December is a time for nostalgia and a trip down memory lane. We recall the high points during the rest of the year and revisit Decembers past. Last year, this time, we were feverishly checking out flights on Make My Trip as we looked at last minute flights to Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Although we do plan ahead, this time was a rush because of the unexpected passing away of my Aunt. Vidur and I made back to back trips to Chennai and Hyderabad while Sury headed off to Mumbai.
Right now we are looking forward to a little over two whole weeks winter vacation for Vidur, and I can feel the travel bug nudging me as I fondly remember this time last year.
Usually, we make an almost day-by-day plan for the vacation as it is easier to cram in all that we want while ensuring that holiday projects and schoolwork get done. Yesterday was the last day of school before they closed for two weeks’ winter vacation and I had a cozy evening with Vidur as we listed out all the recipes we want to try, places we want to visit locally and a day-by-day plan for his school work. I sneaked in my own items in the list – consisting of closet-cleaning, revamping, some minor painting, and a series of craft projects that will hopefully turn into gifts to give away. Luckily, I am not loaded with work for at least another week, thanks to everyone taking the Christmas to New Year off.
Memory lane – December 2010
In 2010, I made two trips to Delhi – one In November, for the Third National Bioethics Conference with colleagues – which was all about the conference and meeting up with friends…
Having a good laugh at the Delhi Airport
At the National Bioethics Conference
…and one in December with family on vacation when we visited Agra. What fun it was. Sightseeing around Delhi and oh, meeting the Taj Mahal for the first time. She completely took my breath away. I am really looking forward to going again, hopefully next year.
My first view of the Taj Mahal
I could gaze at her all day and all night long.
We traveled by IndiGo and were treated to the brand new look of the air hostesses who looked pretty hot. Ah, pretty and hot.
Pretty hot IndiGo Hostesses
I was stunned to see all of them sporting the exact same hairdo, and later came to know it was part of the uniform – if they didn’t like the hairdo, they were expected to wear a wig. Well, well. Thanks to forward planning we had rock bottom pricing on the flight tickets. On the way back, we traveled with Jet Airways. And their hostesses weren’t half bad either.
Jet Airways Hostesses
Most of my official travel has been with this airline and I am always impressed at their efficiency. Never once had a complaint.
Nostalgia – December 2011
Vidur and I went on vacation alone for the first time – usually the three of us go together but Sury had a conference in Mumbai that he could not miss and urged us to go have a good time. So first, V and I went to Chennai for three days – and then to Hyderabad for three days. We had a fabulous time catching up with my classmates and close family friends.
Love them! Met them in Dec 2011 after April 1980
Oh, Gorgeous day!
It always breaks my heart to think back on December 2009, when my Mom was alive and undergoing bedrest to recover from spinal TB. We were thrilled to discover that her back bone, which was on the verge of breaking due to the TB was almost completely recovered from the three months’ bed rest and by the third week of December, we had a physiotherapist coming home every day to mobilize her back, teaching her strengthening exercises as we nursed her back to health. We simply took it for granted that Jan 2010 heralded the end of suffering and good health for her. Unfortunately, life had different plans for her.
Even as we were lulled into a sense of false comfort and making plans for the year and laughing and enjoying ourselves, little did we know that the silent killer in her chest, her lung fibrosis was gearing up to kick us in the teeth. On Feb 3, we had to rush her into hospital with a collapsed lung. It was the last time she and I hugged and spoke to each other. On Feb 8, her generous heart just stopped. She was 64 and in my opinion, too young to go.
Mom and Vidur at age 4 off to a picnic at the Planetarium
It always hurts when I make my trip down that painful memory lane. Sigh.
But there are also wonderful memories as I make my trip…
We met again after 23 years. We used to be inseparable back in the 80’s
And then, back to the present – a couple of weeks ago – I had another gorgeous surprise meeting!
