Ash @ Toronto

Back home! Finally!!

Reached Toronto last night around 8:30 p.m. Happy to be back home finally. Towards the end of my journey I started getting home sick. Just wanted to get back to my family.

Due to jet lag and long journey (more than 24 hours of travel), I haven't slept since last night so I will have to call in sick today.

When I checked in at Madras (now called Chennai, it was called Chennai in Tamil all along, some politician got his name immortalised by changing it's name, I think), it was around midnight (early Thursday morning). Everything moved along fine until they called my name at the gate. Oh-oh, what did I do wrong now? Well, they had upgraded me to Business Class, that's all.

We arrived Dubai as scheduled. I had a lot of time to shop there. We left Dubai an hour late but reached London on time.

London airport refused to let me carry liquor I bought in Dubai. So I had to formally check it in by going through Passport Control, coming out of the airport and then checking in at Air Canada. Looks like this happens a lot as the AC staff knew exactly what to do. She just checked it in as fragile and hand carry baggage so the baggage handlers would personally carry it to the aircraft.

The security check in Heathrow is to be seen to be believed. First I thought it was overdone. But noticing the extreme steps they were taking, I realised it was due to serious concerns they have about security.

Both the passengers and airport staff were very patient and understanding. It took me almost 1.5 hours to get past security check. Liquids (I forgot my travel kit had liquid soap, antibacterial solution and razor) are to be kept in transparent plastic bags that they provide. Razors are a definite no-no. I threw all of them out, I didn't need the hassle.

Laptops are to be screened separately. I guess they want to ensure laptops are laptops and nothing more.

Once security cleared, it was smooth sailing. Went right through, Air Canada was excellent. They left on time and arrived on time.

Clearing immigration and customs at Pearson was a breeze. They were very friendly and polite. The baggage took a long time to come through but it finally did. The item I checked in at London arrived separtely as they carried it by hand, I suppose.

Overall it was a long trip. Lots of places to cover. But I love travelling and enjoyed my month of travel. I took a lot of pictures and now I have to start posting them online.

Those of my friends in Toronto, it's good to be back and I hope to see you all soon. For the rest in UAE, Iran and India - thanks for all your help, love and support.

With my best wishes,
Ash

In Bangalore now

After visiting Tehran and Sharjah/Dubai UAE, I am finally in India now. The day my father and I arrived in Madras (Nov 12), we received news that his sister passed away in Bangalore.

So after taking rest for about 4 hours, we left Madras at 9 a.m. for the funeral. We reached Bangalore at around 4 p.m. just in time. We finally left Bangalore at 6:30 p.m. for Salem. I got to see my mother after 5 long years at 11 p.m.

I left Salem for Bangalore last night reaching Bangalore at 11 p.m. This morning I met my friend from my college days (after 15 years).

Bangalore has changed a lot in the last 5 to 10 years. Lots of traffic congestion. But also tremendous growth. Real growth.

Will post pictures when time permits. Must go now to meet some more family and friends in Bangalore. I leave for Salem tomorrow morning at 5:30 a.m.

Vacation starts!!

I reached Dubai at 1 a.m. on November 2nd. The flight from Toronto was 8 hours roughly. I maanged to get my connecting flight to Dubai in time. The Emirates Airlines plane was very clean. Lots of movies to watch. Excellent service.

Dubai airport has also changed...for the better. Processing is very quick. I was out of the terminal in about 30 minutes.

Tomorrow evening, I depart for Tehran. Will continue my blog from there.

Markham fishing trip

Abu and I went on our first fishing trip of the season. We went to a place called Markham. It's only 30 minutes from Toronto. The weather was bad (cold, windy) but the area was very calm, beautiful and scenic.

We caught four fish - Rock Bass mainly.

Ashok mowing lawn for the first time in his life. Suspects it will also be the last time....

Bryan with Paatima. Bryan is working on gaining strength to operate the lawn mower. The front wheels lift off when he tries to mow the lawn...

Gardening in full swing!

China Cottage Dinner

We usually go to China Cottage Restaurant for Indo-Chinese food. China Cottage is very good and popular with a lot of Indians in Toronto.

Nirmalen and family visit

We had our friends, Nirmalen and Suguna and their family over for dinner last Saturday night.

Easter weekend April 2006

After the fair, we went to Fairview Mall to roam about. Later we watched Ice Age 2 in Rainbow Cinemas.

I liked the movie, well taken.

Easter weekend April 2006

The next day was Monday. School and daycare was closed. We had to be home with the kids. So after lunch we went to a fair near Vic Park and Lawrence in the mall parking lot.