MY 2nd US VISIT

Today is 12 th April 2005. One full year has gone by. I have not tried to write any more. My source of inspiration dried up due to some unfortunate happenings. While returning back from Swargashram last year I had never imagined for such turn over of situation. I had great time there and could complete write up about my connection with Swargashram. Sandeep went abroad as per program on my return. During his absence some misunderstanding developed and my source of inspiration to take up this unusual task of writing on self disappeared. She left LNM under some unfortunate circumstances on 12th April 2004 after Sandeep’s return from abroad. Though the way she left, was heart breaking, but we were happy on one aspect that she had bright prospect in the new job. Thus I lost contact with her. I also lost zeal to peep into my past. Last month I was in Purulia and I remembered her a lot on her birthday. It is on 28th March. I would often tell her that we had common date of birth that is 28th though month and years make a great difference. I did not try to phone her. I wished all the best to her by myself and shared my feelings with Shobha only. I had an intuition that some day some situation would develop when I am to see her again and ask all about………..chhoti si ye dunia pahchane raste hain, tum kahin to miloge kabhi to miloge to puchhenge haal……and Sandeep phoned me to remind about her birthday. He could contact her over phone to wish and also offered her to rejoin. She seemed to response positively. She had suffered a lot in between. She could not find the new job and surroundings up to mark and her liking. Let us see what destiny is and how come her welcome return to LNM. It is the space between the notes that make music. Without that space of silence in between, there can not be complete music. Let me wait to listen to that music after this unbearable silence. Life has moved forward a bit within this year. With this silver lining in anticipation, let me start afresh though she had an assurance from me not to be included further in these write ups in any way. To pick up the string again from where I left and that too without her participation, will need great concentration and effort. But perhaps a sincere try has to be made for generation next to share good and bad of my life. Time and tide wait for none. True protection and insurance of happiness is to find refuge at lord’s feet and His plan for us. That is the course I tried to adopt to stabilize myself out of turmoil. I could not take Shobha with me during my first US visit in 1973. I had promised to take her abroad subsequently but could not do so for long thirty years. She was refused visa when I sincerely tried for it after her illness in 2001. But in May 2004, we found an opportunity to get visa. Though we were not in pink of health but a determination developed to accomplish long cherished desire to take Shobha abroad. While planning for the tour, promise made to Sangeeta to visit her was also in my mind. I also planned to have three days break in London considering long journey to US directly. I had hard time to inform all about this development to babuji considering his state of worries during my last tour. This time he seemed to be a bit comfortable with Sandeep and Minoo around. Of course he was concerned with Shobha’s not that fit health condition, he was considerate because it was for her that I intended to venture into. He was little concerned for my health also but was at ease with Shobha around to take care of. My story of success can never be written without my parent’s unqualified support. Very little is indeed necessary for living a happy life but great supportive parents like them is a boon. So after thirtyone years exactly on the same day of 9th July, we were ready to take off. To me the excitement was a bit less than on last occasion. But to take up the tour with Shobha to show her a different world altogether was significant. Shobha had collected a few little gifts for our hosts at different places. Our itinerary was such to enjoy home hospitality every where except one night at Niyagra. Though it was a pleasure trip, the whole family was there at the airport to see us off. It was heartening to depart from family and own country. We took off at scheduled time and our journey to London was of eight hours duration. It was not a comfortable journey to me. I was restless and felt extreme suffocation when all were in deep sleep. I kept on roaming around with lots of water and juice intake throughout the night. Shobha did not face any such situation and was comfortable fortunately. We arrived at London in early hours of same day. We were delighted to see Manoj, our host at London when we got out after completeting all formalities. Hethrow airport was the first impression to Shobha about the things to come up to her. It was huge but so well managed that even newcomer would not face any difficulty of transit within it. We got cleared through immigration etc very fast. Manoj drove us to his flat where his wife Raksha was so eager to receive her masi and masaji. A few years back once she gave us good company at Udaipur. She was unmarried then and now was blessed with two lovly sons. We got ready very fast to explore London. Though I had sleepless night, I did not allow jetlag to over come me. Raksha drove us to the nearest metro station and provided us with necessary informations and guide map. It was a bit adventurous to explore London through metro and public transport by our own. Drive from airport to Raksha’s flat and then to metro station itself indicates that London is combination of historical transformation with modernization.Roads were not as wide and straight as those in US but in very good condition and with updated system. It was neat and clean everywhere followed with total