T.A.J

Its not too often, people get multiple chances to see the many wonders of the world. For one, it is expensive to travel and if you are a foreigner, they gouge you on the entrance tickets/fees. Luckily, I have had the pleasure of seeing this famous wonder of the world -- twice in my life!

The first time I saw Taj Mahal, I was very young. I don't seem to recollect much except that it very hot. I felt like I was being baked alive! We had made the journey during the peak months of summer where the temperature sored up to 120F (~40C). Though the rest of the experience seemed a distant memory, I had indeed seen the Taj Mahal. Whoop-di-do!

The second time around, I was a bit more older and well traveled. This had to be an interesting experience. We made the arduous 5 hour journey by car from Delhi to Taj, only to learn that the doors were closing on tourist/us to accommodate to the Greek Prime Minister, who just happen to show up the particular day we were there. How horrible would it have been, having made the 10,000 miles+ journey from the USA, and not seeing the Taj! Luckily, my friend, a history professor at Delhi University, made a scene that got us into the premise for a few precious minutes. We took full advantage of it.

Its a rare scene to see the Taj so empty. Its usually flocked with human bodies, loitering around the area. People were being cleared so they could close the doors for the Greek Prime Minister. I can't complain as I got to see the Taj yet again. If only we had few more minutes to soak in the colossalness of this beautiful monument. Rushing in and out of the Taj felt like a blurr but at the same time, we were content that we did catch a glimpse of her!

Here are some of the shots that I took with my hand-held camera.

Cool pics

San Jacinto, California mountain hike in 2007

Der Blautopf, Germany, in 2006

Der Blautopf, Germany, in 2006

Luray Caverns in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia in 2005

Cape Neddick "Nubble" Lighthouse in York, Maine in 2008

A Couple in love, Pfifer Beach in Central California in 2007

Pfifer Beach in Central California in 2007

Areal view of Hayden, Colorado, en route to Steamboat ski resort in 2007

Steamboat ski resort in Colorado in 2007

Areal view of downtown/Coronado San Diego, California in 2008

I travel a lot. I take pictures. No pictures does justice to reality, but I do like to think that I come close to capturing the essence of the moment. All these pictures are taken with my hand held Canon SD 700 series camera. I can imagine the clarity of these pictures had I used a professional camera. Though a good camera can take better pictures, it certainly cannot capture the essence of an image, especially the way the user sees it. That's where having an "eye" or "knack" for photography helps.

My better half and I have decided on investing into a macro lens that I can use with his Canon's Digital Rebel body. Definitely an upgrade from what I currently use so I am looking forward to taking more shots with the new lens!

Bastos

"Bastos" means "Buster" (among other things) in Tagalog. This was my nick name for my late friend Joseph Toledo. After battling stage 4 lung cancer for exactly a year, my dear friend Joseph departed from us on July 5, 2008. Just seems like yesterday when I played volleyball with him at La Jolla Shores, CA. He and I used to play beach volleyball together. I can still hear him yell on top of his voice, "Come on Lavanya, get that ball", when we played a competitive game of beach volleyball. And oh, lets not forget that unique laugh/giggle of his -- I can still hear it; I just knew it was Joseph from a mile way. His silly grins, attitudes, and teasing/raunchy comments were endearing and his pissy moods were never to be missed! That was our Drama Queen, our Joseph!


I catch myself thinking of him at random moments. While on Peru Rail, a return train trip from the incredible Machu Picchu hike, they played Abba's song, "Dancing Queen". This was his favorite song and immediately I knew that he was there with me. On my drive to my flute lesson (his house is very close by), I catch myself chatting with him like he is sitting right next to me. Unexpected moments, I simply hear him pop in my head. I smile. I know that he is still here.


This amazing picture was taking at Joanne's wedding in 2005. Suzanna is the lucky lady in the picture. The expression on his face is priceless. A total sense of satisfaction is captured in this incredible shot.


Its hard to believe that he is gone from this earth and that I will never get to see him again. But he is in my heart and mind. He will be in my life till the day I die. He's left his markings through the various precious moments in life. He has certainly walked into my life and left his footprints. I know he is still up there, looking down, smiling (and even yelling) at me. I miss him. I miss you Bastos! Love you always!

