Essex Calling!
The countdown is now down to hours. Usually, when I’m leaving on an international tour (yes, I have had the privilege multiple times…), I’m buzzing with excitement and unusually low on anxiety. This time though, the magnanimity of the situation has dawned on me and I am as anxious as I am excited. I’m almost entirely packed. Now, its just a matter of holding my nerve.
My dad said something rather surprising to me recently. He told me I was taking 5 bags not 4. When I asked him how that could possibly be true, he replied that there was a fifth invisible bag going with me, full of all the good wishes and blessings I have received from all quarters. I couldn’t agree more!
On a parting note, here are lines from a French song I hold very dear, “Au Revoir”:
Au revoir… Mais rien ne s’arrête
Au revoir… Mais ne m’oublie jamais
Au revoir…
À une autre vie pour le meilleur
Où je sais que l’on s’aimerait… que l’on s’aimerait…
[Good bye… But nothing ever stops]
[Good bye… But don’t ever forget me]
[Good bye]
[To another life for the better]
[Where I know that we will still love each other... that we will still love each other]
Signing off from India : )
Kay
Friday, September 26, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
A Fitting Farewell!
Hi, All!
Thank you for all the appreciation you have given me for this blog. I'm truly grateful.
***
My feedback on your feedback:
Reema was the first to read my blog and for that she has earned herself a place of honour on it. Despite the many miles that separate us, she has really been with me on every step of this arduous journey. Here's hoping that her life unfolds for her the way she wants it to!
Malvika echoed my exact sentiments for creating this blog: enabling people that matter to me to be involved in this new phase of my life.
Dhara brought another aspect to my attention... something I had done unintentionally. I was quite pleasantly surprised to discover there was indeed a conversational feel to the blog. It fulfils my purpose even more as it then allows me to remain in conversation with everyone without having to say a word!
Krupa, whom I have always believed to be artistically inclined, appreciated my writing. Not only that, she even bookmarked my blog!!!! Such an honour!
The fact that Sumedh commented on my blog was a most pleasant shock for me. For diverse reasons, he somehow managed not to be part of the Internet revolution that gripped the world years ago and is hence only now learning the ropes. It made me very proud to see him visit a blog without any hassles and even leave a comment on it!
Yadnya reminded me of just how far and close I was to my departure, a concept that made me deliriously happy and quite so sad all at the same time.
Last but not the least, my dear aunt Neetuki... she has been through hell and back in the last few months but that has not deterred her from giving me every kind of encouragement possible. For that I salute her! She's an angel in my life and her blessings count for extra ;-)
***
A roundup of the week that was:
Way back in August (it really seems like such a long time ago!), my parents and I had planned a trip to Ganpati Pule, one of my most favourite places on the planet. My visa situation until very recently has been so uncertain that I was wondering if my parents would have to go on without me. Thankfully, the arrival of my visa and the happy cascade of events that followed simplified everything for me. We not only went, but had an absolutely splendid little trip. It gave the three of us precious time to spend together and boy! did we make the most of it!
Everything seemed nicer somehow... I suppose, I was just in that sort of frame of mind. We came across such breathtaking scenery. In my mind's eye, I can still picture those rain-drenched (and at times pothole-filled) meandering roads, those lush green hills and those most spectacular waterfalls all over.
Another highlight of this trip was meeting Mr. Deepak Gadre and his wife Mrs. Meena. Mr. Gadre runs a huge company that processes fish and manufactures a variety of unique edible fish products. I had the privilege of visiting his processing units and I was left totally impressed with just how efficiently and systematically everything was being done. Hats off to this man who is in total command of his empire and is yet one of the most humble and socially responsible people I have come to know.
---
On our way back, we visited our dear family friends, Mokashikaku, Charumaushi and their family in Pune. I also unexpectedly had some fun with her very cute year-old grandson Kabir. This small set of people has a unique place in my life, just as unique as their love and concern for me. The little time I spent with them and the poignant parting moments gave me more memories to carry with me...
---
The very evening we returned to Mumbai, I met my dear friends Sushant and Sumedh over dinner. As usual, we had a rather enjoyable time. Despite crazy rumours flying around and frantic phone calls coming in, we managed to have quite a lot of fun and laughs : ) They both gave me an evening to remember.
