Episode 12- Homeward Bound

“Aa Ab Laut Chale”- “Ne majasi ne, parat matrubhoomila…..”  -“Fly Away Home- “

Our vacation here has been one great roller-coaster ride. We’ve been around a lot, big cities, countryside,  beaches. If you recall my mails of our first visit here, I had mentioned a point about this Country being called the ‘Land of Opportunities’. The tour guides in Washington proudly stressed  upon the fact, that this Country has been  built by immigrants, who came here in search of a new life, to make their fortunes, to make a new home. The landing of the ‘Mayflower’ itself, marked the beginning of a new era.

And the people here are still very proud of their origins. In St. Charles, which is a small part of St. Louis, they have a parade every year from Mid Nov till the New Year, where all the residents, dress up in the traditional dresses of their Country of origin. They have preserved their customs, food, crafts & the shops are a living testimony of all that they represent.

Food has always occupied a special place in my lifeJ. Getting into the Hospitality industry after retirement was a foregone conclusion, and I loved that phase. And so, because of my fascination of the variety of food, we have been on the prowl, trying to take in, visually & verily, all that this land has to offer. From the typical Hotdog & Burger, which must be eaten on the move/standing, we have seen (read  ‘eaten’) a lot.

 Just a sampler; Wok Express(Chinese, coming very close to “Indian Chinese”),Le Bonne Bouchee (French), Chipotle (Mexican) Applebee’s(American Diner), Red Robin (Gourmet Burgers), Olive Garden/Romano’s (Italian), The Outback (Australian Woodfire Steak)), Hu Hot (Mongolian Grill), Buffalo Wild Wings,(Wings & Ribs)Sweet Tomatoes(Salad & Pasta Bar),Eckert’s (Country food) & Ruchi’s.

The last mentioned, is probably the best Indian Restt we have been to, so far. Unlike the eateries that have spawned by the dozens in Pune, who have a menu running into over a 100 entrees, but with a 0 recall value, Ruchi & a few others, are truly keeping  the flag of India flying high! I must make a mention here about ‘Deep’ parathas, both plain & stuffed. They are the most amazing ones I’ve had anywhere & considering that they come  half-done & are refrigerated, taste retention is top class! May their tribe grow! Margaritas have been favourites as thirst quenchers, followed by Mojitos & of course Budweiser (on tap!) Coming here and not having Bourbon (Kentucky) is unpardonable; hence Wild Turkey/Southern Comfort!

Along with food, the next staple has been Hindi movies. And just as they say that the best Basmati is available in the US, the latest movies, uncut, can be seen here! We got to see movies with sensitive themes like New York, Shoot at Sight, Khuda ke Liye, (our last visit) & highly entertaining films like “Buddha hoga tera baap”, “Zindagi na milegei dobara”, “Chalo Dilli”, & “Ready”. Re BHTB, notwithstanding the reviews by critics & filmgoers, I thought that only AB could have carried off that role with ease & panache. I liked him!

Another educative medium has been the TV. From  unbiased coverage of  political happenings,(the National Debt being just one), anchored by men like Anderson Cooper, Fareed Zakaria, to old serials like ‘Bonanza’(bringing back memories of schooldays),House-hunting, Game Shows  and Food & Travel Channels. The last mentioned have been runaway favorites. Each one of us has his pet show (30 mins meal-Rachel Ray, Barefoot Contessa-Ina Garten & Giada at Home-Giada de Laurentiis). But I would really like to do something like Anthony Bourdain (No Reservations) because it is heritage/history & food, combined. I really envy the likes of him, Samantha Brown or Andrew Zimmern. Just imagine, travelling to the best holiday spots & being paid to do that…. & eat too!! Forget the money part, but I am seriously thinking of putting the Pune Food scene, especially Street Food & genuinely Fast Food, at least on the You tube-till I can find a sponsor!! (Anyone listening!)

