THE UNFADING MEMORIES OF USA
Just
after my return from maiden USA trip, I made up my mind to pen down a diary to
record my experience of those limited days which I lived therein. But to
experiment on “memory fades with time” I kept the idea pending with me for few
months. Now I share following unfading memories that have stood the test of
time, with all concerned and interested readers.
22nd Wednesday 06/2011 – First impressions
The
dream became true when we (Minto and me) got out of JFK Airport New York at
about 8.00 AM after security check and found Manu- our son waiting outside for
us. He, along with his friend Sunil, took us to his car and started for Wayne. While
heading to Wayne we were bewildered to see George Washington Bridge over Hudson
River via I- 95.We were told that it was the busiest motor vehicle
bridge(Annual 106million vehicles) in the world operated by Port Authority of
NY and NJ. The Hudson River separates New York from New Jersey State. The
Infrastructures and roads that we came across enroute, gave first information
about the prosperity of the nation, which appeared to be far ahead from our
India.
We reached Manu’s
residence in Township of Wayne, 22 Lancaster court by 9.00 AM, hugged our
grandson Ansh and blessed Ruchika. We were so happy to join our family at that
moment that no words can explain the emotions. Thus along cherished dream of
life was fulfilled to see ourselves in our family in the great land of U.S.A. I
informed about our arrival to Pooja, then Sanu and thereafter to Kesar. Full
day passed in chatting, relaxing and taking mental rest. In the evening I
walked in down lanes and lawns with Manu to see the climatic conditions and
social signatures in the vicinity.
23 June 2011- The Willowbrook Experience
Manu
returned back from his office in the evening, a little early and took us to a
Mall named Willow Brook Wayne nearly 5 miles away from his residence. We
walked, walked, tired, and were astonished to see the vast expanse and various
sections of the Mall. It appeared to be so big to accommodate our one whole so
called Malls of India in a single wing. What to say of inventory? Later we
could gather that it was spread over an area of nearly 75 acres having more
than 200 retail shops and it is the fourth largest Mall in the State of New
Jersey. All in all it was a very impressive and an eye opener occasion.
24 June 2011- Getting to know the neighborhood
In
the morning we visited a nearby super market stores namely Shop-Rite, from
where we purchased milk, bread, groceries and a newspaper- New York Times.
Maintenance, upkeep, cleanliness and interior central cooling of the market was so appealing, I wished I
could have walked in the market for hours. However on the flip side, my health
started deteriorating with flu and body ache. In the evening Smt jee again had
a visit to Costco another whole sale market
in the vicinity but I could not afford and stayed back at home, took medicine
and went to bed.
In
the evening Manu planned our visit to a nearby Hindu temple known as Wayne Mahatma
Gandhi center to see the temple’s ambience, space, prayer system etc. It was a
mile away from our residence. There from we visited the ToysRus and BabiesRus
stores which were meant exclusively for children’s amenities from usable to
toys. Lastly we went to Panera American Bread restaurant (3 miles) to take
special Soup which was told to be sufficient for dinner. The service menu did
not give any pleasant taste to me due to its unacceptable flavor but others
enjoyed.
25 June 2011Saturday – Meeting Swati & Kesar in America
In the forenoon Minto went to see some whole sale market in
the vicinity and purchased few gifts.
In
the afternoon, I, Minto, Manu & Sunil went to Piscataway New Jersey to meet
Kesar & Swati and reached their address to which we had been writing on
letters for so many years, by 3.00 Pm. Their house looked lovely one surrounded
by well cared green garden but when I entered the living area it did not
impress to my imagination though expensively furnished because living rooms
were over occupied by decoratives. Within few minutes we were introduced to
their four doggies.1-Aki (Japanese)M, 2-Maki(Japanese) M
,3-Tiki(Keeshond-Dutch) Fand4-Litki(Pomerarian-Germany)F. We shared sofa with
these hosts fearfully. The two biggies though friendly looked frightening,
while others too sweet.
We
had met together after a long gap say ten years, Kesar and Swati greeted with
warmth and exchanged news and wellness.Thereafter they showed full
house,garden, garage, plantation etc.The garden attached to the house was very
attractive with lush greenery. I took a deep breath of satisfaction seeing
their life comfortable and thanked God for the same.