---
For a couple of days, I also helped out my friend Gitanjali with her applications for medical residency in the US. She is not only one of the most intelligent people I know, but also one of the most sincere and hardworking. Having seen her meticulously go about her business, I hope from the bottom of my heart that everything works out for her and that she is able to fulfil all her aspirations.
---
I have always admired my father and his small group of friends for keeping in touch across so many decades. I was therefore extremely happy to attend a dinner party organised by one of his friends, Kishorekaka, as a farewell to me. I was touched that all his friends made time for me and their blessings and the happiness they felt for me was overwhelmed.
---
Yesterday evening, I hung out with another dear friend of mine, Prashant. As usual we exchanged music, movies, books etc. and had a memorable, delectable dinner - Chinese - prepared singlehandedly from scratch by my mother. The choice of cuisine was Prashant's and for that I thank him as it gave me the opportunity to enjoy this relatively rare facet of my mother's incomparable cooking.
Through magical scenery, so many blessings, good wishes and good times, it has been a fitting farewell!
***
All important things are now taken care of, so also, most of the shopping. Packing is now the biggest challenge that remains. Saturday night, I depart en famille for the airport and then, in the wee-hours of Sunday, I take off into "my cool new life"...
The countdown begins...
Signing off,
Kay
Thank you for all the appreciation you have given me for this blog. I'm truly grateful.
***
My feedback on your feedback:
Reema was the first to read my blog and for that she has earned herself a place of honour on it. Despite the many miles that separate us, she has really been with me on every step of this arduous journey. Here's hoping that her life unfolds for her the way she wants it to!
Malvika echoed my exact sentiments for creating this blog: enabling people that matter to me to be involved in this new phase of my life.
Dhara brought another aspect to my attention... something I had done unintentionally. I was quite pleasantly surprised to discover there was indeed a conversational feel to the blog. It fulfils my purpose even more as it then allows me to remain in conversation with everyone without having to say a word!
Krupa, whom I have always believed to be artistically inclined, appreciated my writing. Not only that, she even bookmarked my blog!!!! Such an honour!
The fact that Sumedh commented on my blog was a most pleasant shock for me. For diverse reasons, he somehow managed not to be part of the Internet revolution that gripped the world years ago and is hence only now learning the ropes. It made me very proud to see him visit a blog without any hassles and even leave a comment on it!
Yadnya reminded me of just how far and close I was to my departure, a concept that made me deliriously happy and quite so sad all at the same time.
Last but not the least, my dear aunt Neetuki... she has been through hell and back in the last few months but that has not deterred her from giving me every kind of encouragement possible. For that I salute her! She's an angel in my life and her blessings count for extra ;-)
***
A roundup of the week that was:
Way back in August (it really seems like such a long time ago!), my parents and I had planned a trip to Ganpati Pule, one of my most favourite places on the planet. My visa situation until very recently has been so uncertain that I was wondering if my parents would have to go on without me. Thankfully, the arrival of my visa and the happy cascade of events that followed simplified everything for me. We not only went, but had an absolutely splendid little trip. It gave the three of us precious time to spend together and boy! did we make the most of it!
Everything seemed nicer somehow... I suppose, I was just in that sort of frame of mind. We came across such breathtaking scenery. In my mind's eye, I can still picture those rain-drenched (and at times pothole-filled) meandering roads, those lush green hills and those most spectacular waterfalls all over.
Another highlight of this trip was meeting Mr. Deepak Gadre and his wife Mrs. Meena. Mr. Gadre runs a huge company that processes fish and manufactures a variety of unique edible fish products. I had the privilege of visiting his processing units and I was left totally impressed with just how efficiently and systematically everything was being done. Hats off to this man who is in total command of his empire and is yet one of the most humble and socially responsible people I have come to know.
---
On our way back, we visited our dear family friends, Mokashikaku, Charumaushi and their family in Pune. I also unexpectedly had some fun with her very cute year-old grandson Kabir. This small set of people has a unique place in my life, just as unique as their love and concern for me. The little time I spent with them and the poignant parting moments gave me more memories to carry with me...
---
The very evening we returned to Mumbai, I met my dear friends Sushant and Sumedh over dinner. As usual, we had a rather enjoyable time. Despite crazy rumours flying around and frantic phone calls coming in, we managed to have quite a lot of fun and laughs : ) They both gave me an evening to remember.
