I am always curious about places, people and poetry. The 3 P’s that are essential and wholesome. So this summer we decided to embark on a journey to Spain and UK which led us to Hayley’s house.

It’s a blessing to have a relative in a country to which you are traveling as you feel at home even before getting there. My sister Namita’s brother in law Hrishi stays in outskirts of London so we were visiting them for the first time.

The main attraction was little Hayley and her cute British accent. We were meeting her for the first time but she had no anxiety or shyness. She is bold , polite and a charming Londoner.

We also met her best buddy Skye , the dog who wants to be off leash all the time . They are an amazing duo energetic, wiggly and hyper.

So we land at Hithero airport and absorb its massiveness. Hrishi is on his way to pick us up. On the way home to South Hampton we stop at Starbucks for refreshments. Neha, Hayley’s mom is ready with breakfast amazing dosas and chutney. We play with Hayley and Skye while waiting for Namita’s family to arrive. The stroll around Hrishi’s house gives us a glimpse of countryside and cricket teams playing matches. Lunch is Nehas signature amazing mutton curry. After so much travel I am ready to doze but kids are eager to head out and explore. This was a special trip not only were we bonding as a family but also finding attractions analogous to Hayleys house.

The Door: The door is entrance to a higher realm of ascendance.

Durdle door , on Jurassic coast in Dorset our first destination took our breath away with its cozy, misty and breezy atmosphere. Doors come in all shapes and sizes , some are fancy , some ordinary. Some doors are guardians of palaces and some lead to staircases of hotels and Inns. Durdle door is iconic because of its natural limestone arch and is a popular and sought after spot for photography , although I feel picture in front of Hrishi’s entrance trumps any door 😀

The Window: The window is a glimpse in time , you look in or out there is always a view.

The next day was Saturday and we went to visit London city. The London Eye was our first stop where u get to see panoramic views of the House of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace. It’s a glass wheel slowly spinning on the banks of river Thames, where time just stops and you are an observer in eternity. It’s like a window to a world which is constantly moving , spinning in an out of breath. Windows in Spain were colorful and magnanimous. Yet I loved the windows in Haley’s house which were radiating sunlight on a clear day and keeping the house warm for Aai and Baba , Namita’s in-laws on a staycation.

Oh and how can I forget the only window which our Gen Z worships, the ever occupied mirror 😜

The Stairs: They spiral, they bend, they go up then descend , separation , connection is their game.

Hrishi standing in the stairs according to Neha was our designated driver 😀 and he did drive us around to many places like Buckingham Palace, Windsor castle, West minister Abbey.

The stairs in their house led us to our bedroom which was cozy and beautiful. Hayley’s room was just next to us with colorful toys , dolls, books and silly things.

A lot of beautiful stairs are landmarks in Mallorca and Barcelona. The mosaic laden stairs of Park Guell and its artistic arches looked pristine. Stairs are inherently transitional, connecting outside to inside. You climb up or down either way u are elevated.

The Dining: The coolest, sexiest couple in this world is wine and dine.

The kitchen is the heart of the house. Here’s where all the magic happens. The aroma of the food, the sizzling sound, ambers of the fire surrounding the crockpot, warm pastries in the oven, flickering candles, a little jazz or Sufi tunes binds everything together and nourishes the soul. There is loud orchestra, the act of cooking satisfying your senses and when the kitchen is all cleaned up it transforms into a deep humming symphony relatable to the Cuevas del Drach chamber music in Mallorca,

Nehas kitchen also has a TV adding stories , music and drama to the entire dining experience.

The signature Paella, a saffron infused rice dish from Barcelona, sangria on the streets of Mallorca, the long line at Colom proves time and time again it’s the food which is the pinnacle of the human pyramid. All the passion, struggles, luxuries does not give you as much information about the person as the plate does.

We eat food everyday and yet it never ceases to be anything but joyful.

The Backyard: Choice is yours climb the hills, explore the forest, swim the ocean, meditate in caves or sing in your own backyard.

It’s a doorway to heaven. It’s part of the house where your extended family resides, the plants, the fruits and the vegetables.

The swing, chimes , barbecue all those things that you cannot have inside the house are out there inviting you to step out into that magical world and be closer to earth. It’s definitely a yard at the back but its seduction , lure brings you from ordinary to extraordinary only if you stand by , pause and watch the tiniest little things crawling , butterflies wandering, birds nesting making your home their home.

The Temple: Marvel the palaces, the gardens, the Gaudi monuments but revere the cross, the bells and the temples

Any house is incomplete without a place of worship or a quiet corner for contemplation and spiritual growth. So our trip to UK and Spain would also be famished without a deeper connection transcending just the fun aspect of travel. It’s much more deepening to see different cultures their faith , the places of worship and bring those experiences home. Spain and UK was not a pilgrimage but a pilgrims journey to bonding, cherishing young Hayley, my dear nieces Aarohi , Saanvi , the elderly, the youthful and finding “Who’s your tribe”.

I would say I have ample variety at home , older one is smart, sincere and ambitious. The younger one is athletic , artistic and beautiful.

I never wrote anything about Arya yet, so it’s time to honor her cheer and dance journey.

Arya is very determined her mantra is “ Look good feel good “ so she makes an extra effort to wake up early in the morning to keep herself uptight.

But she was not like this to begin with , all these uptown vibes , beauty routines, personal grooming started in late middle school . If Shreeya is the deep rooted, ever green , abundant petal , Arya is the blooming multicolored fragrant bud.

She is also multi talented .

Baker: Baking comes to Arya very naturally. She has made all kinds of breads, cinnamon rolls, spring onion pancake , mango tarts. Her sweet treats reminds me of Parisian bakeries.

