Sundays in My City - Homeward Bound in Seventeen Days: I Love You

Coastal Scene Near Pacifica, California

Well, really, it's hard to say where home is nowadays. I have spent about as much time in India as I have in California over the last three years.  If I could establish some sort of
residency, open a bank account, and get health insurance, I would actually live here most of the time and go home twice a year for two months.  Why? Mainly because it is affordable .. and I like this country. I have so many friends here, from youngsters to people my age, get very reasonable massage, can die here without spending a fortune for cremation and departure from this earth and they have some amazing, reasonably priced hospitals as well.  I can eat inexpensively, find someone to clean, cook, wash and iron for barely a dent
in my retirement income and participate in any number
of wonderful festivals that take place.  

The downside, of course, is that my three sons live in
California and so does my daughter-in-love, Laura, and my sweet granddaughter, Harper Ann,and the two granddogs.  In spite of Skype,not one of them seems predisposed to stay in touch with me that way - though, when I am in the U.S., my Indian friends always keep in touch  via those modalities or Viber, We Chat, etc.  I am a woman of the internet. Air fare is costly between the two countries, often $1000+ round trip and it is a long journey, sometimes 25 to 30 hours.

Jal Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

I've been very pensive the last week or so, acknowledging
that I am aging and may not be able to continue to keep up this international travel forever.  Words for a poem came to mind so here it is.

I Love You

The days rush by too quickly,

Minutes go so fast.

Those we love pass through our lives, 

The treasured times don't last.

Do we pause to cherish them,

While we have the chance?

Or does God take them from us,

While we look askance?

Three simple words, "I love you,"

Are not so hard to say,

We may feel them very often,

But not say them day by day.

I often feel the anguish of a friend,

And his overwhelming pain,

At the death of one most cherished,

And words cannot be said again.

The world would be much happier,

If we'd take time, now and then,

To tell our loved ones how we feel,

From family to special friend.

Carmen Henesy

November 12, 2014

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The Gates of Rashtrapati Bhavan - August 24, 2014

The Gates of Rashtrapati Bhavan

These beautiful gates surround Rashtrapati Bhavan, the 340 room residence 

and offices of the President of India in New Delhi, India.  In addition to the 

main building, there are 320 acres in the Presidential Estate, which include the

famous Mughul Gardens, stables, residences for staff and bodyguards and

various offices.

It took eighteen years to complete construction and, in the year of its completion,

India gained its independence from Great Britain.

Pranab Murkherjee, the 13th president of India, has held the office since July, 2012.

Since that time, he has opened up more and more of Rashtrapati Bhavan to 

the people of India and other guests.

For more information on Rashtrapati Bhavan, refer to the links below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashtrapati_Bhavan

http://www.indiasite.com/delhi/places/rashtrapatibhavan.html

http://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/the-history-of-rashtrapati-bhavan-the-official-home-of-the-president-of-india-1343022754-1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pranab_Mukherjee

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Sundays in My City - Raksha Bandhan - August 10, 2014

from Bing Images, domain free

Spending so much time in India, I've had the pleasure of experiencing many

of its religious and cultural celebrations and holidays.  Raksha Bandhan is one

of my favorites and I wish we had a counterpart in the United States.  It is a Hindu

festival which celebrates the love and duty between brothers and sisters.  It

has also come to celebrate any such devoted relationship between men and 

women who are not related biologically.

Raksha Bandhan is an ancient festival, celebrated worldwide by Hindus, Jains,

and many Sikhs.   On the full moon day ( Shravan Poornima ), a sister ties a rakhi

( sacred thread ) around her brother's wrist, symbolizing her love for him.  She

offers prayers for his well-being and for his life-long vow to protect her.  The brother,

then, affirms his promise to protect his sister.  It is a festival which affirms family ties.

Preparations for Raksha Bandhan may begin well in advance.  Many sister weave

the rakhi for their brothers.  Some keep it simple with colorful string.  Others add

amulets and stones

This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and the brother's lifelong vow to protect her.^[10][11] The festival falls on the full moon day (Shravan Poornima) of the Shravan month of theHindu lunisolar calendar.^[12]

            

 Raki bracelets, Bing Images, Domain free

The ceremony, typically, is performed in the morning, in front of parents and other family, 

with a diya ( lighted candle ), rotated around the brother's face, while the sister prays. 

