India- The elixir of Life-First of the Two part series

Traversing Kerala

According to the Hindu mythology, lord Vishnu appeared as an enchantress who stole amrita: the elixir of life from the asuras, and passed it to the devas protecting their immortality. This legend in essence is the bane of my pining soul. Having crossed 8,438 miles in search of happiness and independence, I find my eternal elixir tucked away in this intriguing, and paradoxical nation- India. I have been fortunate enough to travel the lengths of this country at different times in my life. From the breathtaking peaks of the Himalayas in the North to the sangamam of the three seas in Kanyakumari in the Southern most tip, I have felt raptured and overwhelmed all at the same time.  Diversity is such an intrinsic fabric of the nation that sometimes one needs to stop and appreciate the scenes for they may go unnoticed. This is exactly what I did this vacation

Traveling from US to India via Abu Dhabi with my little one was no less than a herculean task. Yet the palpable tension seemed within bounds. Experience makes one wiser, and to me the mere four hour flight was a frivolous exercise in time. We landed in God’s own country, Kerala on sep 26,2010. It is a land still pristine thanks to the years of communist reign, which I might add could well be a blessing in disguise. The breathtaking greenery of Kerala is in a way an anti climax to the rest of the nation forging ahead at a breakneck speed.

My road trips here often led to the discovery of vast expanses of mystical lands wrapped in innumerable Hindu temples.  They were not merely places of worship but also immaculate structures of architectural delights. Tilting roofs paid homage to deities ensconced by brilliantly lit vellakus. In an ethereal setting, it was fascinating to hear the stories surrounding these surreal idols. Each of the temples deemed to have a specific purpose in life. And every tradition,ritual, practice reinforced the power of belief.  As the deities harbingered landmarks in our lives, I felt galvanized. That to me was an enthralling spiritual experience. And through the myriad visits to the holy places, I garnered my bonuses. My mantra was the enlightenment of the soul, which I got in ample doses.

An enlightened mind seeks a rejuvenated body, which led me to the discovery of Ayurvedic bliss in Kerala. There were plenty of ayur clinics to tantalize my palette. Alias my troubled limbs, I paid my perfunctory visit to one such centre. Nestled in a crowded by lane, it was a cocoon of sorts for me. In a no-fancy room, equipped with basic amenities, the massage was pure luxury. The use of medicated oils and the rhythmic massage moments rejuvenated my spirits. In the days to follow, my steps felt lighter and my mind chirpier.

I was also on the verge of making yet another cultural discovery: watching and understanding kathakali. Like everything else in Kerala, this masterpiece is shrouded in mystery and benightedness. It is not easy to find performances, let alone understand the nuances of this intricate art form. Finally I did get a taste of it from the Cochin art center. We were introduced briefly into this ancient art form. Backstage we witnessed the dancers slipping into their avatars. Make-up made of vegetable dyes was applied on their faces.  And literally these mortal men were transforming into something else. When we were finally introduced to the artists, they had metamorphosed into ethereal creatures. Donning mammoth costumes, the kathakali dancer rocked the stage. His intricate eyes moments; hand gestures and effortless dancing took me to an alternate world. In hindsight, it was mindboggling to think the years that these dancers must have taken to master this extreme art form.

Amidst the cultural regenesis, Kerala has given me an unforgettable treasure. I came to discover my lineage in yet another adventurous journey. I paid homage to my grandfather’s abode tucked away in the remote corner of Haripad.To my utter disbelief the house was as he had left it some six decades ago. I was fascinated to see the house my grandfather had lived throughout his childhood and adult years. This house that lay witness to the trails that my family went through, will firmly be etched in my memory. So here I was discovering Kerala in all her true colors. The trip summed up by boat rides on the still backwaters, visits to kovils, and discovery of ancient art forms has been an enriching learning experience. As I lay witness to the cultural resplendence of a city on the throngs of economic boom, I daresay Kerala truly is “God’s Own Country”

Dubai

Aerial views from Burj Khalifa

Dubai is a nation juxtaposed in imageries and ethnicities, a cultural melting pot where the east meets the west. To an independent observer it’s intriguing to watch the interactions between the different cultures; an ethos that is both organic and symbiotic in nature. Setting aside racial biases, it has truly been an enriching learning experience, one that began more than a decade ago for me. My father moved to the Middle East in the nineties, a period characterized by radical economic changes for India. The Indian economy had just opened up to globalization, and with the burgeoning aspirations of the middle class population, many were seeking the Arabian shores to start afresh.