A baker at heart is my sweetheart.

Painter: Aryas fingers are long and sleek. They are the most delicate and beautiful hands that I have seen. She is a good painter and sketcher. Whenever I have figures faces to draw in my zen tangle artwork I ask her to do them and they are so realistic.

An artist on her own terms splashing colors of radiance.

Gymnast: I don’t remember now , why we decided to put Arya in gymnastics. Maybe because she liked jumping or tumbling and running around the park. But it was a decision well made because other pathways opened up for her like cheerleading , gymnastics coaching which she really enjoys. I was so impressed with their cheerleading performance at Disney where they won the 3rd prize for standout cheer.

A twisting torso, a slender bend , a curved back, cheering heart makes her a graceful gymnast.

Teacher: It’s surprising but Arya started working early than probably any of us. She started teaching gymnastics when she was probably in late middleschool or freshman high school. In our family she is the youngest earner which we are very proud of. It’s fascinating to see how my little baby is blossoming into a beautiful young lady full of confidence and vigour.

Giving stamps to the young tumblers for excellence in mini mites,

A hug , a kiss is showered on Ms Arya by the little dynamites

Makeup Artist: She is a wonderful makeup artist who puts time and effort into her daily grooming . There is not a single day when she has missed her skin care routine. She also regularly oils her hair and styles them.

Body is important , so is the soul , a perfect lady is the one whose inner qualities shine through the mind.

What do you want to be Arya, A nobody or everybody, A star or a moon, The sun or the rainbow, Entrepreneur or dermatologist doesn’t matter, You are the cheer on sugar hill. So sweet , wholesome and complete.

If I have ever felt pure joy or happiness it was around Shivu and Ayu. Yes you heard me right my 2 nephews who were the apple of my eye when I visited Thailand.

Ayu was the exuberant Krishna and Shivaan was the fearless Shivba , the pride of the Gawade household.

How I would wait for Shivaan to wake up for a sunshine smile and Ayu to fill the house with his silly TV shows and football Messi and Ronaldo vibes.

A place like Bangkok has its own traits and I was curious to experience them through the lens of my 2 little warriors( Ayu and Shivu) and 2 older warriors ( dad and mom).

B (beautiful): Bangkok is beautiful and tranquil, people greet each other with big smiles. Even the waitresses take time out of their busy schedule to attend the youngest of their customers. The radiant sunshine and Nath’s spunky physio therapy was invigorating my parents with health and vitality. Maybe they did look a little younger than the last time around in this charming city.

A (aesthetic): Its really hot and humid , yet this does not deter people from going out to enjoy street food and markets. It’s so easy to wander around and be lost in the crowd. Yet the aromas of sizzling food , fresh vegetables, fruit juices and coconut water transport you back to a tropical islandish existence. An aesthetically pleasing landscape of residential buildings, malls, universities, parks and temples all coming together with unfathomable synergy which dad and I enjoyed on our daily walks.

N (natural): Whether it is buzzing Sukhumvit or serene Kanchanaburi there is abundance everywhere. The land smells fresh, although it’s very cosmopolitan. The rain washes out the drudgery, lethargy and nudges u towards action. The earth has music for those who listen. Bangkok has sights to behold and ancestral stories, deeply haunting the spirit houses on pedestals which guard the land. The sunny patio, breezy winds, breakfast chat nurtured natural bonding with Shivaan , Ayu, Sid and Akshata as days passed.

G (grandness): It’s a Land of great Monasteries which gives this nation positivity. I often wondered where does the inner strength come from in Thailanders and why does it seem so holy and attuned. There’s not a trace of homelessness or robbery or crime. People seem to be content with what they have and live unhinged as if in a boat sailing nowhere but within. The Buddha, Vishnu and Ganesh temples add a spiritual dimension which seems to offset the pace of the modern world like a halo in a whirlwind.

K (kindhearted) : Cheerful and caring Thai people have a genuine spark of love, ease and connectivity. They care for seniors with such humility that I was touched to see the hotel people help my mom in and out of the wheel chair touching her legs, helping her balance. Even trained people in other countries wouldn’t go this extra mile for the elderly. The watchman doesn’t mind chatting with my dad in spite of language barrier.

O (opulent) : My nephew Ayu is a dare devil. He is fearless and outspoken. When I don’t listen to him, immediately my luggage is near the door and I am no longer needed in the house. He is not bound to anybody or anything then whether it is taekwondo , art class or Thai lessons. His fortitude can be tamed only by his mom, but in general he bounces back like the natives. Thai people are prosperous, agile and nimble. Look at Shivaan he is probably the fastest of all.

K ( kaleidoscopic): A multilayered, diverse culture with theatrics, freedom and a pure delight to be with Ayu and Shivu our rockstar sweethearts. Sid, Akshata went over and beyond in their kindness , hospitality and warmth the way it is ingrained in Thai culture. The incentive this time around was also the companionship of Aai and Papa (our kid number 3 and 4) which elevated my stay in Thailand to an unforgettable one of a kind experience. The cherry on top was Seeta Didis excellent cooking, Akshata’s Alu parathas and Sid’s knack of ordering the best delicacies in town.

Now It was time to leave Thailand and go to Newyork to my sister’s place. I reminded myself that I was going from the land of Gods to the land of Godessess.

Well if we have Shivba and Krishna , we also have feminine powers Lakshmi (Shreeya) , Saraswati (Saanvi) , Arya (Annapurna) and Aarohi (Maa Durga) . The shiv and shakti have intermingled with the Sawant’s and Gawde’s for a more esoteric genealogical grounding. I was on the cusp of witnessing Long Island through the lens of darling queens and vigorous soldiers Aai and Baba.

