Important lesson in life

since very long I was thinking whether to include this article in my blog or not ...today finally decided to jot it down...as was hurted badly by my true friend...but yes it taught me very important lesson in life....

I feel very sad to mention here that she is no longer my friend...I havent did anything bad with her still she had totally removed and erased all our sweet memories good times that we had been together...we did lot many things for each other but now dont know what happened and there is no more relationship neither talk between us...all is drained...in vain

The lesson which I took from her regarding life is as follows...I would never blame her but dont know why and how it happened?

I pray god that no one in this world should get devoid of her true friends once gained....

Many a times we hamper our relationships rather lose them because we expect a lot in return…same goes with friendship.. Often, we believe that others ought to treat us the way we want them to respond. Then when others fail to meet our expectations, we feel betrayed, frustrated, and resentful.Same was experienced between us...I expected lot from her and was mistaken that she broke my heart into pieces lot many times...

Many times our feelings have been hurt because we mistakenly assumed someone else must know what we thought or expected…

Many times we become annoyed or angry with someone who acted differently than we expected…

It does not matter what kind of relationship you are in. Expectations arise in any kind of relationship. Except that of a parent and a child, I believe… That is one relationship which is so pure, that no one expects anything from anyone … It’s the pure love for both sides…

If one has to leave peacefully and happily, LIVE WITHOUT EXPECTATIONS.

Cherish what you have now :) …

Be happy in what u have....at least from ur side be good....Iam trying hard to talk to her but she is not at all interested in the same...moreover she informed wrongly to her parents and family members so they are also not responding me and this has caused many health related issues to me....also his husband is talking bad things about me with others which is not at all acceptable....anyways dont ever break hearts of others it troubles them a lot!

Craziest Holiday of US-Thanksgiving day!

What a fantastic holiday this was!..Last year, I was here for Thanksgiving, but I found the whole idea of getting up at an ungodly hour in the morning and running for deals and standing in a long queue a bit foolish. Also arnav was too small and it was too cold and windy so we were looking only for online deals.people were purchasing at so very fast rate that till we think and decide to buy it... its over....items were out of stock!

I don't know what brought about the transition, but We were quite excited to do major shopping this year. For all those who don't know, Thanksgiving is the biggest holiday in the US. We get 4 days holiday! The limelight of this holiday is the Black Friday Sales.Major shops all over US offer items at cheap, discounted prices. Most of the shops open at 6am Friday morning and offer early bird sale.Few open at 12 AM like macy's,Kohls.JC penny, Sears etc However, people who want to buy costly items such as laptops, stand in the line from Thursday evening or early night.Crazy na? But I think it's understandable. I mean, if I am getting a 800$ laptop for 500$ bucks, even I would stand in the line.The details of these deals are released on certain websites such as this and this. Your local newspaper sold on the previous day also contains details about all the deals.

We purchased the newspaper Thursday eve weighing around 3kgs from walgreens. I even took a snap of the width of the paper. We sorted out all needed deals and jotted down what we wanted to buy from where. While browsing on the bestbuy website, I came across a cool deal for a lenova laptop. We immediately bought it for the gift for mom and dad.

In walmart event 1 was going to open at 8PM.Nikhil was in shop from 6.PM only as we had heard when deal opens people immediately runs and grab it.If you will reach by 8 then everything is over.Also we wanted to purchase TV and deal was going to open by 10 PM but line started from 7PM only so nikhil again came home to pick me and arnav as it was impossible from him alone to run everywhere...Finally at 8 we got vaccum cleaner,slow cooker, Mini chopper,few rubbermaid utensils and big collage frame...

At 10.PM event 2 was open and finally we got 40 inch big LCD TV....that was most happiest moment for us...we also purchased 2 digital frames,1 portable DVD player,Game-Lego for arnu,nice pair of winter shoes for me,a pair of CD's,Blu-Ray player,1 TB hard disc and HDMI cable....We thoroughly enjoyed shopping and running here and there....I was planning to buy towels as they were just for 1 dollar but till I reach there all were gone!...I was bit disappointed but considered myself lucky as we got big Emerson TV at very good price.