For our family though it was a move predisposed by adversity. In hind sight it was a turning point of sorts in our lives. We were all of a sudden exposed to this vibrant culture that we knew little or nothing about. I vividly remember my first trip; I was wrought with apprehension and anxiety. But my fears melted away with time. Indeed I saw the peaceful co-existence of the different cultures, each maintaining their own individual identities and yet blending with the multi cultural fabric of the nation. In a way fashion and attitudes were also defined by these values. It was hardly strange to see Arab women draped in the trendiest abayas strutting confidently as did women in saris and salwar kameezes. Western stores like Zara, Mango, and Berksha displayed their western styles with élan as did the local Arabic, Indian and Pakistani stores. There was a cultural openness that seemed to welcome all. It therefore came as no surprise when we spotted a Hindu temple and gurudwara alongside a mosque, and quintessential churches adorning bustling streets. Secularity and plurality were the norms of the day.

The streets also had this old town, romantic feel to it. It was an enthralling experience as we watched traders hustling for wares in the ports, and spotted small colorful boats from all the corners of the world dock in the waters for the day. As one stepped out of the chaos, the gold souks were just around the corner. Gold and precious stones displayed ostensibly seemed failed to amaze me. Just when you thought you had seen it all, the water front cruises seemed to beckon you. A sunset cruise watching the Dubai skyline was definitely high priority for all. Huffing on the hookah, dancing with the belly dancers, and tasting the magnificent array of Middle Eastern cuisine, you could be transported to an heirloom. Alas for the adventurous, the desert safari was no less than an aphrodisiac. The Stomach churning ride only seemed to exemplify the thrills of Dubai. It seemed like the minority population was all set to woo the rest of the world with their open sprits and entrepreneurship.

I have seen Dubai undergo drastic changes over the years. From the peak of the economic boom, when construction and trade touched new heights, this region was the Atlantis of the world. Over the years, Dubai has paid a hefty price for the excesses, and as the global economy is going through a financial meltdown, it remains to be seen if Dubai will regain its international stature. But there is no doubt in my mind that Dubai will continue to remain the ever vibrant and dynamic capital of diverse cultures, and will always hold a special place in my heart.

First Time Parent Travelogue- Part II

Welcome friends to the much awaited sequel of my mega journey across the Americas to Asia. It was my first long peregrination with my baby much to the chagrin of my close friends. They had warned me of the perils that lay in store. Their warning was writ in black and white; I definitely had to be a glorified fool to be undertaking such a risky sojourn. Alas my mind ventured sky driving would be less risky than this misadventure. Yet my bubbling spirit egged me on, I had to try my luck and prove everyone wrong. So there I was staring at two mega suitcases, a carry on box, back pack, diaper bag, stroller, baby and praying wishfully to the lord. My mind was automatically flipping through the check lists, making notes, remembering the nooks and crannies of every tiny bit of details. I could be a super computer at this or maybe I was just a nervous wreck.

My husband stood next to rubbles I had created and smiled at me like never before. Maybe this would not be as bad as I had visualized. Packing my little one into her car seat we set out on a long 2.5 hr drive to the Airport. Everything seemed to be going as per plan. With my husband firmly by my side we breezed through the baggage check in. Hours went by in peaceful harmony and just as I was beginning to lapse into a beautiful daydream, it was time for the goodbyes. From this point on I was on my own.

