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