We were planning to at least drive to Best Buy, toys R us ,and oxmoor mall at 12am,to see the line as we had heard that people actually put up tents outside these shops! but were totally exhuasted as were standing in long queue at walmart for billing.

Next on the list was Cyber monday...Again cyber monday is like only online deals mainly on amazon are opened from sunday evening or night which continues till early morning of monday but here also you need to decide fast and book it immediately otherwise everything is gone! We picked up a MP3 player, Ipad Accessories.. I was eagerly eyeing the Fabberware 14pc non-stick cookware set sold for 50$,and pressure cooker indian style sold at macy's when Nikhil reminded that we possibly couldn't carry all the items to India whenever we went. I was really sad to let such a fabulous deal slip out and also health of nikhil was not good...but yes next year will surely plan for buying it!

It was very, very cold the very next day...otherwise was planning to visit winter wonderland parade,christmas celebration at Galt house in downtown... but instead we visited kohls and macy's clicked few snaps shopped miscellaneous items and returned home...that day rush was so much that  it was impossible to find parking. We shopped for 6 hours...We both were very happy with all the shopping and most importantly we didn't buy unnecessary stuff. Over all a great shopping experience that I will never forget. :) Eagerly waiting for next thanksgiving to shop little more and have lots and lots of fun.....

Letter to husband on 3rd wedding anniversary....

Today is my three year wedding anniversary with my wonderful husband, So I wanted to take some time to thank him for everything he has done for me and continues to do for me.The simplest way of expressing love to him is by penning down a beautiful love letter conveying all my heartfelt emotions.He may not always think so, but I love him fiercely and appreciate everything he does for our little family.

Hope This trick will work excellently in our wedding life to keep the flame of love burning with love. If you are also planning to surprise your husband with a sweet gift like me then, like this letter will serve your purpose in the best way....

I will say, the moment I met him for first time, is as fresh in my memory as when it happened.I hope that I will always be able to remember it this way!It seems like an eternity ago when I first heard his voice on the other end of the phone line. A short time after that first phone conversation, we met and the rest is history. I didn’t know that after marriage god will immediately gift us with a beautiful baby boy, but I’m sure glad that God had that planned for us.Every day since then has been simply amazing and different.We don’t have a fairy tale romance and our life isn’t perfect.We fight and argue sometimes, but we get through it and at the end of the day we love each other and that’s all that matters. I’m not sure what the future holds for us, but at least we will experience it together.

I just want to thank you for the things you do.  You work so hard to support our family and I just want you to know that even though I may not say it, I do appreciate it.

Thank you.For being my husband, for being a hard worker, for being supportive, and most importantly, being a wonderful father to our son.He adores you and that makes me love you even more.

Dear hubby,

I clearly remember...When I was a little girl, I played make believe.

I pretended to cook and clean and to be a Mamma to my baby dolls. (I did not role play walking around Walmart with a screaming toddler,because there are some things that you must experience to truly appreciate).
But in my naive mind, I imagined a man, a husband. He was brave and strong and very handsome.And he loved me.
It was a dream.
And some might call this a silly fairy tale or the immature longings of a girl.....
But I call it my life....real truth of life...
Because you are the man of my dreams.
You are the first to hold me when I am afraid.
You are my encourager when I doubt myself.
You are the one who made me a Mother.
You are also the one who still leaves his clothes on the floor. he he he.. (Just keeping it real).

Now I am not a little girl anymore. I am a woman and you are a man.
But I can’t help but think of the things I didn't dream about….
I didn't dream that I would hear my husband praying over me, feeling sad when doctor informed me that I suffer badly with hail lot of things.....
I didn't dream that my husband would take care of my baby far more than me besides working in office for hours together...
I didn't dream that my husband would face his own personal battle without uttering a single unwanted word to me even though I get angry on him "n" number of times for silly reasons....
I didn't dream that my man would be an angel for me, delivering sweet tea in my moments of need....

Today is our 3rd anniversary..And more than anything, I want you to know that I love you more than I ever dreamed.
You are a man among men.You stand out as you lead our family.You are my heart, my life, my best friend, my soul mate.
You are unique and beautiful.
And you are mine.