This time, maybe because of the breeding season,(the birds!) I have not been able to spend as much time as I wanted, with the Mallards & Canada Geese. This had its flip side if course, wherein I have been able to observe other birds. The Cardinal has always been a favorite, but this time, the Hummingbird,(probably the Ruby Throated, in non-breeding plumage) has kept me occupied. There is this ‘chap’ who visits the trees just outside the verandah. But with it’s size (it can be mistaken for a large bee/moth) & speed of zizg-zag flying, keeping tabs on it is pretty difficult. However, over the months I think some telepathy seems to be working between us, because  he has been giving me lots of chances to photograph it  form close quarters, in flying & static poses. The former has been a lot of patience & lots of luck, because to get a snap when the bird is in flight, on a digital camera, is rare. I think I need to pat myself on the back. I have an Eastern Kingbird  & a Hummingbird photo, in flight,  for you! (You will have to zoom in to see the bird in flight,below)

 

 

  In spite of being aware of it, I can’t help, but feel nice to see the spirit of fairness, when it comes to hunting/fishing. With no one watching them, I have observed people casting a line in the lake, & if the fish is not of the size permissible to catch, back it goes again! Of course, feeding birds & animals in the wild is strictly prohibited for obvious reasons, but at the locality water bodies, you can do it. The same goes for hunting deer, with the size of the rack (horn extremities) being the decider!

This time though, we came across more Indians here than ever before. The Complex that we are staying in  ,has easily about 50! But, but, (why don’t I accept this?), not a flicker of acknowledging the presence of a fellow countryman! I observed this during our last visit & my observations haven’t changed a bit. I saw a picturised version of a very old (at least 30 yrs old)series of narrations, by Mr. PL (Pu La) Deshpande, one of the foremost Marathi Humourists. In one episode, he has made the same observation about our fellow countrymen, as I have! Full marks for consistency! And back home, we have seen numerous instances of parochial  behavior by our fellow countrymen, at the drop of a hat. I  really wonder  at this strange phenomena. (“….forgive them, for they know not what they do!”) At the same time, they are quick to interfere in a squabble between unknowns, with the typical “Jaane do bhai, baal bachhewala hai etc.etc.!

Another thing that has been fun, at times, a tedium at others, is the shopping sprees of Janu, with Kalpana as partner! And if there’s a sale on, boy, that’s some day! Discounts + discounts on coupons, are all a part of the game. The best part here is, that a sale does not mean that the goods are sub-standard or shop-soiled. The goods, are as good as they were on Day 1. And if you don’t like an item, as an afterthought, you can always return it, if you have the bills & the labels. And you don’t have to buy something in return!! Are you listening, shopkeepers of Pune & elsewhere??  Then there’s “Extreme Couponing”. It’s all about housewives stacking up discount coupons & redeeming them at the Mall. Just as an example, one lady ran up a bill of 3K odd $; but with the coupons, ended up paying less than 100$!! Unbelievable!

When we visited here the first time, I had, in one of my mails, made a mention of ‘Civility’. My impressions are still the same. True, every country has it’s + & - points. This year, the debates on the economy & National Debt are the hottest topics. But I found no change in certain values/standards that I had observed last time. One of the most striking feature is that senior citizens, especially ladies, are remarkably independent. Before I am put in the dock for making comparisons etc., I understand & appreciate the fact, that there is a vast difference in the socio-economic  systems & values. The “Family”, as we know it back home, is different here. But there is no hypocrisy here. I was amazed to see these elderly people, living life to the fullest, at their  convenience & fiercely independent. The concept of “Assisted Living” (or Old Age Home, to use the more prevalent, but unpleasant word) has got to be seen in its correct perspective. There are some complexes/societies in Pune, where  parents of NRIs reside, where  all the trappings (i.e. ‘upped’ conveniences) are available. While I am  not an advocate of any one system, I am taking a hard look at it, because we have our children overseas and will continue to be so; and may be, we may have to face situations, where daily requirements could be hard to accomplish, by oneself. The biggest problem that arises here, is the availability of trustworthy aides, whether in-house or part-time. Maybe some enterprising person could take up this mission, to provide such help, to senior citizens, especially those with limited mobility. 

The other thing that struck me as a very positive attitude, is ‘Dignity of Labour’. No job is looked down upon, as something of a ‘no-no’. Whether it is serving you in a resto or at a toll booth, clearing the trash cans or sweeping the floor, every person did the job with pride. Even in the Malls, a person on the counter today , would be collecting the shopping carts or wiping the floor. There’s a lot to learn from this. College education or beyond, is quite expensive here, but that has not resulted in an “aimless life”, at least in the majority of the youth. Everyone is doing something and doing it with dignity!!

