Pooh's Den

Both V and R have a normal Hindu religious upbringing. From regular temple visits, to daily lamp lighting and poojas at home and some sloka chatting… you know the normal thing. They visit the temple regularly and pray to God, the way that was taught to them. Bowed head, hands together, eyes closed as the ringing bells mixed with the chanting of Sanskrit slokas fill the air, the smell of the burning oil/camphor mixed with the agarbati smell creating a haze… Eyes flutter open as the aarati is done before God and a frantic pleading to God in the form of a silent list of things to be done….

Late last night, just before going to sleep, V was just thinking about the hanging-in-the-air vacation planned, the one she desperately wants to go – a cruise to Alaska. Yes! the rational mind of her says, if not now, later probably early next summer but the other half tempts her with the amazing photos she has seen – her mind turning into a high-def TV showing snow capped mountains, pristine waters.. ahhh!! Bliss! Who doesn’t want such a vacation?And her immediate involuntary reaction was to pray.. pray to God to make her vacation a reality. But then the rational side of her took over. And here are some questions her rational mind asked… any answers?

• Is it really worth asking God for a vacation?
• Isn’t it petty? Trivial? There are so much more happening in the world one could pray for… no not the beauty contest world peace or the latest Bollywood actors interest in global warming issues. There are so many people whom we know personally who just need a boost. A vacation seems so stupid compared to their lives
• And back to the same thing, we keep asking God for so much, the list grows by the day but what do we do in return. I really am not sure if giving thanks to God is a part of Hinduism. I could be totally wrong but I feel we just ask and ask but never say thanks (Pongal being the exception I guess). All our slokas seem to be praising the God and then asking for one’s own well-being. Correct me if I am wrong…

After all these questions, V just decided to keep her fingers crossed and mutter a small thanks for all the numerous things we have in life and leave the rest to Him! and the vacation... if we are going we'll surely let u know.. yup a few more crossed fingers won't hurt...

No, I am not telling what happens in the book and you need to grab a copy for that. But overall I feel Rowling has tied together lots of loose ends in the final book and given us a series that the literary world would treasure. Beyond talks of dark magic, spells and death curses there are few things these books convey and it is that complicated yet subtly conveyed messages almost lost to the young reader that makes me admire Rowling more. Much more than her amazing creativity and ability to create a world all of her own.

All through the seven books, Rowling has conveyed through the various puppets she created mainly Harry, Ron, Hermione and Lord Voldemort, the basics of life. You know the usual things all parents teach their kids - the ones taught in the moral science classes in school. And it is the almost hidden messages that make these books special.

Unlike other super heroes, Harry is not the handsome, confident, know-it-all who rushes into burning fires and crumbling buildings to save the world. He is just another human being with fear of the future. He is the insecure rather unloved kid who is presentable at his best. He is not the best in studies or has had the undying support of family. He is the normal kid-next-door but he is the superhero of the series and that makes him special. It just projects the unwritten rule that to be the No 1, you need to work hard, trust your friends and instinct and be ready to face whatever is dished out. And above all, he is loyal and selfless, to his friends, the people who love and trust him and for these people he is ready to meet death. And isn’t that what parents teach their kids?

The next thing I love from the series are the mystical Dementors. These dark hooded creatures kiss their victims and suck away the victim’s soul. They suck away all good thoughts and leave the victim cold and dead within. And I look at these creatures as one’s fears. We all fear various things and there we go feeling all down and depressed. And how does Harry overcome these Dementors? The Patronus spell, a chant, the wave of the wand and most importantly, happy thoughts drive away the Dementors. And don’t we do that to our fears? And best of all, the Patronus spell works the best with practice, the more you think happy, the more easily you over ride soul-sucking fears. Another lesson from the cradle.

But the best thing, I admire Rowling for blending in easily from book one is the power of love. Especially a mother’s love. So powerful, so strong that even the darkest lord’s killing curse will not harm the child. And Rowling keeps it through till the very end. Love and just love differentiates Harry and his arch enemy, Lord Voldemort. And it is love that makes Harry the hero and Voldemort the villain. Simple and yet powerful!

If you have not yet read the books, pick them up somewhere and start reading them. It is an entertainer for all ages!

Seems like it a day for rants. V rants

I chanced upon the July 9th issue of Newsweek at my doctor's office and guess what I read something that needs to be here...It had the list of top 10 cities in the world with the worst air pollution problems based on a survey by the World Bank and here they are

1) Cairo
2) Delhi
3) Kolkata
4) Tianjin
5) Chongqing
6) Kanpur
7) Lucknow
8) Jakarta
9) Shenyang
10) Zhengzhou

V's ramblings...

The last destination of our vacation was Niagara Falls, Canada. Yes we did go to the Canadian side and it is definitely a better view that the American side. From NJ it was a good 7+ hours drive and crossing the border was a breeze. Once you learn to look past the tacky touristy attractions, the Falls is indeed amazing! It is astonishing how a small river and millions of years can create such a wonderful sight. The roaring falls and the mist rising from the falls is something to awe at.

We did the usual touristy thing at Niagara. If you are at Niagara for a day, I would recommend you buying their Adventure pass for around $40 USD. This pass gives you access to all the must-see places and also the mover bus. Our first stop was the Journey behind the Falls and once you are hundreds of feet below the falls it is a scary and yet amazing site. You cannot hear yourself over the thundering of the falls and the fine spray of water drenching you despite the yellow ponchos handed out. It is also an engineering marvel. Imagine blasting through rocks to build the tunnel!

Our next stop was the Greenhouse. A deserted and not so famous tourist area...but amazing display of hydrangeas greeted us. We spent sometime enjoying the gardens before heading to the famous Maid of the mist boat ride. And what do I say about the Maid of the Mist, it is worth visiting it. I also makes me wonder how these resourceful people turn a falls into the much talked about and touristy attraction. India sure has tons to learn about marketing and developing its amazing resources.