Happy 3rd anniversary dear... I cried today and felt shameful regarding my everyday irritating behaviour with u still how can u be so very nice and kind hearted person ever met....
And this reason alone, makes you a hero in my world. I am so proud of you.
Thank you for making my dreams come true....

Here’s to many more wonderful anniversaries together.

I love you.
I love you because you make me smile.
I love you because your eyes shine when you look at me.
I love you because you mean the world to me.
I love you because every time I look your way my heart misses a beat.
I love you because without you I would be lost.
I love you because you have taught me the true meaning of love.
I love you because you are you. I love you because..........

Truth is I could fill a million pages of reasons I love you, but I rather be spending that time with you.

You are the man beyond my dreams, the man I wanted to marry, the man I would marry again, the first one I think about when I wake up and the last one I think about when I go to bed.

Thank you for being there with me through the very thick and thin moments of life, I cannot imagine a life without you.

Thank you for always being by my side through life creating journey's we will some day tell to our kids as big adventures.. I know when I need someone you will be there. Thank you for being the one I can count on and trust with even my darkest fears and biggest dreams. I would pick no one besides you to be my partner in life.---thanku for being there 4 me!

As the years go by, I stop and think about all the memories we've made, the good times we've shared and the love between us that keeps growing. You are a blessing from above - one that I do not take for granted. I thank you for all the things that you've done for me and the kid. Not only are you a wonderful husband, you're a terrific father, provider and caregiver. You give so freely to all those you know in such a loving way. Your generosity is inspiring! I love you, .. more than words, more than life. I'm forever grateful for your love and proud to be your wife.

Yours and only yours...
Supriya...

Travel down memory lane....Dear me at sweet 20

Today morning had chat with my college friend....my mind travelled back to those golden days....remembered,laughed on stories and life when I was 20 years old....so decided to write letter to myself so as to cherish my life when I was 20 as blogging activity.

Dear self at sweet 20,

You are going to hate me for this. I have put on 30 to 40 pounds since I was you... Well, it wasn’t all those lovely samosas I gorged on in college, nor the yummy masala pav,pav bhaji and dabeli along with goli vada pav near station..I met this really cute guy three years back who took me to all those lovely cafes. I had nice chubby cheeks when I got married.very happy and contented to marry with nikhil....relaxed and thought all my dreams have come true! If that wasn’t enough, I befriended all the foodies in the world.  And now my post pregnancy weight refuses to vanish....and hail lot of problems now Iam suffering badly being overweight since 16th-oct-2012 and doctor has strictly adviced me to reduce my weight.

However, you will be proud to hear my accomplishments.I selected a good career for myself and worked at Infosys for almost 3 years. I earned a decent income. That must be a relief to hear. I mean, when I was you, I would ask for pocket money every single day to my most lovable dad.I was quite shameless.

I got married in 2009 and was blessed with a prince in 2010. We named him arnav. He is a cute monster. I and my husband often worry how he will turn out when he’s a teenager. If he becomes anything like me, I am in for trouble.he he he just joking! Iam not that bad!

Thanks to Arnu and my marriage, I am more attached to my mother. I still dote on my father, but it’s mom’s voice I want to hear first on the phone, it’s mom to whom I want to tell all my complaints of my son. And I know she understands just as I understand her much better. A rebellious 20-year old always got angry when mom told her to do something; but the mom in me now empathizes with my mother.

I clearly remember that age 20 was dangerous apart from being sweet...I used to worry with hail lot of problems...about exams.about whom I will be getting as life partner and about future...still would be full of fun and Joy...

Do you remember how I never, ever set foot in my mom’s kitchen? I was determined that I would earn well enough to hire a cooking maid. God, I still shiver remembering my mom’s fits when she would proclaim that I would never find a good groom or kill my family due to hunger. Well, I was headed along that path but something changed in me. I guess I wanted to cook for the man I love. But you would be shocked to hear that I started a food blog sometime back. Though it has attained bit of dormancy now, it still has a good number of visitors and recently Iam planning to start it once again and participate in blog events with onset of this auspicious occassion of deepavali.