N (nectar) : If you ask my girls , their heart is in New York. No other city fascinates them more than the ever awake , glittering, shimmering beehive of US economy. Its nectar is unparalleled intoxicating visitors and locals with its charm and grandeur. Yet there are some unaffected by NY vibes like Aai who is more inward bound and likes strolling in the library with Aarohi.

E (energetic): I was there only for a week but everyday was a new excursion after finishing work. The wandering and visit to New York city in-spite of rain was very fulfilling. Ashutosh and Namita were always ready to go out , the delay of course from our own beauties if they could finish makeup on time. Aarohi although a kindergartner was in par with the other teenagers in grace and style. My energy would always come from subtler things like the Chai that Baba made and the cozy excursions with Aai to the Gurdwara.

W (work-centric): New Yorkers are work centric , fun loving with killer instinct to stay ahead and crush the competition. The overflowing subways , crowded railway stations , business attire , flooded food corners is the city’s spirit. I see the same non- stop pace in my sister work hours, brother in law’s skill to balance PWC travel, home and Maths tutoring, Saanvi’s resolve to skip India trip for studies and Aarohi who is an epitome of creativity, brains and street smartness. The place where you live moulds and mirrors your desires. The city slickers were transforming Shreeya and Arya too, who were now becoming more long islanders than San Franciscans. Who knows we might hold a wedding there in the future.

Y (youthful) : It seems like New York never ages and everyone is so youthful with trendy clothes, designer purses, sexy makeup and high heels. Rushing to the office, taking the subway, zigzagging through the skyscrapers , following Wall Street , experiencing Broadway there is no time to catch a breath or ponder on the past. I felt utterly young when we went to see Lion-king in theaters. Such an unforgettable experience with my daughters and nieces. While Namita and I went after finishing work the cousins spent the entire day there meeting us for an early Thai dinner before our show.

O (oceanic) : Long Island and surrounding cities have proximity to beautiful beaches and amazing views. Here certain beaches are tied to the respective counties. Tobay Beach is free for the residents of the town of Oyster Bay but non- residents may be subject to fee. It was a bit surprising but nevertheless the water is much warmer and the white sand felt luscious to the feet. We collected lot of seashells and had long walks. Aarohi was our leader and our travel guide.

R (raindrops): When I reached New York everybody said that I brought rain from Thailand which is true because it was raining there too. I just love rain it makes me nostalgic. Vivian Greene said “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass , it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Ashutosh used to take us for an outing every evening in-spite of wet weather. That gave us a little bit of winter NY vibes slithery, cloudy engulfing us in chilly flurries. The town colors its dwellers and Namita’s unique and flavorful dishes built our appetite alongside frequent downpours.

K ( kingship) : The city is historical and multifaceted with its art museums, original Dutch colony, Brooklyn bridge, jazz origins and iconic Statue of Liberty. Its rich culture influences the people around. Just like the urban grit, there is always a hustle in the Gawde house with Baba planting in the garden, loading the dishwasher, performing morning Puja. Aai serving new and traditional recipes, doing pranayama yoga, Ashutosh pairing exquisite sauces with authentic cuisines , the majestic Namita juggling with work , hospitality and household chores. All this put together gives a tranquil home which always feels lived in and welcoming.

Each day was a new experience and exploration with our local trips and foodie adventures. Shreeya and Arya were ready to hop on a plane back to NY immediately after landing in CA.. that says it all. I will never forget my bonding with Aai and Baba over a cup of tea and cucumber cake.

The hospitality from Bangkok to New York left me speechless and turned me into a storyteller. Let’s go bonkers where the Thais, New Yorkers, Dubliners and senior Indians get lost and find each other again on a new adventure.

“ Just this” a common phrase used by my daughter Shreeya. On numerous occasions it comes up and it’s funny how easily she says it.

“Just this mommy” pops up when there is a desire to do something trendy. A never ending wishlist which surfaces every now and then.

Just this tattoo and there will be no more. Just one more ear piercing and that would be all that is needed. Of course when she says it aloud she doesn’t mention that the phrase “Just This” is relevant for today and ends with today. Tomorrow there will be a new idea and it will also be “Just this”.

I love artistic words and short phrases. Some of them are really iconic “Forever free” , “Perfectly imperfect”, “Chill out” , “Game On”, “ Everything count’s”, “Hello Gorgeous”.

“Just this” .. falls in this category ..cute and memorable coming from our own GenerationZ or Zoomers. However there is something really deep underneath this…it’s a killer instinct to setup one more goal , to embrace one more change, to conquer one more obstacle. And I hope I could immerse myself in the undercurrent of its playfulness.

Just this time , I let go

Just this time, I turn around

Just this time, I pick up the stitch

Just this time, I getup from a corporate ditch

Enrich me with the passion of just this time

No one else thinks of mom the way Shreeya does, although she loves having money and hates seeing her bank balance go down she bought me these beautiful gifts in the spur of just this cadence.

I love the zoomers just this time and for eternity.

“We keep thinking , thinking and thinking”…This is the opening statement of any girls only event in the making. Well luckily we passed this phase and decided to go to Cabo but everything was up in the air until we finally got our tickets booked. It was a smaller group but a mighty one for sure.