We met again after 27 years – at a book launch! College mate – one year senior. I adore her
And so – life goes on, as we collect memories, good and sad. Still, I am grateful for all that I have – all the experiences that make up this beautiful jig-saw that is life.
I marvel at the memories, the things we take for granted. I learn from my experiences and try to focus on the good stuff. Only one life, right? Let’s live it well. No grudges, no hate, no negativity.
Treasure the moments!
Now, let’s head to the UnknownMami’s global party to see what treat she has in store for us.
Dear friends – what loving moment do you remember most vividly?
50 comments
Oh lovely Vidya…you always seem to put things in the most marvelous perspective for me. I take each one of your enlightening and uplifting posts to heart, and always feel better for having read them. You have an amazing way with words and a huge heart from which to give of your life’s experiences. I am in awe of you and so very grateful for our friendship. Thanks for sharing your pictures and stories with us. I look forward to many more. Wishing you the most lovely of holiday seasons. XOXOs
Terri Sonoda recently posted…Apocalypse notwithstanding
Thank you, Terri! I just loved your post too. Happy memories are so wonderful. Wishing you a fabulous holiday season too! Blessed to know you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Of Cakes And Personal Development
Hi Vidya,
Pretty and hot? 😀 lol…
Wonderful dear 🙂 When I go through all the photos and stories behind ’em I start to remind of my school days. Well, I’m still a kiddo to meet a friend after 10 or 20 years though 😉
Sorry to hear about your mom’s story Vidya. It alerts me that there will be a day for me to see my parents go. Hmm…
Anyway that’s wonderful you have got moments in photos to see again and remind that time dear 🙂 I think the more we get older, moments get more sweeter. We can live whole life with all those moments 🙂
I really like the Taj Mahal and Vidur’s photo with the mom 🙂 Lovely… AND you too 🙂 You always gorgeous with your smile 🙂
I can remember days of my childhood, especially before my sister get sick. We had wonderful moments together and I still feel those when I recall. More and more inside my head, but no pics of ’em 🙂 I still feel I’m still living in that ages.
Cheers…
Mayura recently posted…How to Display Tweets of an User or List on Your Website
Thank you, Mayura, for the warm comment. I am sorry to hear your sister is sick. I pray she recovers soon!
Yes, that photo is one of my favorites. We had a lovely day at the park and then saw a musical fountain after that.
You are such a wonderful person, I am sure you too will have lovely memories as you grow with your relationships. Much love to you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…I Make My Trip Down Memory Lane, Nostalgia Street
These are very nice photos. I would love to visit the Taj Mahal some day!
Thank you so much! I do hope you do! It is the most exciting experience ever! Happy holidays!
Vidya Sury recently posted…I Make My Trip Down Memory Lane, Nostalgia Street
The yellow-jacketed flight attendants remind me of the yellow-jacketed guides at the Dubai airport. That’s a beautiful picture of your mother. Mine (along with my father and grandmother) will arrive here tomorrow and I’m sure there will be some trips down memory lane. I’m so lucky to still have them! The loving memory I remember most is when they arrived in Ghana to visit me. It had been 1.5 years since I’d seen them and my father picked me up and swung me around like I was a little kid. He squeezed me so hard and wouldn’t let go. I didn’t want him to either. Thanks for sharing these memories with us.
Dorothy recently posted…Sinterklaas
Hi Dorothy, I love that photo very much – it was a wonderful time in our lives as my son was growing up. How precious to have your Father and Grandmother over! I have such fond memories of my own Grandmother. And how sweet of your to share that memory with your Father. Heading over to your place to read about “Sinterklaas” I remember reading a fairy tale where Santa Claus was referred by that name.
I wish you a very happy Christmas, Dorothy. And hope you will post photos of your family’s trip! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…I Make My Trip Down Memory Lane, Nostalgia Street
What a wonderful trip down memory lane for you. It must have been so special to reunite with your old friends.
One day I would love to visit the Taj Mahal. I’m sure photos can’t do it justice.