discipline. London metro system is worth visit and exploration. It is altogether a different world underground. We found more people in metro than on roads. Though helpline and assistance is available at stations, the system itself is so perfect and transparent so as to make it most enjoying and convenient to travel. People are very friendly and cordial, always ready to help. Youngsters would vacate the seats for us with welcome smiles. Our first day’s itinerary began with visit to famous Madam Tussad’s Wax museum. We had to be in queue for quite some time to enter into it due to summer tourist season. We enjoyed lively wax statue of legendaries but got tired too. While in queue we saw couples in such romantic postures that could be catagorised as obscene till a few years back but now it can be witnessed in public parks in India too. There after we moved to the bank of very famous river The Thames. It appeared to be familiar though it was our maiden visit. Because this picturesque site has been filmed and shown many times in various films. We took motor boat ride over the Thames and crossed under all popular bridges built over it. We climbed over the recently built London Eye to see the city from the top. The wide spectrum of London, its famous churches, museums, other monuments, bridges, parliament, curving Thames, spread over green parks and children in colorful dresses playing around could be seen from there while moving up and down in very slow speed. We walked a lot along the Thames to enjoy our first day in London before returning back through metro. London weather was very typical. It was cold but sunny. We had intermediate drizzle in between. We were in jackets but without umbrella. Hence we had to take shelter at times for sudden drizzle. We found comuters mostly having umbrella with them. The sun sets around 10 pm but we returned back for retiring by 7 pm. We were supposed to explore near by locality and market in evening after Manoj’s return from office. But soon I was into deep sleep and could not be awakened even for dinner. It made me freshened by next morning. My first day’s experience let me understand the importance of metro, popularly known as TUBE for London’s busy life. It is one of the best in the world and perhaps one of the oldest too. We have seen some of the stations built around hundred years ago.At places there were three or four levels of lines moving towards different zones. But comuting through it is enjoyable, comfortable, fast and pleasant experience by itself. People are disciplined by habit itself. No one overtakes or breaches his turn while boarding or coming out of it. It is very neat and clean every where in spite of heavy rush of comuters daily. ………Let me deal with current affairs for a while. Today is 18th April 2005 and Ramnavmi, a very auspicious day for us. Before I continue to write about my 2nd tour abroad taken about a year back, let me have a pause to focus on some positive developments of the day. She rejoined LNM today. She was to join us on 16th as informed to Sandeep. But she postponed it as per my suggestion. I am delighted that she is again amongst us though with some difference.She almost took a word from me that she would not be actively associated with my write ups any more as that had led to the unfortunate situation earlier. It was with her consent that she was involved in this exercise and I am sure to comply with her request in future too. The over reaction and shocking departure and now surprising home coming will be a unique experience of life. Love of any kind is like magic and it always will be, for it still remains life’s sweet mystry. It works in ways that are wondrous and strange and there is nothing in life that it can’t change. It is unselfish understanding and kind for it sees through heart and not through mind……… She was not comfortable to start afresh with us, as she reported to me on the first evening. Perhaps without specific assignment, she might have felt like that. I am happy that she shared her state of mind with me. I advised her to go along with us till she gets married in spite of odd if any, which she assured to comply with. She did not find such homely situation in any of her job that she did during last one year. Gradually she was at home in. She became as friendly as ever rather a bit more. She had opened up a bit by working in call centre for some time perhaps. I suggested her to begin second innings here as she did when she joined us as fresher. My contact with her again began with jaisrikrishna during lunch time.Continuty is the point of human life, passing along and passing along life day after day and so on. In fact it all goes on happening without our efforts. More truly, happenings are not within our control. We unwillingly or unnecessarily keep on getting involved. Getting involved is still ok if we don’t get ourself identified with it. It is difficult though. Accepting everything that comes in life as it comes in, is some what desirelessness, if we don’t identify with it and its consequences. Time can only answer what is stored for me. God is with them who persevere and I must not give it up. But there remain a desire to discuss a lot with her suitably and conveniently. …………..Coming to our second day’s stay at London again, which began with visit to Burmigham Palace, the residence of the queen and royal family. Change of guards at the gate of palace is of great tourist attraction. We arrived there in time, but thousands of tourists had gathered there since very morning taking right position to witness and photograph the event. There was hardly any suitable space to adjust into to be in right position to have clear view of the event. It was, no doubt a very colorful site to look at. We too had some photographs. Thereafter we took city ride on open roof bus. It was worth venturing to see