SPB Concert on Aug. 7th, 2011, @Chennai.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
தாவணிப் பூக்கள்
தாவணிப் பூக்கள் என்றதுமே
உங்கள் எண்ணங்கள்
சிறகேந்திப் பறந்தனவோ ;)
இந்த ஜூலை நன் நாளில்(4)
நான் கண் விரியப் பார்த்தது
வானில் மலர்ந்த இவ்வண்ணப் பூக்களே :))
உங்கள் எண்ணங்கள்
சிறகேந்திப் பறந்தனவோ ;)
இந்த ஜூலை நன் நாளில்(4)
நான் கண் விரியப் பார்த்தது
வானில் மலர்ந்த இவ்வண்ணப் பூக்களே :))
Friday, June 17, 2011
Once Upon a Time in Chennai
I was spending some time today evening, cleaning out and disposing old papers and came across this, yellowed, withered, dog-eared paper with some Tamil writing on it. I wrote this in '85 when I was working in CMC at Chennai. I love Sujatha's Tamil novels and his style of new age writing. I took a day out of my typical work life in CMC, did "ஈ அடிச்சான் காபி" of Sujatha's writing style and wrote this.
Enjoy!!!
என்று ஒரு லைன் அடித்து விட்டு, "பிரிண்ட் செக்" என்று சிவப்பு நிறத்தில் எச்சரித்தது. 36 ஆவது பொசிஷன் என்னை பார்த்து சிரித்தது.
ஹேமரும், காயிலும் ஒழுங்காக உள்ளனவா என்று டெஸ்ட் செய்து விட்டு, 36 ஆவது காயிலைபிரித்தெடுத்து, புதிய காயிலை இணைத்து, இன்சுலேஷன் டேப் சுற்றி, மீண்டும் டெஸ்ட் செய்து, ஒ.கே. யூ கேன் டேக் தி சிஸ்டம் என்று ஆபரேடரிடம் சொல்லிவிட்டு, ஆட்டோ பிடுத்து ஆபீஸ் வந்தேன்.
Enjoy!!!
திங்கள் கிழமை எப்பொழுதும் போல் விடிந்தது.
சூரியன் எப்பொழுதும் போல் எழுந்தான். வேலைக்குச் செல்பவர்கள்
எப்பொழுதும் போல் எலெக்ட்ரிக் ட்ரெயினை பிடிக்க ஓடிக்கொண்டிருந்தார்கள்.
நான் தி. நகர் பஸ் நிலையத்திற்குச் சென்றேன். நீங்கள் தி.ந.ப. நிலையத்தை
பார்த்ததுண்டா? பார்த்திருக்கிறவர்கள் அடுத்த பாராவுக்கு செல்லவும்.
பார்க்காதவர்கள் கேட்கவும். இந்த ப. நிலையம் ஒரு காலத்தில் மிகவும்
சிறியதாக இருந்தது. இப்போதோ, வெவ்வேறு வழிகளில் பாரிமுனை
சூரியன் எப்பொழுதும் போல் எழுந்தான். வேலைக்குச் செல்பவர்கள்
எப்பொழுதும் போல் எலெக்ட்ரிக் ட்ரெயினை பிடிக்க ஓடிக்கொண்டிருந்தார்கள்.
நான் தி. நகர் பஸ் நிலையத்திற்குச் சென்றேன். நீங்கள் தி.ந.ப. நிலையத்தை
பார்த்ததுண்டா? பார்த்திருக்கிறவர்கள் அடுத்த பாராவுக்கு செல்லவும்.
பார்க்காதவர்கள் கேட்கவும். இந்த ப. நிலையம் ஒரு காலத்தில் மிகவும்
சிறியதாக இருந்தது. இப்போதோ, வெவ்வேறு வழிகளில் பாரிமுனை
செல்லும் 9, 10, 11, 11ஏ, திருவல்லிக்கேணி செல்லும் 12, 13, அண்ணா சதுக்கம் செல்லும் 13பி, பட்டினப்பாக்கம் செல்லும் 12ஏ, கே.கே நகர் செல்லும் 12 ஜி எல்லாம் நின்று கொண்டிருந்தன.
