R-Rated

The  India  Diaries - Part I After leaving K behind, Mother, Father and Son left the  US  shores for  India  (Yeh jo desh hai tera from Swades playing in the background for dramatic effect). Thanks to V's help with the luggage (and everything else as well, can't thank him enough) and my cousin's support, the exit from the  US  was seamless. The Eagle Has Landed: After a grueling 20 hour ride from  Chicago  to Mumbai (with a rushed stopover at  Abu Dhabi ), the party of 3 arrived home on the morning of May 20th.  My first complaint: As soon as we stepped out of the airplane, the stench of garbage was just too overwhelming. This is one of  India 's premier airports, for God's sake. 35 degree weather did not help matters. Incredible  India ! - Certainly not. Thankfully, the events at Mumbai airport were pleasantly uneventful (no bribes asked, none given)....

That's the number of days I would have spent since February 12, 2010 up until May 18, 2012. That's been the amazing 2 year ride that I've had making some great friendships and forging some stronger ones. With "send off" parties from the group at work (Hospira guys, that is), K's friends from CVS and the Regulars (V, S, S, S, B, S + the kids), I am 5 days away from my flight to India. Barbecue at V's place last night was a perfect ending to a nice time all along. From frozen margaritas to "smoking" hot corn, sweet potato fries, "grilled" pizzas, paneer tikkas , cake and Chocolate Mousse , an evening to remember and an investment (V's Weber Grill) worth the price. Too bad , we won't be around to experience the remaining delicacies on offer this summer. I finally had the chance to complete the Architectural Tour of Chicago with my folks. An impromptu decision that worked out pretty well on Mother's Day. Happy Mom's Day...