New Year’s Resoution 1: Post to blog more often.

I found it very difficult to return to Mumbai on January 6, after having enjoyed 3 weeks of leisure—first in Paris; then in New Mexico.


Paris was a dream I had imagined for more than 20 years. I made the most of my 3-day visit. I explored several museums, of course: Le Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Musee Picasso, Musee d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. However, I mainly spent my time meandering through the streets aimlessly, strolling beside the Seine, enjoying the glittering lights along the wide avenues, and riding the Metro. One of my most memorable moments was when I stumbled upon L’Arc de Triomphe at the end of the Champs Elysees at sundown and witnessed the lighting of a giant menorah by the Jewish Community leaders. They passed out sodas, donuts, and menorahs with candles to celebrants. A rabbi recited the blessings as his assistant helped him to light the shamas and six other “candles.” A huge screen projected images of other Jews celebrating the same throughout the world. I also enjoyed my final meal of the trip at an Indonesian restaurant where I was able to chat with the owners in Indonesian while enjoying a plateful of nasi goring, sate ayam, and gado-gado.


This visit to the States was much more enjoyable than my last emergency visit in November. My mom is making a steady recovery from her horrendous experience at the hospital in October/November. We spent most of my two week trip in Las Cruces. I found ample time to eat (mmmmmm green chile cheeseburgers!) and drink my way through my favorite haunts (I am still dreaming of IPA and Irish Red) and meet up with many of my friends.

Though it was very difficult to say goodbye to everyone back “home,” I am adjusting back to my new surroundings. Last night, arriving at my flat past midnight, I did have big, empty, sad feeling overwhelm me as I unpacked my bags and reminisced about how awesome the time spent with family and friends had been. Yet, after a good night’s sleep and a day of settling in, I am just about ready to get back into the groove of teaching. I woke up Sunday and finished unpacking. At around 9 AM, I walked over to the promenade beside the Arabian Sea and headed south. I indulged in a breakfast at the Taj Hotel, with the excuse that I was there to investigate joining their Health/Spa. Sadly, I was informed that they will be renovated the facilities in the near future and are, therefore, not accepting new members at this time. So much for my first New Year’s resolution! After breakfasting on an omelet, lox, fruits, and cheeses, I made my way to the market. I bought fruit, bread, and some meats. I even bought a whole chicken and endeavored to make my first pot of chicken soup having asked my mom how to make some. To my delight, I created a delicious homemade chicken soup and will never again have to search in vain for a can of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle. I slept away the afternoon—jetlag—and met up with my friend Mike for dinner. We discovered a charming Thai restaurant which serves Indonesian food just a few blocks from where we live! I do hope that I continue to make these small, but fulfilling, discoveries as I complete my second semester here.

Here’s to a healthy and happy new year!