Trip to the Silicon valley

A shorter trip this time. To California. Not a single minute went without the thrill of witnessing the beautiful sights along the Highway 1 or the ultimate shows at Universal or the sand n snow combination at Plam Springs.

Even before we landed our foot in California we were warned about the Highway 1 route from San Francisco to LA. And after driving through the valleys and peaks I do realise that they were not just false claims. We did encounter the fog, but it wasn't as bad as it could get. The view was truly breathtaking. The Pacific on the right (a mere 30ft to our right and 100ft below) and mountains on the left. Some of the scenery was so beautiful that you think it to be unreal. There is the omnipresent mist in the air, fog over the road, sunshine kissing land through the fog, beautiful houses on the mountain slopes, it doesn't get better than this.

The Universal Studios in LA is worth every penny of the ticket they charge. The sets of Mummy was exceptional. In fact we enjoyed Universal so much that Disneyland was a big let down. Overcrowded place, one hour lines and cheesy displays and rides. The fireworks show was also just average. I think the one I saw at Seaworld, San Antonio TX was memorable than this.

The next day we went to Plam Springs and the place was just awesome. Desert on the plains, it has snow clad mountains as we scaled the altitude in the ropeway tram. Temperatures were in the lower 40s at the top and it was a sunny day!
The ride back to SF was an iffy affair. About 500 miles to drive I could have barely made it for the filght. To add to the misery there was the vacation traffic. But we have mastered the mapping skills and took alternative routes to avoid bumping into the traffic. Driving at 85-90 mph I finally reached SF on time for a red eye flight.

Others are still enjoying at Lake Tahoe or SF. I have to make another trip to see SF!

Fulfilling Trip

Well all good things come to an end, even if you don't want them to. And so has my vacation. That time flew faster than the speed of thought is evidence of a great holiday. And the shortness ensured that I lived every moment of it.

This time was special for me. I was to see everyone after two and a half years! Which made me the center of attention all the while. Right from the special broadband connection at home, to the special luncheons and dinners, to the boiled water, to the special food, to the special cell phone line, everything was made out just for me. Parents had taken off form work for the entire period.
The trip was also made special by being able to watch the favorite TV shows that were only heard of and downloaded here. I was also able to witness the God of cricket make history. And above all I found the one who I look forward to live with for life.

While everyday on the trip was great, special were the Sundays and the Mondays. I was with my partner every Sunday and Monday, be it in Mumbai or Pune. It was hard and difficult to come out of the dream period. But I guess that because it was limited and short, it was special. Now begins the period where it would be all anticipation and eagerness towards the big day!

The omnipresent salesman

This place is really catching up with the west when it comes to malls and movie halls. I went around a few malls and if I shot pictures it would be difficult to tell where I was. But there is still one thing that marks the difference between the west and east malls. In the west you are left to decide on your own and do your shopping. Here they have salesmen in every aisle. The salesman will answer your silliest questions, show you the various types and sell you the product unlike the west. So even if the mals have sprung like anything the "sale" hasen't become westernized. I guess this is semi-modernization of this place and I love it this way. You get all the benefits of a mall and also get the help we are used to while shopping. You can make this place modern but it will not loose its traditional ways!!