenic beauty, I recall some of the spectacular memories during my stay. Madhu’s constant support, her warm home contributed to the at home factor in SF. We celebrated Valentine’s day at “Temple”-my first nightlife experience in SF followed by some more 'tending to uncensored ventures' (no pun intended of course).
End of March started with the reunion of our college buddies- Bags, Madhu and me. This was a crazy experience-nonstop MASTI for three days! Starting from the Supper Club on a Friday night, watching dances in massage styled couches, bumping into strangers, dancing spiritedly, shouting and laughing through the moon roof at Golden Gate (post 1am at night), continuing the dance spree, having a gala time and loads of fun @ Bollywood night, making new friends, shouting at the waiter(that its a sin to be vegetarian-poor guy!), walking with tired legs at Fisherman’s Wharf, hogging a sumptuous meal at a bayside restaurant, attending dinner , starting Monday @ work, going for coffee and shopping, squeezing an office meeting inbetween , gulping tasty Indian Chinese food, and chit chatting the entire Monday night, till it was flight time for Bags to leave-yes we completed the gallore of activities within a span of three days-Friday to Monday. This toast of a time was definitely a welcome breaks from my hectic weekdays.
The first weekend of April was one of the most special experiences in my life. I finally got to see my ten month niece live @ Saint Clouds, Minnesota. This was quality family time spent with the family for three days. The first time I saw Ahona (my niece)I felt something that I cannot put to words. I still recollect her twinkling eyes (touchwood) gazing at me. I must admit that I was apprehensive of holding her in my arm considering the fact that she was so tiny and delicate. But I soon felt naturally at ease. I also saw my sister in the new role of a mother. Reunion with cousins, Minneapolis, Mall of America, good grub, and a get together spaced itself within last three days of the week. In no time I was at the airport, struggling to send an email. Another new experience was that I accessed internet on the sky for the first time.
In no time it was time for me to leave SF, in the week to follow. Busily trying to accommodate shopping and packing amidst all encompassing work, I finally was ready to leave on Friday evening for New York. It seems departing from NY is fast becoming a norm for me. I was extremely low on adrenalin, but as like before NY energized me and offered me an opportunity to sign off with some more crazy experiences with my crazy friends. We had a wonderful time needless to say with two sleepless nights. Hogging the Indian roll, Bengali food, buying a suitcase to contain my disease of travelling overweight, central park comprised the agenda for NY. The peak was of course the desi disco wherein we were asked to get down from couches and stop opening curtains which foresaw the view of Times Square by the bouncers. Posing in the glitters of Time Square@ 2am was an electrifying experience.
Although I had very little to ponder and reflect, I would sum up my visit as a roller coaster both in terms of work, fun and enjoyment! Nevertheless it reiterated to me the balance of equations and the fact that life is a great leveler. I indeed cherish those wonderful memories, the inexplicable SF connection, the grand reunions, family associations and living in extremes. I would end with the status message I had a few days back-"SF Calling…I am responding with my heart (please no pun intended) and soul!"
Coming back to SF was simply great. I consider myself to be fortunate to have a second opportunity to live a portion of my life here. During my last visit, I was in awe of the place and trying to make this most of my US visit almost spending every weekend in a new place -be it cross country or southern California or Nevada . It is my firm belief this time I came back to spend more time here and can finally say that I made communion with SF. It’s superseded the feeling of being in USA , feeling big or glamorous, and craving for the best in life. I can succintly declare that I am in love with the city of SF itself. After my hometown, no city has evoked this feeling in me.
The SF skyline, the Golden Gate, the Bay Bridge, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the haunting sound of sea gulls. It seemed that that the vivid memories that were previously trapped in the mind raced out to envision itself in reality again. I felt connected totally. My first visit to the Deloitte office evoked a feeling of being "BIG." I was mesmerized by the Bay Area that could be foreseen from the office. I wondered what it felt like to view this picturesque vision. Perhaps it seemed normal as is anything that becomes a part of routine life. I had the premiere experience of jaunting through Muir Woods and gazing Sausalito.
[By the time I have reached this paragraph, I am back in India for about a month. I feel ashamed about my track record for writing but nevertheless thought of writing some more paragraphs about the SF jaunt and finally sign off today]
Apart from the absorbing and scenic beauty, I recall some of the spectacular memories during my stay. Madhu’s constant support, her warm home contributed to the at home factor in SF. We celebrated Valentine’s day at “Temple”-my first nightlife experience in SF followed by some more 'tending to uncensored ventures' (no pun intended of course).
End of March started with the reunion of our college buddies- Bags, Madhu and me. This was a crazy experience-nonstop MASTI for three days! Starting from the Supper Club on a Friday night, watching dances in massage styled couches, bumping into strangers, dancing spiritedly, shouting and laughing through the moon roof at Golden Gate (post 1am at night), continuing the dance spree, having a gala time and loads of fun @ Bollywood night, making new friends, shouting at the waiter(that its a sin to be vegetarian-poor guy!), walking with tired legs at Fisherman’s Wharf, hogging a sumptuous meal at a bayside restaurant, attending dinner , starting Monday @ work, going for coffee and shopping, squeezing an office meeting inbetween , gulping tasty Indian Chinese food, and chit chatting the entire Monday night, till it was flight time for Bags to leave-yes we completed the gallore of activities within a span of three days-Friday to Monday. This toast of a time was definitely a welcome breaks from my hectic weekdays.
The first weekend of April was one of the most special experiences in my life. I finally got to see my ten month niece live @ Saint Clouds, Minnesota. This was quality family time spent with the family for three days. The first time I saw Ahona (my niece)I felt something that I cannot put to words. I still recollect her twinkling eyes (touchwood) gazing at me. I must admit that I was apprehensive of holding her in my arm considering the fact that she was so tiny and delicate. But I soon felt naturally at ease. I also saw my sister in the new role of a mother. Reunion with cousins, Minneapolis, Mall of America, good grub, and a get together spaced itself within last three days of the week. In no time I was at the airport, struggling to send an email. Another new experience was that I accessed internet on the sky for the first time.
In no time it was time for me to leave SF, in the week to follow. Busily trying to accommodate shopping and packing amidst all encompassing work, I finally was ready to leave on Friday evening for New York. It seems departing from NY is fast becoming a norm for me. I was extremely low on adrenalin, but as like before NY energized me and offered me an opportunity to sign off with some more crazy experiences with my crazy friends. We had a wonderful time needless to say with two sleepless nights. Hogging the Indian roll, Bengali food, buying a suitcase to contain my disease of travelling overweight, central park comprised the agenda for NY. The peak was of course the desi disco wherein we were asked to get down from couches and stop opening curtains which foresaw the view of Times Square by the bouncers. Posing in the glitters of Time Square@ 2am was an electrifying experience.
Although I had very little to ponder and reflect, I would sum up my visit as a roller coaster both in terms of work, fun and enjoyment! Nevertheless it reiterated to me the balance of equations and the fact that life is a great leveler. I indeed cherish those wonderful memories, the inexplicable SF connection, the grand reunions, family associations and living in extremes. I would end with the status message I had a few days back-"SF Calling…I am responding with my heart (please no pun intended) and soul!"
Wow..after a long time got to read something that you had written...so now i know whom to get in touch with if i am visiting SF :)
ReplyDeleteMissed you a lot... :)