Kamati Baug - Memories of a childhood in Baroda

Janmabhumi hai hamari shaan se kahenge hum

(this is the land of my birth I will say with pride)

...was playing, from the movie Roja, at Kamati Baug gardens in Baroda yesterday evening. I sat there mesmerized by the the patriotic songs the green square speakers overhead were enchanting the park visitors with. From my experiences in India so far, I have noticed that most public places play new songs on the radio which are nowadays very "trashy" (in my opinion). Even on big occasions.  Then, yesterday, there I was, sitting in the park I used to visit all the time as a child, no special occasion, but just another Sunday evening. The songs were very well chosen, clean, and most touching quality-patriotic. For a city that is known as the cultural capital of Gujarat informally, the parks' theme of songs seemed very appropriate to me. I really appreciated the music. I really do not see that in other places nowadays. 

father and daughter -reminds me of my childhood  

Planetarium-I saw the show for 5 Rs in Gujarati

My cheap old 1/4 functioning camera, but it allowed me to capture few good photos! Those fancy new cameras, that I didn't have the luxury of having during my time in India,  well their picture quality and camera life is something I always miss when I go to places like this or even want to capture the smiles of my nieces and nephews. I truly feel like I have lost a thousand moments I wanted to capture on camera because of my old non-functioning moody camera. The batteries I buy here in India last only 20 some photos max, and then have to buy new AA batteries. Old school. Thank goodness for sketch pads and drawing pencils when lens let you down, get those fingers moving.

"What you think of yourself is much more important than what people think of you."

"Fear can keep us up all night long, but faith makes one fine pillow. -unknown"

 From all the quotes I enjoy analyzing-this one particular quote has hit home the most recently:
To sacrifice what you are & to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying. -Joan of Arc

Don't give up on who you are, who you are meant to be, who you know you will be no matter how much the world around you expects you to be something else, do something else, and be someone else. Don't be someone else. Be yourself.