True Wedding Gift To My Baby Sister...

A Wedding Note from Sister to Sister....

I’m sharing with you all... my letter to my little sister whom I love dearly and who will be getting married early next year..in the month of January..And after the wedding she will be relocating to another country. Since I am not the one doing a toast, basically I wanted to write her a handwritten letter and tell her all that is
in my heart...I wanted to give her the most touching letter to read on her wedding day ...But as Iam very very far away from her, here in USA it is hardly possible..I deceided to mail her in advance so that she can refer back to it in future... Here is what I have so far - let me know what you think!

To my dearest baby sister, sukhada…

In just a few days time, you’re going to be someone’s wife.

A lover, a partner, a friend, and a full time supporter for a man that you’ve chosen to marry and spend the rest of your life with.

But dont forget that...To me you’ll always be my baby sister who is always sweet but at the same time, strong, a visionary, yet always lovable.

I know we haven't seen as much of each other in the last few months as we used to, but I hope you feel, as I do, that we are still just as close as we were when I was in India.. I am very much excited and honoured and surely desire to be a part of your big day and watch your happiness with Ketan...as you start on the path of
marriage.But dont know exactly whether I will be able to attend your marriage or not...so this one is for you dear...Ok,lets not discuss too much about it...It makes me feel sad...

As your elder sister, as a person who has lived a few years longer, had stepped into the marriage journey a bit earlier, if I may, I’d like to share some notes that might ease you in the long and winding road called marriage...Indeed Marriage is a winding road. Lots of ups and downs will definitely happen. But when it’s down, it’s not the end of the world. It could even make you stronger.

Again to tell you..This is not the end of the road, only the beginning and there is so much ahead for both of you. I hope that you will continue to take all the opportunities that come along the way, that you will always celebrate the friendship and love you both have, and that together you will draw strength like our parents
to get through life's trials.

It is hard to not still call you "kid".You are a big girl now dear! Just like you will always be Mom & Dad's baby, so you will always be my little sister.

I have always felt a close bond with you and will always be there for you as both sister and friend. I am thrilled that you both are entering this new stage of life,and that we both look forward to a lifetime of experiences as sisters, friends and new families and new relationships.

Learning from people around you, you always need to have trust, good communication, understanding, affection, and respect with your partner and always be close to god.

No matter how hard the wind blows, if each of you values and holds on to those things, I believe you will be the happiest couple alive...

Build your marriage to be this nice and cozy home for your family that is full of love and affection... Make everyday special, so that fairy tale story is not just in fairy tales, it’s part of your life. We need those magic moments sometimes, right?

we have grown up together our entire lives, being each others playmate, confident, best friend.Our childhood was one and the same; our stories both began in the same house at Dombivali. We as Sisters share the scent and smells - the feel of a common childhood.We are really different flowers from the same garden.It was nice growing up with someone like you - someone to lean on, someone to count on... someone to tell on!

Memories of bicycle rides up and down our long driveway, our visits to park,our fights for simple reasons,serials and cartoons on the television, So many indoor and outdoor games that we used to enjoy together...and lot more...really A sister shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.

You, three years younger, you the little sister, you always there, my beloved shadow, a mini-version, a littler me.You as a sister is a gift to my heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life... But as we grew up you became your own person, no longer always wanting to be just like big sister, you figured
out who you were, you found your own way.

I clearly remember my childhood days...you being younger good at art and drawing skills...I used to force you to complete my pictures,drawing and diagrams...and next day would happily announce in class about its completion..really sorry for this dear...how very pathetic I was then...I am just so thankful that little sisters are so persistent and forgiving.But I think Help one another, is part of the religion of sisterhood.Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.

You became who you were always going to be. I am so thankful for those years we spent growing up together in that beautiful bubble- you were born when I was three, and when I went to college and after me getting married, it marked the end of twenty years...sharing clothes, laughs, secrets, and that sister language only we could understand.

All of my fondest memories include you, and I feel fortunate that we are always creating new ones too; we still laugh, and play, and yes, even fight many a times.

You are a beautiful person, and throughout our lives, I've always been incredibly protective. I only want the best for you, and now that you are 23, an adult by all means, about to get married, I can say with a happy heart that you've absolutely found the best in your hubby.

My wish for you is that you continue to follow your heart and your dreams, and that you continue to be the firecracker of a girl you've always been.