I have mentioned the Mon to Fri concept in an earlier mail. It is truly followed here in letter & spirit. And then,  everyone is out for a good time. If it’s a long week-end, people head out of town. But locally, the parks are full of family groups.

Or there will be a musical concert-cum-carnival or garage sale. Every park, and there are over a dozen, has a naturally landscaped auditorium, where people can flop down. Most bring their folding chairs & rugs watch the performances. Yet, however small the event may be, we found the Park Rangers on the ‘ready’, portable lights on masts, to be switched on for good traffic control etc. There is absolutely NO ‘Chalta Hai’ attitude here. Sometimes, even I have pondered over this, wondered at it’s necessity, obviously, sub-consciously comparing our systems, or lack of them!. But it brings back the old lesson that ‘lapses in procedure create emergencies’!

Talking again about our countrymen living here, on a job or Green Card etc., to each, his reason. I am sure that they must be having compelling reasons to make a new life & home here. All the best. But I would like to mention St. Charles again, because even after 300 years or so, the residents still have preserved their culture etc. Surely this is one thing our brethren can do. Of course you’ll find the temple, house-full on Sundays, but as I mentioned earlier, all on silent mode!! On the other hand,although not essentially original ‘Punekars’, I miss the guys operating the so-called ‘Super/Mini Markets’, where “Not Available” is an unknown term, where the local chemist assures you that he’ll send the medicines home. It’s all business to them, but with more than a smile. I miss the smells of fresh vegetables at our ‘mandai’, when we visit the Mall, with all the vegs  neatly stacked & sprayed, but no aroma! Above all I miss the small stalls selling tea, vada-pav, bhel  & the whiff of their goods as you drive past. Yes, we can do a lot better in so many other departments, traffic, pollution, governance, civility  etc. But even then, it’s home. I can imagine what must have gone through the minds & hearts of people like Swatantraveer Savarkar and others , exiled for life, & longing to return home. Only a person like him could compose such a beautiful poem as ‘Saagaraa Praan Talmalala’!  

It’s time to come home. And just like the famous calypso song, “…but I’m sad to say, I’m on my way, won’t be back for many a day….”. Leaving my little girl is not going to be easy. We are indeed twice blessed! Such lovely children , who have wonderful spouses.  From the  moment it was decided that we are taking this trip, the children swung into action. Janu scanned the  net, not only for the best deals, but arranged for our tickets. Anshuman & Reshu  got  us new bags,  did all the purchasing & packing, weighing etc. And they were on a holiday after a 6 month, no-break stint!  Janu & Jenny have really shown us the US, last time & now, thoroughly spoiling us. All our visits outside St. Louis have been meticulously planned & executed by them, from Air tickets, to hotels & the itinerary. Aren’t we proud of them!!

We’ve truly enjoyed every moment of our visit. We’ve missed you all equally & therefore, a small attempt on my part to take you along with us, during our trips, local or away. I do hope you found them interesting/entertaining. That’s what they were meant for. For those who’ve been here earlier, a revision. For those who haven’t, this is your “Guide”.

Do keep in touch always. And DO let me have your comments/suggestions etc.

  “ Shadows are falling, the Sun sinks to rest, the rooks are now flying straight home to their nests,   ‘Caw ‘ says the rook, as she flies overhead, it’s time all the children were safe in their beds !”             

 Till we meet again, TC & keep smiling!!

AshoKalpana

Episode 11-Niagara

Episode  11

If I remember correctly, it was 1953. We had just moved into the new  premises on JM Road, right next to Hindvijay Cinema, as it was then known, later Natraj & to the latest generation, ‘Bhosale-Shinde Arcade’! It is also interesting to note, that in those days, JM Rd used to be deserted by 8, at the most 8:30 pm. The only traffic was the people coming for movies next door, or on to Deccan Cinema,   now  re-incarnated as KFC!  ‘Balgandharva Rangamandir’ came much later. So, after 9 p.m. or so, when the city went to sleep, it’s no exaggeration that we could hear the songs & dialogues too, of the film next door. At times, we would sneak up right behind the rear wall to hear better!

