Mochi and Maya & Kedan

Kedan

Mochi

Maya making Mochi dance to her tune!

Stella ...

How do you explain this cuteness!!

Starbucks and me...

I've this emotional thing with Starbucks.Don't get me wrong - I'm not one of those westernised young Indians who swear by everything that's American.There was a phase in my life when I couldn't afford even a coffee in Starbucks.Today in the morning I did something - not only did I have hot chocolate in Starbucks, I bought myself a Starbucks coffee mug.That was a big moment in my life.I felt proud of myself! The Starbucks in Nicolet Mall, Minneapolis across the Target Store will always remain special to me.

Way to go, Suwansiri! The world is waiting for you!

Archiving,Magnet Max etc in the MOA

Now you must understand these are my last few days in Minneapolis, so I'm stretching to explore as much of the city as I can.Actually exploring the city is a vicarious pleasure for me - these are also my last few days in the US:my promised land.So after all those walking around, I really get tired at the end of the day - nothing will tickle those creative juices, nothing.I've a lot to write - one whole week's adventure, but the story of a lifetime squeezed in a week.But I need more time to do justice that phase - so, I'm not trying. Meanwhile here's updating what I can.

The Visit to the Mall

Of late I've come to enjoy the visit to the biggest mall in the world - Mall Of America. I love taking the light rail from the Nicolet Mall station, and then going all the way down to the last station of Hiawatha Line, Mall Of America.It takes me roughly 35 minutes, and I know the route well now - almost guessing what the next station would be.Well, this gives pleasure because I figured out everything on my own. I love venturing out on my own.

It has become a habit to grab one of those brochures the moment I enter the mall from the North Parking Area from the Underwater Aquarium side.I've discovered that the mall is an interesting place to explore for people like me who are in search of curios and of course, the best deals.Today I decided to explore everything under the "gifts" and "hobbies" section.Then I realized tracking shops by numbers is not a very efficient way, so I decided to go round "Mall Of America".Silly me!! People plan to go round the world, I go round Mall Of America!!

Before I go onto my other adventures,let me brag of something - I bought a dress for $5!! A really cute dress for $5.That's where my pleasure lies - beating money in its own game! So you thought you've power, money!! See I can defeat you so well - you thought you'll intimidate me?

Today while roaming around, trying to complete my task of visiting all the stores under "hobbies" I came across "Archiver - the photo memory store".I was bowled over.I could never imagine there are so many ways to be creative while preserving memories/photos.A hundred - no, a thousand ideas rummaged my mind.I wish I could take all that I want.Its not about the money, but the idea.I saw so many beautifully made scrap books.Its amazing what a lot you can do with creativity and, a few buttons and ribbons and paper and a scarp book.Instantly I knew I will be trying my hand on it the next time I have a few hours to myself.I got a "graduation" kit to make an inspirational scrap for my sister.Many different ideas were tempting me to buy a whole lot of different things, but I thought its a better idea to judge the space I have in my boxes.I also enrolled myself for a basic class on scrap booking.

So much to do - and so less time.I don't understand this inherent human behavior - we realize the value of time only when we have no more of it!
Anyway - I've learnt to put the best foot forward always, all the time - I can't waste any more time thinking why didn't I do whatever I didn't do!!I've to keep moving, running to the next goal - the next hurdle on the way,till the time I make to the destiny - the peak.(Now I've to dramatize everything! That's what a friend commented long time back - instead of taking things as things, I've to dramatize everything; I even dramatized archiving!!)

"Magnet Max" is another of my favorite store in the mall.Its a magnet lover's paradise - anything and everything you dreamt in magnets, is there!

There was a store dealing only with flags, another only with socks - and aptly called "SOX Appeal"!!

Well, for those who are reading this , please don't give up home yet! I'm tired, and I had to post something - so here you are, something better than nothing!! More tomorrow - hopefully!