I hope marriage only continues to encourage your heart to grow in every which way possible. I believe that you and husband are meant to be, and I am so happy that you have found that one person for you.

Remember to love, and to have fun, and to never forget the feeling you have right now- so young and in love, about to embark on the greatest journey of your life...

I know this is the time that you will need me most...you will feel like to share your ideas,thoughts,meaning and ask related questions about this life long journey-

marriage...but sorry dear Iam not there for you and with you...But yes you have real gem of your life with you...MOM and DAD...you can ask any damp question to them and they are ready to answer them truly..

You are not just my little sister, but you are one of my closest friends. We’ve been through a lot together, and I will always cherish the memories we have created thus far in our lives. What a blessing that God brought us together to be sisters! and I thank him for bringing you into my life.Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there.Believe me...When mom and dad don't understand, a sister always will.

I love that we’re not just sisters, but also friends.Our roots say we're sisters but our hearts say we're friends. I love that we socialize together, that we know each other’s friends, that we play dress-ups together (still) and Life wasn’t always easy growing up....We were not always lucky in getting what we desire in life...and are mostly losers and abusers we put up with for so long, but I’m very glad that we both found the real thing. Thank god we finally realised our self worth and didn’t settle for anything less than we deserved. Kind, respectful, honest, good humoured and romantic men.

Now you will be entering into a whole new life. You and ketan are no longer two, but one. God will be joining you together now...When we enter the covenant of marriage, we are agreeing to no longer be a “me” but a “we”. A marriage is not a joining of two separate worlds, but an abandoning of two worlds in order that one new one might be formed. When we get married, we make a vow, before God, family and friends... Nikhil and I got married with stars in our eyes thinking that we could conquer the world.

Same applies to you dear...Ketan is a very lucky man and you lucky woman...so dont ever take tension in life dear...I heard from mom that you are tensed about marriage and getting ill lot many times...
Dont take tension dear...Its not going to resolve any problems but ya will surely create few ones..Now onwards you need to face life boldly...Dont ever think and relate anybody's else life with you...you are born with your own future and gifts from almighty god...I think you are getting what Iam trying to say and so also
understanding the same...Hope you will relate everything to your life positively...

To watch you grow into a woman, overcome the obstacles with which you were faced, and achieve so much, has been a joy. You were always the cute, confident, creative and cool sister.. Things haven’t changed much and we’ve grown to admire each other’s differences, become proud of ourselves, and each other.

Well, now after this big lecture and hopefully this letter will prove useful to you...I think wedding plans have come more closer, and you are ready to enter a new phase of life....

I am praying that God will bless your marriage as he has mine. I pray that your marriage will bring you lots of peace, fulfillment and joy in the years to come. And just know that when the hard times do come, as they inevitably do after every marriage or anytime in life, I am there for you, Sis. I am just a phone call away.
Congratulations and best wishes to you as you become a wife! May God bless you richly in the years to come.

It was indeed painful to write all this dear...Iam unable to control my tears and emotions any longer now dear hence iam closing the subject and letter both...

Eagerly waiting to see you,mom and dad...Biding a big bye with heavy heart and watery eyes...all the best to you..

So, little sister, this is for you. A wish for love and happiness, a wish for your future to be a bright as your present. I love you and I’m going to miss you, but I also feel assured in the knowledge that you’re in good hands.

Congratulations on your special day and ‘welcome to the jungle'- take it slow and enjoy every moment. Look around you and absorb everything. It's your day!

May this be the beginning of a wonderful, happy and healthy, life together and hopefully some little baby running around soon too (hint hint).Just Joking dear...

I wish you the best of everything you do in life, my dear baby sister.

I wish happiness, request god to shower his choicest blessings for this sweet couple and life fulfillment for you and your family...

Here is the sweet poem for you...

We ran and played and shared our toys...
Now I remember our childhood joys...
We shared a home with mom and dad....
These memories now makes me glad...
Now you go to share your life....
With Ketan...to be his wife....
We'll see each other less I know...
But you"ll always be the sister to whom I can go!
Ketan is such a great guy you are blessed with!Iam so happy for you.....
Yours Supriya

With Heartfelt Love,
Your Big Sis

Why my dad is great....