The movie halls in those days, generally had a portico, which served as a meeting place for movie buffs & the upper portion was invariably used to display big cut-outs of the film & posters. One such huge display was for the film “Niagara”, starring Marilyn Monroe (that’s all we remembered then!). Naïve as I was then, I thought the movie was about the river & the falls & nature etc. I had no idea why my pleas to go & see it fell on deaf ears. Co-incidentally, 2 days before we actually went to Buffalo, “Niagara” was screened on the TV. So, TCALSS, last week-end we were at the ‘Best Western’, having taken a hopping flight from here (St. Louis)to Cincinnati, then to Pittsburgh. A  4 hour drive in a spanking new VW, and we were home. Luckily, Denny’s was right next to Hotel, so getting dinner, at that late hour was no big deal.

Next morning, after a hurried b’fast, hurried, because of the urge to be there early, being a Sunday, as also the fact that the Hotel was full of my ‘country cousins’, it was prudent that we made an early exit!!  Just for the record, Pennsylvania is a lot of hilly tracts, lots & lots of tree cover and acres of farm land. The drive to Niagara, 10 miles away, was as beautiful as the environs; water bodies (Lake Erie, the Niagara River).

By now, we have become inured to seeing vast parking lots, so this was no exception. Having done our homework , we had zeroed on to seeing  ‘The Cave of the Winds’ aka  ‘Hurricane Deck’, ‘Luna Island’, ‘Maid of the Mist’, ‘Observation Deck’ and the Lights & Fireworks display, at night, besides of course the ‘Hop on-Hop off’ trolley .

At the main entrance, is the history of the falls & the park, the oldest  in USA, is lucidly chronicled. The 1^st event, required us to collect our ponchos & sandals from the store, free of cost. The sandals, white, blue & green & the yellow capes, are all recycled. We have the choice of taking these home, with  a gentle reminder to dispose of them, in the correct manner. The sandals must be weighing about 2 gms!

 From the elevator, which took us 350 feet below, we were on level with the waters for the 1^st  

 time.

 

 What a sight! (I can say this any No. of times!!)  Waterfalls wherever you looked, Canada, just across, with their arrangements to see the falls,(the best way being from the Ferris Wheel), ‘Maid(s) of the Mist’, were ferrying people from this & the Canadian side  and swirling waters everywhere. They have made lovely arrangements comprising a series of ladders & platforms that take you right up to the ‘Bridal Veil’ falls. This is where we got our first taste of the immense beauty & the sheer ruthless power of nature. Of course, conversation was practically non-existent, for obvious reasons! The best part about all the places here, and elsewhere, is that nowhere are you pushed (physically & mentally) or urged to get- on- with- it. You can take your time, do things at your pace.

 

 The trolley is just the thing. One can get on or off, at one’s choice of location. After taking in as much of the falls visually, the fuming sprays battering you, it is time to move on. They have thoughtfully placed containers to receive the ponchos/sandals etc. Back to the top from the same elevator, and we went  to the Luna Island. This is basically, a viewing area right next to where the falls cascade below & of course, an ideal place to take photographs. At this time, the Rain Gods decided to play spoil-sport & as though the drenching at the ‘Hurricane Deck’ wasn’t enough, sent down rain by the proverbial buckets. I wonder if this is a convenient arrangement worked out with the Gods above, because, believe it or not, right across is the shopping center & the refreshments stalls. So, into the gift shop for a period of time, that can be best described as never-ending! After a few dollars lighter, it was time to head for the ultimate experience, a ride in ‘The Maid of the Mist’. Originally just one ship, now they have quite a few, on both sides.

 Tickets in hand, we were off to the Observation deck, where  you had a panoramic view of the falls. But first, the ‘voyage’. An elevator took us a few hundred feet, (again!) below. The attendant was pretty well-versed in the right Hindi phrases & correctly timed too! That’s marketing! Here again, we were issued with  ponchos, Blue this time. And after a very patient, no-jostling –for- prize location walk, we were on deck & away.