There were 6 of us The Producer, The Director, The Executive Producer, The Entertainer, The Editor, and The Script writer. This was our movie and we were the main characters 💃🏽💄👠

The Producer:

Tanveen was the one who initiated the idea of going to Cabo when it was beaten up and put aside for so long. She was also coordinating the production line on all fronts. She got the momentum going and enticed us to sign up for our next girls only trip. There was lot of research, planning, looking for deals , airfare which Jasmeet and Tanveen did single-handedly . Kudos to them for getting us the best package with affordable rates. Tanveen our foremost crew member was always easily accessible to help out and keep the camera rolling. Our trip was scheduled from Feb 1st to Feb 4th. From the airport lounge to Mexico, scenes just rolled as we were jet-setting with the girl gang. After all they say “Anything is possible with a little lipstick and a champagne.”

The Director:

Shruthi our director is the most enthusiastic of all, and the crew looked up to her as a leader, motivator and path setter. We all get so busy in our daily lives but yet somewhere at the back of our mind we know that we are part of the Dublin crew which is capable of much more than the “sleeping beauty” status that we have earned for ourselves. Shruthi wakes us up from our slumber and often succeeds in steering the wheel of our Cadillac which she thinks should be a Bugatti. Well now she has another title of wellness keeper. The very first day after we checked in and went down for Mexican buffet , she was the only one looking for salads while we were piling our plates with delicacies. The soft music at “The Secret” , the aroma of food, sound of the waves in the background transported us to a lifestyle of freedom and independence , often trampled upon by responsibilities and sometimes self inflicted burdens. Here we were strong, joyful with our passion burning brighter than our fears.

The Executive Producer:

Well some girls are born leaders, they are the life force of the group. Ruchi always leads top down, bottom up, any angle you project she is meant to lead and evaluate the plethora of options. Our production line included accommodation for vegetarians, designer dresses, cool hats and beautiful jewelry. Ruchi made sure we looked glamorous enough setting standards that we could follow. Moreover couple of times we did get applauded on how cool we looked together as besties. After all a good movie is all about good reviews and publicity. Our thursday night prelaunch party included Mexican food. Friday started off with a wholesome breakfast and pool. The cool water, the handsome aerobics water instructor , the Martinis, Margaritas and the beach vibes we could handle it all. It seemed like time had stopped , we were transported to a world where there was no work, no chores, no nagging worries about the kids , no family obligations, our soul could just shed all the layers and be our authentic selves , dancing to the rhythm of sunshine and waves. Ruchi is the one with sweet tooth , her indulgence and recommendations on the pastries, soufflés were so accurate , that we just followed our queen.

The Entertainer:

Neelam has moves to die for. She is such a bubbly exuberant personality , the focal point of any group. She is like a flower , when it blooms all the bees flock around her. She was my room partner and we formed an excellent duo by motivating each other. I almost dragged her out of bed to see the sunrise each day and it was quite a run to the beach. At the end it was all worthwhile because after reaching there Neelam just took over the scene picturing the awesome views for profile photos. She looks beautiful from every angle whether she is center stage or just a backdrop .. like a butterfly with wings closed or open it is still beautiful.

We went for Asian dinner on Friday , hibachi style and joined a brides dance group late in the night. It was an Afro dance with wild hip moves and Neelam danced like a pro. Our cute actress never misses a chance to dance.

Here’s the number one song of our super duper hit movie.

The Editor:

Kinnari was our editor, connector , our lemon lady as shiny, juicy and vibrant as the lemons which she distributes amongst her friends. An editors role is very important to connect the shots, scenes, sequences to keep the storyline moving. She can balance out the passive with the aggressive , slow with fast, and mild with the strong. Kinnari was always ready to stand in line for a dinner reservation, accompany in sip and savor events . One of our scene was with the mixologists who would pair the alcoholic brands with the right food to unravel the taste and aromas of Mexican liquors. Any event in making she is one of the first responders to say yes or no, with an acute sense of better photographic locations, transitions, sound and rhythmic progression of events. By the way she also says “Cut” when she does not like any scene.

The Script writer:

Well somebody has to tell the stories, churn the words, entice people and capture the moments. I am the revealer of the events and also the custodian of the secrets at “The Secret”. Few years from now may be somebody turns the pages , to get a glimpse of the marvelous trip that these amazing ladies had in Mexico. Who is to tell history has its own way of repeating itself and the next time around may be the clan is bigger and merrier at another authentic destination. Well who doesn’t like to imagine a bunch of sexy ladies, sitting on the beach sipping Margaritas in cocktail dresses , feathery hats, point heels and glossy lipstick. Another smashing sequel “ An ode to friendship in Hawaii?? coming soon..

Episode 4219 : Tanveen and Kinnari‘s excursions

Episode 4316 : Shruthi and Ruchi’s excursions:

Episode 4307: Neelam and Deepali’s excursions:

Nothing is EPIC unless your friends are there to see it💕

What can I say about my Mama , he is the most genuine person I have seen thus far. He has that aura around him that attracts, influences and calms people. So I googled a little bit to find out what is Mama’s birthstone and does it tell anything about his personality. Expectedly his birthstone is Amethyst , a deep purple gemstone associated with royalty. It symbolizes deep love, happiness, humility, sincerity, wisdom and mental clarity. Mama like an Amethyst embodies deep compassion, love and peace the kind you need to soothe your mind, body and soul.

Mama has a perfect soulmate Mami. The deep colors of purple of Mamas genealogy are more luminous when Vijayalakshmi (Viju mami) stands by him. Her birthstone also coincidentally has shades of blue. To us she is the strength, determination, balance, creativity that easily blends Mamas purple hues and together they create an ocean like colossal backdrop for anyone who comes in their vicinity. When you visit their home it’s as if you have entered an oasis of love, acceptance, simplicity not too much, not too little just perfect like the Goldilocks and 3 bears children story’s virtuous message of “ just right”.