London within specific time and as per your own interest. Tickets were valid for unlimited rides during a day.Anyone can get down at any stoppage and again join from anywhere. We enjoyed it plying through busy streets of London crossing over all historical places, bridges over the Thames, various museums,theatres, London tower, London eye, Westminister’s bridge,Ebbey Traffle square etc. We were advised to take one full round and then to get down at different places as per our interest. Tickets were supposed to be issued on board. We were about to complete the initial round when asked for transfer to another bus. We got down but did not enboard the second bus. We had decided about our places of interest for revisit hence discontinued travel by bus. We had metro tour ticket so rest we covered through metro and thus saved forty ponds by default. We walked down up to the famous traffle square. It was very charming to see people of all age and culture gathered there to enjoy the sunny Saturday noon amongst several fountains and hundreds of pigeons roaming around freely. A few bands were playing at different places and youngsters dancing to the tune. We spent a good amount of time there feeding the birds and playing with them. It reminded me of birds feeding at my home roof at Purulia. But there were no grains available and there were no white pegions around.I fed them with bread. I could catch hold one of birds for some time. Children around were amazed to see the bird in my hand. It was also a wonderful experience to catch hold a bird at traffle square, London. I had to release it soon when people surrounded us with amazement in their eyes. I became apprehensive of some untoward reaction. We went to some museums. We were interested to see the famous Kohinoor diamond but looking into the long que at the entrance of the museum, we did not try. I had heard a lot about hidepark, so tarvelled a lot to it. It was not that crowded and was without any such activities it is famous for. Perhaps it was not the proper time to visit it. We roamed around the lake within the park spending some time amongst the swimming birds and returned back. Yesterday we had traveled under all famous bridges on Thames. Today we traveled on through the bridges by bus. One of the bridges is hanging bridge which gets separated in to two parts when ever some big ship crosses under it. We arrived there just on time to witness this interesting operation. Before returning back, we walked a lot to London Bridge to eat some dosa type thing prepared by two young girls on the pavement. We also walked up to the BIG BEN, the famous clock tower. We were so tired with our day long exploration that we had to avoid shopping at Oxford Street. Next we were interested to visit British country side. Our third day of stay in London was Sunday. During last two days, we enjoyed exploring London by ourselves. Today being holiday, Manoj, Raksha and their kids joined us. Manoj drove us to the country side, a place called Brighton. It was about 80 miles pleasant drive from London. It enabled us to look into the beauty of country side of UK through driving on free ways.Brighton is situated on sea shore and the township is on hilly slopes. That makes it very beautiful. It is a popular tourist place. Being Sunday, thousands of tourists were there to enjoy the sunny and cool week end. It had a hard beach all through and lots of fun rides, shopping centre and eateries around to attract tourists from all over Britain. We spent and enjoyed full day there and returned back by evening. Next day we were to leave for US. Early in the morning, before leaving for Gatwick airport Manoj took us to the recently built Akshaydham temple. Though it is not as huge as Akshaydham temple at Ahmedabad but its stone and wooden carving is worth seeing. Thus our three days homely stay with Manoj and Raksha came to end. Manoj saw us off at the airport. Their hospitality made us feel like home away from home. Raksha and Manoj met with eachother while in college at Pune and later got married. Manoj’s family business is at Calcutta but he had inclination to settle abroad. Presently he was working with Price Water House at London. They were in UK since a few years and now intended to get back home. Raksha was house wife looking after her two kids and home. Though life was smooth on many respect, a sense of insecurity and loneliness put them to consider returning back but ambitious career would debar them to act to this effect, I understand. It was Shobha’s first experience of a place abroad. We enjoyed our decision to visit London as stop over en route to US. It is the great city from where the British once ruled the world over. So it has a great history and its influence can be found all over. We could see many buildings, villas etc built some 400 to 500 hundred years ago. Such old buildings are having specific color combination in exterior for distinct recognition as heritage buildings. People too are in habit of maintaining some protocol in day to day life. That makes it a great attraction for tourists from all over the world and of all interests. It represents combination of great history and modernization. Now our US tour commences. We flew into Philadelphia from London crossing over the Atlantic Ocean. It was almost seven hours flight over the ocean. It was all day flight so we did not feel any discomfort.Looking into the ocean and islands scattered in it, when ever the plane was at low height, we arrived at Philadelphia in noon. USA is different with modernization all around and of less ancient historical importance. From the lobby of airport itself we could see thousands of vehicles plying on the freeways. Hundreds of aircrafts of all sizes were standing ready to fly to different destinations. It was a huge airport by all means. We were to take another