 

The Maid of the Mist, is so named, obviously, as the entire area where the falls  cascade, is churned up with the swirling waters that send up columns of spray, so  minute that it is like a mist. The grandeur of the American falls, the Horseshoe falls, all hit you hard. This is Nature, in one of her many manifestations, best admired from far & left alone. Of course, there have been many who have tried to walk the tightrope across the falls or shoot the rapids in barrels. But you can’t beat the falls, every time. After what seemed a lifetime (cliche’) , we were back to the Observation Tower,  for some more photos. And the Sun came out!

Just for a recap, we have had rain, uncalled for & unwanted, during a lot of our outings. The last time, Orlando had unseasonal rains, NY was a wash-out for half a day, and SFO was windy & wet! This year, Day 2 at Michigan (Windmill Island) was wet, the rain slowed us at Chicago slowed us down & now, an overcast sky on Sunday, when Sat was in the high 80s! You know, in my Regiment, whenever there was a new activity on the cards,(Collective training, firing, inspections etc.) there would be rain, even if it was a small drizzle. This, according the elders, was a good omen, the Gods were blessing us! So, looking at the brighter side of the gloomy day, we took all this in our stride! After all, happiness is a state of the mind!!

A quick tuck-in at the local deli, and we were off on the trolley for a conducted tour of the park & the neighboring areas. We stepped off at the Horseshoe falls, for a closer look, at leisure. An hour later, we were back at the Hotel for a snooze & return to the Falls for dinner & the Lights & Fireworks show. We decided to try out an Indian resto, so Kohinoor was the chosen one. Run by a Bibiji & her Papaji, we ordered the typical fare, which we hoped would match with the original, back home in Barnala! The food was good, except for the oversized chicken legs. The guy taking our orders, was probably a new inductee, because, here I was trying to speak to him in a tongue that he was more familiar with, and the guy would reply in a very cultivated yankee drawl, probably picked up at Shahkot Malsian, Distt Kapurthala!

Anyway, the lights were already  on and all this was being done from the Canadian side. Tremendous co-operation!  The waters were alternately flooded in Red, Blue, Green, Yellow & White (natural)colours. The accompanying photos will speak a thousand words, I am sure. Then the explosion of Fireworks. Not for more than 15-20 mins, but boy, what a performance!! (A photograph speaks……..!): )

Incidentally, this is one area, where we came across a lot Indian names (Red, that is!). Chippewa (that’s a tribe), Cheektowaga(that’s where we actually stayed) & of course, Onguiaahra, an Iroquois word meaning “Thunder of Waters”, & from which Niagara is derived. Just for the record (prompted by some very ignorant statements by some of my country-cousins, w.r.t. the origin of the falls.) Four Great Lakes empty into the Niagara river that flows over the 2 major falls, i.e. American & Horseshoe Falls, before emptying into Lake Ontario!

Three incidents that made me think again & again. 1^st. On the flight from Cincinnati, we were delayed for a good 15 mins, because a family of 8 wanted to be seated together!(forgetting the fact that in any  case, only 2 could sit together!) 2^nd. On the deck of ‘The Maid…’, I just happened to be next to a group of young men, all from back home (India, that is!). Suddenly I felt someone pushing me and a lady’s voice “requesting” that the child be made to stand at the railing!. I earned an Oscar for the best performance of a deaf & dumb guy!! 3^rd. During the Fireworks, a family was behaving as though the falls were in their back yard & all of us were idiots! No signs of moving on. Till I said, “Excuse me..”Had I spoken to him in a language both of us speak, I would still be there!! (‘kay kaka, jara  baghu dya, pahilyanda alo ahe’/’kya uncle, 1^st time aye hain, dekhne do’!). By now, you must have guessed that all these  guys came from the world’s biggest democracy. Some people (cynics) may call me a WOG, but, courtesy to a fellow human-being/traveler/ neighbor/ whatever, is something that is not limited to the so-called  ‘developed’ nations.

Is it true that India (Bharat) has/had a number of Firsts to it’s credit, for all the good/right reasons?

Anyway(s?), Niagara has  been the crowning experience of our visit this time. I know there’ll be something bigger next time, waiting for us. Till then, hope you enjoy this one. We leave here on 25^th Aug. (Believe me, as I typed this [ I can overlook the lake], a small flock of Canada Geese took off, as if symbolizing that we too have to ‘Fly away Home, soon’!)