Staring at my bags, baby and security check point all my enthusiasm wore down. I looked for the exits to no avail. So I diffidently proceeded forward. Passing through the security check point without much ado I looked for the departure gate and hurried on like my life depended on this. The wait was excruciating but at least my baby was fast asleep. Just as I launching into a yawn, the announcement came to begin the boarding. Startled and zealous I struggled forward with all my trappings. I looked around hoping for some friendly faces and all I could see was over anxious passengers and crew.

I realized I was definitely on my own now. In times of crisis its amazing how ambidextrous one can be. I was definitely a clown at the circus. I was juggling the baby, stroller and bags in what seemed like a herculean task to reach the flight. This was just the beginning. There was no time to even settle down lest the baby gets hungry. As I was fishing through the diaper bag, the flight attended brought a bag to me that vaguely resembled a shopping basket. This was what they called a bassinet (Baby bed) I shook my head in utter shock and disbelief. There was no way my baby would sleep in this let alone sit. As I began expressing my doubts the bassinet was taken away. Little did I know of the blunder I had committed mid air.

As the plane took off, my little one settled on me and slept. There I was already worn down by the baggage that my hand scarcely obliged. I looked around frantically for the flight attendant to ask for the shopping basket. Alas he had vanished into thin air. Minutes passed into hours and still there was no one in sight. Everyone on the flight lapsed into a peaceful slumber and there I was painfully glancing at my hands. My SOS call was finally answered after a two hour wait. Without further ado I popped my little princess into the shopping cart/bassinet. She just fit into it. There was no space to turn. My baby was famous for her 360 degree turns in her crib. How in the world would she manage in that enclosure? Miraculously she did, worn out as she was, she slept peacefully and I knew I was blessed.

I did count my blessings too soon for I realized that help was always late to reach. I felt like a lone rider in a humungous plane. Fending for myself and my baby I performed multiple tasks much to my amazement. Picking my baby, feeding her, entertaining her and all at once eating became second nature to me. In fact my baby would tag along with me for all my bathroom visits .It’s amazing how a little creativity can go a long way. The thirteen hour journey felt like a lifetime. I had learnt new tricks and became accomplished at multi tasking. As the flight landed I looked at my baby and flushed. I came to realize that when we step out of our comfort zone, life takes unexpected turns, and we turn out viewing things differently. I boarded the flight thinking that I would be treated special and realized that I was just a face in the crowd. Sometimes you just have to fight your battles alone which might not be that bad after all!

A Day In The Beach

Blue skies reflecting the sun on the white sands was by far the most gorgeous sight on a sweltering Sunday afternoon. Multi colored umbrellas blowing in the winds adorned the sandy beach. The pristine aquamarine water seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. The mood was festive. I could see people basking in the sun, playing ball and having fun. Little kids with buckets were making sand castles and trenches. There I was momentarily lost in their worlds. For a minute all the things I took for granted in life flashed before me as time stood still

Growing up, beach visits were a ritual in my life. Every vacation warranted a mandatory visit to the marina, the quintessential southern coastal waters of India. The trips were often characterized by cries of ecstasy from the kids and moans from the adults. The over zealous kids were often cramped into “The Ambassador-The Iconic Indian car" with all the adults squeezed into the gaps. The bumpy car ride seldom seemed to dampen our spirits. As we would head closer to the destination we would be glued to our windows. The car would screech to a halt and we would jump out with parents in tow. It was always pure joy as I can remember even today.

The sights, the smells, the people, the waters always captured our otherwise sultry drab summer days. The beach side food stalls would often entice us to no end. Grabbing the spiced pappads in one hand, molagu bajji’s in the other we would still salivate for more. With mouthfuls of spicy, tangy tastes we would rush to the foamy waters. These waters never change I would say to myself.

Huffing and puffing we would end our beach visit with the most delectable chat at the shoreline restaurant. Tired of all the eating and playing we would head home tired but blissful. The day would draw to a close with the adults assembled on the floor for a game of "Rummy-A game of cards" and the kids would snuggle up on the beds and talk about the fabulous day at the beach.