முகப்பில் நின்று முதலில் வெளியே வந்த 11-இல் தொற்றிக்கொண்டேன். வழக்கமாக, அதே நேரத்தில், அதே பஸ்-இல், தோளில் வெள்ளை கோட்டுடன் வரும் மெடிக்கல் படிக்கும் பெண் என்னைப்பார்த்து சிரிப்பது (அல்லது புன்னகைப்பது) போல் இருந்தது! எதற்காக? என் முகத்தில் ஏதேனும் பவுடர் திட்டோ?
பஸ் பனகல் பார்க்-ஐ கடந்து, ஜி. என். செட்டி ரோட்டில் விரைந்து,
அண்ணா சாலையை 83 டிகிரியில் வெட்டி, அண்ணா
க ஊ ர் ந் து
வா கீ
து ழே
மேம்பாலத்தில் மெ இறங்கியதும்
என்னை விடுவித்துகொண்டேன்.
ஆபீஸ்-இல் நுழைந்ததும் ஐ. டி. எம். -இல் பிரிண்டர் ரிப்பேர் என்றார்
முகப்பில் நின்று முதலில் வெளியே வந்த 11-இல் தொற்றிக்கொண்டேன். வழக்கமாக, அதே நேரத்தில், அதே பஸ்-இல், தோளில் வெள்ளை கோட்டுடன் வரும் மெடிக்கல் படிக்கும் பெண் என்னைப்பார்த்து சிரிப்பது (அல்லது புன்னகைப்பது) போல் இருந்தது! எதற்காக? என் முகத்தில் ஏதேனும் பவுடர் திட்டோ?
பஸ் பனகல் பார்க்-ஐ கடந்து, ஜி. என். செட்டி ரோட்டில் விரைந்து,
அண்ணா சாலையை 83 டிகிரியில் வெட்டி, அண்ணா
க ஊ ர் ந் து
வா கீ
து ழே
மேம்பாலத்தில் மெ இறங்கியதும்
என்னை விடுவித்துகொண்டேன்.
ஆபீஸ்-இல் நுழைந்ததும் ஐ. டி. எம். -இல் பிரிண்டர் ரிப்பேர் என்றார்
தேவராஜ். டூல் கிட்-ஐ < ச்சே! என்ன கனம் > எடுத்துக்கொண்டு லிப்ட்-இல் நுழைந்து, கீழே வந்து, ஆட்டோ பிடித்து ஐ. டி. எம்.சென்றேன்.
உள்ளே நுழைந்து, "குட் மார்னிங் ஹென்றி" என்றேன். ஹென்றி பதில் சொல்ல வில்லை. ஹென்றி, அந்த கம்ப்யூட்டர்-க்கு நான் வைத்த பெயர். இதனை இணைப்பதற்கு எத்தனை மூளைகள் எத்தனை படித்து, எத்தனை கண் விழித்து, எத்தனை பாஸ் செய்து, எத்தனை இணைத்திருக்கவேண்டும்.
சி.பி.யு. கன்சோல்-இல் ஒரு ப்ரோக்ராம் என்டர் செய்து, பிரிண்டர் அருகே சென்று, ஸ்டார்ட் பட்டன்-ஐத் தட்டினேன்.
டட்டர டட்டர டட்டர டட்
உள்ளே நுழைந்து, "குட் மார்னிங் ஹென்றி" என்றேன். ஹென்றி பதில் சொல்ல வில்லை. ஹென்றி, அந்த கம்ப்யூட்டர்-க்கு நான் வைத்த பெயர். இதனை இணைப்பதற்கு எத்தனை மூளைகள் எத்தனை படித்து, எத்தனை கண் விழித்து, எத்தனை பாஸ் செய்து, எத்தனை இணைத்திருக்கவேண்டும்.
