US Diary - 02-Oct-2023

 

It was a bit late when we went to bed last night travelling for the last two days. It was a bit hectic for me as I am not used to walking so much that I had to do during this travel. We went to Washington DC on 30-Sep-2023 and came back on 01-Oct-2023 night. Sree was driving to and fro for about eight hours all-together. On our way to Washington DC, we paid a visit to Anup, Dhanya and their children Pranav and Devika. Besides there was Tobby, their pet dog who was just like another member of the family, the youngest one. He had his own bed in almost all rooms including a sofa seat separately marked for him in the living room. As I am a bit afraid of dogs, I had requested Anup not to let Tobby come near me. Although he played with Sree and Preetha, he obeyed Anup and never put his legs on me. He was wagging his tail all the time to show his happiness to play with us. It was fun to watch him playing with the children like close friends do. When they are busy otherwise, Tobby played with his own toys. He had a ball, dolls and several other toys to play with just like a toddler. He had even a mat with different buttons to request if he wanted to play ball or go outside or to fulfil other needs. Although he is now 2.5 years old, when he was young, he got lost once and to avoid that from happening again, an electronic locator has been placed on his collar. Seeing his obedience, I became less fearful of him.

We had a sumptuous, tasty lunch with them. Dhanya is very efficient managing her office work and all household aspects including cooking. Anup's hospitality is really markable. Here in US mostly, both husband and wife are employed. Anup & Dhanya are no exception. From Friday evening till Sunday evening, all families have some programmes like visits to friends or hosting friends as their main entertainment. Besides they do shopping, washing clothes, watching movies, TV shows etc. Likewise, children are always busy. They have lessons on various area like arts, sports, games etc. Pranav went for his violin class when we were there. Devika told us that she is learning to play flute. She has so far attended four classes only and she seemed to be interested to show us what she has learnt. Both of them can draw pictures which were good for their age. We said goodbye to them and proceeded to Washington, DC at 3.30 PM. While traveling in the car, I felt that we are adopting slowly this style of living in our land.

We reached Hotel Double Tree and checked in to our room which Sree had reserved early. Took rest for some time and waited for my grandson Saju and his wife Aathira along with his in laws who were visiting them in US. They are ardent disciples of Sri Sri Ravi Sankar. In DC, there was a grand three-day "World Cultural Festival" of Sri Sri's movement. One purpose of their visit was to attend this festival. They came to the hotel around 5.30 PM and Sree, Preetha, Saju and his father-in-law went to attend the function while we (myself, Aathira and her mother) stayed back in the room. Aathira and her mother had also attended the function on the previous day. I was a bit tired and wanted to take rest. They gave me good company. After attending the function Sree and others came back, spent some time conversing and after dinner, Saju and family went back to their rooms where they stayed. I had a peaceful sleep that night. Okay, bye for now. (To be continued.......)

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