flight to SAYRE, our destination. After getting clearance from immigration and customs etc, we moved towards another terminal. It was huge passage in between. On the way, we were approached by some one with little transit cart. To our amazement, he began in Hindi……Hame lagta hai apko hamari sahayata ki jarurat hai…Apt thake hue lagte ho, Kya aap meri cart me apne terminal tak jana pasand karenge….. We availed his help gratefully. We were really very tired. On way he informed that he belonged to Rawalpindi in Pakistan and now settled in US. He enquired friendly about our belonging and destination and purpose of visit. It’s the politics and politician who rooted hatred amongst us otherwise we were one, he told. His gesture was very supportive to us. He guided us on to the terminal very comfortably by his cart and wished all the best for our onward journey and stay in US. Soon we were into a very small aircraft. It took us to Sayre, our destination and a small town in Pennsilvania State. We were served with coke and cookies only on the way. The sun was about to set in when we landed. Raman was there to cheer us up. He was delighted to receive Shobha in particular. Because in October 2000, it was on his suggestion that we postponed our coming there because of early onset of winter season. There after Shobha was declared malignant in June 2001. So to have her amongst them after treatment and recovery was a great matter of delightment. We had to wait for our luggage which did not arrive with us. We drove back home with hopes for luggage to arrive by next flights. Raman was in Cleveland during my first visit. But now he was here in SAYRE since many years. It is a small but very beautiful town. Jijaji, didi and Sandeep had visited him here earlier but for both of us it was our maiden visit to the place. We could see a bit of its natural beautiful surroundings on the way. It was like a tiny hill station. Raman had very recently built a huge house there on a hill. Though they had moved into it, final furnishing was still under process. It took few years to construct and furnish it with personal interest and choice. Soon we were there and expression of unexpected happiness on Bhabhi’s face was there to welcome us. She was so delighted that we could make it to be there after 31 years wait. We had endless talk to share that evening to renew our long relation through generations. So in spite of day long flight from London, we went to bed very late at night. Our luggage had arrived after mid night and we had to collect it in morning from the airport. Our next day’s itinerary was to visit Raman’s plant and office. Duane, plant manager, escorted us through all departments explaining all about its functioning. We met Sai there whose grandparents belonged to Purulia. His parents now live in Visagapatnam. His father Sushil was member of Rotary club of Purulia for some time when I was very actively associated with it. At the backyard of plant, there was a tiny airport and a few small aircrafts were standing there at the footsteps of the hill. We went to a restaurant for lunch along with Duane, Raman and Sai. In the evening we drove to Cornel university campus some 50 miles away. Ritu, Raman’s daughter did her graduation from here. It is not only one of the best universities in US, its natural surroundings amongst hills with a beautiful lake in the back ground was just enchanting. We enjoyed dinner at an Indian restaurant catering mostly to Indian students and visitors there around. We retired to bed room a bit early this night. But we did not sleep that early. We spent good amount of time looking into the beautiful surroundings in the moonlight through the window. When ever we find ourselves in such remote and unexpected place of abundance beauty, we get lossed. For some moments it appears to be path to awakening and self realization. We often ask eachother in such situation “HUM KAHAN AGAYEN HAIN? It’s a point to discover own calling and purpose of life far away from routine. Many times I ask myself whether it is’ MAKING TO HAPPEN or LETTING TO HAPPEN. We would enjoy few cups of tea every morning sitting in the backyard of Raman’s house, which was yet to be furnished with water body and plantation. Next morning after breakfast we visited a prominent hospital of the locality where many Indian doctors work. Its being a small town having population around 10000, we could roam around the main streets within an hour or so. After lunch we were to drive to Sidhanchal, a Jain pilgrim centre being developed by late Sri Sushil Muniji and Raman was present president of the trust to manage its activities. We were shocked to learn that only Raman was to accompany us to Sidhanchal and he had planned us to take to Niyagra falls from there. Our stay at Sayre was cut short because of our unscheduled stay in London. We got a bit disappointed with our so short stay with Bhabhi at Sayre. But we left for Sidhanchal. It was about three and half hour’s drive through very scenic valley. Though I had traveled across east and west coast of US in my last trip, but this drive was through one of the best natural surroundings. We missed company of bhabhi a lot though Raman was taking care of all our need and comfort. Raman took us through a very large Shopping centre and Mall on way but we were somehow not inclined for any shopping. We bought a jacket for Divyansh. That was our first purchase so far during the tour. We arrived at Sidhanchal before evening traveling through thick forest with very little dwellings near by. It was well spread over in hundreds acres of greens with a beautiful temple, a huge newly built convention centre and some twenty well equipped huts for pilgrims to stay on. We could not have imagined for such huge and well equipped lively place of worship and pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Jains