சி.பி.யு. கன்சோல்-இல் ஒரு ப்ரோக்ராம் என்டர் செய்து, பிரிண்டர் அருகே சென்று, ஸ்டார்ட் பட்டன்-ஐத் தட்டினேன்.
டட்டர டட்டர டட்டர டட்
ஹேமரும், காயிலும் ஒழுங்காக உள்ளனவா என்று டெஸ்ட் செய்து விட்டு, 36 ஆவது காயிலைபிரித்தெடுத்து, புதிய காயிலை இணைத்து, இன்சுலேஷன் டேப் சுற்றி, மீண்டும் டெஸ்ட் செய்து, ஒ.கே. யூ கேன் டேக் தி சிஸ்டம் என்று ஆபரேடரிடம் சொல்லிவிட்டு, ஆட்டோ பிடுத்து ஆபீஸ் வந்தேன்.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Big Telescope @ Big Bear
When we were checking out the details of various hiking trails in Big Bear Discovery Center, Swetha spotted a sign indicating there would be star gazing with professional telescopes that night at 8pm. All of us got excited and decided to check it out.
After an early and very spicy dinner at the Himalayan restaurant, reached the discovery center. An amateur astronomer, Tim Bagerly was setting up couple of big telescopes. Had a good conversation with Tim and got plenty of tips from him since I want to move up to one of the automated telescopes.
One of the telescopes was a monster 16" telescope. Couple of families with children and another young couple from Orange county enjoyed outstanding views of the crescent moon, Saturn and its moons.
After spending an hour, we headed back to our cabin by the lake. This turned out to be a perfect anniversary day/night - starting the morning by the lake, spending time at Big Bear village, excellent lunch at a Mom and Pop restaurant Saucy Mama's, hiking the trail by the lake, desserts at Sugar Pine Bakery, afternoon tea by the lake, spicy dinner at the Himalayan and capping it all off with views of Moon's craters and Saturn.
After an early and very spicy dinner at the Himalayan restaurant, reached the discovery center. An amateur astronomer, Tim Bagerly was setting up couple of big telescopes. Had a good conversation with Tim and got plenty of tips from him since I want to move up to one of the automated telescopes.
One of the telescopes was a monster 16" telescope. Couple of families with children and another young couple from Orange county enjoyed outstanding views of the crescent moon, Saturn and its moons.
After spending an hour, we headed back to our cabin by the lake. This turned out to be a perfect anniversary day/night - starting the morning by the lake, spending time at Big Bear village, excellent lunch at a Mom and Pop restaurant Saucy Mama's, hiking the trail by the lake, desserts at Sugar Pine Bakery, afternoon tea by the lake, spicy dinner at the Himalayan and capping it all off with views of Moon's craters and Saturn.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Secret inTheir Eyes
Couple of weeks ago while clicking away the remote, came across this movie. While I am picky about watching only selected US made movies, I always fall for foreign language movies since usually the story happens in a country or locale, I haven't visited yet. For this movie, I had no idea about the actors, the story, the language or the country of origin. This turned out to be a movie from Argentina and I was glad it had sub-titles :)
The story is about a retired criminal investigator who wants to write a novel about an unsolved murder he handled 25 years ago. In the process of digging out more, he ends up solving the mystery. With plenty of twists ans turns, interlaced with the hero's love story, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie. The ending is typical for these kind of movies but more than the story, what impressed me the most is the very cool demeanor & natural acting of the hero and others. The direction was superb and hooked me in for the entire length of the movie.
While writing this post today, I learned that this movie won the 2010 Oscar for the best foreign language movie. I patted myself on the back for deciding to watch this movie on the spur of the moment :)
Netflix has the movie. Check it out and enjoy :))
The story is about a retired criminal investigator who wants to write a novel about an unsolved murder he handled 25 years ago. In the process of digging out more, he ends up solving the mystery. With plenty of twists ans turns, interlaced with the hero's love story, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie. The ending is typical for these kind of movies but more than the story, what impressed me the most is the very cool demeanor & natural acting of the hero and others. The direction was superb and hooked me in for the entire length of the movie.