There’s one more coming your way, just b4 we leave.

Keep smiling, & TC.

Ashok

Smokey Mountains, Soulard Farmers' Market & Peach-picking at Eckert’s Farm

Episode 10

Part 1  

Hi folks,

The degree of the awesomeness of Nature & surrendering oneself to it, increases in Arithmetic/Geometric proportion (Pl  apply the relevant one!)as our vacation is reaching culminating point! 22 July, saw us hit Route 64 first & then onto Route 75, i.e. St. Louis through Louisville, Kentucky-Nashville (Home of Country Music)-Tennessee on Gatlinburg. The 8 hour + drive was as enjoyable as ever, the countryside being totally green. Not just green, but so much of tall tree cover & progressively opening up to the mountainous region.

Smokey Mountains is a holiday resort, located at Gatlinburg. The resort where we stayed, is at a place called Hidden Mountain Resort, in Pigeon Forge. Having picked up our cottage keys at the Welcome Centre,(sp?), we followed the direction boards through some very steep roads. Very reminiscent of say Kasauli, Dagshai. 

We stayed at Cottage No. 4060, which had a Dolly Parton Theme. Each cottage has a theme & we were to live with Dolly Parton memorabilia. The well-known actress-singer, herself a  few restos/entertainment centers in town. After a hearty dinner of home-made Biryani, we hit the sack at around 2 am!

Next day, by 10, we were ready to paint the town in any colour! The town itself, is a typical holiday place, with shops , shops & more shops. Plenty of eating places, galleries, emporia. And plenty of parking lots. 

Our first stop was the Ripley’s  Aquarium. Quite like the usual ones, with a underwater walkway, where you could see the business ends of those sharks, at close quarters.

The other major attractions were the sky lift (2 seater) & the Ober Gatlinburg Tram (Cable car). Incidentally, a cable car in San Francisco is a tram(now extinct in Mumbai).

 Whereas, here, it was a huge 120 seater ropeway trolley. The skylift, is a short, but enjoyable ride on a open lift, which runs along the hill slope. So, in actuality, you are never more than 50’ from the ground. At the top, they have a small cafeteria with, yes, a gift shop. And of course, a beautiful panorama of the area.

An hour later, we had had lunch at a typical Italian Restt and were on our way to the Tram. This is a massive trolley, which takes you to the highest spot in town. It takes about 15 mins to get there. Huge supporting structures have been erected along the way, supporting the ropes of the trolley. The top area had a huge ice-skating rink, restos & the inevitable gift shops.

 

This area is home to about 1500 Black Bears. I was lucky to see 3! And  at regular intervals along the mountain roads, there are about 200 trails, ranging from 1.7 kms to 1790 kms(to Maine!). Hikers are advised to be properly kitted for the trek as well as adherence to timings, as the evenings  see the Bears emerging from their  dens. Before we left for the the famous  Clingman’s Dome, which is a huge structure built on the highest hill, we stopped at a trail source, took some snaps & went further in. We came across a lovely spot, where the mountain stream was in full flow.

                                 

The haze that you see in the photograph, is the mist formed by the swirling waters. The family really had a great time, romping in the ice-cold water. En route, we stopped at another viewpoint, beautifully sited & well maintained. This and being Indian Land, the area has it’s share of legends & folklore. At this point, we stood on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, denoted by a signboard.

And standing there, you realize why this is known as Smokey Mountains. During the growing season, the lush vegetation emits moisture & organic compounds, which, when combined, form a haze which is thickest on a calm, sunny humid day.

Strangely, although I heard a lot of birds, couldn’t lay my eyes on any one. At the Dome, I saw some birds that had a smallish crest, but being between the sun & I, it was difficult to make out. Probably they were a variety of Crested Tits or Finches. For a forest cover so huge, no raptors soaring.!(GD-what’s your take?) The next day, I spent about 30 mins playing cat & mouse with a male Cardinal, just outside our cabin. Although he did show himself completely, I couldn’t take him on camera! Back to the town, which by now, was fully decked up in lights, holiday makers were there in hundreds. It was like festival time!! We had other plans, so back to the cabin. This time, we decided to avail of the facilities of the Jacuzzi & the ping-pong table. So we had a wonderful time soaking in the tubs, with all jets on, playing TT(ping-pong) as they call it here; so did we, as kids)

After an early check out, where we could see the Office premises  flower shrubs in full bloom, we stopped at a nearby Apple Orchard, where everything was apple-related!