After
getting homely Kesar took us to Rutgers University (Busch campus) and his
department. We saw his teacher’s room and classroom which were almost similar
to our Indian system. But with a difference that whole of the department was
air conditioned with high standard upkeep. He also told us that both girls and
boys stayed there in common hostel called as Dorms. Since it’s a free social
environment, boys and girls come closer, become friends to each other
frequently, then part away, again a new set but such relations random converges
to marriage for simple reason of life struggle ahead. Personally to my feelings
this phenomenon might be hampering the dedications to education which students
are supposed to, Interesting to see healthy squirrels, lacking finger lines on
their back, running to and fro beneath the trees (Perhaps their ancestors did
not participate in construction of Ram Setu).
While returning back we saw the sports ground of the University and the
Rariton river on the bank of which it has been developed. We also saw the
Bubble Ground meant for practice and conditioning. Cleanliness, greeneries and
infrastructure were amazing but not to compare, because we do not have any such
thing in our Indian campuses to put opposite to.
We
were also shown the earlier house wherein Manu and Ruchi settled first after
transfer from Connecticut. Oh GOD! How a boy without a transport,with his wife
and kid at 57 miles away from workplace managed up and down for more than a
year.This further took me back to the galleries of eighties when Kesar and
Swati would have landed in USA for the first time and might had been put forth
to tough challenges to face for survival.What to say of Cellphones,even speed
post and currier facilities were not available in those days.It caused me to
believe that the GOD is the Omnipotent Guardian. They are the dear ones for
whom we used to be restless when we heard about their being unwell and felt
happier when they telephoned to be happy. To remember, we used to travel mile
after mile, may it be, in Varanasi, Bhuj, Delhi or Lucknow to get a PCO to
telephone them. The day seemed marching towards evening. We dropped Kesar at
home,said Good Bye to Swati and returned back Wayne. In the late evening Manu
took us for Indian dinner in some Patel cuisine (Sabji Mandi-Chand Palace)
Parsippanny perhaps 16 miles from Wayne. The roaring speed and discipline of
the vehicles on roads drew my attention all along. It was also strange to note
that sky and horizon had good visibility up to 9.30pm as if sunset time in
India.
I
sensed that Minto was enjoying those space and time with very positive energy
as she said, “If I have dared to visit the new Globe, would like to enjoy every
moment of being thereat”.
After return from Piscataway, Manu planned our
visit to Washington D.C by hiring a luxury car and seeking help of Sunil for
the next day trip. My health was continuously getting worse due to flu and
medicine was not bringing any relief.
26/06/11 SUNDAY
– Washington – The Capital City
The boys activated GPS system in
the car for road guidance. We left Wayne at about 8:45 AM. What to say about
roads, high speed lane driving and discipline there on. The roads were left
behind miles after miles without any direct level crossings. The country side
lush lands, hills and villages were reflecting happier stories through their
ought-to-be getup. After crossing the New Jersey State and travelling nearly
100 miles, we entered the Pennsyllvania State. We crossed Philladelphia city,
having bird’s eye view of the harbor, airport, Susquehanna River. Everything
appeared to be painted on big canvas to make one think so big, so smart, so
perfect and so attractive.
Running ahead we planned to take breakfast at some Dhaba like place
which we got at Delaware Welcome Center Travel Plaza near Philladephia. The
size, facilities, rest room, parking and services were superb. Anything could
be ordered and served without any hassle. So far cleanliness of bathroom (rest
room) was concerned; it was undoubtedly superior than any Starred Hotel in
India. Americans have built rest room separately for handicapped people in
every such centre.
After
tea, Manu further drove for nearly 100 miles and we passed through Baltimore
city of Merryland state. Again we could see the harbor and underground Tunnel
road. There after Sunil took over the driving seat and after travelling another
50 miles, we entered the city of Washington D.C. First glimpse of white Senate
House top canopy from the road, perhaps, signaled that we were welcome in the
capital city of USA. Thanks to everyone who inspired /advised us to visit the
great nation of the New World.
Boys searched a nearby Subway at
Seventh Street for our lunch. My joy knew no bound when I heard people speaking
Hindi in that Hotel. On one hand health was not supporting; on other hand
curiosity was giving all strength to see the sites as much as possible. First
time in US visit; we confronted the problem of parking for the vehicle. Sunil
dropped us near the White House and left for parking somewhere in nearby
localities with promise to join us subsequently.