So when Mama asked if I would like to travel with him on a road trip for Harshal’s wedding reception…it was a resounding yes from me. Who would miss the opportunity to travel back in time to see if you could find any connections to the land Jalgaon where the Kasle siblings spent some of their childhood years.

It took me back to the reminiscences of growing up as a kid. Mamas multiple visits to Bopodi to take me to Queens Garden on weekends to my grandma’s place, his bringing us Dairy Milk chocolate. Even today Mama and Mami get us Amba barfi from Pradeep. Their sweetness permeates our life and sanctifies it.

Mama is extra special , he is the peaceful one from the Kasle family. So if I were to use a planetary system for my maternal family my mom is will power like the planet Mars. She has the drive and aggression. Bhai Mama represented practicality and expansion like the planet Saturn, Vasanti Mavshi was vigor and responsibilities like Jupiter , Pushpa Mavshi is humility, grace and emotions like Uranus , Nandu mama represents a path forward, transformation, journey , travel like Mercury. All of them emerging from Aba’s sun like power and vitality and Aaji’s moon like spiritual, emotional, cooling that bound everything together. Yes the Kasle’s are the shining stars within our family tree.

Mama and Mami’s universe are their 2 kids Ameya and Harshal who are equally, grounded, earnest, sincere just like their parents.

So this time when I got to travel with them , I quickly grabbed the opportunity.

The occasion was Mama’s son Harshal’s wedding reception near Jalgaon. So here we were traveling with their beautiful daughter in law. My mom was also traveling with me and we were also accompanied by Chitra Mami and Shirish Mama. We started around 8 am on Saturday. Our first stop was at a breakfast place where we had Misal Pav and pohe.

I was riding with Chitra Mami , Shirish Mama and mom in another car. There was not a single dull moment as Shirish Mama kept us entertained throughout our journey with his humor and anecdotes. Time flew by so fast and we were already stopping by for Lunch at a Gujrati Thali restaurant.

We reached Shendurni around 5 pm where we were welcomed by Devshri’s relatives with flowers, Chai and biscuits. After taking some rest dinner was served at the restaurant. It was tasty jalgoan food which included egg plant and other delicacies.

The next day was the wedding reception. There was a surprise for me and mom .. a beautician Monica allotted to us for our makeup. It was so nice of Devshri to think about us in her busy schedule. She is so lively and grounded that just looking at her makes you feel happy. She fills the room with her smile and grace. She is the sunshine in Harshal’s life.

What a fabulous event , seemed like the entire city was there for the wedding reception. It was a daunting task for the bride and bridegroom as they were continuously standing on the podium to greet the well wishers. A long day indeed for them because after the event they also had to visit Devshri’s house and the temples to seek the blessings of the holy shrine. For the rest of us we had a good reception lunch and headed back to our hotel to freshen up and rest. My mom took a nap while I sat in the front porch enjoying the charm of a new city. The dinner served was truly Khandeshi with shev bhaji and vangyacha bharit. Some of the dishes were so authentic. People were still pouring in to meet the newly wed couple as we were going to leave for Pune the next day.

We slept early as we had to start around 6.30 am the next morning. We lingered a while enjoying the beauty of that warm cozy hotel and took some lovely pictures before we started our journey back.

Chitra Mami and my mom had a special bond, they were assisting each other to overcome some of the fatigue that came with the journey but at the same time savoring jubilant enchanting moments of connectedness, relationships and humor. Our journey was like boondi sev desert sweet and salty side by side, some exhaustion but bountiful of new experiences and insights by meeting Devshri’s relatives and friends. I was especially struck by the simplicity and humility of her parents although they are such a renowned name in town. Infact the hospitality of all the Kashid’s out there was one of a kind, generous and warm, managing such an overturn of people without making anybody feel rushed. All the guests were respected, honored and well fed with amazing food.

Our last destination was a hotel where we dined together before heading home. Mama ordered a tall cake ice cream smoothie and only shared with me. Anybody can tell that I am his favorite niece 💃🏽😜

What a fascinating experience that will be remembered for many years. As we get older I think it’s good to document our culture , our history and explore a little about where we come from and where we are heading. Who would ever think Harshal and Devshri , childhood St Ursula school buddies would turn out to be soulmates later in their lives. As Einstein said “God does not play dice”, so I often wonder how do things come to a full circle , how seemingly unknown people get connected, how generations develop into new offsprings. I may be just scraping the surface but family origins, history of our forefathers, good deeds of our parents, our identity, ancestry keeps forming those ripples in water which become larger and larger to connect us to the ocean. It’s seldom the destination it’s always the journey.

If you know me I like analogies. My Mama was the steering cheering us , taking us to our destination, Devshri the wheels our younger generation giving the car the momentum, Shirish Mama was our all time favorite radio FM keeping us entertained and informed , Chitra Mami with her teacherly discipline our speed making sure journey was smooth and timely, Mom represented the mirrors, time traveling looking back , looking ahead, Mami the engine that bears the load , the energy and the life force , Harshal the fuel maintaining the equilibrium between the new and old. I was the passenger in this well churned car of ours who was greatly honored to be part of an outstanding road trip.

Australia here we come..,

Day1 (Thursday) : We had Air Canada flight in the afternoon at San Francisco airport. Our luggage was all packed and Uber was right on time. Once at the airport the excitement of seeing a new country was all sinking in. While kids were wandering around I was watching the airport hustle some people arriving home some departing to a new land.

Day2 (Friday) : We had 3 hr halt at Vancouver , after that another 16 hrs to Sydney. We all were relishing our in transit time anticipating the vibes of a new place.