I am now in the US with my family. I have a set routine and responsibilities. My problems are very much different from the ones I had when I was you. Back then I would worry about completing assignments at the nth hour, KT’s, getting caught by putting someone’s proxy, convincing parents for staying out late at night. Now, my problems include what to cook for dinner, planning my baby's food and related habits, nagging my husband to complete his chores. You would think that my life is quite boring. But I like it the way it is. I am happy and content.

When I was you, I wanted life to continue the way it was for the rest of my life. I didn’t have a care or worry in the world. Life, as I knew it, meant college, friends, bunking lectures, using four letter words, throwing rockets on professors, watching movies in really cheap theatres, teasing each other silly with some cute guy, calling friends the minute after reaching home to “discuss something important we learnt that day”, going to vidyavihar station for xeroxing entire books a month before the exams, studying till late hours preparing for exams, wearing the same dress for all papers because it proved lucky, and then biting our nails while waiting for the results,worshiping god during exam day and hail lot of things.

If I could turn back time, I would love to relive just another day, any day from my 20 year life. I would love to wake up one day and discover that I am 20 and be able to do all the things I did in college.

So adios, my friend. It was good being you. I don’t have a single regret.

Luv,
The spirit of you, but a teeny bit mature

One Year Completed...

It's been exactly a year since I and Arnu set foot in the US. I still remember all the details of my journey vividly.It is indeed unforgetable and incredible journey of mine.I was completely tired with change of flights, countries, and time and above all I had to look after my baby.. The Mumbai-London flight was quite peaceful.Arnav and me enjoyed it a lot.. After a hearty meal-final meal of homeland , Arnav had fallen into a deep sleep..gotup very early morning had fruit frozen banana pulp and finally landed with me at Heathrow where we were surrounded by a group of Indians...We had jolly good time in our first flight as my co-passenger was helpful and was from kokan...he was telling us different stories of kokan so also how routinely he used to travel to london....he helped me alot in finding my way to second flight as i was having baby with me so also language spoken by guides on airport was confusing to me...

Here I had entire 4 hrs break so also no formalities to be completed..no collection of baggage so My husband had told me to explore the airport, but I sat at the gate as I didn't want to be lost anywhere...and also there was no stroller to roam about....here I met with one lady from TCS who was also with kid little older than arnold and was travelling to SFO...we had pretty good time together sharing few job related stories...finally we departed as we were having different destinations...arnu enjoyed his ceralac..watched the planes boarding and taking off...and finally when one hour was left for the flight gate number was announced which needed journey by train...but we enjoyed metro journey of UK

The London-Chicago flight was a different story. Never in my life have I been so bored. There was some problem in the entertainment system which meant no TV, music, no flight information was displayed in the entire 9 hour flight.I got bassinet here for arnav but he too was so very irritated with flight journey that he didnt wanted to sleep in it...he was crying continuously in flight and wanted to crawl down for which air hostress were denying...I tried my level best to feed him with his favourite cerelac and played him with his toys...but all my efforts were in vain...and My co-passenger also was so boring that he didnt even bothered to see or ask why arnu was crying or anything like that...

From the time flight was preparing to take off he started his movie using his personal laptop and till flight lands up he was busy watching it...he would hardly blink his eyes and look besides him...husssshhh he was too boring...Arnav just didnt want to sit in flight...I  was unable to read anything for fear that arnav with tear it to pieces...no TV and no entertainment...he was so very bored and angry with flight people that he used to throw paper glasses on them...I was suffering badly from headache... I had an aisle seat in front of the toilet, which meant that everytime anyone went to answer nature's call, they would collide with my arm....arnu didnt allowed me to take lunch nor breakfast...we both were totally hungry and frustrated....after crying a lot arnu felt asleep in my lap only...I was praying god to take us soon to destination...meanwhile I filled in our immigration and custom duty forms when finally arnu had his sweet nap after crying a lot..