We sat on the low high boundary top of central Pond in front of the
Capital Hill Senate House to behold the grandeur of that white marble (Senate)
and neighboring buildings as much as we could. We had been to the ascending
stairs of the house and took a number of photographs. Ansh was uneasy, so he
baffled and agitated too much at that time. The architecture and high erections
of some nearby metallic poles were magnificent.
Other
prominent places we visited were the National Air and Space museum and White
House, the official residence of the President of USA. We saw early aero planes
developed right from John Right brothers to the latest Jets and the warplanes
used during Second World War and after.
I felt very much proud to standup near Apollo Satellite which landed on
Moon’s surface with astronauts Mr. Neil Armstrong and Edwin Enderlin and returned
back to Earth safely in 1969. What a museum which is sure to add some knowledge
to any ones knowledge. Ambience of
Senate House was excellent and wonderful. Whichever road we caught in the city of
Washington, we could see the Senate House from crossings. Curiosity for seeing
the White House was never the less to foreign visitors. We shot few stills
posing adjacent to its outer boundary .Squirrels were in their mood.
We
were tired as well as satisfied well by 5:30 P.M, so started for return journey.
We were in our Village by 9:45 PM. It is to note that Washington is located in
the District of Columbia at the bank of Potomac River. Imagine is it possible
in India to travel 500 miles by road and see the cited spots in the city like
Washington within 13+hours’ time. This can only happen in countries like US.
When I retired to bed I could feel my illness and flu- effect .A priority
mission of our visit was so completed.
27.6.11 MONDAY
Flu
and ache made me cry and had to pass the day bed ridden. Manu arranged same
Theraflu Tablets which immediately responded to ease me. Had I taken flu shot
before leaving for USA my trip would have been more amusing. In the evening
Minto, Manu, Ruchi and Ansh went for local marketing.
28.06.11 TUESDAY
I
felt fast recovery and freshness though weakness, as it happens, prevailed. In
the evening Manu took us to a Wall Mart- a textiles stores, River Dale- an
electronics stores and then to a book stores. I could not understand why these
stores were so big. How much time one can spare for selecting one or few items
from such Jungle of range, variety and huge collection. Even then Minto
selected some textiles items against my utter failure and confusion.
29.06.11 WEDNESDAY
Manu could give us
time only by 5:30 PM because he remained busy in some official presentation. We
planned our visit to one midrange apparel and furnishing stores- J.C Penny
Wayne. It was somewhere near to that big Mall. Returning back we bought fried
chicken from KFC and took our dinner at home. By that time I had fully
recovered from flu.
30.06.11 THURSDAY
I
had also intended to see some public library. Accordingly Manu dropped me to a
Wayne public library with his friend Manoj Krishnan. I walked mostly all the
sections of the library and watched minutely the sitting facilities for users
and level of noise(calm and quit). Everything was good but underutilized. What
was the purpose of establishing such a big library or book bank in acres of
Land when influx, as it seemed, was not more than say 10 users per hour. It was
commendable that there was no tampering of pages, and no useless writings by
readers which reflected their discipline.
During stay and local visits. I
sensed two interesting features; one was the wooden floor and wall furnishing and
other was electric wooden poles on road and streets. Straight 30+ or so feet
high dry wooden poles were looking very ethnic and attractive. I think this is
due to richness of forest reserves of USA and bad conductor quality of dry
wood.
01.07.11 FRIDAY
Prior to lunch, Manu
took to his TCS office located within ToysRus headquarters. We took a round of
his workplace, cabin, and other wings and met his colleagues/coworkers. It was
nearly 3 miles away from residence and situated on a sprawling semi-hilly land.
In the evening we went to see a farm house “All Stead” at Chester which
was 47 miles away from Wayne. We reached the farm house entry gate at 7:15 PM.