Day3(Saturday) : We landed around 9.30 am on Saturday morning and after our immigration and baggage claim we were looking for Sandesh my brother in law. We were going to meet him after a long time. It was fun to just walk to his house , have a nice cup of tea with omelette, bread. We loved Sandesh’s cozy apartment. After resting for a while we went to our hotel to shower and take a quick nap. In the evening we had loads of fun as we hitchhiked through Sydney , watching street shows and settling down for a quiet dinner.

Day4(Sunday): We got up early, all excited to start our tours and had breakfast at a local cafe. Sandesh had already planned the day for us, a visit to the museum of art . It’s a 3 floors building with lot of culture and history. We took our time exploring the different artifacts and preservations. In the evening we went to Ganesh’s friends Jagadish’s house and spent good time with some awesome food . We looked at their backyard and there was every possible vegetable and fruit trees so nicely grown. He seemed to be a real farmer at heart.

Day5( Monday): It was public holiday on Monday so we did more sight seeing of iconic places like the Oprah house and then took a ferry to the Taro ga Sydney zoo. Kids loved to see so many different animals that we don’t get to see in India or the United States . We also ate some yummy Australian burgers and ate Thai food in China town.

Day6 (Tuesday): It was time to fly to Cairns we had a morning flight and reached Cairns around 3pm . The drive to our Air B&B was scenic with lush green scenery all year around . Our little apartment was right in front of the ocean with a sidewalk stretching for miles. It was like a dream location with small town vibes. We absolutely loved it and kids were excited to go to the beach and have dinner in one of the pizzerias.

Day7(Wednesday): We got up early as we had booked a bus and then a trip to Barron Gorge National park. It was a boat trip to the island where my girls were taking scuba diving lessons. There was lunch provided on the beach itself and all around we had deep blue water. We also went to the crocodile show on the island and met 92 yrs old crocodile hunter and art collector. It was such an honor to see the store run by Georges daughter Fiona at the Great Barrier Reef.

Day8 (Thursday): Our second day in Cairns, we had booked sky ride to Kuranda village. It was such a thrilling experience to watch the lush green forest from the gondola like rails running back and forth on wires. We got down at certain points near waterfalls took pictures , soaked in the serenity and freshness of the forest. We reached Kuranda village and we had 3 to 4 hrs before we took the train ride back. In Kuranda we ate local food, visited butterfly garden, looked at the local shops , visited the farmers market and looked at the landscape blooming with tropical flowers and fruits.

Day9(Friday): This was our last day at Cairns and we had an evening flight.We checked out moved our luggage to a storing facility as we wanted to go to the Cairns Aquarium. The girls were excited for the lunch before touring the Aquarium. It was an awesome experience just getting absorbed in the beauty of the marine world, so many varieties of fishes, corals, sea horses and reptiles. After the Aquarium we picked our luggage and headed to the airport and reached Sydney late night The hotel we were staying this time was really a high tech one with motion sensor touch screen devices like the cooking range and other appliances . Also it looked very modern with refrigerator, microwave tucked behind the closets.

Day10 ( Saturday): We went for a walk to bring some breakfast items as we had kitchen in our hotel room. This was other side of Sydney closer to the airport. We woke up the kids , had breakfast and went to meet Sandesh at 11 am. Our plan was to visit Oprah house and take pictures. We were also planning to go to the beach for a board walk. We took a bus to Bondi beach and took the coastal walk around cemetery to Bronte. The views of the ocean were amazing with such deep blue water and luscious frothy waves. We also had lunch at. Beach side cafe.

Day 11(Sunday): Today was our last day at Sydney and we wanted to make the most of it. So we decided to do simple things , we looked at the Sydney Cricket stadium and had lunch with Sandesh. We also saw the beautiful architecture buildings with stained glass windows. Shreeya wanted to buy Pandora bracelet charm which was cheaper as compared to US. We grabbed ice cream and cream cheese cakes from a famous bakery. We also grabbed Indian food and went to Sandesh’s apartment to have tea and quiet dinner. Next day we had a flight back to SFO. We spent a comfortable evening talking , watching TV, taking pictures. Time just flew and it was time to get back to hotel as we had some leftover packing to be done. Our shuttle to airport was 6.15 am in the morning so we wanted to get some good rest.

Our stay in Australia gave each one of us a fresh perspective on life.

To Shreeya it was seeing new places, trying new cuisines, taking insta worthy pictures and observing the cool lifestyle of Aussie girls.

To Arya it was the thrill of the beaches, watching TV at different locations , photography, and enjoying her favorite mango sticky rice.

To Ganesh it was bonding with his brother , spending quality time with family, checking out the Sydney Cricket Ground and buying Australian t-shirts.

To Sandesh it was a pleasant experience , we were his family who visited and actually spent time with him at his apartment.

For me it was the experience of being in a new country and embracing the beauty and traditions of the Aussies.

With family , bonds are nourished, travels are enjoyed, food is savored, stories are shared , magical memories are made.. that’s why they say …family is not a thing it’s everything .

This is a flip article to the one I wrote earlier when I visited India. This time it was my parents who were visiting us. Back then I was a guest, now I am a host.

Week1: My parents land safely in SFO and are home. We are so excited to have them over. Their jet lag is weaning slowly. Sometimes Shreeya goes and gives mom food upstairs which she enjoys to eat while looking at the beautiful golf course view outside. Both mom and dad come down on time for morning tea and breakfast. Mom then walks in our backyard before heading for shower. It’s her own little routine that she is setting up for herself. Dad is a bit slow lingering in the bed perhaps longer than usual , enjoying the free time and relaxation. Its like the honeymoon aura when you know that your vacation has just started and you are feeling the warmth of the place. When I went to India my initial days were spent getting up early , sweeping in mom’s backyard , listening to the birds and waiting for her to call me for tea. My parents are doing the same here admiring the art pieces , lounging in different parts of the house, watching the kids come and go.