 Cider, juices, jams, crockery/cutlery with apple motifs. There were trees laden with fruit, just at the entrance. There were a lot of apples that had fallen off the trees on the ground, but untouched! I understand that the laws here dictate that once the fruit hits the ground, it gets contaminated by  the various micro-organisms!  This was corroborated at the Peach farm too!

En route, we had a short (?) stop at the City Convention Centre, where an exhibition-cum-sale of local products, eats to woodwork, to dried flower frames etc. The works!  And so, back home after another 8 hour drive, interrupted by a quick lunch at Denny’s, another popular chain.

The weather continues to be warm, though 34-36 C, is quite ok by Pune standards, but here, the intensity of the heat in unbearable at times. One explanation  is that due to near 0 pollution, the heat does not get dissipated. So, evening walks are actually night walks, as the time we get out is closer to 8:30pm!!

Part 2

Soulard Farmer’s Market

Once in a while, the weather Gods  show great mercy on us wretched mortals. Last Sunday, en route to Soulard,  in downtown St. Louis, we had torrential rains, that were more than a relief and by the time we reached Soulard, it had cooled down by a good 8 degrees &it was love.

This is a place where we have a market that sells everything grown by the local farmers, from eggs, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables & further down, sunglasses , keychains & trinkets! The local breads are really good, especially the sun-dried tomato bread. And of course, the all-American hot dog, washed down by a chilled glass of Budweiser!  Visiting Soulard is an experience in itself.

A typical old-fashioned structure, very much like our own  ‘Phule Mandai’ or ‘Shivaji Market’, but much, much, neater & cleaner, I dare say!! And at the end of each building, in the open space, you will find the odd Saxophonist or a 3 Man band, belting out foot-tapping medleys. The St. Louis Arch looms large over the area. The Arch, 600 feet of an engineering marvel, is the symbol of progress, the Westward expansion of the US.; St. Louis was the gateway to the West. It was from here, that people were urged to go forward, to explore what lay beyond, by President Thomas  Jefferson!  Then there is the Union Station, with its shops & restos, the university complex, the Busch stadium and some imposing buildings. A quick stopover at the Union Station for some last-minute shopping & it was time to say ‘bye.

Part 3.

Peach-picking at Eckert’s Farm

 A few miles into the countryside, actually in Illinois, we hit typical farmland country. The weather was  still lovely and we were treated to miles & miles of neatly planted corn fields, apple & peach orchards and lovely old fashioned barb buildings! After a bit of trial & error, we finally reached at the Eckert farm. One has to go through the huge shop, selling local produce, through another handicraft section, through a  greenhouse & suddenly we are in an open space, with a lovely green painted trolley, hitched to a tractor.

 This is the “Pick your own” wagon. Armed with a carton, we were driven over a typical, undulating country road, over newly planted orchards, a cemetry(!) till we reached ‘our’ orchard. Here, after an initial briefing,  we were ‘let loose’, so-to-say, in the Peach orchard.

We had decided that 4 peaches per person would be the limit, but thank God, we took just One box! Otherwise, there would be no end. Besides picking the peaches straight from the trees, we also ate the ones that were ready to eat. And of course, the peaches lying on the ground, were left  

alone, as per federal  laws!

When we returned to the store, our box weighed in at a whopping 11.50 pounds! (As I write this, some of the peaches have been stewed in sugar syrup+cinnamon & star anise  & we had them after lunch, complete with whipped cream! And some have found themselves in a peach cake!) We still have some left! To round off this wonderful trip, was a typical country style lunch. I shall skip the details! But it was a good change. And so, back home after a wonderful Sunday. Truly, God was in His heaven that day!

Well, hope you liked this one. Come this week-end & it's the Niagara Falls. Looking forward to a ride on the "Maid of the Mist". From there, 2 weeks for us to get back! So far, it's been great.

Till then, Cheers! Once more, 'Wish you were here'.TC

Ashok