A Sunday well spent

Taco and Chilly

I don't know why, but I've always found mentors around me.People who have been there, done that - always are eager to show me the way to walk.And one such person is Abhrodita.I hate her other name - Aby, so much in contrast to the beautiful,long Indian name she has.But for the ease of typing, I will call her Aby.So Aby was hell-bent on spending the whole day with me.She has to teach me to live life - that was her agenda of the day.I find it hard to believe that she so selflessly keeps on pushing me forward - always motivating me to push myself beyond my limits that I had set for myself.I often wonder why! I find no answers.Its hard to believe in this self-centered world, there are people like Aby who love helping others be their best.Aby has more confidence in me than myself.(I know I should not brag about lacking it - but!)

Anyway - so Aby decided to take me under her wings today, guiding me through the streets like an elder sister,opening my eyes to oncoming traffic and opportunity, literally and otherwise.

We ate in this amazing Malaysian restaurant, and Aby made sure I sipped "Bubble Tea".I wonder why it is called so!Its no tea in the first place!Actually what we would call a mango-shake, and then there are these funny things which feel like bubble when they end up in your mouth through the straw.Funny!

Wikipedia:"Bubble tea is a tea beverage with tapioca balls mixed in. The Taiwanese name for bubble tea translates to "pearl milk tea" (珍珠奶茶). When tea is shaken, a thin layer of bubbles forms on the surface. Due to the foaming process, any tea that is shaken during preparation can be called bubble tea. "Foam black tea" (泡沫紅茶; or bubble black tea) and "foam green tea" (泡沫綠茶; or bubble green tea) are also common drinks made by shaking sweetened tea. After pearl milk tea was brought to non-Asian countries, it was given the name "bubble tea". Since the most notable difference between bubble tea and other tea is the tapioca at the bottom of the drink, some assumed that the "bubble" in "bubble tea" referred to the tapioca. The pearls in "pearl milk tea", however, do refer to the tapioca "pearls".

Bubble tea is generally split into two types: fruit-flavored teas, and milk teas. Milk teas may use dairy or non-dairy creamers. Originating in Taiwan, bubble tea is especially popular in Asian countries such as China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. The drink is also popular in Europe, Canada, and the United States."



The other end of Nicolet is a very different neighborhood - sign boards change from English to Spanish to Chinese to Somalian on this street.Our motto of walking down all the way from 1st to 26th Street was to visit those many Chinese departmental stores that punctuate the entire length, and find shrimps!Aby is a great cook - and she promised me the most delicious shrimp cooked in Bengali style.I was excited.So I voted to carry her grocery all the way back for the treat in the evening.

On the way back I met - who else but these two absolutely cute Jack Russell:Taco and Chilly!!The names are absolutely a match!Spent some time coochi-cooing with them.While the good-byes were said, their dad said something very striking,"Hope you enjoy your stay here.(Aby told him I was here from India for a short time.)Sorry about Bush."That statement left me quiet for quite sometime.The people of this nation are so humane - so unlike the person who rules them.

In Aby's cozy den, we watched Bridget Jones, had typical Bengali-style adda over cuppa chai, and eventually cooked shrimp.Now Aby does a neat job out of it.

We went for a stroll to E-Block, in and around the famous 1st Avenue.I've hardly had company in Minneapolis, and I thank Aby for the wonderful times.We went to the famous Hard Rock Cafe.Got my chocolate shake in a souvenir glass.Oh yeah! A graduation party had just got over in the Target center across the street,and hence Hard Rock Cafe was full of cloak wearing teenagers, and their family.The result - Aby and I got two chairs to sit,but no table.Instead there was this empty stand for the table.The ash-tray made up for the absence of the table though.

We walked back to home once done with the drinks.Madhu - a friend of Aby joined us for dinner.Aby wanted me to meet Madhu.I found out why - Madhu is the kind of girl I had always dreamt to become.She did her school in University Of Minnesota, and at her age is an over achiever.She appeared to be a completely focused girl in life.I mean she is so organized and oriented to her goal.Another lesson learnt.Madhu helped Aby in her attempts to give a direction to my struggle to break free from the rut, and become someone.She helped me draw Plan A and Plan B of making my dreams happen.