While writing this post today, I learned that this movie won the 2010 Oscar for the best foreign language movie. I patted myself on the back for deciding to watch this movie on the spur of the moment :)
Netflix has the movie. Check it out and enjoy :))
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Spontaneous Sunday
Once the Boston RedSox schedule was announced in March, I started looking forward to their LA visit to play against the Angels. The last game of the series happened to be on my B'day weekend and a spontaneous decision was made yesterday night to go for this game.
The Angels stadium was 1 hr+ drive north of San Diego and we left around 10:30. As we approached the stadium, it started raining and Sheila started complaining that this is not the perfect San Diego weather :) The girls and I wanted to be close to the action and I had bought "Field" tickets just 10 rows from the field between home plate and 1st base.
As we entered the stadium, it was raining and Sheila was livid with anger that there is no roof over our head :) She was yelling at me: "...next time, before you buy the tickets, you have to tell me where we are going to sit..." :) I had paid extra $$ to be close to the action and she wanted to sit under a pavilion, far away from the field :))
The girls are ready with their signs!!
Kevin Youkilis' unique stance, holding the bat horizontal above his head. "Big Papi" Ortiz on deck. We watched the first innings in soaking rain, covering our heads with whatever we have :)
Luckily, the rain stopped by 2nd innings.
In the stadium, there were more RedSox fans than Angels fans. This is not a surprise since RedSox have fans all over the world from the oldest to the youngest, including this little boy!!
Ex-San Diego hitter Adrian Gonzalez drove in couple of runs with this hit. By this time, all the rain clouds had passed away and it turned out to be Sunny & Hot. Sheila started complaining again: "...hey, it is getting too hot now.." :)
The game is just a small part of the whole electrifying atmosphere in the stadium, with guys selling Cotton Candy, Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Pizza, Snacks, Drinks and Ice cream ( yes, in the rain!!! ). And...watching people...always...interesting ;)
We were delighted to watch Carl Crawford, the 142 million $$$ man, hit his first home run of his first season with the RedSox.
Cheering Carl's home run hit!
Whenever, Youk came to bat we were all chanting and yelling "youk...youk...youk.." and for Ortiz, "papi...papi...papi". Swetha and Shreya (of course, and I) were thrilled to watch our favorite RedSox players up close and personal.
John Lackey, the starting pitcher did an outstanding job, pitching 8 scoreless innings :)
RedSox won 7-0, sweeping the Angels, winning all the 4 games @ LA.
After the win.
Both in 2005 and now we have watched RedSox play as a family and have won both the times. So, Swetha, Shreya and I have decided to drag Sheila with us to all the future RedSox games, rain or shine, snow or Sun :) :) :)
The fun part is, Sheila was relating the game to Cricket. Whenever foul balls went outside she screamed "Sixer...Sixer" :). When a player got thrown out at a base she was yelling "Run Out" :))
We are all looking forward to the RedSox-Angels playoff games in Oct. :))
The Angels stadium was 1 hr+ drive north of San Diego and we left around 10:30. As we approached the stadium, it started raining and Sheila started complaining that this is not the perfect San Diego weather :) The girls and I wanted to be close to the action and I had bought "Field" tickets just 10 rows from the field between home plate and 1st base.
As we entered the stadium, it was raining and Sheila was livid with anger that there is no roof over our head :) She was yelling at me: "...next time, before you buy the tickets, you have to tell me where we are going to sit..." :) I had paid extra $$ to be close to the action and she wanted to sit under a pavilion, far away from the field :))
The girls are ready with their signs!!
Kevin Youkilis' unique stance, holding the bat horizontal above his head. "Big Papi" Ortiz on deck. We watched the first innings in soaking rain, covering our heads with whatever we have :)
Luckily, the rain stopped by 2nd innings.