Tara R. recently posted…Escaping into the woods
Oh yes, it was, Tara. Just wonderful! You are right about the Taj – photos can never do justice to it – the feeling of coming face to face with it is something else. It is simply ethereal! Happy holidays!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Time For Some DIY Home Decor
That’s what life is all about Vidya!
We have the happy and the sad moments all together and have to live the days as they come and go isn’t it? Some memories are good and make us happy while the others sadden us.
I can well imagine the part about your Mom, having lost mine too. Such losses can never be forgotten, though they give an inner-strength somewhere and make us stronger and wiser somewhere. And our loved ones never leave us – they are always with us. I loved the picture of your friend too whom you met after so many years – must be so wonderful to see each other.
I love the way you take care to click these pictures and share them with all of us too. I wish I were as good too. For me, each day is to be lived to the fullest and I just enjoy doing that. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted…Enjoy Family Celebrations in Your Holidays
Thank you for your comment, Harleena. With those we love, memories are so precious. I think of my Mom in everything I do, every single day. I am glad I am a shutterbug – and thanks to a camera mobile phone, it is so much easier to create memories. I believe in living each day to the fullest, made even more enjoyable by the ability to create memories – for myself and for others, too, because people usually assume I’ll take pictures 🙂
Happy holidays!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Home Sweet Home
Ah, Taj Mahal – – – how beautiful.
But beautiful as it is, I believe the moments spent with friends and dear ones are far more memorable and better!
Merry Christmas, Vidya.
Keetha recently posted…Christmas Card From My City to Yours
Oh Keetha, I’ll never forget my first trip to the Taj as long as I live. I do hope I can make a few more visits. The last trip was wonderful as I also got to spend time with close friends. I treasure those days!
Hugs! and hope your Christmas was wonderful!
Vidya Sury recently posted…I Make My Trip Down Memory Lane, Nostalgia Street
Hi Vidya
I came here from Mayura’s post. I really like your blog.
The jet and indigo comparison which you did is perfect, I felt the same.
The moments of cherish with your close friends you have captured in a box now as memories forever.
Thanks for sharing your cherished moments.
Sapna
sapna recently posted…A Day In Naive Bloggers Life – Part 3(Infographics)
Welcome, Sapna! Thank you for coming over! I enjoy air travel and tend to notice all the little things 😀 Here’s wishing you a great 2013!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Of Cakes And Personal Development
Hi Vidya,
What a lovely post. I noticed a couple of photos were with people you met after many years. What was this like? It must have been amazing to see such old friends.
I’ve heard great things about Chennai. My parents have visited there and loved it.
Your post brought back an amazing memory of when I went to Agra with my family around 18 years ago. I remember the hustle and bustle of the people before we entered and then when we went inside. It still is the most beautiful building I’ve ever seen, totally majestic and romantic.
Hiten recently posted…How to create compelling goals for 2013
Hi Hiten! So good to see you! You know, meeting those people was wonderful, as though we were taking up the conversation from where we left off yesterday! The years did not matter. And it was just great. I’ve lived in many cities in India and so, have friends all over the place!
The Taj Mahal – oh, she’s just gorgeous. I hope to go back and gaze at her. The monument looks very unreal up close. It is like another world. Until the noise around us brings us back to reality! 🙂
Loved your post about “goals”!
Vidya Sury recently posted…I Make My Trip Down Memory Lane, Nostalgia Street
Your mother was so beautiful, Vidya! Thanks for sharing all the intimate moments with us as well as your travel tales. I would love to have the chance to see the Taj Mahal again, but probably not in this lifetime. Just one life? It is precious, indeed!
Sandra / Always Well Within recently posted…Remember the Goodness
Yes, she was, Sandra. Hugs. I fantasize about meeting you some day. 🙂 It is a precious life! Hugs! I am glad we are connected.