 After prayers, the sister applies a mark ( tilak ) to her brother's forehead.  Next, the

sister feeds the brother some sweets from a rahki tray.

                                             

There are many websites and resources available if you would like to know more

about this special Hindu festival.  It is one of my favorites.  

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http://www.raksha-bandhan.com/ ( includes recipes, quotes, jokes and much information )

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raksha_Bandhan

http://www.raksha-bandhan.com/

Sundays in My City - Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel, Montara, CA - May 24, 2014

For me, the word "hostel" conjures up memories of my youth and schlepping through

Europe with a few nursing buddies, carrying only what could fit in an oversized backpack,

staying with other kindred spirits, of every nationality, trying to see the world, as

economically as possible.  We slept in crowded dorms at hostels, of doubtful cleanliness, boarded crowded trains on our Eurail passes and discarded our threadbare clothes when 

we finally gave up our nomadic existence and returned to the U. S.

In the ensuing years, my travels have found me staying at increasingly luxurious 

properties and in very nice cruise ship cabins, often in the company of my group

of forensic nurse friends who crew friends dubbed "the queens."  The title has

seemed to stick.  I noticed that my hotel reservation at the Umaid Mahal Hotel,

a beautiful heritage property in Jaipur, India was made for "Queen Carmen Henesy"!

Retirement, however, and subsistence on a pension and social security have

necessitated an adjustment in my life style.  Recently, when I went to the the San

Francisco area for a short visit, I had to bypass a stay at the Ritz Carlton...or even

one of the smaller boutique hotels with their hundred dollar a day price tags ( some

with $25 parking fees in the downtown area ).  I got out my unused Hosteling 

International membership card ( only $18 annual fee for seniors over 55 ) and 

checked out availability at the six hostels convenient to me.  While many are booked

heavily during the summer months, I was lucky enough to get one night at the Point

Montara Lighthouse Hostel, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, close to my former

Pacifica home.  I booked a dorm room ( six beds ) and asked for a lower bunk

because of my senior status and frequent nocturnal bathroom excursions.  That

cost me only $27, in a picturesque setting, spotlessly clean, complete with parking,

linens, Wi-fi, and a most accommodating and helpful staff.  We even had our own 

bathroom, tub and shower.

Only four of the six bunks were taken, one by a lovely young women from Germany

and another, by a senior, almost my age who lives in, of all places, in Sacramento,

California and manages an apartment complex.  She is new to that area and knows

no one so we have already set up a date for lunch!!

I enjoyed my evening, watching the sun go down over the coast, near where I had

lived for almost 35 years.  The only negative about the entire visit was that no wine 

or alcohol is allowed on hostel properties.  It would have been so nice to sit outdoors

and sip a nice California chardonnay or cabernet and watch the sea birds soar 

and the waves crash on the rocks below.

I would love to stay at all the coastal hostels in northern California.  Even the private

rooms are so reasonable, especially if they have parking and Wi-fi available....and

some have scenery, indeed, fit for a queen.

I couldn't resist stopping off at Nick's at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, for

their famous Dungeness crab sandwich and eggplant fries, before heading

through Devil's Slide to Montara.  It was my first time to use the new tunnel 

through Devil's Slide connecting Montara and Pacifica.  How many hair 

raising drives I've made through there, wondering if the rocks would come

falling down the hillside on top of me!!!

The lighthouse, is still maintained by the U. S. Coast Guard since 1875, as a 

fog signal station, after several ships ran aground.  Since 1980, in conjunction 

with California State Parks, the hostel has been in operation.

It is the perfect locale for a wide variety of outdoor activities from hiking to whale

watching to kayaking to horseback riding to just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful

northern California coast.

The grounds are planted with local flowers and shrubs - my favorite which has 

always been the cheerful daisy which I have associated with my first visit to San

Francisco when I was 18 - now a half a century ago!!!!  It hardly seem possible.

