Good times

I decided to write a new post as mi familia is fixing the electricity here. That means, no wi-fi, no fan… Oh heat-but I can take it. Some sweating here and there-no big deal. Although walking outside with a little bit of wind feels much better. So far, I have seen two movies- Student of the Year, and English Vinglish, back to back. I hadn’t been to the movie theater in so long that it felt nice. I was in food heaven with popcorn, masala corn (baked corn with masala), puff (pastry), and water. Of course, I need water. Then, I had ice cream at the café at INOX. Comparatively to USA prices, my trip to INOX for two movies (100 Rs for first show, and 150 Rs for second show, 80 Rs large popcorn, 50 Rs masala corn, 30 Rs water, and 127 Rs ice cream, 40Rs Puff) total of 250 Rs for tickets for 2 movies= US $5, and 327 Rs for all the food I consumed = US $ 6.50. Grand total for all theater costs came to about $11.50. In USA, one iMax movie would cost that much-and that is the ticket alone! All these costs are still pricy according to Indian Rupees still! I recommend English Vinglish- it does a really good job of showing the sentiments and dynamics of living or visiting a foreign land where one does not know the language or culture. I found it to be excellent as I have lived through similar sentiments as a child when I first moved to USA. My circumstances were much different of course, but some of the feelings are very similar. Now, I am more than accustomed to both, US and Indian culture. It is like I can mix in well with either or-kind of through a culture of my own. I think that is the beauty of being a first generation immigrant. I am lucky enough to have held onto my native tongue of Gujarati, and learn Hindi growing up despite not speaking in it at home. It allows me to live here in India and communicate with others. I can keep the rikshaw drivers from ripping me off. One day, on my way home, the rikshaw driver told me 40 Rs for point A to point B, and then another 80 Rs for point B to home. I was like no way-I know it does not cost that much. I even watched the meter, and memorized the costs according to the meter. He lied to me and said the meter was not working. I know it was working as I saw the numbers change per distance! Don’t try to outsmart me. I switched rickshaws at the railway station where I got in another rikshaw. Total came to 80 Rs, which is still pretty costly, but not the 100 Rs that first rikshaw driver was trying to convince me of. I just prefer walking the 1.5 km home from nearest intersection rather than paying extra. Plus, I can stay fit and burn calories-ward of Diabetes and other issues by being active.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP9GGUWJNEs I like this song from English Vinglish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxF6MT4sZo I love this song too!! 

On another note, today is Dassera-the day my grandpa passed away. I remember him in peace and know he is looking after my family where ever he is. It is also my dad's birthday according to teethi. In Indian/Hindu calendar, people have two birthdays-calendar birthday and teethi birthday depending on the holiday/moon or religious position according to vedic sanskruti/astronomy and philosophy.  Kind of complicated, but really cool. 

"Free your mind, and don't be afraid to chase after your dreams and desires. The least you can do is try. The rest is the rest, but you must control your happiness as no one can help you as much as you can help yourself."