Shar Diaries 5.0

Le Convocation

The day had finally dawned. Hours of travel over the Atlantic Ocean had paid off. There was excitement in the air as much as pride. I was thrilled to see my elder sis take on the world in the black gown that held all her wisdom.

The ceremony commenced with a band blowing trumpets, most of them in their second innings of life. It was mesmerizing to see the pepper-grey haired generation play the background score of the popular game series Game of Thrones and a rock number such as Shipping out to Boston. The entire hall had a beautiful ambience to it, which cheered the Class of 2014 as they entered the hall in a chirpy procession.

The key note speaker delivered an impressive speech talking volumes of the University and the opportunities it has to offer. It made me feel proq of my sister more than ever.

She walked up on the stage with her head held high and convinction. It gave me immense pleasure to pose next to the new Virginia University graduate.

Shar Diaries US 3.0

After hours of in-flight time, sumptuous meals, mildly-friendly stewards and back-to-back movies, we finally landed at Washington Dulles Airport.

We were greeted with serpentine queues at the customs clearance portal. The icing on the cake was the first face of America - the rude customs officer. She not only interrogated our intentions for visiting the first world nation but also took us for a ride with our geography.

With a sleep deprived mood, I some how managed to not lose it on my folks. Even the slight hiccup at the currency exchange counter didn't discourage me.

Mom n Dad were exceptionally quiet during the shuttle ride to the hotel. I was happy to express my first emotions and observations whilst arriving in the USA.

I had never seen so many colored people at a time. At the cost of being racist, I admit that I was happy to see the peaceful co-existence of so many nationalities. Not only the tourists, the staff all over the place portray a gorgeous melting pot scenario. I also got a peek at the Pentagon building - it definitely is the largest on the planet with regard to area covered.

To top it all, my Indian Dad bonded with the Pakistani receptionist at the hotel, who guided us regarding our tourist interests in the city.

As of now I'm happy to be here with my family, awaiting my sister's graduation ceremony.

Next Destination: Richmond, VA

Shar Diaries US 2.0

05:55 AM
The Austrian Airlines aircraft dropped my folks and me at Vienna, as promised and paid for. I woke up from a drowsy mind to a beautiful morning.
Mom said she couldn't sleep coz of sheer excitement, while I enjoyed sound sleep, thanks to the comforts of business class flying.

The airport and the weather didn't seem out of the ordinary. I was pretty much expecting the same from Vienna, that I do from airports in general.

As Dad suggested, we headed to the Austrian Airlines Lounge to kill the time in transit. The Lounge is spacious and comfortable, housing a variety of furniture, placed carefully around the buffet meal.

Mom was craving the stores around the lounge as I tried to get INR exchanged. Dad is peacefully asleep now and I'm enjoying writing.

Next stop: Washington Dulles

Adios Amigos

Shar Diaries US 1.0

Days of preparation and planning finally brought me a step closer to my dream-trip to the States. I'm full of excitement and joy as I Mount the vehicle in transit. Someone special showed up at my door last minute, delaying my packing process and leaving me panicked half an hour before my time of departure.
With a flustered mind and self-criticism for my poor time management habits, I finally made it to the cab in time, saying a last minute good bye to my sweet cousin next door.

As I was leaving, my friends were surprised as to why the excitement didn't show on my face. Why wasn't I jumping with happiness with the thought of the developed country that no one likes to return from. I asked myself the same... I realized, I have been a little closed to my emotions - a shield we all put on while living in the big city alone. But now, it's time to change! It's time for real fun and lots of frolic. Seeing new and beautiful places was never more charming than it is, after serving at a company for 9 long months at a stretch. I'm happy. Excited. And. Ready for the US of A :P
More updates coming up shortly.
Next stop: New Delhi