{This is my entry for the competition held by Brookside apartments community life at louisville Kentucky ...to enter my  fathers name "Dattatraya" in contest  why do you think ur father is great...fabulous and exiting theme on the occasion of fathers day..Thanks for hosting dear Jason and Janice...}

The most important and influential person in my life is probably not even aware of the things he has taught me or of how much he has affected my existence.
This person has always been in my life, from the day I first opened my eyes to the present moment. This person is a teacher, a guide, and a source of strength and support for me. He is whom I look up to with loving trust and pride. With a willing hand to lend, he is a helper, an adviser and my partner in crime. He showed me the stars and taught me how to reach them. This person means the world to me, so who is this influential person in my life? of course I think you guessed it right!
He is my one and only father.

Dad, Father,Baba,Papa,Daddy,pitaji...You call him anything..they all mean the same. He is a man who gives immense love, care and protection. So with Fathers Day just around the corner what will be the most better and appropriate time to share thoughts and feelings regarding him...Fathers Day is a day to honor our dad.

Everybody writes about mom...you will find many poems,quotes,letters related to mom but there are very few who writes about dad...so I wholeheartedly thanks Brookside apartments community life group who gave us golden chance to think and write about our dad...I really loved the theme so very much that as soon as I received newsletter for june and checked for the events..I was trilled to see this one..I told my husband its just unavoidable...and for sure Iam going to write about my dad...

Good fathers are difficult to find. If you have a gem of a father and you wish to make him feel special, here is the great chance.I can say golden oppurtunity..because according to me..Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad....

My dad is someone who holds me when I cry,is one who scolds me when I break the rules,is one who shines with pride when I succeed in my life,and has faith in me even when I fail may be in any situation...Thus My Dad is just plain awesome!

A dad cannot be defined in words still he is someone who wants to keep you from making mistakes but instead lets you find your own way by learning from your own mistakes...even though his heart breaks in silence when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who wants to catch you before you fall but instead picks you up,brushes you off,and lets you try again....thus is my dad.

He is the person who can always make me smile...Even when the world makes me cry or Even when he makes fun of me or laughs at me.He is one of the people who has always been there for me, one who has always loved, cared, about me.He is one of the two most important people in the world to me,one being my mama... Someone I LOVE with all my heart.

He only is the person who tells me everythings gonna be ok...even during hard times in my life.He is the one who has pretty good taste...a great leader and very creative person....His nature is God focused....believes in god...wise when he wants to be and very humble and inspiring.He has respect for his mom, the mark of a true man! and so also he is committed to my mom,sign of good nature...He is a great person in every aspect..and role model of mine.

I think rather everybody thinks that their dad is great and obviously I respect all dads in this universe...I take an oppurtunity to bow all the dad's in the world to seek their blessings...

My father acquired his life lessons by overcoming the adversities he faced boldly while growing up in mumbai.Imagine being 17 and on your own with no proper relatives...dont know where to stay comfortably..and no sufficient money... Years ago, that was my dad. Sad part was his father died when he was 10, he was so very young that he didnt understands anything properly...though he was not eldest among 5, he had to take care of his sisters being brother. Alone mother will look after how many? so my dad was sent at sis's place to stay...which he disliked...Finally, my dad decided to leave from that place. With few choices, somehow he got graduated joined good company, and worked as hard as he could so he would always have a steady job, a nice house, and a family. He wanted to continue with higher education but due to financial setbacks he could not...Not being able to obtain a full education has hindered him in his life. Because of this, he understands how important education is in order to succeed in life.At that moment only he decided that I will educate my daughter to full extent.

Having a dad like him has made me different from other people; with his assistance and advice, I set and meet my goals even today...

He thaught me good lesson of life, “Don't let anyone tell you what you can or can't do.Always listen to heart” No matter what the task is, he wanted me to know I could do it.He has taught me to face any situation in life with courage and determination...never to give up...and he was right and I.m glad that I followed his advice.

My dad helped form me into the person I'm now.He tells me that “the road leading up to success can be bitter, but its result is sweet.” His teachings have made me who I am today. He taught me that an individual or an ordinary person..doesn’t know everything we should have courage to admit our mistakes..

In life, I am faced with different roads. My dad helped me get on the one I continue on today. I know I am just at the beginning. There will be obstacles and unexpected turns. But there will always be my dad. Even at this time he is not physically here for me he is in INDIA and we in USA, his words won't leave my head.Iam really missing my dad a lot...My hardships are nothing compared to the hardships that my father went through in order to get me to where I am today.

My dad means a great deal to me. He is loving and kind, he listens, suggests, and defends. He has the strength of a mountain, and the wisdom of ages. He has taught me how to ride my bicycle....he only builded confidence in me that I can learn it easily..He has taught me to be confident but not over confident.