On my very left were seated two ladies who did not speak/understand English, and I had no idea what language they were speaking. I did nothing else but stare here and there for the entire journey.There was not even a single Indian in flight except for me and arnav..Just when I was bored enough to jump out of the flight, the pilot announced that we had 5 hrs before landing. Urggggggggggghhhhhhhhh..I wanted to scream in frustration.

Finally, we landed at Chicago and after the Immigration and other formalities, I went and sat at the gate.Here we got our luggage and stroller which was checked in.. in India...Arnu didnt wanted to sit in stroller...I was so very irritated to check in my luggage once again and bored to catch another flight to louisville but we didnt had any other option but to board a plane.. Here I had only 1hr to kill...I was delibretely waiting to see my husband's face sooner as had not seen him for last entire month... The Chicago-Louisville flight was short and sweet....Also plane was short and small so also arnu was fast asleep and was totally tired of journey and  I was smiling to myself at the prospect of meeting my husband after 40 long days....most happy moment....

This past year has been pretty good. I have learnt and seen so much after coming here... I was feel like writing more about my experiences and life in the US. Somehow, never find the motivation to write may be due to my recent bad health and conditions...Hopefully, after this one year completion article, I will write more about life in the US. Over and out!

30 sep 2012 - Day of our return to India

I am feeling so sad at this very moment that the only thing that would calm me would be venting out my feelings....so finally I decided to write an article on this.... If all had gone according to the original plan, we would have been in air now – midway between chicago and london. Today’s date was so important for me – 30th sep 2012..... After spending one year in the US, we were supposed to catch a return flight to India. This date was itched in my parent’s memory and all my near and dear ones. I have been playing a mind game since yesterday. At this time we would have been packing bags, at this time we would be leaving the apartment, reaching the airport, catching the flight, and so on. I guess my parents will be playing a similar mind game tomorrow. They would be thinking about getting ready to go to the airport and receiving us.

Well, our plans did change. So, I guess it will be a whole 6 more months before I will be visiting India. I was looking forward to so many things after reaching home. I had promised my dear sis that I would be attending her wedding. And yes, I had taken a promise from my husband of buying me a lot of new dresses to add to my excessive wardrobe. We have missed most of the important festivals of india that I would celebrate with my dear parents. We had promised our parents that we will celebrate all festivals in 2013. We will be missing those too now.

It’s funny to think what all you can miss when you are in a foreign land. I miss my home, the lanes near my home, the trees in my backyard, the shops I used to visit, the restaurants, theatres, and so much more... I miss the scent, smell, and crowd of pune and traffic,railways of Mumbai. I miss traveling in the over packed buses and trains. I loved buying earrings in the trains. I miss fighting over the meter with a rickshaw walla.I miss fighting in train for fourth seat. I miss the weather and the heat of mumbai. And I miss haggling over the vegetable prices with the sellers. How can I forget the Mumbai food – the pavbhaji, chat, and vada-pav? Being a total junkie, I miss all the food stalls that I used to frequent. I remember Juhu beach, Shivaji Park, and all the Mumbai malls.Also I badly miss FC road,Deccan ki dabeli,Tapri ki pav-bhaji....

Anyways, I have decided not to miss anything too much. If I think too much, then I will be sad all the time. My best wishes will always be with my dear sis on her wedding day. Also I had already gifted her with precious gift - wedding letter...and after all she is going to meet me here in US as after marriage she will be relocating to New-York... My parents know that they are always in my thoughts though I am physically far away. Sometimes, I wish that there would be a remote that could take you to any place of your choice at the click of a button. Till then, memories would have to suffice.

My impressions of chicago-the Windy city of the States!

Like any average Indian working for a large IT firm, my husband was sent to the US for a project.

Unlike any average Indian, our motivation was to travel the country.of course only that amount which was feasible for us as we had great responsibility of arnu...

And so, as soon as we settled into my nice little apartment in Louisville, We began to formulate our extensive travel plans. As extensive as our paycheck would allow us, of course.

Chicago is supposed to be one of the cleanest cities in the Unites States of America. It is also supposed to house some of the best architecture in the country. And of course, it also boasts of a fantastic view of the Lake Michigan....so we were crazy and eagerly waiting for our journey!

