My Mumbai

Sitting here in Austin..helpless...the only thing I can think of is of Mumbai..the city, the people, my friends and relatives and obviously the water!!

Luckily my parents are in Austin too..and were spared from the brunt of the rain gods..but like me..they too are worried on how things are going...

When i was in primary school..we had a downpour(somewhat similar to this) and getting home on that day had taken me 5 hours which normally takes 20 mins by rickshaw...but wat happened on tuesday..3ft of rain fall...is simply unimaginable!!!

I must say I am very proud of all Mumbaikars..who always stand togehter in times of need...have been reading so many stories and emails from friends on how they managed to reach home and how people helped them..hats off to all of them!!!

But I do hope that the BMC will learn from this incident and plan better storm water drainage system..after all a city which pays 40% of the country's tax revenues definitely requires more attenttion and better infrastrucute

I am truly proud to be a Mumbaikar

Our World, Our UN

As the debate for the expansion of the UN Security Councils gains momentum...let us hope that the G-4 resolution gets the required majority.

It is time for the UN to change..and it is time for India to play a bigger role in shaping the world!!

Here are some snaps I took when I visited the UN headquarters in New york..did you all know that when you enter the complex..you have officially left the US and standing in a land belonging to the 191 member nations...
The tour was quite interesting..got to see a live debate of the UNESCO..saw several gifts given by member nations to the UN..like an ivory sculpture from China..and replica of the Royal Barge from Thailand...
One of my tour members was from Taiwan..and she was certainly disappointed on the fact that Taiwan was been left out..

Anyways heres hoping to a stronger balanced UN!!

UN General Assembly
Security Council (time to order a bigger table)

My unforgettable moment at the MET

While I was in New York..I went down to the highly acclaimed MET..and it was a trip I shall never forget..
I had earlier got to see a Van Gogh at the Ghetty Museum..that trip, itself was so thrillin...but now in the MET in the Van Gogh gallery..surrounded by magnificent master pieces...I was left totally speechless and sooo excited..cant really put in words what I felt...

The force..the dynamic strokes and the use of thick colour...makes these paintings so mind blowing...truly amazing!!

Here are some of the paintings I got to see:
Cypresses
Vase with Irises
Self Potrait with Straw hat
Wheat Field with Cypresses

My stroll through Central Park

I would have never imagined a park to be the very heart and soul of a city...till I took a stroll through Central Park...it is so lively with people enjoying small picnics...grabbing a quick bite by the fountain...musicians playing enchanting tunes...artists painting beautiful landscapes...new yorkers bustling thru to reach their destinations and obvioulsy we, tourists admiring all this..

There are so many things to do in the park itself..visit the famous zoo (from Madagascar)..catch a street show by the fountain...take a boat ride in the lake...try the famous new-york hot dogs..and just enjoy the lush green nature all around...

I really enjoyed my walk in Central Park!!

Bethesda Fountain
Lake by the Park
Tree tops with Concrete jungle in the background
In the Park

My God..so much water!!

Hi guys

I am back from my trip..and it was fantastic!!
My first stop was Niagara Falls in Buffalo, New York...I have never seen anything like it ever...so much water and the force with which it falls..dont really know how to descibe it..it is simply unbelievable...
The Falls are divided into two part the American Falls and the Horse-shoe (Canadian) falls..both look spectacular especially from the Maid of the Mist which takes you right in front of the falls...and you can actually feel the might of the falls as your boat sways up and down...with all the mist coming down on you...
In the night the falls are also illuminated making them look heavenly...and to top it all..there were some awesome fireworks!!!

It certainly is one of nature's best treasures!!

My summer-break

well..4th July is almost here...and I am off to see the majestic Niagara Falls and the bustling bubblin New York city!! The fireworks in New York are supposed to be spectacular..will try to get some good snaps..

Adieu for now!