Hostel staff live in this house, part of the Coast Guard quarters of the original

site.  Guests are asked to vacate the premises between 11:00AM and 3:30PM

daily for cleaning and maintenance.  The grounds gates are locked at 11PM so

guests must plan to return to the facility accordingly.

This is the view of my dorm room.  The mattress were surprisingly comfortable.

Linens were provided and it was wonderful sleeping with the pounding surf

outside.

There were two completely stocked kitchens, with stoves and refrigerators,

cupboards, dishes - all immaculate.

The lounge area, complete with a stove, tended to by staff, made for a very 

comfortable spot to meet and talk to other guests - from all parts of the world and

of all ages.

There was more than adequate dining space for those who felt like cooking or

who brought back left overs from the many and varied local restaurants.

A little travel nook to plan the onward journey....very nice to have free Wi-fi!

A place to eat outdoors in warmer temperatures, complete with ocean view.

Even a weed looks pretty in this setting.

I truly have been blessed to live in this part of the world for 35 years...and to 

spend time on so many oceans of the world.

Someday, I'd like to come back and spend a week here...maybe with the other

queens.  

http://www.norcalhostels.org/montara/

https://www.hihostels.com/

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The Daily Border Closing Between India and Pakistan - February 20, 2014

The Border Security Force of India struts their stuff

My good friend, Verena Lukas, sent me this video which I found so interesting, I
wanted to share it.  The video depicts the the Wagah  border crossing between 
India and Pakistan.  Since 1959, the Border Security Force of India and the 
Pakistan Rangers have conducted this "Beating Retreat' ceremony, just before
sunset.  The lowering of the flags follows a rather theatrical parade by the forces of 
both countries.

In the partition of India, which was the partition of the British Indian Empire, which 
took place in August of 1947, India and Pakistan were divided into two separate
countries.  There was a massive exodus of people from both countries, with over
7 million Muslims moving to Pakistan and 7 million Hindus and Sikhs moving to
India.  This was accomplished with much violence and slaughter and about 500,000 
people died in the exodus.

The Pakistan Rangers performing

To the present day, the partition resulted in much conflict on the Indian Subcontinent.

While I would like to see this daily border closing, which is viewed by many people
from both countries and countless numbers of tourists, the ongoing outbreaks of
violence between the two countries, keep me far away.  At least, I've gotten to see
the video. 

Thanks for sending it, Verena.

Photos courtesy of Bing images, domain free

Diwali 2013 - November 2, 2013

Bing image, domain free

This is the second Diwali - this year from November 3rd to November 7th - that 

I have been in India.  It is probably the major Hindu festival of the year, celebrated

by friends and family with much joy and festivity, firecrackers popping, gift giving 

and wonderful foods, traditional to this time of celebration.  Much like Christmas 

in the Christian world, it is a holiday when those far afield return to their homeland 

to be with their families to maintain traditions.  Diwali, the festival of lights, is

a joyous time, a time of rebirth, hope, and homes are filled with candles and diyas

burning oil to fill the world with brightness.

Bing image, domain free

Each of the four days of Diwali has a different legend/theme/myth, usually

dealing with the triumph of good over evil and darkness, thus the importance

and significance of light.  Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word "dipavali"

which means "row of lights" and candles and diyas are placed  everywhere in

homes and business.  Fireworks light the heavens and there is a sense of

joy everywhere.

Bing image, domain free

If you'd like to know a little more about Diwali, check out the links below.  

Happy Diwali to everyone, especially to all of my Hindu and Indian friends in India 

and elsewhere in the world.  I wish you all a happy Diwali filled with all life's blessing 

for you and those you hold dear. At this sacred time, when evil was banished and 

light overcame darkness, I am honored to once again be in India to share in this 

joyous occasion. May the goddess, Lakshmi, bring you, not only material wealth, but 

the wealth of loving family and friends and may the Lord Ganesha constantly remove 

any obstacles that come up in your life.