We are living in the little suburb called Louisville in kentucky, believing that..that was America...Beautiful.. and yet... so devoid of pedestricians....

Believing that the whole country was as our little village was…vast.. empty.. completely devoid of pedestrians and small time hawkers!

Until the weekend we decided to visit this place everyone called “Downtown”I know now what it means to be enlightened!!!(only after visiting Downtown Chicago)...It was indeed beautiful!

I doubt I’m ever going to see any other city in the country that awesome! It was such a stark change from our place that my hubby was ready to move in right away and travel an hour to work every single day! And best of all, there were people on the road!!! I was tired of the lonely pedestrian-free highway-like roads of Louisville which harbours only fast moving cars. This looked real! I cant say anything has been as pleasant a surprise as Downtown Chicago was to me!

We travelled to chicago along with Swati and Nishant in rented Car...on friday(31st Aug 2012)..we started by 5.30 PM when nikhil finished with his office work and reached chicago by 12.00 PM...

Checked in room no..331...in O'Hare Inn and suites awesome lodging and room location which was on ground flr itself...Had delicious poori bhaji prepared by swati for dinner and decided to set off to see Downtown Chicago on Saturday morning.

Early morning...Had Garama Garam coffee and hot chocolate with pattices and biscuits for breakfast..And then we experienced Downtown!

We were supposed to have woken up at 7 and caught the Blue Line train at 8.Unfortunately, we got ready at 9 as was bit busy in doing daily chores of arnav!! Hurried through getting ready, travelled to cumberland station by our car... parked it,purchased ticket pass-We got a weekend ticket, which meant that for the three days, we could travel on the train or by bus unlimited number of times! And that was indeed amazing for all of us... rather Fascinating! and lovely!!!...clicked few snaps on bridge as were over excited and finally boarded our first train in chicago and headed for the Jackson station.

We passed all the little villages and towns on the way to the big city…and then, just as we were approaching Downtown , there was a drastic change in landscape! The countryside with the small cottages suddenly gave way to HUGE skyscrapers!! The open land was suddenly engulfed by buildings. Not an inch of free space was to be seen! We had arrived in the city of Chicago!

We were totally amazed to see..6 lanes and connecting rail platform on road...little station...Just two tracks and a little platform. There was a small walkway joining the main road with the platform and we had to cross that to board the train...My hubby enjoyed driving in chicago downtown...

When we got off the train, swati was little off-balance from the train ride. And so while she steadied herself, we set off to find out where the bus stop is...and from where we need to board the bus for Willis Tower.

Finally after boarding bus...fun filled enjoyment while gulping pringals we reached willis tower...And at the entrance of the Sears Towers was a sign saying “Skydeck open for viewing !”..

Curious, we entered bought our tickets after showing GO Chicago Pass...(of course!), went right to the top of the building and viewed the city from there!And it was such a gorgeous sight!!! We were taken up to the 103th floor in elevators that claim to be the fastest elevators in the world! It went up so fast we felt like we were in an aircraft! And our ears kept popping every 10 floors!

Intially it was detected that weather was bad and visibility was zero...we were sad to know this but finally deceided of giving it a try else can return very next day..

But to the surprise, when we stepped off the elevators, the city, with all its shining beauty, lay spread out below us and everything was clear!I believe the view encompasses a radius of some 50 miles! It was stunning! On three sides was spread out the vast countryside.

Car Parking?? Seriously??!...

observed lovely skyline of Chicago...daytime beauty which was hilarious...

We could see it up as far as the eye could see! scene was unbelivable...And on one side, was the city.. downtown Chicago . Huge skyscrapers that had us gaping in awe when we were on the roads were dwarfed in comparison with the tower we were on! It was as if we were looking down on Earth from the skies! It was lovely experience to look through transperent gallery ! At first arnu was friegthened but afterwards he too had jolly-good time with us...We saw lake too whose view was amazing!

Finally willis tower was successfully covered and we again stepped in bus ...This time we travelled with hop in hop off bus...

which guided us through all along the road...driver was explaining significance of each and every huge building on the road...

We were ravenous as we stepped off the bus, so we first hit the subway. Piled up on food, and then we decided to head towards a place called Navy Pier.