In the stadium, there were more RedSox fans than Angels fans. This is not a surprise since RedSox have fans all over the world from the oldest to the youngest, including this little boy!!
Ex-San Diego hitter Adrian Gonzalez drove in couple of runs with this hit. By this time, all the rain clouds had passed away and it turned out to be Sunny & Hot. Sheila started complaining again: "...hey, it is getting too hot now.." :)
We were delighted to watch Carl Crawford, the 142 million $$$ man, hit his first home run of his first season with the RedSox.
Cheering Carl's home run hit!
Whenever, Youk came to bat we were all chanting and yelling "youk...youk...youk.." and for Ortiz, "papi...papi...papi". Swetha and Shreya (of course, and I) were thrilled to watch our favorite RedSox players up close and personal.
John Lackey, the starting pitcher did an outstanding job, pitching 8 scoreless innings :)
RedSox won 7-0, sweeping the Angels, winning all the 4 games @ LA.
After the win.
The fun part is, Sheila was relating the game to Cricket. Whenever foul balls went outside she screamed "Sixer...Sixer" :). When a player got thrown out at a base she was yelling "Run Out" :))
We are all looking forward to the RedSox-Angels playoff games in Oct. :))
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A Reliable Wife
I am sure I got your attention with the title :) It is the title of a fiction I read recently. I love reading books and always pick up a new book before going on vacations to read during long flights. Picked up this book without knowing anything about the author and based on the synopsis on the back cover:
He placed a notice in a Chicago paper, an advertisement for a "reliable wife." She responded, saying that she was "a simple, honest woman."She was, of course, anything but honest, and the only simple thing about her was her single-minded determination to marry this man and kill hm, slowly and carefully, leaving herself a wealthy widow. What Catherine Land did not realize was the enigmatic and lonely Ralph Truitt had a plan of his own.
This happens to be the author's first fiction. While books by unknown authors have turned out to be boring, I couldn't put down this book easily. Read it on the flight to Philly & back and in D & G's house whenever we were not roaming outside.
Didn't want to give away the plot except the story happens in 1900s Wisconsin and St. Louis :)
Enjoy - if you end up reading the book.
He placed a notice in a Chicago paper, an advertisement for a "reliable wife." She responded, saying that she was "a simple, honest woman."She was, of course, anything but honest, and the only simple thing about her was her single-minded determination to marry this man and kill hm, slowly and carefully, leaving herself a wealthy widow. What Catherine Land did not realize was the enigmatic and lonely Ralph Truitt had a plan of his own.
This happens to be the author's first fiction. While books by unknown authors have turned out to be boring, I couldn't put down this book easily. Read it on the flight to Philly & back and in D & G's house whenever we were not roaming outside.
Didn't want to give away the plot except the story happens in 1900s Wisconsin and St. Louis :)
Enjoy - if you end up reading the book.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Off The Beaten Path
While on vacation, I enjoy striking a chat with locals and strangers I meet. People share a slice of their lives with me. Sometimes, this leads to strange connections, coincidences and common interests. I also love the small towns which are tucked away from the big cities and touristy spots.
HAMAKUA:
On our driving trip to Hilo, we stopped by in a small town called "HAMAKUA" to have a snack and pickup our picnic lunches to eat at the waterfalls. This is a very small town with Mom & Pop shops. It looked as if this town was stuck at 1950s and never changed. Loved the antique look of it. This town also reminded me of the many coastal New England small towns we used to visit from Boston.
A Guy sitting outside a shop:
A middle aged white guy was sitting out side enjoying the Sun. When I passed him first I smiled at him and he smiled back. On our way back, he stopped us and asked if we are all from India. He told that his wife is from Kerala and he enjoys visiting India. When I asked him what work he does, he told that he is working as a hiking guide to tourists. What a way to work, have fun and enjoy the beauty of the Big Island everyday!!!