We used to share curd rice when I was kid.

Dads' really do make a huge difference in their daughter's lives. I remember when I use to think my daddy was a supper hero, and that he could do anything. I use to always say, "Daddy, fix it." It wasn't a question, it wasn't a request, it was a statement....I remember I used to love potato wafers a lot...everytime he used to bring them for me....and would say I will make miracle and bring it for you... And he always tried his hardest to fix whatever needed fixing.

He is great at playing carrom...I remember my childhood days..Anyone could hardly challenge him in playing carrom.once the stricker comes in his hand..then its gone all coins are his...and game is over..

He is very much interested in listening and reading news...Because of this he understands whats going on in the world.He used to force me and my sis to watch news during our school days instead of watching songs and movies on television.

His love towards disipline, is unimaginable...he is very puntual in life and hence would always scold us to be quick and reach our destination perfectly on time..during our school days..

He preached me most important thing in life that...admit when you are wrong, and so also dont get boasted when you are right but live your life to fullest.

Indeed his heart is almost as big as his head! also he thinks big. like, universe-size big!

My dad neither anchored to hold me back nor sailed with me continously in my life but I remember he is guilding light which showed me correct path that was always leading towards success.He showed me right way.

I remember that during every walk rather step of life he was always with me...be it first day of school,college or even office.Even I remember vividly those days he would stand in long queue for railway pass booking or filling forms for my admissions in various fields...thanks a lot papa I think I have troubled you a lot....

My Dad has always supported me, especially on the most important day of my life!...during my marriage...I still remmember that he was the only person who cried a lot when I was about to leave my old life and to enter new challenging phase of life...new birth.

I think the bond between a dad and child especially daughter is a unique one that needs special care and attention.
Me and my dad shares a special bond. My dad always treat me as princess. It is no wonder that fathers are extremely protective of their daughters.

There's always something like a line of golden thread running through my dad's words when he talks to me, and gradually over the years its getting to be lengthened for me to pick it up in my hands and weave into a cloth that gives me feeling of love itself.

Father's really are wonderful people.He is such a person...that When he leads..masses follows him..he is DEFINITELY a people person!He focuses on the good in people, and is very good at bringing it out in them.Because of his good nature there are a lot of people who loves him..so also there are a lot of people he loves I have never met someone who doesn’t like him.As always he is down to earth...which one is the best part of all.

Working fathers face a unique challenge. He is trying to do it all. Carefully balancing work life with our home life.He knows that all of the working parts of a system need care, or else the whole thing messes up!Likewise he takes care of his family members.He cares about even the smallest things!He knows that life has value...

My father seems to be the one to pay the bills, while mother binds up the little hurts. My father struggles daily to live up to "his image" as the protector, provider, and hero. Perhaps that's why my father doesn't seem to be emotional. But, if you look deep down in his heart, you will find that he's sentimental and "soft". But, he's too busy to prove that, because he's too caught up everyday in the race of life. That's the only reason my dad aspires to fortune and success, to make his family proud of him, and bring us happiness.

There are times when it seems I need him most, when he seems like the only person who could stop my tears, mend my broken heart, make things better, to tell me everything will be alright, or even when I just need someone to comfort me,but sometimes he's not there. He's busy working. I know that he regrets times choosing work over these things. And at certain times I think to myself, how could he choose to not care for me"! And those moments in time hurt the most.

Knowing that he chooses not to be there for me, its not that he cant, its his choice.Coming up now we have spent almost 25 years together. 25 breathtaking years, in which my dad has done everything in his power to make sure I've always had everything I needed, everything I could ever want.Everytime he used to think that he didnt get that in his life...but my daughter should get it all...

But what he didn't know was that what I needed most, could not be bought for me, and didn't cost any money. As hard as it may be to believe money doesn't buy love and happiness. He did not have the best of childhoods that a kid growing up should have. So, he made a promise that if he ever decided to have children he would never let them grow up the way he did. He wanted to be able to protect his children from all the hate in the world.such divine was his thaught.

I am grateful and proud to be able to call this wonderful man my dad...

My father also influences the way I approach life. I have gained not only knowledge, but have applied his teachings to my life. Because of the example he has set for me, my father has provided the steppingstone I need to achieve my goals so that I can lead a happy and successful life. He gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person; he believed in me so also still belives in me Iam really very thankful to him.