It’s at Lake Michigan , we rided in merry-go-round with arnav which showed thorough beauty of chicago from top...ferri wheel ride was amazing!...

Did carousel ride with arnu..

Enjoyed finger-chips of MacD...and finally in the evening ...we took a Lake tour! It took us through the Chicago river, all over the city, and then right to the banks of Lake Michigan ! And we were stunned!!! It looked like the ocean!! We couldn’t see the other end at all! And they call it a Lake !

We went on to Navy Pier, which is basically a street extending into the lake...We really admired night view....beauty of skyline left us stunning!..It was just unbelieveble to cruise at night in lake michigan....Experienced beautiful moment of life...

At Navy Pier...there are tons of boats and ships also water taxis and all docked there. And people walking, cycling and enjoying all over! Arnav enjoyed his first ever Thomas ride at chicago...not once but twice...

There was too much crowd on road...along with blowing of cold breeze...all were in total masti mood. The view from the end of the pier was lovely.. the wide expanse of water… and the gulls in the sky..

It was already night by the time we had finished seeing Navy Pier, and there was so much more to see that we decided to go back to lodge soon and then continue exploring the city the next day...Thrilled with this experience, we set homewards on the train. Determined to come back the next day to see some more! 

Nikhil and Nishant parcelled  food from indian restaurant maharaja..which was awesome! we enjoyed it a lot!...Tired too much had sound sleep...

Thankfully, we woke up in time on Sunday morning and caught blue line train to Jackson...with the hope to meet famous Bollywood personality Aamir Khan...chocolate hero...but was in vain...from there we headed towards vivekanand street...clicked few snaps and again started haunting for bus-stop as this time our agenda  was to go to the famous Oceanarium (Shedd Aquarium - Oceanarium) in the city which was located along the Lake.I wanna canoe too!

There we saw Alder planetarium and field meuseum also...just clicked snaps outside and continued with aquarium...We bought entry pass by standing in huge line, but it was all worth it! The place was huge! And filled with every kind of sea life form imaginable! Short of the large whales and dolphins, of course! Bad luck was dolphin show was full...

It housed almost every kind of fish from oceans, and the rivers from across the world.. and even lakes! And then they had a section completely dedicated to Corals! And one for the Caribbean ocean life. The most exotic thing I saw was the Sting Ray! Deadly, and yet so fascinating! And the corals and the sea anemones looked so lovely and colorful!

We watched Jellies...big python that left us stunned and lot more...the whole place was filled with excited little kids running all over thrilled at all the fishies they were seeing!! We watched penguins..arnav's pingu...different types of frogs which were amazing!

Also on the way had a look at agora...fascinating leg structures.....

Having spent a couple of hours there, we headed for the architecture tour and parks in the city.

The buildings were just so delightful! Not only for their sheer heights, but also the way they are designed. Each unique and in its own league.Our tour guide-best ever experienced guide we ever had-explained us in detail about each and every sky-scaper that came along with city's history in a very good manner...

we saw 'just married' couple on bridge...The bride was dressed in a lovely gown and they were walking hand in hand along the road!

Finally after biding farewell to Navy-pier...We were just walking on the roads and looking at all the sky scrapers! We saw limousine on road and were overjoyed...We smiled and walked on towards Millennium Park.we bumped into another couple in wedding attire! !! All decked up and smiling! It was so wonderful to see that! soon the day was coming to an end saw night time view on vivekanand street..clicked few snaps near cloud gate or bean...

Well, after all this, we were pretty exhausted, and so we headed back to the train station. and left..towards O'Hare...

Now on monday the last day of our trip...we catched red line train and moved towards John honcock tower...

on this day we enjoyed ice-cream at mac-D...According to me...it was super expensive! (Yeah, we were still converting Dollars to Rupees!)..he he he

And always its like, what they call small, is what we Indians would call extra large!!! Thus we got a big cone of ice-cream..and we just could hardly finish it!Its true for everything here, you know. Everything is mega sized. Even the people who are thin, are big boned. Tall. And you can imagine what the fat ones would be like!

