3rd Trip ...

I landed up again in the US soil. Well the couter says 3, the enthusiasm, zest that brimmed during the first 2 visits were somehow lacking this time. Guess this has to do something with the nostalgic feeling that caught me up just at the time of boargding the huge boeing british airline.

After the usual sendoffs from my parents, went and occupied the emergency seat allocated. I knew and feared the long haul journeys mainly because of the aweful mundane boredom. I was served snacks/meals at regular intervals and as usual i never failed to say 'no' to those. This flight was taking me to the London Heathrow where i was supposed to take up the connecting flight to Chicago. I had lots of premonitions regarding the delays that were expected at the Heathrow caused by severe fogs despoiling the festive season.

On landing up at the heathrow, i was struck with a lightning surprise as i had the fortune of a luck to meet and speak with TRISHA (Popular leading Tamil & Telugu actress). I almost ran out of words when speaking to her. The moment's downfall lied in the fact that i was not carrying my Canon Powershot with me :( . All the dear and near family members started cursing me for not having a camera when i narrated the incident. But thats OK..Probably this might be a hint of an other impending meet ;).

Chicago airport - Landed up there at around 1/2 past noon. The cabin crew informed me of my missing baggages. This didn't incur an anxiety or panic as i had experienced this on many an occassions. I then cleared the customs and went towards the arrival gate. I was expecting a flurry of snow showers but proved totally the opposite with the sun glaring at my eyes. Mom's cousin Suchitra, her daughter and her husband where waiting to receive me as expected. Still wondering as to how they identified me :). Enroute to their house, witnessed a glimpse of the famous chicago downtown that was replete with architectural beauties like the Sears tower.

We had a quiet and simple dinner (North Indian Style) since suchitra got immersed in the marathi cult ;). Next day, yogesh introduced me to the bahai mandhir @ skokie and then whirred towards the Airport for the last phase of the journey on to San francisco. The day happened to be the christmas day and due to the overbooking in flights, i was upgraded to the business cool. Well i can take it..after all a mixed bag of fortunes :-)

Cheers