---
For a couple of days, I also helped out my friend Gitanjali with her applications for medical residency in the US. She is not only one of the most intelligent people I know, but also one of the most sincere and hardworking. Having seen her meticulously go about her business, I hope from the bottom of my heart that everything works out for her and that she is able to fulfil all her aspirations.
---
I have always admired my father and his small group of friends for keeping in touch across so many decades. I was therefore extremely happy to attend a dinner party organised by one of his friends, Kishorekaka, as a farewell to me. I was touched that all his friends made time for me and their blessings and the happiness they felt for me was overwhelmed.
---
Yesterday evening, I hung out with another dear friend of mine, Prashant. As usual we exchanged music, movies, books etc. and had a memorable, delectable dinner - Chinese - prepared singlehandedly from scratch by my mother. The choice of cuisine was Prashant's and for that I thank him as it gave me the opportunity to enjoy this relatively rare facet of my mother's incomparable cooking.
Through magical scenery, so many blessings, good wishes and good times, it has been a fitting farewell!
***
All important things are now taken care of, so also, most of the shopping. Packing is now the biggest challenge that remains. Saturday night, I depart en famille for the airport and then, in the wee-hours of Sunday, I take off into "my cool new life"...
The countdown begins...
Signing off,
Kay
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Finally!
And so it begins...
[Note: I tend to make long-winding sentences. I hope you will bear with me : )]
Hi All!
Since a couple of months, I have been dreaming of this very moment: blogging about the new adventure that is my post-graduation in the UK. I remember wondering whether it would ever come to pass, what with the seemingly endless list of things that needed to fall into place. As with all such situations, the journey was hardly smooth sailing. It was however immensely fulfilling. Hey! Wait... I'm talking as if the journey is over! Not quite... I would say the prelude to the journey is over, yes... but the journey itself has only just begun!
Let me take you back in time... The day was 7th October, 1984... the wonderful day when I was born... whoa, I think I've gone way back... OK, fast-forward to earlier this year. Someone (who I do not wish to name in this blog) gave me the idea of doing post-graduation in the UK. Studying abroad is something to which I had already given considerable thought and some action. This time, although I dismissed the idea at first, certain changes in my life motivated me to give it another, more concrete shot. After considerable deliberation, my parents and I came to the conclusion that it was the right time for this to happen. A couple of sessions with Anita, my wonderful UK counsellor at Edwise International (Consultants for Studies Abroad), were enough for me to work out what I wanted to do. So, from then on, I put all my energy into turning this idea into reality.
A quick time-line of how it all happened:
End-June: I submitted my application to the University of Essex through Edwise
End-July: I was accepted at the University of Essex [soon after, I confirmed my admission]
Mid-August: I confirmed my accommodation at the University of Essex campus
End-August: I submitted my loan application [My goodness, how fussy they were about the docs! and worse, it all came to nothing!]
Early Sept: My loan was rejected [That big blow was somewhat blunted by the fact that my parents and I had already worked out that we could self-fund this project of ours]
5th Sept: I submitted my Visa application [One of the most challenging things I have ever done; submitting all my originals was rather nerve-wracking]
.
.
.
A week long super-nervous wait...
.
.
.
12th Sept: I received all my docs back with my passport stamped with a glorious student visa!!!!
While I was waiting for all of this to come together, I was pretty much bleeding time. With an end-Sept deadline hanging over my head, I see-sawed between images of me having made it in time and me facing the horror of having all my hard work come crashing down with no backup plan in sight.
I believe in Providence. I believe that there is a God-force in the universe that connects everything in subtle and obvious ways. There is sometimes a domino effect, positive or negative, wherein there is a cascade of events, one leading to another. For example, once my visa came, my confirmed ticket followed, as did my international cost-effective mobile connection... all in a few hours from each other! It has been a pretty remarkable turnaround for me to say the least!
Having poured my sweat and blood (metaphorically, of course!) into making this happen, the relief I now feel is heavenly. Tremendously excited, I've gone from "Oh no! Only 2 weeks left!!!" to "Oh no! 2 weeks STILL left!!!" : ) And such is life...