being developed in US. Raman being its president, we were treated so homely.We stayed in well furnished guest house with all modern facilities available. We were served with Indian delicious food. There were three Indian care takers to manage everything there. We could not feel that we were so away from our home country. We stayed over night there.We were only eight Indians in that huge lovely surrounding filled up with eternal silence and tranquility in company with only nature. In the night we could see dozens of colorful deers roaming around our guest house in the greens. We were moved with its beauty, serenity, hospitality, calmness and oneness with nature but missed Shashi bhabhi every moment. Next morning we had very pleasant walk around the hill and campus, visited and prayed at the temple, enjoyed the tastiest parantha with curd and sangri ka saag and left for Thousand Islands as planned by Raman enroute to Niyagra Falls. Sidhanchal was only 40 minutes drive from New Jersey. We were amazed to find such huge land being developed as jain/hindu pilgrimage centre in US and so close to New York. Credit goes to late reverend Sushil muniji and his followers all over for this. We could know about history of its development and its functioning and utility to the local Indian community. It is a great social commitment and credential at the same time, for Raman to serve the organization as its president.Three persons managing day to day work there were from Gurgaon Deshnok and Behar. My ancestors belonged to Deshnok, Purulia was in Behar and now we live in Faridabad very close to Gurgaon. Deshnok person took me to his room to have morning darshan of Karni maa when he could know about my connection with Deshnok. Thus we found very at home in acquaintances there. On the way Raman received a call from Bhabhi. She was also not comfortable with the program and wanted to join us sothat she could be with us for some more time. We reorganized the program and returned bak to Sayre to take her along. After lunch at home and some rest we again left Sayre for onward journey with Raman and Bhabhi. We crossed through Rochester on the way where Sangeet Sumant had lived for some years. It was unfortunate that we could not make it to visit them during their stay. They are again planning to be in US for two years or so. If it be so, this time we must visit them by any means. It was a long drive of about eight hours to Thousand Island, our destination. As we started late in noon, we had to make night stay some where in transit. We enjoyed Mexican dinner at some place and stayed in a motel. It was a cozy room but without good window view. At London and Sayre we had enjoyed nice window view before retiring. So be got into some internal photography. All of a sudden amusingly I got a sms reading as……RAATE GUMNAM…from some Mamta in India. Instantly followed by another......AB BOLO KAUN KANJOOS HAI…..I could not recollect any Mamta who could send me such intimate sms. I found it amazingly interesting. So I reciprocated with some similar touchy sms. She continued with more….CAN’T HEAR U, CAN”T SEE U BUT MISS U ITNA SARA…. U & ME, UNIQUE AND STRANGE, ME UNIQUE AND U SO STRANGE…..I could sense that something was wrong some where. It must be discontinued or otherwise would be costly affair too. So I asked her if she could guess where about of me. NAA RE…she replied romantically. On knowing from me that I was in US, she stopped. I too took it as slip away incidence but shared about it with Raman and Bhabhi in morning and later with Rachana at Washington. I was eager to know about Mamta and the person whom she intended to send sms. It was perhaps on15/16 July night. Next morning we left after breakfast and arrived at Thousand Islands within few hours. We were on the bank of a huge lake spread over through miles between US and Canada. We took motor boat ride to explore into the lake. There were thousands of islands scattered through out the lake hence the name THOUSAND ISLANDS. Some were as little as of a few square yards in area and some as big as having a few castles built within it.Those islands have been owned by top industrialists and businessmen, Holywood actors and other wealthy persons and have been developed as their private resorts having all luxurious amenities and water sports facilities attached with. They have their own motor boats of various kinds to roam into the lake as per their leisure and pleasure.We could see many of them doing water sking and surfing all around. Each island has got its own beauty and charm. Some of them are open for public and tourists. Some of them have museums and old and rich castles. The guide in our motor launch described historical background of many prominent islands.We visited one or two islands and huge castles constructed there in. It was sunny with cool breeze blowing right across. We enjoyed the scenic tour through the lake for more than three hours and returned back to the shore to drive through to Canada to see Niyagra Falls from both US and Canada side. We arrived at Niyagra Falls before sun set. Raman guided us through both views at a glance and arranged for a hotel room for our night stay and then he was ready to return back home leaving us there to enjoy ourselves. It reminded me of our departure at the JFK airport during my last trip after staying together for one and half month. This time we were together for only four days and then Shobha was with me to carry on. That made a great difference. Still it created an unbearing vacuum in between. We felt isolated all of sudden. ‘Never to meet again in US and BAS ITNI DUR KA HI SAATH THA’ engulfed our mind while departing. But Raman and Bhabhi were truly thrilled to have us amongst even for a little duration. We shared some moments of intimacy in front of the water fall, had some photographs