The latest entry time was perhaps 7:00 PM. So the managers refused to take in
for field visit. We became little sad with the situation. Then Manu sought
appointment with the farm owner, Mr. Sam and introduced me as an Indian farmer intending
to see the farming scenario in US. He warmly greeted and decided to show me his
farm by own Jeep. Mr. Sam drove through approach roads from one segment to
other and explained about crops, land preparation, sowing process, irrigation system and harvesting techniques used in his farm
house, The major crops I witnessed were paddy, onion, grapes, apples, seasonal
and non-seasonal vegetables and green house farming produces in addition to
animal husbandry and bees-keeping covered under nets on large scale. I saw some
supervisors running on horses in interior area of the farm house to guard the
crops from forest animals and to ensure smooth functioning of sprinklers,
machineries and other going on works as told by Mr. Sam. Had we reached in time
we could have enjoyed a Jeep-rails running in the fields. Mr. Sam also told me
that he cultivated two crops of wheat in a year; soft wheat in winter for
animals and hard wheat for human in summers. We also found pet donkeys, goats, jersey
cows, horses, rabbits, peacocks, cocks and hens in their natural rhythm. It was
the turn of dear Ansh to amuse. We also saw the farm house sales outlet at the
main entry gate exhibiting everything produced in the farm house having its own
brand. We tasted Ice-cream and dairy product of farm house. It is noteworthy
that farm houses USA are generally too big in length and width say in miles .
After expressing gratitude to Mr. Sam, we started for back to home.
Manu
had planned our dinner in Baadshah Indian Restaurant at Parsippanny. This was
the restaurant where Manu and Ruchika had celebrated birth day of dear Ansh
previously. We enjoyed pure Indian cuisine, Here the owner was a Muslim from
New Delhi so he behaved more intimately and talked enough about here and there.
02.07.11 SATURDAY – New York – The Megalopolis
Today was the day of
our travel by bus and Manu to act as a guide and guardian. We boarded in a bus
at Wayne village Bus stop at 11:16 AM. It was a one officer (Driver) operated
Ac Bus and has reached the Bus stop exactly at the scheduled time. When New
York sky scrapers came in our visibility range, the bus passed through Lincoln
Tunnel under Hudson River and entered Port Authority Bus Terminal New York. We
were stunned to see so big multi-level bus terminal building wherein buses were
ascending like flying birds.
After repeated runs and getting up and down through oscillators we found
ourselves at the underground 42nd street Metro station. We boarded in a Metro
train to reach South Ferry nearest station and then to Battery Park on foot.
Manu bought tickets for visiting the Statue of Liberty(A national monument of
USA) and Ellis Island after being in queue for more than an hour. There I saw,
for the first time, some beggars beating Congos and begging Dollars. After
strict security check akin to International Airports we were allowed to board
in Cruise. Enjoying the immemorial sea travel we came out and entered the
Island of Statue of Liberty. There we took our lunch, gazed the sea shore,
Ships and cruises in the sea, distant visible bridges and sky scrapers on
neighboring Islands for minute after minute, in sum that part of Earth looked
so beautiful as if any heaven existed on earth was thereat and was thereat. Roaming
around the Statue of Liberty we saw again and again the magnificence of the
statue and tried to catch it in our eye camera forever. What a wonderful gift of
a nation to a rising nation for spreading a noble message of liberty to the
whole World. Manu took some Photographs of ours in front of statue. Then we
caught return ferry to get back to mainland via the Ellis Island. This was the
port where people from rest of the world used to land after sea journey for
immigration check and entry to main land. There were thousands of visitors including
Indians coming to the monument and getting back. I do not know why a feeling
that of Eureka flashed within me ,perhaps, to remind for saying thanks to Columbus-the
great navigator who discovered this new world and kept his feet as an
ambassador from rest of the world.
From the Battery Park we caught a Taxi and reached
the World Trade Centre, we saw new Towers being erected in full swing. I paid
my earnest tribute to those who lost their lives on 11.09.2001. Oh God! What
was the fault of the victims in being within the tower at that unfateful
moment. From that point we again caught a Metro Train and returned back to our
starting station.
We walked on foot to Times Square area of New York City. We saw NASDAQ,
Madame Tussade’s Museum, New York Times Press and so many world famous companies’
offices from road side. We enjoyed coffee sitting on road side and seeing the
grandeur of this nerve place of international trade and commerce. I also posed with a police bike for a
photograph. Nothing more to narrate with my world of limited words until one
affords to see. While crossing the road I clearly noticed the sense of respect
in Americans for pedestrian commuters while crossing roads. We caught bus at
fourth level of Port Authority Bus Terminal 403 and returned back by 9:00 PM.