Eons later as I stood there on that sweltering sunday afternoon reminiscing my childhood memories I realized the ephemeral truths of life.This very planet that we live on is an ever evolving living organism.It needs protection and nourishment like everything else around us.We cannot take this gift of nature for granted.Who knows what tomorrow might have in store.As I played in the sands and watched the waves crashing on the shore, I acknowledge this truth and hope to capture this day forever in my beach memorabilia

Fish On The Land

Imagine this scenario folks. You are a fish in the ocean. Swimming blissfully with the wild currents, enjoying the breath taking views of the sea world only to be confronted by a deadly fear. What if one day you were to find yourself out of water fighting for life in the treacherous land? Would you survive? Would the fear paralyze you? Is that the end of your bittersweet life?

We as individuals face this fear every day in our lives. We don't want to be the fish out of water. We are satisfied with our ocean, and swimming with the currents. Fear of the unknown keeps us in check. It’s an irony that we are born into this world fearless. As babies we don't have any checks and balances. We essentially learn to survive each day, learning new skills and grappling with the unknown. I understand this even better now as I watch my daughter grow through her infancy. It’s like watching the human spirit evolve in front of your very own eyes. Inch by inch she is expanding her horizons. Fear is unknown to her. As I watched her swim I was amazed to see her animal instincts at work. She just knew how to react in water. She kicked vehemently never once letting up her defenses.Propelled in the waters by her father she floated effortlessly like a little mermaid.Today after my first swim lessons I value those learning’s. I need to be fearless like her. I just need to reignite my survival instincts. In my quest to conquer my biggest fear I hope to rediscover myself. At the end of the day I want to be A FISH ON THE LAND.

First Time Parent Travelogue

This one goes out to all the hapless parents traveling on board with their little ones. Ours began with a bang. Clutching my little 8-month-old daughter I began my first journey into the unknown. I was the perfect image of a harried mother clutching her diaper bag in the one hand and balancing the stroller in the other. My husband on the other hand was juggling four bags of varied dimensions in what seemed an impossible task to accomplish. Yet as a team we managed to reach the security checkpoint without any major mishaps. This was just the beginning. Passing through the myriad checkpoints we struggled to the departure gates with the baby, stroller and four bags. It definitely was a tribute to the indomitable human spirit.

With a happy baby by our side we were ready to conquer the world. Life inevitably has a few surprises in store. As soon as we boarded the flight pushing through the narrow aisle with our trappings we realized the Airplane was not exactly a spacious retreat. Passengers began pouring in and the area grew cramped by the second. Don't we deserve more than this for the hefty price we pay!

Suddenly we grew grouchy and the baby was not as happy any more. This could only spell trouble. Slowing but surely she began to express her feelings. Just as the situation was getting out of hand, the steward approached us and reprimanded us for being so naive. He pulled our baby and began talking to her. Our baby smiled through her tears and seemed to complain about us. It was embarrassing to say the least. The stranger had reached out to our scion. This was not good news. As soon as she was handed back to us the castigation resurfaced. Parents need not know everything right especially the first timers!

As the lord closes one door the other opens. Sympathetic glances were exchanged all around us. Some began to make faces at our little one while others tried to distract her with books and key chains. Now this is how the universe conspires to make things work for you. Slowing but surely the baby was starting to warm up to the flight. Inspired by a renewed vigor and blessed by the camaraderie we geared up for the challenge. I reached for the pre-made milk bottle in my trusty diaper bag and fished out the allergy medicines.Prognosticating what lay in store I diffidently held the tablets and dropped them into the bottle  and said a small prayer. As she lay gulping down her milk at first she seemed more active and then ever so slowing she wore down. She took her nap and we heaved a sigh of relief. We had won the battle of nerves.

This was of course a short journey. Coming up next is the mega travel saga. Till then Parents Just pray and hope the universe is with you.