and then they left. We kept on roaming on the street viewing the water fall for hours. We witnessed the sun set and soon it was illuminated all around to make it one of the most enchanting natural sights of the world. Thousands of tourists from all over the world were there to photograph its beauty. It was difficult to analyse which of the four colors was more effective and attractive. The beauty of the fall was its width and the vast amount of water falling with a rhythm. One can spend hours together looking into the falling water and its surrounding beauty. Gradually the crowd around us became thinner. Perhaps the honeymooners preferred to get back inside room. So we too moved towards Casino. Though we never play any kind of gambling, we were charmed by its architect and illumination, various fountains and shows. We could see people dressed in best manner and in various non conventional outfits. We saw row of lemozins in front of casino to cater the customers. Best of liquor and wine with best of bartenders were there to serve the players on tables. Casino was new attraction at Niyagra since my last visit. By mid night we got tired and got back into room for retirement. Last time I entered into Canada to see Niyagra falls on this side and returned back to Cleveland. This time I came with Canadian visa to visit Toranto to meet Sangeeta and family. I was in touch with her after our arrival at Niyagra. She along with her husband planned to come down to Niyagra to receive us by next noon. So we had few hours at our disposal to explore Niyagra again in morning. So after having heavy breakfast we walked a lot to the American side of the falls to take up a ferry ride which took us to the nearest possible point of the massive falling water. It was a unique thrilling experience. We were provided with waterproof blue colored dress to protect ourselves from the sprinkling water while crossing under the falls. It was an open roof ferry through which hundreds of tourists in similar dress were taken crawling and cruising through the river against flow of current almost up to the falls to experience and watch its beauty closely. The sun rays over the falling water constituted a natural rainbow over the horizon when we came almost under the water. It was just out of word and heavenly experience altogether. From river base, next we moved up to the top of revolving tower through cable car to have a gignatic view of the Niyagra falls and its surroundings at a glance. Thereafter we went to IMAX theatre to see a documentary film on Niyagra and its mist in three dimention. It was a real thrill. Roaming through some beautiful parks and a museum we got back to hotel to take some rest before our Toronta host’s arrival as we got tired a bit. Travelling had been my hobbey and Shobha had always been a very supportive company through out but now the ageing factor started reflecting. Dot at assured time of 2 pm our host arrived. But Sangeeta was not there to my shock. Her husband and sister in law were there to take us to Toronto. Sangeeta had an appointment for her driving license, hence could not come. It was about three hours drive to Toronto through wide free way. The drive was as good and comfortable as that in US. Practically we did not find any difference between US and Canada with same kind of development, culture, malls and life style. It was our first meeting with Sangeeta’s husband in US and sister in law as ever but their treatment was very homely. They were very familiar with us and our close relation with Sangeeta. Her sister in law was a divoursee. She seemed to be very fond of driving on free way along with talking. She drove through out and sharing with all necessary informations about their family. She took us to her apartment first where she lived with her mother. We got fascinated with architect, furnishing and maintenance of the campus, building and apartment itself. Within half an hour Sangeeta arrived. She was delighted with our arrival but was a bit dipressed as she could not clear the driving license test. I reminded her about her higher secondary examination which she could get through in second attempt only after my initiative to help her in chemistry. I offered my services again with my presence. That was just to make her cheerful. She was surprised to know that I could learn driving now at this age. We were offered a grand home made dinner there and enjoyed fellowship with some of her friends and relatives. They were all from Gujrat and now well settled in Canada for good. They shared with us about how they came and got settled there in Canada. Sangeeta’s son was now four years old. Her husband seemed to be very nice gentleman taking care of the family. Her mother in law was a religious lady having Srinathji’s pooja along with. Very late in night, we came to Sangeeta’s home. It was an independent two storied house where Sangeeta’s husband and his elder brother’s family lived. Recently they had bought their own house which would be ready for living within two months. Soon we retired for the day as we were very tired with so much roaming at Nyagra and then driving a lot without any rest. We had very sound and comfortable sleep as if we were in home with family members around. Next morning we went for our regular walk through the community, took home prepared gujrati breakfast and left for Toronto visit with Sangeeta, her husband Kausik and son by their car. Kausik took us to the down town, a very big Mall, city town hall and shopping centre. We also went up through the second tallest building of the world, the sears tower to have full and splendid view of Toronto and the vast panorama of lake in the background. By noon we returned back home for lunch and intermediate rest. In evening they again took us through the streets of Toronto to see its lighting and illumination