He may not be a firefighter, an astronaut or a brain surgeon – he is a simple man – yet he has left the greatest impact on me. My father is the individual who has influenced me the most and is the greatest gift I have ever received.Because of these innumerable reasons I think my dad is great...

Listen my sweet heart DAD,
When i was born,You were there to catch me when i fall, whenever and wherever.
When i said my first words,You were there for me,to teach me the whole dictionary if need be.
When i took my first steps,You were there to encourage me on.
When i had my first day at school,you were there to give me advice.
I know you will be there for me through all these times and more, the good and bad.
So i just wrote this to say 'I LOVE YOU DAD!!!'

Thus he is one of my favorite people in the universe!
He is my friend,my hero, but most importantly he is my...

Daddy!!!!

I Love you dad!

Walked Walked...Till We.. Dropped @ New York

I wish I had all the money in the world to visit wherever I want. I dream of touring the entire India. I also aim to visit Europe and Africa. I am fortunate to have husband who also loves to travel. Together, we explore new places to visit, find information about places to see, click innumerable pictures, and cherish our travel memories.Luckily, now in USA Iam trying to visit the major tourist spots.One such memorable is our visit to New York...What a fantastic vacation it was!

We took this trip on 25 May 2012 and it has been one of our best trips ever.We enjoyed for 5 days but was bit hectic. I clearly remember the day we were planning for this trip and finally booked our flight tickets.Booking for hotels and flights were happening at so very fast rate that within seconds you would find that there is no room avaialbility and flight tickets are sold out.Luckily we got 2 seats in plane which were very last I mean last row...oh la la but got it finally!..And also last room left in Manhattan...a luxurious lodge near Times Square..This booking was done one month before...everyday we used to dream arrival of 25th may...Ya I believe, the dreams do come true...Many times we used to prepare list of attractions in order to visit them.

My husband booked new york pass which would help to get tickets in sooner way...but the situation was entirely different.Everytime Pass line used to be more longer than normal one...he he he...We were so excited about our forthcoming trip that we announced it to anyone who cared to listen. We jinxed it big time. A week before the trip,we checked with hotel for the availability of microwave and refrigerator as we had baby along with us.We were very much dissapointed when they told that nothing was available and we cannot provide anything to you...Listening to harsh language of theirs my husband decided to cancel the booking...We were too much in tension as flight booking cant be cancelled...and also we didnt wanted to cancel our trip.

My husband was thinking for another alternative.After much deliberation and wondering if we could afford or whether we should afford a five-star, we booked our stay in pennesylvinia: a five-star hotel again near Times Square as location was very important for us. It was one of our best decisions ever. The hotel, its location,the food, the weather: everything was just so perfect.We loved it.Also there was availability of milk and hot water at least for my baby...

Finally the day appeared....We got up too early to get ready...Our flight was at 8.30 but decided to leave by 6.30..we were about to leave by our own car and was going to park in parking area for 4 days as cab was bit costly..Nikhil went down for tying knot to stroller..he opened trunck of car tied knot and left keys inside and closed the trunck...now the situation was no alternate keys...and car was locked...I literally started crying...we got tensed and were under tension and tremendous pressure..Nikhil called his friend...like god he arrived and was ready to drop us on airport...meanwhile nikhil called for emergency service to open lock....they told that an individual would be coming soon we waited for long but he didnt arrived...finally left from home with the fear of misisng flight and when we were on the way to airport he came...nikhil told him one of his near friend would be collecting keys but he had no patience to wait and left from there...when nikhil's friend reached destination that man was not there...All our efforts were in vain..stroller which we buyed only for the sake of NY trip was inside the car's trunck badly stucked.. Our journey started with tension and depression...Finally reached airport collected boarding pass..proceeded to security check and boarded plane..

During my flight to NY, I had a lot many questions in my mind...Will my baby sit quietly in flight? Will he have any trouble? Will he get food everywhere during our trip and so on... Finally I crossed my fingers,thought that no nothing has happened,everything will be OK and we will enjoy our trip to NY...Thus had pretty journey as it was short and sweet...As our plane landed at La Gaurdia.. I couldn’t contain my excitement.

We reached our lodge...as soon as we checked in and kept our baggage...we started walking to collect our NY pass.. The view through Times Square was so breathtakingly beautiful that we started taking loads of pictures..and enjoying good food say pizzas,tacos and more...near it...Also got to see Madison Square Garden which was located in front of our lodge.