Vidya Sury recently posted…I Make My Trip Down Memory Lane, Nostalgia Street
okay, so i understand the hostesses being dressed alike, but in the gorgeous day photo with your family, how is it you’re all wearing blue! 😀 your mom was a beautiful lady sis. I am so grateful and thankful to her because she had you. you are truly a blessing for me this last year. i remember a lot of moments vividly, especially those after hours of labor 😀 but from childhood, i must say I remember visiting guyana. i was 3. my grandmother was having this big religious ceremony. the whole village was there. my cousin who had just turned four had come from america with me too. we were afraid to see all these people. so my aunt let us stay in the room with all the fruits and sweets and told us to “protect it” with our dolls and promised someone will come check on us when they came for the fruits. that got boring soon. so my cousin and i sat by the window watching all these people leave their shoes outside before entering the house. we noticed there was an man at the gate arguing with another man over who knows what and they used some very bad words. words that my cousin and i decided to try out at the same moment that everyone was in prayer and had gone quite. it was fun. we giggled pretending to be the two men at the gate, using 4 letter words over and over as we flung our hands in all directions mimicking the hand gestures they used when arguing. and then our moms burst into the room. so we decided to show them what we learned. they were not too happy. we were moved to the kitchen…far far away from the prayers.
vanita recently posted…When the world scares you
Yeah – all of us wearing blue was sheer coincidence, Vani. It is only later we realized that we were all so color coordinated!
I loved that childhood memory of yours. I’ve got similar ones – especially learning the bad words and proudly using them….only to get the opposite reaction from what I expected 😀 Hugs! You’ve no idea how much I appreciate you. Love you, Sis!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Time For Some DIY Home Decor
I always love your collection of memories Vidya. You paint such a real picture and your photos bring the whole post to life.
I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award (your link is here: )
I can honestly say that I always look out for your post – they bring some sunshine to my day 🙂
Carolyn Hughes recently posted…Another Thank you!
I am so blessed to know you, Carolyn! You’ve thoroughly spoilt me this December – two awards in one month! I am honored and appreciate it very much.
I too look forward to your post updates – your writing is beautifully warm and always with a wonderful takeaway.
Love you! Hugs! Can’t wait to have you over!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Healthy Child, Happy Child
Loved reading this, Vidya! I second what Vanita said — thankful to your mom for giving the world you!
Ken Wert@MeanttobeHappy recently posted…The Happiness Pledge
Ken, one of the best things about 2012 for me was connecting with you. Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Of Cakes And Personal Development
I couldn’t agree with you more, Vidya! I cherish our friendship. Thank you for extending it.
Ken Wert@MeanttobeHappy recently posted…The Happiness Pledge
🙂 Thank you Ken. Much love to you!
Hi Vidya,
What a wonderful story and pictures to go along with it. Traveling is fun when you have a group of like minded people and it is even more fun to go back and reminisce about the trip later.
Take Care.
Justin recently posted…2013 – The End of Days or a New Beginning
What a pleasure to have you over, Justin! I am lucky to have those wonderful people in my life and I cherish them very much!
Wishing you a great 2013!
Vidya Sury recently posted…I Make My Trip Down Memory Lane, Nostalgia Street
Decembers haven’t always been great to me but I still do have childhood memories of going to Kerala and Tamil Nadu where me and my family visited several temples. We lived at T nagar in Chennai ( Not sure!) with my uncle for a few days. Had a lot of fun and we went to VGP as well.
You’ve been to Hyderabad? Have you seen the Charminar, the Salar Jung museum, the Golkonda fort? There’s a lot more here and I’m guessing you tasted the Hyderbadi Biriyani and loved it?
Anyway it was nice to tag along with you down your memory lane, it was great and nice photos as well.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Aditya
Aditya recently posted…Pre New Year: A Hack, Rape and Loads of Disappointment
Hi Aditya! Welcome! Childhood memories are wonderful. Yes – I have been to Hyderabad. In fact, I’ve lived there for 17 years 🙂 through schooling and part of college. I always enjoy visiting again and going on a sight-seeing trip because I juts love it!