When we went shopping for woolen clothes in louisville, I was surprised to see the size ranges.In India , I buy clothes sized Large Or extra large. Here I have to buy clothes from the medium shelves!! (That actually feels very nice!)

Thus we had ride through magnificient mile...while moving towards hancock....saw famous band...live show and performance by hollywood people and were totally astonished...view from hancock tower was fantastic...cars were looking like gaming cars from top.Thankfully the weather remained clear and sunny and absolutely lovely for exploring the city!Arnu played alot in crown fountain at millenium park...which marked the end of our trip...

What can I say??  For sometime I felt as if Chicago was a forgotten city. Maybe not to many Americans, but yes to the international community I always wondered if people knew anything more about Michael Jordan, Oprah, and Barack Obama.

While Chicago is a major American city, it was always my impression that when international visitors thought of a trip to the United States, places like New York, Los Angeles or Miami would be the places they'd like to see....but why the city of chicago is given last preference?

During one of those days when we were walking in the busy streets of Chicago I told my husband, I think I will consider Chicago to be my top 5 favorite major cities in the United States!  I have this feeling that even though it is an enormous and sophisticated city it is still with in my reach!  What I mean by that is that even though the city looks important with the huge magnificent skyline it has still manage to maintain it's down to earth characteristic.  I mean, you see a lot of working people...you bump into them on the streets but they don't look harassed, at least from my own observation.

Chicago is a bustling city and yet one will have a chance to slow down because there are flowers everywhere to encourage someone to stop if not to smell them at least appreciate these pretty sights along the sidewalks!  Thats the most amazing part !That is perhaps why these career people does not look rushed up.....

Chicago is also cleaner and very green (at least in most areas I've visited) than many other big cities (not just NYC). Like there was a certain spot where I saw the skyline of scrappers but in the foreground are very green lined trees!

I love Chicago because it is easy to get around. There is a ton of public transportation and the city is on an almost perfect grid. As far as big cities go, it is very clean. Those who are driving their vehicle in the city are disciplined and not even once did I hear any honking of car horns!  The people who live in this city are friendly most of the time(while not perfect).  I also noticed the fantastic diversity of people and so the food is -- from the famous deep dish Chicago pizza to hotdogs to barbeque ribs to caramel popcorn, etc!

Ya...yipee we enjoyed deep dish pizza at pizzano...

I enjoyed our long walks in the city despite the wind chill because there are so many work of arts (sculpture, modern art pieces, landscape, statues and of yeah the mix of modern and old architecture) in almost every corner!  We didn't even notice we've already walked miles away.....That makes it fabulous!

We also came across to a lot of shopping complex but they are not as enticing as other places!  The commercial ads are slightly represented so it gives me the impression that Chicago and its artisitic character should be enjoyed more than shopping!

Thus I can conclude that Chicago has to be one of the finest cities in USA.Everything about it is great.
The architecture, the layout, the location on the lake and river, the cleanliness, the food, the museums, the culture, the sport, the people, and the excellent balance of nature throughout the city. To me, it feels the most like an Australian city, and apart from it's size, is very similar to my home town, Mumbai except cleanliness.

Whilst in Chicago, I managed to pile a full agenda in:
I ate the worlds second best pizza at Pizzano
The mighty Chicago skyline with Sears tower in poll position.
Deep pan pizza is a revolution and I dont understand why it hasnt taken over the world.
I did a boat architectural cruise which covered most of the river, 29 bridges and nearly all of the major buildings in the city.
I hiked to the top of Sears tower. The world's tallest completed building (if you count antennae).
I walked the entire city and through the wonderful Millenium Garden.
I got to hang out with my sweet arnu..adorable hubby,kind and good natured swati with her family...at crown fountain  at millenium park...It was mini niagara for all of us....arnu enjoyed playing in water a lot...and video memories were catched by us especially by swati...makes us feel very happy and contented .

Anyways, that’s what our Labor weekend out was like!  The city is such a drastically different place from where we live! Bustling with people and beaming with energy! But at the end of the day, it was nice to come back to our quiet little village and our home :)

Nevertheless, I look forward to my next trip to the Windy city!