Week2: By now my parents have settled in a routine. They call my brother in Thailand in the morning after breakfast and then make some India phone calls to friends and relatives . My attempt is to give them balanced and wholesome meals. Mom especially likes Thai , Chinese , Italian food so for dinner our menu is versatile. Afternoon tea used to be our leisure time when we would finish work and huddle around the dining table with savory snacks usually talking to my sister about my nieces, work , day to day activities and life in New York, Long Island. This was the period of anticipation and exploring the Dublin vibes and connecting to local friends. We invited Chitra Mavshi and her family for dinner and my parents were so happy to meet them. Connecting with fellow travelers and sharing their experiences would give them great joy. In India I felt the same bonding with my nieces, uncle , aunts , friends, cousins, visiting them felt like a celebration.

Week3: We wanted to venture out and show them some cool places . We did some local trips like San Francisco, Livermore . The more interesting ones were when we went to LA and Vegas. Mom cannot walk much so we used a wheel chair especially when we had to cover longer distances. They were really enjoying the warm weather of California and the beautiful views of LA and Vegas. We also looked at few colleges on our way UCLA , UC Santa Barbara and USC for my daughter who will be graduating soon. With age any trip is tiring but my parents still kept up with my demands like come out of the car, walk little bit, don’t eat junk food , stay away from phone. Now when I look back I feel bad .. my mom and dad let me be when I visited without any nagging instructions , then why was I so intimidating. Tides turn, you parent the ones by whom u were parented. But always remember “The way you treat your parents is like the story you write but your children read it to tell you.” I get nostalgic about my visit to India out of all the hustle, the day trips, the vacations and shopping the quiet moments when I sat on the swing in our porch , or read the local newspaper with a cup of tea or looked outside the window and saw some old faces those are the images which are so vivid and clear like the unsung notes in between a composition , filling the heart with more melody. Likewise I ponder if my parents memorable moments would be the morning breakfast , afternoon naps, the one time when Arya listened to them about clothing style and Shreeya promised to come home on time.

Week4: My parents stay in CA was almost coming to an end as they were preparing to travel to east coast to my sisters place. My dad had already advised Shreeya and Arya about our culture , values , respect and upbringing which my kids agreed and promised to assimilate small portions of it in their lifestyle. It was really hard to say goodbye to them, the days had just flown by so quickly. It was a memorable summer for all of us and I wished if they could have stayed just a bit longer.

So here we are 6 months after my parents left for India.. the picture of my mom sitting in our guest bedroom , holding the stairs going back and forth , is so clear as if they are right here. My dad walking though our neighborhood , watching cricket with Ganesh, enjoying his whiskey pegs in the comfort of their daughters house is more than a memory , flipped in time but everlasting and eternal.

This time around we experienced their idiosyncrasies like mom’s attraction to the phone, their biases among their kids, playful cravings for ice cream or drinks , fear of getting sick in a foreign country, the weight of aging , facing Covid , dwindling confidence..yet what stood out clearly is that a parents love is whole no matter how many times divided.

As usual my parents worry about us although we are grownups , now they even worry about the grandkids. I wonder if they could ever let go their fears and insecurities. They have done their share of hard work now it’s our turn to anchor the boat.

We recently were invited to a friends house for a ghazal night. It was one of a kind experience. There was beauty, serenity, food and melodious music which made the evening throb with vitality and wonder.

Here are few of my favorite ghazals :

1. Yeah Kakaz ki kashti

2. Hosh Walon ko Khabar kya zindagi kya cheez hain

3. Tum itna kyon muskara rahi hon

4. Baat niklegi tho door talak jayegi

5. Sharrab cheez hi aisi hain

And so on an on .. a mesmerizing outlandish dusk savored and cherished by each one of us and devoted to great singers like Jagjit Singh, Ghulam Ali , Pankaj Udaas , Hariharan.

The hosts Parag and Pratima had organized this event in honor of Parag’s fathers 75th birthday. What a novel idea which was executed flawlessly in the comfort of home with well renowned Bay Area singer Avinash and company.

Sometimes melody is the only thing that the heart and soul needs.

Notes 🥁 are an outburst of the soul when they penetrate life resonates.

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I was so looking forward to my India trip.. after 3 yrs of Covid isolation going to my parents house, visiting my birth country , fantasizing touch down to Pune , Mumbai, witnessing it firsthand was paramount and nothing could stand in its way , such was my resolve.

So I landed on Dec 14th leaving San Francisco and my home town Dublin far behind. I travelled without family so here I am ready to explore my roots , experience the beat of my homeland . I will write a monologue here some conversations that I had to lay out the perspectives on aging, coming home , modern India, food and transitions.

Nutan (Sister in Law): Welcome to Mumbai! So many things have changed since we last met, we got our house renovated lucky to have it completed just before Indias lockdown began during the fatal 2nd wave of Corona. The carefully selected color palette , hand picked furniture, a spacious kitchen and study for Pranav gives me a sense of togetherness. My home remodeling project kept me busy plus now I have another beauty parlor to care for. Pranav is preparing for his 10th, Umesh is busy with his work. Mom has turned 75 but the irony is she lost her 2 brothers one after the other just around her birthday and with that blow she has aged even more. I have several grays in my hair and an increasing waistline. Welcome and so good to see you.

I thanked Nutan for her amazing fish curries, fish fry and chicken and also for working on my beauty needs , polishing up a bit on hairdo and skin in her parlor before I headed out to Pune, Satish came to pick me up.

