Escaping Reality

Is that even possible? Can one pause time, take a break from life and escape into a world unreal? Yet, many back home tell me that I am doing just that by being here. I am not escaping anything. The people I've met, the places I've seen, the lifetime of memories I've collected, those strong emotions, they are real. Unfortunately unless you have reached the milestones set by others for you, no matter what you do or achieve is as good as doing nothing at all. They mean nothing. I should learn to care less but it makes me sad. And in the process of convincing others I wonder if I am convincing myself. This is real. How can it be anything else?

Live and Loud

One of the first things I did after I had settled down was to look for listings of bands performing in town. I could recognize only 2 in the list, one was Travis and the other Keane. (It is ok if your reaction is 'who the hell are they'. I think worldspace (radio voyager) introduced me to both the bands. Look them up maybe you'll like their music) Anyhoo, I attended both the concerts. Travis performed to a smaller crowd and it almost felt like they were performing just for me. I had done my preparation well before they came to town and had grown very fond of their music. Frank Healy, the lead singer with his sexy Scottish accent and beautiful voice wooed the crowd. Even my friends who had never heard the band before ended up enjoying the whole night. This is easily one of the best live performances I have seen. Keane, I had decided to not go because I couldn't find company but changed my mind just hours before the show. A much well known band than Travis, this drew a big crowd. I did have a very good time but there was something amiss. I couldn't connect to them. And then, he (Tom) sang 'Somewhere only we know'. Beautiful, beautiful song.

Closer -Travis

Somewhere only we know - Keane

Live performances. Me likes. Makes me happy.

Bands/Artists I want to see performing live
- A R Rehman
- Sonu Nigam
- Shubha Mudgal
- Bon Jovi
- Green Day
- Coldplay
- Madonna

Will add more to this list, why cant I think of anyone else right now?

Las Vegas and The Grand Canyons

What man with all his money can do what nature with all its force can. I'm impressed.

PS : there will be no pictures. You seem them before a million times already, haven't you?

For you to come back

Living in the US creates an illusion of affluence. Life seems easier, money is good (especially when you convert to Rupees, heh) and it feels like there is always time to do things you want to. Even with the current economy and depression, people seem..whats that word-happy. I can see why people want to be here, it is this illusion that keeps everyone going. Back home in India, there is no escaping the troubles. They are constantly staring at you, it takes a humougous effort to look away and to be detatched.

Maybe I've got it all wrong, I haven't been here long after all. My friend tells me that I'm confusing living alone to living in the US. That my observations aren't accurate, reason why I like it here is because I'm on my own, there is no answering to anyone. I don't think so, I've lived alone before, in India it isn't the same. I've never been this busy in life and I've never enjoyed being this busy. As if I hadn't had enough to do, I've signed up for Kick boxing classes! I know this will all end soon and I'll have to go back to the life (which btw wasn't as bad as I make it sound). I hope I take back with me this enthusiasm and this energy. I hope I don't let the petty issues bog me down, maybe one need not be detached, maybe there is some middle ground one needs to find?

When I asked my eleven year old cousin brother what he wanted from America, his reply was 'For you to come back'. Sigh! While life here is good I must not forget things and people important to me. Will call him this weekend, I'm sure he wouldn't mind something other than just my coming back.

Sleepless in Seattle..

...only because I stayed up late catching up with The Friend. Raven was missed muchly.
Daffodils at Skagit valley


Pike place market


Lake Washington


The Space needle View from top of Space Needle


Langley, Whidbey island

Possession beach, Whidbey island

Stay hungry, Stay foolish...and perhaps selfish too?

Best Friends

I get to meet a lot of people because I frequently move in and out of projects at work. Which is a good thing you might say but it is also increasingly difficult to keep up the friendship. The last time I made best friends was in Hyderabad, almost four years back. And only one later, no wait four more in the last four years. I need more best friends, not just friends.