The pleasantness of winter is its chill, innocent breeze. Generally, older folks like me get confined inside the four walls, wrapped up in blankets. The picturesque season is quite charmingly delicious for its panoramic phenomenon.
On one foggy winter morning, when the lazy sun emerged reluctantly with less glimmer, I tried to view its mesmeric, magical magnificence that enhanced brilliantly, creating an idea to travel abroad.
I am very fond of winter. I feel the beauty of the season lies in its glamorous cuisine. Right from childhood, I eagerly await the arrival of this favorite season. I can taste the splendid sweets, especially steaming hot ones. Chilly winter morning walks over the hills are super awesome, as the warmth of sunlight spreads over us.
My plan to visit the US in the chillness of December was specifically to explore and experience the freezing winter breeze.
I chose to fly from New Delhi International Airport. The feeling made me extremely thrilled. So, I packed winter garments and necessary medicines for three months. My flight was booked by British Airways, with a layover at London Heathrow Airport. I noted down my daughter’s address, specifically at the instructions of my cute little two-year-old granddaughter, who would readily say, “32, Bloom Street.”
I stayed comfortably with my elder daughter for a week in Delhi and got accustomed to its cool weather. It was just a trailer for me, getting ready for the extremity of the US. The day arrived, bringing elements of nervousness. The flight was at midnight, 12:30 AM. My daughter and her assistant stayed with me until the very end of the formalities, even at the verge of security.
The final moment of takeoff arrived. I was also nervous about that. I would close my eyes. I did.
I got the middle seat of the corner. I never preferred the window seat. Being a vertigo patient, I could never enjoy the window view, though I know it’s inspirational for writers like us.
I waited for the video film. Shahrukh Khan movies were on the list. I chose “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.” It was a ten-hour flight.
I got hot Rajma rice, salad, etc., though it wasn’t yet time to eat, so I just tasted muffins and hot tea. The songs from “Dilwale” were keeping me fit.
Landing in London was smooth, but the security was very tight. They searched my handbag and took out the Ramcharitmanas, scrutinizing each page.
Then, I successfully boarded the flight to Los Angeles. It was a seven-hour journey. I enjoyed the company of an African lady. It was nice talking to her. She taught me to find happiness in every moment of life. She also mentioned that even if we experience something bad in life, we should find something good in it.
So, the fragrance of the meeting with my daughter, her husband, and my lovely two-year-old granddaughter filled my mind.
I landed in California. My loving family greeted me to their hometown. I was transported to Simi Valley, a vibrant small town full of cultural diversity, beautiful rolling hills, and historic landmarks.
The palatial bungalow located on Bloom Street with an area of 5400 square feet and construction of 2700 square feet astounded me. I was amazed by my daughter’s artistic taste, with walls decorated by her paintings. The music room, which also served as a studio, was filled with all the instruments and, above all, the idol of Goddess Saraswati. My tiny granddaughter, Kuttu, took me by holding my finger to the first floor, which consisted of three large bedrooms and an office room. She showed me the guest room and then took me to her room, fully furnished with toys.
I found myself feeling exhausted after the hectic journey of about 24 hours. Soon, my exhaustion faded with the mouthwatering South Indian menu prepared by my daughter: rice, potato curry, onion sambhar, rasam, papad, pachchadi, etc. Apart from this, the talks of my granddaughter also made me forget my tiredness. She too started cooking for me in her play kitchen.
Having rested for three consecutive days, on the fourth day, I started moving out for sightseeing.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, located on Wilshire Boulevard, is the largest museum on the US West Coast. Works ranging from ancient history to the present, numbering around 150,000, was something unique.
The Malibu Balaji Temple, the truest expression of spirituality, greeted me. It was a divine odyssey that helped me explore the soul’s connection with the cosmos. The sacred wisdom whispered through the rustling leaves of the hills. Its serene ambiance diverted us from the mundane and transcended the extraordinary.
Next, we went to Malibu Beach, a scenic beach with lagoons and natural trails, where I enjoyed the sight of surfers.
After a two-day gap, on a weekend, we decided to explore the Grand Canyon. The red rocks revealed geological history. The 250-year-old rock strata depicted hundreds of millions of years of mystery. Ancient American people are believed to have lived there 12,000 years ago. Its vast vistas, wrapped in beautiful colors and incredible geology, left me stupefied.
Yosemite invited me with its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, streams, and large Sequoia groves. It was the most beautiful national park. Watching the glacier was another awesome moment.
After spending four days resting and playing with my cute granddaughter (who had heard the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata from her father through Amar Chitra Katha), she made me Ram and became Sita. It was an interesting game.
On one particular weekend, we went to Las Vegas. Its luxurious casinos and illuminating night lights created a mesmerizing magical magnificence. A sprawling neon-washed city in the deserts of Nevada, buzzing bars, and night shows after sunset were its assets.
I experimented a little in the casino. The sound of cheers thrilled me. Spinning numbers, playing slots, and jackpots increased until I won 25 dollars, then stopped.
I witnessed replica structures of the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, Space Needle, Rialto Bridge, etc. Then, we had a super Indian thali at an Indian restaurant.
Apart from the outdoor visits, I had a good transcendental experience in the house itself. The bhajan sessions brought peace. Most of the participants were foreigners. The vegan food brought by them was simple and splendid.
We planned a visit to Palm Springs, 107 miles from Los Angeles. At 487 feet above sea level in the Colorado desert, its swimming pools, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells took my breath away.
We then drove to San Diego, where my elder brother and his family were eagerly waiting for the Christmas celebrations. We visited Balboa Park, the zoo, Seaport Village, and Old Town.
We had a grand feast with my brother’s international family: Sri Lankan son-in-law, Canadian daughter-in-law, Austrian son-in-law, and, above all, the lovely grandchildren with Indian names: Asha, Arun, Anand, Jaya, and Aditya.
Spending three months from December to February, I returned with gems of memories.
– Uma Natarajan
About The Author:
Dr. Uma Natarajan holds an M.A. in English Literature from Gwalior University and is a dedicated educator and esteemed poet. Throughout her career, she has taught English and Hindi at the higher secondary level, particularly in convent schools.
Her literary contributions span both English and Hindi poetry. She has self-published 18 books of English poetry and 2 books of Hindi poetry. Her impactful writing is evident across various literary platforms and groups, where she regularly shares her poems and articles.
Dr. Uma Natarajan’s works have been published in several prestigious magazines and websites. Her extensive experience and dedication to writing have earned her a distinct place in the literary world.
Dr. Uma Natarajan – An inspiring figure who brings thoughts to life through words.