Satish( Our Driver): You are visiting after a long time Tai , how is Jiju, Shreeya and Arya? My older girl goes to Marathi medium as English is little tough for her but younger son is learning English and doing well in school. Tai do you want chai from “Dutta”. We can detour on our way to Pune. We always stop there for a little break. My wife no longer takes order for Chapattis. I told her to just concentrate on the kids. By Gods grace we have enough. The only complain they have is since we bought Maruti we haven’t really gone anywhere on a vacation perhaps I will take them somewhere for a day or two around 14th Feb to celebrate my birthday with family.

While Satish was telling me about his life I was wondering how things keep moving ahead and as they unfold our past builds up in front of our own eyes.

Dad: Welcome home beta , make yourself comfortable. Age is catching up but , I am still working at the age of 76. To tell you the truth Business is down and Mavshi’s demise is a major setback to our family. She was the support system that we could bank on in times of need but her passing make things look shadowy grim. My legs are not that strong and sometimes I wobble while walking. On the brighter side we got the house at our native place rebuilt in time. It feels good to go there in Ganpati and pay dues to our deity. It’s our legacy and somebody has to carry the torch and move ahead. Progress is good and necessary but faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. Don’t forget my “Ravalnath” ever.

While I was there in India I was watching dad closely. Sometimes in the morning I would start my day by sweeping our little garden admiring the flowers and plants that keep my parents company. The creepers and the long standing shrubs quietly were saying to me see how tall and strong we have grown that we can shelter and shade the inhabitants. Aging is incredible , wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been. Dad was walking besides me looking for the newspaper. He sprayed it with disinfectant before taking it home.

Mom: Tai how are you .. why didn’t the kids come haven’t seen them for so long. How is Ganesh would have been nice if all of you would have come together. Now with age can’t do much around the house , but cooking and cleaning I still manage with the help of the bai. You guys go for the wedding , Papa and I will stay back , can’t handle larger crowds. It’s also safer that way. Tai this Thursday is “MargAshish” you can do the Puja , we will make “Puranpoli” for “Nevedya”. Tai come over for tea it’s the only time when daily chores haven’t caught up so we can relax and chit chat. TV is our only entertainment in the evening, come you also watch Marathi serials. They only run for half an hour.

During my entire stay in India I slept in moms bedroom. Proximity to her was my goal, hovering around to see how she operates. It was rediscovering motherhood. After lunch our kamvali Mavshi would do the cleaning and leave the kitchen spic and span. Not only did I bond with my parents but also with every room of the house as I cleaned and organized a little bit each day. The people and things around looked different, older so sprinkling a little pixie dust would perhaps heal, rejuvenate, transform the grayness to silver.

Siddhesh: Taidya we will be leaving for Kankavli on Tuesday. We can celebrate Mom and Dads wedding anniversary in Goa at a seaside restaurant along with Akshata’s Aai and Baba. It would be a befitting treat for them after a long standing wait of so many years. Once we get back from Kankavli we have only a day or two in between to shop for Sumeet’s wedding. So let’s make the most of it. Remind me to buy footwear for Mommy .. she likes them from the mall.

Such was Sid’s enthusiasm and rightly so. He has always been like that dashing, fun loving, stylish with the aura of a king. Akshata and Ayu’s energy make the trio unbeatable players. The day they reached Pune everything started throbbing with energy and life. My time with Ayu was magical. Often he called me “Bad boy Attu”. There has never been any title better than those 3 syllables.

We left for our native place and I stayed with my in-laws for a day. “Tulsa bhavan” felt tranquil. My in-laws are getting older too , same story as my parents. Their pulsating wrinkled hands, a little bend in the back mirrors grace and wisdom.

Akshata: Tai let’s go and get some fresh vegetables from Kankavli market. On our way back we can also get some fresh lime soda. I like to come here often it brings back good old childhood memories.

Akshata was maneuvering the way .. the leader she is through and through. Her confidence , grace and her ability to be one with the crowd is commendable. After all she was the only one who could speak fluent Malvani and gel with the natives.

We came back to Pune and were eagerly waiting for Namita and Aarohi to join us. I was very excited to see my niece after a long time. Aarohi is gorgeous and super talented. Namita and I met all our relatives when we went to Sumeets haldi and wedding.

Namita: Tai look at the beautiful costumes, hairdo , makeup and theme based jewelry. The couple is so simple compared to the extravagant crowd. Our marriages were so subdued and underplayed. The millennials have redefined the standards and infused stardom, glamour in any event shelling out not just money but time, marketing ,advertisement and well executed plans.

Namita is a natural leader. She is the middle one connecting the old with the new. Her sense of fashion, networking, ingenuity makes her the favorite go to person. We all went to Mahabaleshwar to celebrate 31st in a villa up the hills. The food , the ambience, the cooks all made it so memorable with the extended family.

In every family there is a giver with outstretched palms and a zest to put others before one’s own self. On our side of family my dad qualifies for it and on Akshata’s side in addition to her dad it is undoubtedly Kamlesh. As my dad says “Kamlesh shivay maja nahi.” There was so much to learn from the Sawant’s. I had the good fortune of being in their company and learning from them that at the end of the day what matters is the ordinary magic of life ( mulyachi bhaji , ambolya and chicken that Akshatas mom served us or the jokes that her dad kept telling us throughout our journey)

The finale was my Moms 75th birthday Jan6th 2022 , the same day I had the flight back to US. With a heavy heart I board the plane replaying the nostalgic memories of my beautiful days yet eagerly looking forward to share these shades of gray with my near and dear ones in California. The gray had blended with other colors and turned into a rainbow.