It was a huge carpet of green grass, with yellow flowers weeding themselves in the middle. The misty winter chill gave a bluish gray colour to the sky and the the tall trees gently swayed in that breeeze. The white picket fences, marked the division bewteen the overlooming woods and the grass. And as I sat there, the lake infront of me, the grass below, the woods behind, the sky above and an American family of four being the only inhabitants of this picture perfect scenario, I heard a spine chilling, blood curling laughter. Its the kind of things that makes the Cardiologists some of the most highly paid professionals on the planet. Its also the kind of thing that makes sure that Trauma centers are packed to every bed possible in every part of the country. Its the Gulti Grand mother out on a friendly outing with her software son who did his Engg from Allu-Bhalu University of AP in Cosmetic-Civil Engg, with her daughter-in-law who went to Anna-Ganna-panna University in interior AP and is still wondering why is she still being called a Bacheor of Arts when she is all married to her Prince Charming (the Cosmetic Civil Engg from Aalu-Bhalu University AP).
The Niagara FallsGentleman and Ladies, I am 10 odd miles away from the Niagara Falls in a place called Niagara Fort. Nachiket is sitting on the lake shores clicking photographs of the birds who are being fed by the American family of four. We have just had our visit to Niagara Falls, the much reverred pilgrimage which most Indians, and all Chinese visitors to US necessarily perform. Its beautiful but it doesnt leave you breathless. You don't gasp in amazement like you do when you enter the Muir Woods. And sooner or later you realise that the unlike most other American tourist hotspots - this one has been commercialised way beyond what is desirable from a natural beauty spot. There are hot dogs and ice-cream parlours, paid tours like the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds where everyone follows like sheep, ensureing that all of it is tick marked in the Niagara Falls 'places to visit' book .
Amidst all that noise, the sound of the flowing water is all but lost. However, the falls has its own mechanisms to ensure that they are heard; there are places where nobody stands for a very long time because they get drenched by the mist and these are the places where you enjoy the beauty and the power of Niagara Falls - a natural wonder of the world.
I saw it at night, at dusk, at noon and in the morning - the green waters of River Niagara fall across the horseshoe with enough force so as to make sure everybody takes notice - visual and aural. And then they proceed gently, under the Rainbow bridge, the bridge that connects the two countries USA and Canada. Canada looked beautiful with its tall sky scrappers and revolving restaurants. Its also the Country for which I am implementing the WHIRL system so that HSBC can process its Cards portfolio.
The next day (Sunday) was spent at Letchworth State Park - the Grand Canyon of the East. Its essentially a huge gorge and Genesee River fowing through it. There are three falls there as well and the middle fall is the loveliest. That pretty much sums up my Buffalo visit. Only yes, I ate lots of Buffalo wings, and drank one of the best prepared Sangrias at an Italian Restaurant.
Next its Washington DC and NYC over the memorial weekend! Stay put for more news.