03/07/2011 Sunday – Piscataway rewind
We repeated our visit
to Piscataway for having lunch with Kesar and Swati. We enjoyed family
environment very affectionately taking delicious lunch prepared by Swati and
taking group photo shoots. In between we also witnessed the two big Dogs
fighting for supremacy in the garden. Kesar had to intervene with full force to
apart them. We talked for hours freely going in the lanes of memories. We also
visited Rutgers campus and had a look of Raritan River walking on foot. Cloudy
day, calm and clean river bank, dense forest cover and group of Ducks playing
with ripples reminded me the days of Lord Krishna as beautified in literature.
Finally the time came to say good bye with an urge to meet again. I appreciate
Swati’s willpower strength and her life philosophy.
04/07/2011 Monday
It was Independence Day of USA. Minto did not
accompany us but I and Manu went to Ridge wood Avenue Maple to see the
celebration and fireworks. We could not get parking space in that vicinity, so
helpless to reach the venue but saw parachute diving and fireworks in the sky
from a distant place. More interesting was to watch Americans approaching with
families and elders towards the ground carrying eatables and sitting
arrangement like mats etc. which was indicative to lasting of celebration till
late night. While coming back I also saw
William Patterson University campus and a big wine shop.
My purpose
to write this piece of diary will remain incomplete if I do not mention about
few remarkable things which drew my attention during stay at Wayne
Ø
Community washing center/Dhobi Ghat, where one
could wash and dry clothes in washing machines using ATM like cards
Ø
Dumping of garbage and domestic unusable at
assigned places and their prompt and regular lifting by township authority for
disposal.
Ø
Regular dressing and sprinkling of grass and
plants of each lawn surrounding the houses, brooming of streets and lanes by
automatic machines in every morning.
Ø
Prompt and professional services by Police
especially their presence at ongoing repairing spots invariably.
Ø
Providing
drinking water quality report to each family at regular intervals for
information that their drinking water met the standards set by environmental
protection agency (EPA) and local department of environmental protection.
Ø
Carpeting of bathrooms / restrooms which
restricted my freedom in completing daily routine and
Ø
Lack of small shops eg. Gumaties, Tea shops,
Cigarette and Panwala where people like us could refresh and pass time. I
recognize these places as centers of culture.
05/07/2011 Tuesday
Minto went separately to buy gift for near and dear
ones. My last venture was to visit a picture hall and see a movie, so I did by watching
Hangover – II movie in AMC Loews near Willow Brook Mall. There were a number of
theaters in the Multiplex with running different movies. Atmosphere was gentle
without any rush. Manu had dropped me
and received back once the movie was over. In the night we packed up clothes
and baggage while talking till late night. Watan Ki Yaad Aane Lagi. No doubt US
is outstanding but India is the best.
06/07/2011 Wednesday
We were served our lunch early. Manu called a hired
Taxi. The driver was a South Korean guy. Manu requested him to drop us at New
York International Airport. We left Wayne after blessing Ansh, Ruchi and Manu
with heavy hearts and tearful eyes. Despite rush on highway, the Taxi reached
Airport at about 2:00 PM. The Driver was very helpful in taking out our baggage
from the taxi, loading on trolley, guiding till entry gate and telephoning back
to Manu. We cannot forget his face who even said good bye and happy journey to
us.
After check-informalities at Air
India Counter of JFK Airport New York, we
walked inside, took coffee, sometime talked about passengers look and styles of
different countries; and thus passed our time till announced for boarding to AI
0102 through Terminal4. I telephoned Manu, Sanu and then Puja about our
boarding by my US Matrix Mobile No 3024306934 and proceeded to take our seats.
The Aero plane took off 17.05(Wed) and landed terminal 3 of Delhi Airport at
16.50 (Thursday) flying nonstop for 14 hours and 15 minutes. We completed our
passport entry formalities, collected baggage and came out of the Airport where
Sanu, Abha and Sengaru were warmly waiting for us. We hugged them and came
Gurgaon residence comfortably. We stayed with younger son’s family for two days
and then returned back home by Indian Railways where my lovely Lali, daughter
Puja and Abhishek were waiting for the last 20 days. So an adventurous mission
came to its end leaving a reel of memories with me……………..