The very first day got an golden oppourtunity to visit The cathedral..the divine...St.patrick's church..explored one of the NYC's unique attractions-the worlds largest cathedral....started our trips exploration with holy place...Beauty of church was amazingly good!..It is so tall that statue of liberty would fit comfortably under its dome and it was two football fields long! We admired its soaring Gothic and Romanesque architecture,magnificient stained glass windows.. then visited NBC studio historic tour  that took us behind-the-scenes of NBC's NY operations...NBC experience store was fabulous displaying variety of gifts.,keychains of NY.

For first time I saw the skyline, my mouth fell open just seeing all the lights and huge skyscrapers by just visiting Top of the rocks.From the observation deck we experienced breathtaking views of NY city and beyond...The excitement begins on ground floor and mezzanine with a dazzling swarovski crystal chandelier and multimedia exhibit full of rich history,art and architecture of Rockfellar center...After steeping into glass ceiling sky shuttle for a thrilling ride to the top ,where we found 3 stories of spectacular views,including a stunning,open air, 360 degress view from 70th floor outdoor deck was indeed amazing!

During evening we decided to visit Empire state.It was trill of a lifetime, We waited in the queue almost for 3 hrs...again got through strict security check : the journey aloft to its fabled observatory nearly a quarter of mile above fifth avenue.and finally was so very enchanted to view skyline during night..My eyes were stuck seeing those huge buildings from 86th and 102th floor...All huge buildings were lightened up... My God, I had never seen so many lights in my life.We totally forgot the trouble that we had in queue.. I admired New York for its grandeur, glamour, and shine.Here we were treated to breathtaking panoramas across the rooftops,avenues and byways of the NY Metropolitan areas,to as far away as 4 neighbouring states.

The way hardness and softness, past and present, sameness and difference, rest and motion, vertical and horizontal come together in New York is what makes this city great. For example, the city consists of about 300 neighborhoods in all 5 boroughs making for its rich diversity—each of which is like the others, yet is also different.

Most happiest moment was...we got to meet my sis's fiancee for the first time over here in new york at Madam Tussads.on very second day of trip..this is one of the very special moment that I will cherish forever..he is too good by nature..seeing his too good educational background of higher level..I was bit worrying about his freeness but no.. he is sweet guy with good heart..after all everything matters in being good.Seconds ticked to minutes and minutes to hours as we spoke, and spoke some more. He stayed with us that particular day..and we enjoyed a lot..That night we just took some lovely pictures near Times square..Night life is beautiful and amazing at Times Square. We together had jolly good time late at night till 1am...at times square..

Madam Tussads was so very beautiful that statues were resembling true personality.really we played with wax! We sang,danced and laughed at this amazing world! Where we were the star of the show..oh la la Conveniently located right in the heart of Times Square with over 200 celebrities from the worlds of flim ,
TV,history,politics,music and sports all lined up to provide us with the experience of life time.They were looking so very real that it was unbeliveable that they were made of wax and they are statues...they were resembling exact humans..There was so much crowd over there that I was unable to differentiate between statue and real individual.All were busy clicking pictures with famous bollywood personalities our dear shahrukh and Amitabh Ji.

After this we visited best place...one among 7 wonders of world..Yes,none other than Statue of liberty National monument...The Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World;) is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, designed by Frédéric Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886. The statue, a gift to the United States from the people of France, is of a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, who bears a torch and a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. A broken chain lies at her feet. The statue has become an icon of freedom of the United States...we were really amazed to see it..Its worth visiting...From there the Ferry rided from battery park and took us to Elis Island...There we got to see historical meusem...Ellis Island Immigration museum..where historic halls and galleries showed us how more than 12 million immigrants first entered America..

Thereafter had Wall street walk(stock market history)tour-got to look behind-the-scenes look at largest most watched financial exchange in whole world.Also visited most celebrated landmarks including trinity church,Wall street bull ,federal reserve and ground zero.

Thereafter visited tribute WTC vistor center,a project of sep 11th families association which offers a place where members of 9/11 community can connect with thousands of daily visitors who come to this site,through its walking tours,audio tours,exhibits and programs The tribute center offers person to person history linking those who have come to understand these historic events with those who experienced them personally...Also gift shop offers authorized commemorative WTC items, books and apparels which were very interesting.Same case was with 9/11 memorial.