Bing image, domain free

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

http://hinduism.about.com/od/diwalifestivaloflights/a/diwali.htm

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Sundays in My City - A Lengthy Lunch at the Salt Water Cafe - September 23, 2012

The Santos family of Sahar Village in Mumbai is like family to me.  During my
first stay in India - four months - I lived with Odelio, Lorna, Nick, Jake and, last
but not least, Skip, the family pooch.  I can't believe I've only been to see them
once during this stay - partly because I'm quite a distance away and, with
Nick and Lorna's work schedule and Jake's school and studies, there is not
a lot of time.  My "nephew", Nick, has been working in Dubai.

Happily for me, he is home for a couple of months before starting a new job in
Dubai.  He and his good friend, Snedan, came to have lunch with me 
yesterday at the Salt Water Cafe, my favorite Bandra West restaurant.

We ate and laughed and talked and, before we knew it, we'd been at the 
Salt Water for three hours.  It was so much fun, though, and it delights me
that two young men would take the time to come and hang out with their 
"aunty".

We shared three excellent appetizers and three desserts but each ordered
our own entree.  On the weekends, during certain hours, there is a cocktail
special for 999 rupees ( about $16 ) - quite an assortment and, as far as I
know, it is unlimited.  Since drinks are pretty pricey at the Salt Water, I chose 
to do the special &, four drinks later, I felt I had my money's worth. 

As always, the food and cocktails were excellent and, in spite of the fact
that the restaurant was filled to the gills, we got superb service.  

I laughed and told Nick and Snedan that we had come a long way from our
first outing together when I had just moved to Mumbai - an afternoon of 
several fancy concoctions at Hagen Daas.

Before Nick heads back to Dubai in Novemger, we're going to try another
place about which I've heard good things - Global Fusion.

While I waited for the boys, I went ahead and ordered appetizers so they 

wouldn't have to wait.  All of them were wonderful.  We had a huge plate of

assorted vegetables in an olive oil ( one of the best olive oils I've ever tasted ),

with green and black olives.  There was also cheese on the platter with the 

artichoke hearts, eggplant, zucchini and yellow summer squash.

Nick arrived, wearing a Monarch of the Seas t-shirt which brought tears to my eyes!

This was a delicious polenta crusted chicken with a spicy sauce which I've had

on several occasions.  The only new dish, for me, of the three appetizers was

a wonderful calamari and prawns, not breaded, with lemon and coriander in the

marinade.  I could easily have eaten a second one of those!

While the boys drank Budweiser, I had my second vodka drink, a very yummy and 

spicy bloody Mary.  

Nick Santos and Snaeddan Keppler Vaz

In a tribute to my Southern roots, I decided to have a bourbon mint julep.  The

bartender really is good as this tasted right on a par with that at the Brown

Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

Snaeddan ordered lamb shanks - something I've always wanted to try since

I love lamb.  They don't look as good as those I've had on Royal Caribbean

ships, though.  I had a beef tenderloin burger on a whole wheat bun with

Brie - yummy.  I love their lamb burger, too - and once I ordered the "Almighty

Burger", a HUGE concoction with two beef tenderloin burgers, cheese, egg,

and some other things.  You can't get your mouth over it, though.  I had to

cut it in four sections!  Nick chose a chicken dish which he seemed to eat 

with delight.

My final cocktail on my drink tour was tequila - a delicious margarita.  I'll

tell you, Salt Water does an excellent job with their cocktails.  They have

some speciality drinks, too, 

All three of the dessert trio were delicious but my favorite is the chocolate

bomb ( I think that's what it's called ).  Once you put your spoon into it,

warm chocolate syrup oozes out.  A scoop of raspberry sorbet accompanies

it.  Definitely worth the calories!

This coffee creme brulee was so yummy.  Of course, creme brulee is at

the top of my favorite desserts list.  

Our third dessert was cheesecake...nice but just cheesecake, as far as I'm concerned.

I've certainly had better, including my pumpkin cheesecake I make at Thanksgiving.

Nick said he had never eaten cheesecake before.  I wonder how anyone, even in

India, reaches his 21st birthday without having tasted cheesecake!

As we got ready to leave, we had a waiter take another picture of us.  I am 

sure I had a couple more pounds on my frame than when I entered Salt Water.

I am really not losing weight this India visit, what with regular, delicious meals

cooked by my wonderful housemates - I'll just be happy if I don't gain any

weight!

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