Together forever ??

Sylvia and Bill Sweetman -- Wedding in 2007

Adrian and Nikki Lankford -- Wedding in 2008

Joanne and David Oelkers -- Wedding in 2005

Tom and Maja O'Neill -- wedding in 2008

My first thought about hearing the two words "Together Forever" is Rick Astley. If you have not heard him sing, listen to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B62p-dEfUZM. (lavanya hums the song in her head).

My next thought is, is there such thing as "forever?" Yes there is, if you watch Disney movies. Technically speaking, nothing lasts forever, but the idea of it is very comforting. Marriage, a sacred sanctimony, is the ultimate commitment. For those who decide to make the plunge, they seemed to do it with utmost certainly, or so they seem. I'd like to think that they have found "the one" who they want to spend the rest of their lives with. The actual process of getting married seemed painfully drawn out, especially with all the planning, but every couple I talk to, seem to be elated the day they tie the knot. Go figure! I guess when you want it so badly (or its meant to be), one is willing to endure the painful process. Humans! or should I say Love!

The last few years, I have attended what seems like an endless list of weddings. Friends younger and older than me getting hitched. Its seems like a natural evolution of life -- something I have come to accept. In each of these events, the one common things shines - the couple's moment of truth -- taking their vows. Its not the words they say, but the looks, the body language, all the subtle things that seem to go un-noticed, yet so powerful.

The above pictures are of my good friends who got married in the recent years. All of them are happily married and it is good to see them doing well. These were the "best-of" pictures that truly showed their moods, whether it was light-hearted, pensive, or anxious. Seeing these pictures puts a smile on my face and I do wish a "life together forever" for them. Perhaps its the idea that resonates well -- together forever!

Good ole' me in good ole' charcole

A great charcole portrait of me drawn 2 years ago by Dzu as a present to my parents. This now hangs in my parents home in Anchorage, Alaska. My parents are proud to show off this exquisite piece of art to all their friends.

The drawing captures the essence of me. I was posing in my Indian traditional garb for two sitting, 3 hour each. I was listening to Classical music and was letting my mind run blank, a rare occurrence in my usual life. My eyes were staring into the abyss and the drawing depicts that.

The loyal companion

Scientific classification

Domain: Eukaryota

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Subphylum: Vertebrata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Canidae

Genus: Canis

Species: C. lupus

Subspecies: C. l. familiaris

Trinomial name Canis lupus familiaris

During one of my teenage temper tantrum days, my mom said, "Even dogs are better than you ungrateful kids". She is probably right. Dogs are loyal creatures. Rain or shine, they are so happy to see you each day. They are selfless and the love they exude, typically indicated by the swift wagging of their tails and a grin on their face with floppy, non-confrontational ears, is just priceless.

Maggie, our 3 year old yellow lab, has provided the gap/love that my parents have been yearning. She has brought immense life into our family. She is my mother's favorite child. She is the snow-ball of Anchorage, Alaska. She is Maggie.

Felis catus

Tiger, the majestic, living in San Diego, CA.

Sheere Khan, the good ole' mighty, living in Menefee, CA

Camille, the temperamental, living in San Francisco, CA

"Felis Catus" is the scientific name given to domestic cats. I was curious to find out the scientific name for Orange Tabby's, a certain breed of indoor cats, commonly identified with a nice orange fur (duh, Orange Tabby), but I found nothing that provided me with concrete answers. Therefore, I give up and put up pictures of Orange Tabby cats instead!

I am a Dragon and Dragons don't usually get along with Cats. We both are temperamental, strong and we like our individuality and space. Most cats purr/scratch at me when they see me. Its probably due to the fact that I taunt them. Why? Why not? OK, I should not really be doing that, but what fun is that? Sounds like a Dragon trait ??

I am a dog person. They say that if you are a cat person, you can't be a dog person. Well, yes and no. Its not until I met the good ole' mighty Sheere Khan that my view on cats changed. The name is very misleading as this cat loves a good scratch, hardly purrs, never sneers, especially at me. Needless to say, I like this cat. Alas! Dragons and cats can get along!

Till the end, I will still remain a a dog person!