Had Brooklyn bridge walk...The Brooklyn Bridge-home to everyone from everywhere.. is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Completed in 1883, it connects the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River. With a main span of 1,595.5 feet (486.3 m), it was the longest suspension bridge in the world from its opening until 1903, and the first steel-wire suspension bridge.Originally referred to as the New York and Brooklyn Bridge and as the East River Bridge, it was dubbed the Brooklyn Bridge. It has become an icon of New York City, and was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark of USA.Immediately seeing the sight of brooklyn bridge we remembered Kal ho na ho..movie featured by shahrukh...I was very much excited for brooklyn walk...which again was hectic...We learnt amazing dramatic story of this world famous NY city landmark while enjoying gorgeous views of Manhattan skyline.Across the brooklyn we explored the trendy neighbourhood of DUMBO,known for its high end boutiques,delicious desserts,pizza shops,art galleries and scenic waterfront views.

Brooklyn garden was romantic place to visit during evening...we clicked many lovely snaps over here...

At night we enjoyed our dinner at Indain restaurant UTSAV...Paneer makhanwala,utsav's special tikhi sabzi...roti,paratha,naan along with jeera rice was mouthwatering one...thought that we got to eat indian food after so very  long time and was literally bored eating American food like burgers,fries and foot longs...

I have so many memories associated with NY. The American meusem of natural history,-one of the largest and most innovative natural history muesuem in the world..gave us a chance to journey through the universe in spectacular Rose center for earth and space...we were amazed to see planets besides us...Walk through a re-creation of an african rain forest in the hall of bio-diversity was fabulous...got to experience variety of different cultures cuisines people's lifestyles including indians over here...World's largest collection of dianosaurs and other vertebrate fossils with more than 600 specimens on display was marvellous...

Walking through the re-creation of Beautiful Central park was visited by us on third day.. I would definitely love to visit it again.We enjoyed city's green oasis..it was truly enjoyable experience.Park was so very big that we just couldn't walk through it.

During evening we opted for Sight seeing cruise which again made round trip to statue or two hours and showed skyline of New York.It took to the waterways for outstanding views of NY's legendary skyline.Down the Hudson river,across new york harbor and up the East river we saw variety of buildings from city's historic past right up to the most modern office skyscrapers We climbed abroad the Staten island Ferry for spectacular look at lower Manhattan and statue of liberty,whose raised torch has welcomed visitors for more than a century.Circle line billed as "America's Favourite boat ride" is 2 hour cruise which passes through some of the NY's most memorable landmarks.Circle line's knowledgeable tour guides bring to life the breathtaking sights and fascinating history behind the "City that never sleeps" .Continous commentary while cruising is highly informative and takes you to real destination...round trip to statue.

Also visited Intrepid sea,air and space museum...which was unique journey filled with spectacular interactive exhibits and virtual multi sensory technology.It is dynamic adventure for visitors of all ages...The complex boasts 30 restored aircrafts,former USS growler submarine and British airways  concorde.

Travelling through Metro everytime was too hectic...needs to fold stroller...glide it along entire platform and finally board a train...but still we enjoyed though was troublesome a bit..Life of NY is exactly similar to that of mumbai...running on minutes and seconds..If train is missed then u are gone..Being mumbaikar Iam used to this kind of life as mumbai meri jann..still felt too much hectic dont know why?...but There were lots of Indians in NY,I can say marathi people.. which is why; at times it became difficult to realize that we were in US.We really felt in love with this place.

we walked and walked tll we dropped for 4 days...and one fine day on 4th day left for DC tour with an AC volvo..Volvo dropped us in china town of DC there we were amazed to see indian restaurant....did our lunch in MAHEK and left for our tour...I really felt in love with washington DC...the city of meusems,scluptures and architectures.Was amazed as got to visit United states Capitol on very memorial day...hence got an oppurtunity to watch parade,airshow etc.Seeing the structures of buildings,neatness,plantations of flowers in front of each and every gate of buildings we were amazed. It was really worth admiring...also got golden oppurtunity to watch white house..views of supreme court,national archives ,FBI building were tremendously good..There also walking in scorching heat of sun was too tuff,heat was unbearable and we were feeling too much thirsty...we were drinking bottles of lemonade at fastest rate ever.We paid our visit to Washington memorial-huge pillar clicked innumerable pictures,lincoln memorial,....the very first building admired by us was FBI and then capitol...Also we got to see Air and space museum-smithsonian museum-collection of 14 meuseums,Navy memorial etc.