A Japanese Couple at the Luau:
When we attended the Luau @ the Hilton, we all were dressed up for the event in flashy, colorful attire. Sitting right across from me at the dinner table was a middle aged Japanese couple, dressed in normal, simple dress. After few minutes of conversation, he told me that he has visited Mumbai and Delhi. When I asked him if he was visiting as a tourist or for business, he said he visited for business. He then handed m his business card and said he is the Chairman of an Airport Construction Company in Kansai.!!! Can't help noticing how humble and simple he was. He asked me to visit him when we visit Japan :) and I ended up inviting him to San Diego. After the Tsunami, I sent him an email inquiring about his family, friends and company. He replied that his family is not affected as they are all living in Osaka but few folks he knows were affected by the Tsunami.
When I told my friend at work that I am visiting Big Island, he asked me to stop at the Punalu'u Bakery which is at the southern most tip of the big Island. He especially recommended the Coconut Bun which is similar to the தேங்காய் பன் we get back home. After visiting the Volcano National Park, we drove another 2 hours and stopped by the bakery @ 4:59:59 pm. As we parked the car, some one said, "they are closing the shop". Sheila ran in to the shop and pushed through the door as they were closing. We were the last customer that day and were able to enjoy the தேங்காய் பன் :)). Apparently, this is a famous bakery and so many folks came after the shop was closed and were disappointed.
Retired Guy on Bike:
While going for a morning walk at the beach with Sheila, met a retired guy on a bike. While chatting up with him, he mentioned he is from Connecticut but lives in Big Island for 5 months from Jan. to May. Hmmm. That sounds like a good retirement plan for me. Looking forward to it :) :) :)
On our driving trip to Hilo, we stopped by in a small town called "HAMAKUA" to have a snack and pickup our picnic lunches to eat at the waterfalls. This is a very small town with Mom & Pop shops. It looked as if this town was stuck at 1950s and never changed. Loved the antique look of it. This town also reminded me of the many coastal New England small towns we used to visit from Boston.
 |
| The
owner opened this shop 4 years ago and is absolutely enjoying making
and selling fudges and ice cream and having customers from all over the world. |
 |
| This
Sandwich shop lady just had her grandson born and was proudly showing
the photo of her grandson to all the customers and her friends visiting her at the shop. This lady told Swetha and Shreya that a Mom sacrifices a lot for their kids and advised them never to fight with Sheila :) The shop has a beautiful mural on one side. |
A Guy sitting outside a shop:
A Japanese Couple at the Luau:
When we attended the Luau @ the Hilton, we all were dressed up for the event in flashy, colorful attire. Sitting right across from me at the dinner table was a middle aged Japanese couple, dressed in normal, simple dress. After few minutes of conversation, he told me that he has visited Mumbai and Delhi. When I asked him if he was visiting as a tourist or for business, he said he visited for business. He then handed m his business card and said he is the Chairman of an Airport Construction Company in Kansai.!!! Can't help noticing how humble and simple he was. He asked me to visit him when we visit Japan :) and I ended up inviting him to San Diego. After the Tsunami, I sent him an email inquiring about his family, friends and company. He replied that his family is not affected as they are all living in Osaka but few folks he knows were affected by the Tsunami.
 |
| PUNALU'U Bakery: |
Retired Guy on Bike:
While going for a morning walk at the beach with Sheila, met a retired guy on a bike. While chatting up with him, he mentioned he is from Connecticut but lives in Big Island for 5 months from Jan. to May. Hmmm. That sounds like a good retirement plan for me. Looking forward to it :) :) :)
Friday, March 18, 2011
வா வெண்ணிலா !!!
Tomorrow is the Perigee of the Moon. Happens once in 18 / 19 years. Looks like it is going to be rainy and cloudy tomorrow. So spent the Friday night outside hanging out with my telescope and the moon :)
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Hang loose !!!
Big Island, Hawaii
One of the new things I learned while at Hawaii is the "Hang loose" sign. It involves extending your thumb and little finger while curling the middle 3 fingers, raising and rotating the hand back and fourth.