and for dinner. We also went to Iscon temple. Next morning we visited a sanatan temple managed by local Gujrati samaj. Preparation was going on for inauguration of its extension by reverend Sri Ramesh Bhai Ojha very next day. After lunch and exchange of gifts as token of love and affection, Kausik, Sangeeta and her son saw us off at the airport for our forward journey to New York. It was very homely and comfortable stay with Sangeeta and family. A long cherished desire got fulfilled. We were so happy to be with Sangeeta and so was she. She requested us to prolong our next trip for a week to stay with them in their newly bought house. None from her parental side had visited her so far. Being so close to us, she felt too happy to find us satisfied with her settlement there. We both must have an urge to talk to eachother in person, but could not get an appropriate opportunity. Our personal conversation was limited to a few sentences. She wanted to know how I felt with her settlement here and was delighted to know my positive view. She further requested me to provide her a copy of my write ups conveniently. I had earlier taken her permission to focus on our mutual relationship in it. If we be in Purulia once again, would she be comfortable to share some moments in chabi biri garden where our contacts flourished a bit, I asked. Na Baba Na, she replied smilingly. We flew into NewYork via Pittsburge. As with other airports in US, we found it to be of the same class, huge, busy, spacious well furnished and with all amenities.We were there for a few hours for our connecting flight to New York. It was late in evening when we landed at New York. It had just rained so the weather was very pleasant. Ramesh, my cousin was there to receive us. It was about 40 minutes drive through thick woods and greens to his residence where his wife Sarla was eagerly waiting but both his daughters were away to Chicago and France. After homely dinner and some talk we retired for the day as we felt tired after the long flight. When we told him about our visit to Sidhanchal, he informed that it was an hour’s drive away. Perhaps it was our faulty planning of the trip. Ramesh was working with Lever brothers at New York and Sarla was attached with some hospital near by. They took one day’s leave alternatively to give us company. Next morning we could see his so nicely built house. It had a big swimming pool attached in the backyard. In the basement, there was a table tennis board and some other game facilities. It was built on a small hill having beautiful surrounding. After heavy and delicious breakfast Ramesh drove us to Atlantic City about two hours drive. It has been developed like little Las Vegas in the east with lots of casinos, fun rides and entertaining centres. Architect of casinos every where is worth seeing. One of the casinos was built like replica of Tajmahal. We spent a few hours there enjoying the place without playing and returned back by evening. While returning we received call from Shashi, a distant cousin of Shobha inviting us to visit them. Instead they came to Ramesh’s place to meet us on our request. We were served with Rajasthani CHURMA BAATI and allied items in dinner. Shashi and her husband also joines us. Shashi’s daughter was close friend of Ritu at Cornel University. Our next day’s program was to take conducted tour of all places of interest in New York City. Last time Raman and Shashi Bhabhi took me through New York but this time we were to do by our own. With packed lunch Ramesh dropped us at the starting point of the conducted tour. I bought the tickets, which was quite expansive @80 US d each. We were looking to the itinerary of the tour, suddenly one young Indian girl in smart outfit approached towards us and took permission to share our table. She was alone and wanted to be with us during the tour. She took the same tour ticket and was delighted when we happily welcomed her to join. She was Chetna from Bhawnagar in Gujrat currently working at Dubai after MBA.Thus we three spent the day together visiting different places of interest in New York and sharing the fun. We visited all important museums, churches, bridges, tunnels, city parks and monuments. Visit to UNO was worth mention. We were allowed to witness one of its core committee meetings from the gallery. We traveled through different islands to see the famous Statue of Liberty, a gift from the people of France and to see the historical place where the first migrants from Europe landed. Record of their arrival was maintained meticulously. Some one down the line can search and find his lineage from there. Visit to the ruins of World Trade Tower was thrilling and sentimental moments for many local visitors. Planning of its reconstruction was at initial stage. Earlier I had seen it newly constructed in 1973. My experience about it was a thrill to Chetna also. It was superb work of advace technology used negatively to destroy it amongst many other tall and similar buildings near by. Our tour conductor and guide was very descriptive. We were served lunch in a restaurant near Times Square. Before that we shared our packed tiffin with Chetna. She took our photographs from her camera and we did the same to reftresh our memory in future. She also gave her Dubai cell number to me. We thanked each other for day long company. Otherwise these conducted tour, though very informative, are tiresome and time bound. Though it was my second visit to New York, a lot remained to be seen and enjoyed leisurely. I could not show New York night life to Shobha or any of popular Broadway shows. Even beauty of Times Square at night remained to be enjoyed this time, though we moved through all popular street of the city during tour.The bus left us at the starting point and Chetna departed. Ramesh was there to take us back home. I wanted to