There also we walked till we dropped.Our legs were broken to pieces...Also viewed national aquarium,botanical garden and garden of sculpures and arts...were really amazied to see decorative scluptures...finally on very Same day with luxurious eastern bus we reached our lodge at new york.

We were too much tired but still were exited as one more day was remaining to enjoy...Located in times square,Ripleys Believe it or not! additorium brings people of all ages face to face with the worlds most unbelivable curiosities.We didnt got oppurtunity to visit that due to time constraint..but yes....With18,000 sq.feet of astonishing facts,exclusive oddities,exciting interactive exhibits and heart stopping sideshow performers this one of kind attraction welcomed us to experience unusual and unexpected wonder around every corner...This day was shopping day.We purchased New York T-shirts for all of us including my baby...on this very day paid our visit to Toys R Us biggest toys mall in USA..there we enjoyed merry go round quickly took snaps watched all 4 floors and left for Macy's-not only fashion institution but an american icon...one of the unavoidable place of USA..visted famed macy's herald square the world's largest store over 2 million square feet of retail space...also visited disney shop,clicked snaps with mickey and minnie famous cartoons loved by Arnold...We are foodies and thoroughly enjoyed
the food over here...

We had food on the foot tour...see and taste NY like New Yorker!...NY is melting pot of the world with its vast array of cuisine which lies in its shared culture.We really travelled the way new yorkers do live and eat..by subway and foot...

Cold stone creamery-neither soft serve nor hard packed.. for both of us..ice-cream lovers was an added advantage..we enjoyed sisilian pizza also..For the first time in life we got to eat so very nice cheese and Veg pizza though was costlier...Finally when we were done with shopping ordered for taxi and left for La Gaurdia airport...

we reached 3 hours early pretty before boarding of plane starts as had heared from many friends that due to traffic they missed their flight..our whole body was paining and wanted to reach as early as possible to Louisville also were fed up of people,rush,hectic life of NY...so very similar to mumbai.Finished with our security check and was waiting for flight....arnu had his food...And saddest part was that nikhil said I will go and check for the status of flight...As soon as he left for checking I heard announcement that flight to louisville was cancelled due to bad weather conditions prevailing in NY..I was totally dissapointed as was waiting to reach Louisville...Airport staff was searching for lodging but were unable to find suitable one...Finally they gave us vouchers of some clarion hotel and told us to stay there as there was no flight available sooner...When we reached hotel manager didnt bother to look towards us as he was not even having single room vacant...We returned to airport with tears in our eyes...Airport staff told us we cannot wait inside here as once last plane leaves nobody is allowed to wait even after security check...but we were already out in ground transportation area and cwn enter inside only once agin security check in done..we were literally on road that day...

Our journey was extended to 6 days

One good officer instructed us to go to terminal c where there was resting area...they provided steel foldable beds with pillows and bedsheets...Beds were so verydangerous that once you lie down you are bound to fall...Arnu was crying as he had to manage his sleep in stroller only...ohhhupppps we were too much in bad condition.They arranged for flight that was again too hectic...first we were taken to DC in international flight there I suffered badly with ear pain..Arnav was crying badly...and then there was halt for 1 and 1/2 hrs and after that we need to catch connecting flight to louisville...Our first flight was at 6.00 am.We took arnav and
left to terminal B walking as shuttle service was about to begun at 6.00 and we had to reach on time...Finally arrived at desired terminal and tried to collect manually the boarding pass..unable to fetch it had to wait for assistance..she printed it wrongly and gave twice the same pass to DC only...after correcting it left for security check...They tested baby food and bag like CID people only and finally allowed us to board a plane...

Within 1 hour we reached DC and left for gate 35-A for our second flight.Never in my life have I been so bored.We had again very last seat in front of the toilet, which meant that everytime anyone went to answer nature's call, they would collide with my arm.Urggggggggggghhhhhhhhh..I wanted to scream in frustration.
Finally landed  louisville airport and heaved a sigh of relief...catched a taxi and reached home sweet home...

Really Flight's journey was hectic,boring..we discussed that even thought of going to india is dangerous and needs to be avoided.

Now, when I see any movie filmed in NY, I smile and feel happy that I got to visit New York. Those are our best memories ever. Now I wish I could turn back the clock and relive all those golden moments.Thanks to my dear hubby...because of him only i got to visit this biggest,craziest city NY in USA.