Friday, December 15, 2006

Geneva


I had the "misfortune" of traveling to Geneva for a work related conference. Don't get me wrong, I love Geneva and I love traveling; but I abhor being stuck in a conference when I am itching to go out and drink in the sights of the city. I managed to get out one evening and walk to the 'old town' to get a glimpse of St. Pierre Cathedral, the center of Protestant Calvinism.


I snapped these pictures of some stores I walked into. One was a store that specialized in antique maps of the region. I spent some time with the store's owner who let me browse her extensive collection and loved the way in which her frames brought the maps to life.

Of course,no trip to Switzerland is complete without walking into a clock store, which reminded me of the 'Asterix in Switzerland' comic where their Helvetian hosts drive them nuts with their penchant for punctuality!!

I ran into a spot of trouble at the airport because my flight took off from the 'French sector' of Geneva International Airport. It's all very well documented on the airport's website , but nevertheless, I had no clue that I needed a French visa over and above my Schengen visa. I spent a harrowing time with the French immigration, and ended up being regurgitated into the "Swiss Sector" and buying another ticket that flew me out !

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Towering Pancakes

My husband makes the yummiest chocolate chip pancakes and then likes to stack them to show-off his culinary skills...Humm!


Thursday, October 26, 2006

Why Blog ?

I am finally taking the plunge to blog, after having flirted with the idea for months.

There have been countless times when I wish I could have captured random thoughts and images and framed them for posterity. Still, that begs the question, do I need to publish it ? The winning argument - there is something therapeutic that comes from sharing your life.

A few months back on my way downtown to a seminar in Wall Street, I jumped into a cab with an Indian driver. Soon he was telling me about his family back in Chandigarh, his immigration issues and how much he pays in rent for his Jackson Heights apartment. It was heartening that he could be so candid about his life - surely there must be a lightness of being that comes from carrying your heart on your sleeves.

It got me thinking ...there is an undeniable camaraderie that strangers share on a journey together even if it is merely a cab ride. Aren't blogs much the same in that respect ?