see Bombay Boys or Chicago plays. Both shows were running at that time. But I followed planned program as per convenience of Ramesh and his wife. We did not go any where in night and took complete rest and enjoyed homely stay and food. Next morning Sarla took us to some Hindu temple in the locality and after lunch Ramesh drove us to the airport for our flight to Washington. By late noon, we arrived at Washington. Bharat was there at the airport to receive us. It reminded me of my last visit. Bharat’s father Kishore received me at the Baltimore airport. Bharat was then one year old. That time I came to meet Sandhya only. Life has turned a full circle. Bharat is Rachana’s husband and we have specifically come here to stay with them for four days, the longest stay of the tour. They began here with great struggle. But now they are well settled and blessed with INICA, their three year old cute daughter. No one could come here during their settlement and Rachana’s delivery. Only Sandeep had visited them earlier. They have nice house in newly developed colony. Rachana being herself interior designer has taken special care in its furnishing with specific consideration for Enica’s comfort and need. So it was a family gathering and we had a lot to talk about. We wanted to share everything about their life here and future plans and they were eager to know about all family members and happenings back in India. So most important agenda of stay was gossip and talk. We had not done any shopping so far during tour. It was to be done here conveniently. Shobha preferred to be at home with Rachana and Enica when I went with Bharat for some grocery purchase. It was a surprise that we bought two lap tops from the same store while doing grocery shopping. The shop was like a huge ware house dealing in various items under one roof. Late in evening we went to a south Indian Hindu temple. It was built in a huge campus. It was as neat and clean as all American cities. On return Shobha found her self without slippers. She left over them in the temple campus. It was so clean everywhere that perhaps she forgot to wear it. Next day we again went to the temple and found the slippers where she left over. Inica was delighted to have visitors in home. She got attached to Shobha in no time and started calling her as NANI. Next day, both Bharat and Rachana had working day at office and Inica went to school. So we `decided to visit all historical places, museums, monuments White House, American Congress etc by ourselves. It reminded me of my last visit when I did the same alone without any enjoyment, though this time Shobha was with me. Rachana drove us to the Congress building and we were supposed to spend the day visiting all these places and she was to collect us in the evening while returning from office. But by noon we got exhausted and tired. Shobha did not find it that enterprising and mine was second visit. So we returned back home early by taking Metro. In comparison to London and New York, Washingtom Metro seems to be newly built. In the evening Bharat drove us through those places again and we enjoyed the visit. It was drizzling and the weather was very pleasant. We had great time at some of the monuments with many water bodies and fountains around and attractive illumination in night. This area is like our Rajpath where all important buildings are situated. Most of them have white stone exterior. So it looks attractive and soothing in night under flood light. Washington being the capital city is very well planned with some great architecture. One war memorial constructed very recently was new addition than what I had seen earlier. We spent next two days doing shopping in different Malls and stores under Rachana’s guidance and enjoyed family fellowship with Rachana, Bharat and inica. I was interested to visit Baltimore and the community where I stayed for five days some thirty years back but could not make it to be there. Then the day arrived when Bharat saw us off at the airport for our return journey. We had five hours break at Frankfurt airport. Though it is a very prominent air hub and we had to move on mono rail from one terminal to another but US airports seem to be more impressive.Flight was full of Indians and a sense of back home made the journey very comfortable. Good Indian food was served in this sector. Sri Prajapati, one spiritual orator, who earlier performed at our Purulia residence, met us on the flight. We spent the in bound journey by sharing our experience of tour. We landed at 1 am at Delhi airport and within two hours we were back home. After about nine months or so when I decided to write about our tour, I first asked Shobha about her impression of the tour. To start with, she was never as excited as I was when I went for the first time. She was rather apprehensive of making such trip so late in life. But she had full appreciation of discipline, neatness, transport and communication system and very caring approach of all. She was happy that she could see the other part of world which was so different. She liked the beauty of Niyagra Falls the most. To me also it was not that exciting but of great satisfaction and contentment of fulfilling a long cherished desire of taking Shobha there around. We could have enjoyed more if taken at an early age. Impact of age and health was felt everywhere. But we must have gone through some thrills, faced some food and travel problems, carried away with some most beautiful sites and impressed with modern systems. That must have enriched our wistom and knowledge.Knowledge is knowing something everyday by every act. Wisdom is letting go off something and preserve something selectively. Watching is another way of expressing seeing. So it was a trip full of life without much excitement and has touch of wisdom without imparting much of knowledge.