It is used by locals as a way of greeting or to say "hang loose" or "cool" or "relax". As we drove through the remote areas of Big Island, kids on the street side greeted us with this sign. Swetha and Shreya with the Luau dancers showing the Hang loose sign.
One of the new things I learned while at Hawaii is the "Hang loose" sign. It involves extending your thumb and little finger while curling the middle 3 fingers, raising and rotating the hand back and fourth.
It is used by locals as a way of greeting or to say "hang loose" or "cool" or "relax". As we drove through the remote areas of Big Island, kids on the street side greeted us with this sign. Swetha and Shreya with the Luau dancers showing the Hang loose sign.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Nou Ka Hale
Big Island, Hawaii
Whenever we go on vacation, our first preference is to rent a house or a condo as opposed to staying in tiny hotel rooms. This is working out well since there is no rush in the morning to get out and have breakfast elsewhere - the girls love to sleep in late on vacations. We all love it when Sheila whips up a spicy and yummy Indian dinner (:-P...
The condo we stayed at during this Big Island vacation, "The Shores", was fantastic in many ways. It is located in Waikoloa (வைகோலவா) resort area which includes Hilton, Marriott resorts, plenty of luxury condos overlooking the beaches, multiple restaurants, a golf course, couple of shopping centers and with an easy walk to 2 beaches.
The whole resort area is nicely landscaped with multiple ponds, water falls, almond tress and coconut trees. The complex was very quiet and is nicely located away from highly commercialized, touristy areas but still close enough to the spots we wanted to visit and enjoy.
It seems that the entire Waikoloa resort areas was built on lava fields since many buildings and landscaped areas are surrounded by long stretches of black lava fields and rocks.
For 6 days we felt that we are staying in our home. A welcome card placed in the condo correctly captured our feelings as "Nou Ka Hale" which in Hawaiian language, means "Our Home is Your Home".
Whenever we go on vacation, our first preference is to rent a house or a condo as opposed to staying in tiny hotel rooms. This is working out well since there is no rush in the morning to get out and have breakfast elsewhere - the girls love to sleep in late on vacations. We all love it when Sheila whips up a spicy and yummy Indian dinner (:-P...
The condo we stayed at during this Big Island vacation, "The Shores", was fantastic in many ways. It is located in Waikoloa (வைகோலவா) resort area which includes Hilton, Marriott resorts, plenty of luxury condos overlooking the beaches, multiple restaurants, a golf course, couple of shopping centers and with an easy walk to 2 beaches.
The whole resort area is nicely landscaped with multiple ponds, water falls, almond tress and coconut trees. The complex was very quiet and is nicely located away from highly commercialized, touristy areas but still close enough to the spots we wanted to visit and enjoy.
It seems that the entire Waikoloa resort areas was built on lava fields since many buildings and landscaped areas are surrounded by long stretches of black lava fields and rocks.
For 6 days we felt that we are staying in our home. A welcome card placed in the condo correctly captured our feelings as "Nou Ka Hale" which in Hawaiian language, means "Our Home is Your Home".
Friday, February 18, 2011
A Swing by the Sea
Sheila and I went for a morning walk on the beach, 10 minutes walking distance from our condo in Waikoloa. We were told this is a rocky beach with less sand but decided to check it out anyway. As we approached the beach I was stunned by the unique combination of pure white rocks and the dark brown/black rocks (which are due to the Lava which had flowed in to the sea long time back). Adding to this breathtaking contrast is a line of coconut trees along the beach.
There were not many people around except few joggers, a family, an old lady and a guy with a bike. As we were walking along, spotted few whales breaching the water at a distance and a line of early morning sea kayakers rowing their kayaks out to the ocean.
As we turned a corner, we were taken aback to find a wooden swing made of a tree trunk hung between two trees. A swing at the edge of the sea!!! A fitting finale to the stunning scenery and a pleasant morning walk.
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