Madhu dropped me home.Once left alone - my thoughts started spinning.Why should totally unconnected(with me) people like Madhu and Aby try and drive sense into me?Why should they try and make me believe that I'm capable of much bigger things?Why should they bother at all? I don't have any answer.May be Red River you're right.Our generation has compassion - in abundance.They are a bunch people who are happy to see others happy.Long live the likes of Aby and Madhu.



Bubble Tea

Rolly and me

I met Rolly today.I had often seen his kinds on Saturdays in downtown Minneapolis.And I used to wonder how malnourished Indian horses looked in comparison.These horses look majestic - huge,they have a steady gait -command respect as they draw a decorated carriage down the Nicolet Mall.The animal lover in me simply can't resist talking to any I come across.It took me quite some time - and many talks to convince myself that service dogs should not be patted.Why?How can anyone ever resist patting a beautiful Golden Retriever, sitting demurely by a person she is helping?But I've learnt not to disturb them anymore.

I always wanted to talk to these beautiful horses - wanted to figure out if they connect to human beings like dogs.I found my opportunity today - there was this young girl escorting one of these beautiful creatures today by Hyatt.With some hesitation I spoke to her - she luckily welcomed it.So I talked to Rolly.Rolly is big because he is a draft horse.Even in America, riding horses are smaller - and perhaps resemble what I called "malnourished" Indian horses.Rolly is a well-behaved,shy 9 year old kid.He let me touch his mane,and would curiously flip his ears whenever I said something.He knows I'm talking to him!

Wikipedia definition :"A draft horse, draught horse, or harness horse is a large, strong horse bred for heavy work rather than speed. Draft horses are commonly used for ploughing and farm labour in pre-industrial societies. They were also used to pull heavy delivery carts around towns, shire horses hold the record for the biggest horses known."

I asked the girl what prompted her to work with horses.Her prompt answer,"Oh! I love horses - I simply knew I had to be around them all the time." How enjoyable life becomes if you do what you like.

So, I spent a whole 30 minutes hanging around Rolly, while the girl told me a lot about draft horses in general, and Rolly in particular.All the while, Rolly would shift his legs,flip his ears,would sway his head sideways and look at me furtively.Then suddenly, he stiffened... his focus was unbreakable,his eyes were fixed on something.There in the distance,trotting away to glory was John - Rolly's friend.Rolly could not remove his eyes from John.Draft horses are very emotional - they are herd animals, and can't do on their own.They need company - a fellow draft horse,or a human being who assures their safety.It was a joy to see Rolly's expressive eyes - how his entire being changed in seeing his friend.I call this sight a miracle.An animal's world is so exciting.They can teach you so much - and give you different perspectives altogether.

As I said bye to Rolly, I remembered "Bunty" - from Marine Drive,Mumbai.I must have seen Bunty only a couple of times - but his image is vivid in my mind, and so is the face of the young boy who used to drive Bunty's carriage.Its a human instinct I guess- I would definitely look out for Bunty amongst the horses on Marine Drive whenever I am on Marine Drive again, and I would wait till the time Bunty is free to catch a ride.Stay safe - Bunty.

So finally I became a blogger

This had been going on in my mind for quite sometime, but always found an excuse to procastinate - time being the biggest alibi.Then I met Red River, and as I was going through his blog - "A view through my window", I finally realised the significance.Yesterday was the first time I talked to Red River in my life.And to think I had been holding on to an image of him since the time I was a four year old - young,but old enough to be curious.After this long hiatus - I'm suddenly into his life, I know what his life comprises of,his ways of reacting to a situation - he feels bad,sad when he goes to drop off his daughter in the airport;connects to a cat;runs marathons... his posts said it all.I became a part of his days.I know him now.But perhaps he doesn't.For I don't have my life encaptulated.He doesn't know about my love for animals - and all the dogs who changed the course of my life.He doesn't know my affinity towards Jayanta Hazarika,and how I can't stop myself from dancing whenever I hear "Khiti khiti koi oi lahori".Its time I did something.So here am I, Suwansiri.Ironically, I don't know much about the course of Suwansiri.But yes,it seemed to signify me.Suwansiri being a river signifies my urge to keep flowing- to keep living.Suwansiri also signifies my roots - a very important aspect of my life.So hoping to flow.....and flow....