Destination -Cleaveland Ohio 07/17/08 (Day -3)

Cleaveland -Ohio
I reached Cleaveland at midnight ( yikes) I was so damn tired and I think little bit disoriented, reached hotel, and plonked on the bed and out .....!!
Got up in the morning at my pace...took shower ....called for room service and started work. Sent a quick recap on previous meeting. Checked the presentation for the upcoming one . All ok - ready to meet the client.
Meeting went well -despite a bad presentation :)) - I am still reeling under that surprise....!! Once meeting got finished - they offered me lunch.....and we sat talking about many stuff - India/culture......and US politics....!! People always have lots of question about India....!!
This was very short day. By the end of this session - I was ready to leave for airport. My arms were hurting by carrying so much load.....! ( Never again - I will get talked into to carry stuff in my baggage...)
Next destination was Tampa (Florida) - and I was so happy to see my friend who had come to pick me up. We put the roof down so that I could taste the place.......it was glorious weather.....! Good fun times are ahead .......!!

Destination -USA ,Day 1 -Kentucky (07/15-07/16)

I am in US of A , and that also for 17 long days. Not for pleasure though....its all work. However , I have been pleasantly surprised to find my trip from the start very easy and without stress. Maketh for a nice change :)
Before the trip started it was helter skeleter....I hate last minute rush....and this time it caught up with me. Some presentation was handed over to me at the last minute. Then a quick journey back to home - (I had left 1/2 packing done) throw everything in and shut the snaps. Oh boy my package weighed mere 32 kgs ........!
Well once I paid extra $$ bills at airport - journey was quite ok. I liked the crew -they were mature lot and full of humor. Sitting next to me was this little girl oh sorry correction - she told me she is *Princess**, anyways -she kept me entertained(or was she entertained -I am still wondering) till the immigration counter......and when she was not awake and slept she kicked me and punched me :)) - I am not making that up...it happened. ( Strong advise if you are not bravehearts -avoid sitting with kids....) Once you are adopted by them - no peace. And yeah you cant fake sleep.....!!
A long overlay at Chicago (around 5 1/2 hr which was killing) I landed at Lexington Kentucky. My first impression of this place was ( oh whow each house w/ swimming pool)
Lexington (Kentucky)
** Very charming place, we crossed downtown to our destination- I was invited by my clients to stay at their Guest House @ Stud Farm. Beautiful property spread over 1700 acres.......!! They gave me ** Blue Room w/ Four poster Bed** which was almost 3 ft high for me to climb. Good exercise Hop hop :)
** I quickly took my shower and then reached office to start work. In little over an hour I finished work and then was dropped back to guesthouse. I was told that I am invited by the owners for supper at 6.30 pm. It was very sweet of them to check on dietary restrictions if any !!
** So I packed my gift for the family, reached their place and was introduced to each member of the family. I was most impressed by 2 young ladies - one was just 2 year with hair like spun gold and so angelic. Very opionated -she just floored me with her answers. I think she liked me as I got a goodnight kiss from her.The other was young lady of 13 years....total gypsy and very creative. She made this carrot /orange juice ( surprisingly very good) for all of us.
I have to say that because I got to spend the time with family setting -I never felt as if I was away from India.....!!
Second day was also spent working out few things. Then it was time for me to pack my stuff and off for the airport.
***** I just have 1 pic of the place.....which I will post once I am back in India !! ThoughI cant believe that I never took out my camera. May be delayed jet leg....which actually affects your brain..... :))
Next Destination - Cleaveland -Ohio

Daffodils

This pic is here for 3 reasons ...( well as if you need any reasons...lol...)

- Check out http://sreescanvas.blogspot..com amazing oil paintings , and they are doing this A2Z flower fest thingy.
- Just recently saw a movie Namesake and the rendition of a poem which was so much a part of our growing up in schools. I have pen down the same for sublime enjoyment for all.
- While writing a play somebody took my character and named as " Narcissus" ( I hate you TR ...lol....)

And now the poem....here we go -

Daffodils

I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretch'd in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

By William Wordsworth

PEACEMAKING, the power of NONVIOLENCE

Wall art next to Barnes and Nobles - Waterfront , Oakland

Glimpses of Hong Kong

Traditional ferry boats !!

Very Enthusiastic fan matching her hand print with celebrity :-)

Walk the "Hall of Fame"

Million HK $ question - what would you call Bruce Lee's cat -

If you don't hit me...answer is .......bi lee (meoh) ...lol...

Another shot from top of Lantau Link view point - HK

Blooming florals

- 1st 3 pics taken at Lantau Link view point and last at SFO near crokked street.