Thanks for joining me on this mini-trip!
Happy 2013!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Time For Some DIY Home Decor
Thanks for those trips down memory lane, Vidya. Great to know that you already have plans for this vacation too. Do enjoy it to the hilt and have loads of fun. Wish you, Vidur and Suri a very happy year ahead 🙂
Zephyr recently posted…The gift of life — Organ transplants
Hugs, Zephyr! The days are filled with fun, regardless of whether we go out or stay home. This morning we just decided to sleep a little later than usual and enjoyed listening to some old Tamil songs on TV. What fun.
Thank you for your kind wishes – love to you and yours, too! Hope we’ll meet in 2013!
Vidya Sury recently posted…What A Break!
Hi Vidya,
My first visit to your site and it looks lovely. You’ve got some great articles here. I loved reading your experiences about the travels in India, especially the note about the Air-hostesses :p
What a beautiful quote, moments matter the most to us.
Merry Christmas 🙂
Regards
Jay
Jay recently posted…Is This Life For Real Or Simulated?
Welcome, and thank you Jay! Thanks for your lovely comment and I look forward to seeing you often around here! Happy 2013 to you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…A Clearer View
You are lucky enough that you gets time to travel out with your friends and family, here it’s a family of mine where my father don’t have time from his job to have celebrations with us and my mother don’t take part in outdoor activities.
Bad luck na !
Robinsh recently posted…women entrepreneur in 2013
Welcome, Robinsh! I am sorry to hear what you said – why not sit together with your Mum and Dad and plan something for coming year? Sometimes life is so hectic and people are so busy catching up on what they have to do, they forget to enjoy themselves. Go ahead. Take the initiative. It is worth it! 🙂 I am sure 2013 is going to be much better for you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Time For Some DIY Home Decor
No it’s a bad luck, and we can’t change the luck even in the year 2013 because my father is an Indian Railways engineer who never gets a leave – he do a job of 24X7.
Hope he will get the early retirement in next 2-3 years because me and my brothers are working a lot to build a business around the available resources and help him to leave his job.
Until then I have to wait, and wait 🙁
And yeah thanks for your kind words.
Robinsh recently posted…Free Online Logo Maker for Startup Businesses
All the best to you, Robinsh, I am sure with your efforts, life will soon be the way you wish it, with bonuses! Happy 2013!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Loving and Giving
Hi Vidya,
Love hearing about your experiences. Your mom is so pretty and fun to see where you have traveled to. Have a wonderful New Year.
Thank you, Cathy! I wish you and your family the same! Love,Vidya
Love the picture of your mom, She is beautiful! <3 Jodi
Jodi @ Heal Now recently posted…Peace On Earth
It is one of my favorites, Jodi! Thank you! Hugs!
Very interesting account of your life. I have never heard of Bioethics Conference before but seems interesting. You have lovely photos.
Shalu Sharma recently posted…Be careful of rape in India – tips for female travellers and demand for justice
Hi Shalu! Welcome! I enjoy your blog posts in my mailbox 😀 Thanks for your comment. The NBC is attended by doctors, clinical research organizations, NGOs and ethics committees. This was the third of its kind in India. Here’s wishing you a great year ahead!
ahhhh, Vidya,
this post was pure magic.
I loved every single photo.
So much love. Xxxx
My Inner Chick recently posted…A Different Kind Of Christmas Tree
Thank you, Kim dearest! Hugs! One day I’ll have a pic with you to treasure!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Loving and Giving
64 is far too young. I am so sorry you lost your mom when she was still so young.
I’m sorry I’ve been a neglectful bloggy buddy. I’m still quite sick.
And I am very sorry you are sick, Claudya. Don’t worry about keeping up. As long as we are in touch, it does not always matter who visits whom. 🙂
Yes, 64 is too young. I am afraid I’ll never get over it sometimes.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Home – No Airline Tickets To Vacation Here!