I'm sorry if I've left you thinking you could have used the time you spent reading this blog doing something not so pointless. But, I would only like to say three things to wind up:
1) My parents have demonstrated time and time again, just how brilliant they are as parents and as human beings. I owe EVERYTHING to them and I am beyond grateful.
2) Since you are reading this blog, you must either be someone I care about, or someone who cares about me, or both : ) In any case, your good wishes have definitely contributed in bringing me this far and for that I would like to say "Thanks" : )
3) The whole point of this blog is for me to post bits and pieces about my life at Essex. To just start out, I found some pics of Essex online... just so that you know where I'm going...
FYI, the Department of Computing and Electronic Systems is located in Square Two and I'll be staying at Tawney Tower (second bldg from right). I, of course, plan to put in my own pics as and when I get there.
OK then, this is me signing off...
Love,
Kay [i.e. Kshitija Rane]
PS: In case you'd rather be spared of reading this blog, please let me know... I promise I wont hold it against you [and even if I do, I promise you wont know about it ;-)]
[Note: I tend to make long-winding sentences. I hope you will bear with me : )]
Hi All!
Since a couple of months, I have been dreaming of this very moment: blogging about the new adventure that is my post-graduation in the UK. I remember wondering whether it would ever come to pass, what with the seemingly endless list of things that needed to fall into place. As with all such situations, the journey was hardly smooth sailing. It was however immensely fulfilling. Hey! Wait... I'm talking as if the journey is over! Not quite... I would say the prelude to the journey is over, yes... but the journey itself has only just begun!
Let me take you back in time... The day was 7th October, 1984... the wonderful day when I was born... whoa, I think I've gone way back... OK, fast-forward to earlier this year. Someone (who I do not wish to name in this blog) gave me the idea of doing post-graduation in the UK. Studying abroad is something to which I had already given considerable thought and some action. This time, although I dismissed the idea at first, certain changes in my life motivated me to give it another, more concrete shot. After considerable deliberation, my parents and I came to the conclusion that it was the right time for this to happen. A couple of sessions with Anita, my wonderful UK counsellor at Edwise International (Consultants for Studies Abroad), were enough for me to work out what I wanted to do. So, from then on, I put all my energy into turning this idea into reality.
A quick time-line of how it all happened:
End-June: I submitted my application to the University of Essex through Edwise
End-July: I was accepted at the University of Essex [soon after, I confirmed my admission]
Mid-August: I confirmed my accommodation at the University of Essex campus
End-August: I submitted my loan application [My goodness, how fussy they were about the docs! and worse, it all came to nothing!]
Early Sept: My loan was rejected [That big blow was somewhat blunted by the fact that my parents and I had already worked out that we could self-fund this project of ours]
5th Sept: I submitted my Visa application [One of the most challenging things I have ever done; submitting all my originals was rather nerve-wracking]
.
.
.
A week long super-nervous wait...
.
.
.
12th Sept: I received all my docs back with my passport stamped with a glorious student visa!!!!
While I was waiting for all of this to come together, I was pretty much bleeding time. With an end-Sept deadline hanging over my head, I see-sawed between images of me having made it in time and me facing the horror of having all my hard work come crashing down with no backup plan in sight.
I believe in Providence. I believe that there is a God-force in the universe that connects everything in subtle and obvious ways. There is sometimes a domino effect, positive or negative, wherein there is a cascade of events, one leading to another. For example, once my visa came, my confirmed ticket followed, as did my international cost-effective mobile connection... all in a few hours from each other! It has been a pretty remarkable turnaround for me to say the least!
Having poured my sweat and blood (metaphorically, of course!) into making this happen, the relief I now feel is heavenly. Tremendously excited, I've gone from "Oh no! Only 2 weeks left!!!" to "Oh no! 2 weeks STILL left!!!" : ) And such is life...
I'm sorry if I've left you thinking you could have used the time you spent reading this blog doing something not so pointless. But, I would only like to say three things to wind up:
1) My parents have demonstrated time and time again, just how brilliant they are as parents and as human beings. I owe EVERYTHING to them and I am beyond grateful.
2) Since you are reading this blog, you must either be someone I care about, or someone who cares about me, or both : ) In any case, your good wishes have definitely contributed in bringing me this far and for that I would like to say "Thanks" : )
3) The whole point of this blog is for me to post bits and pieces about my life at Essex. To just start out, I found some pics of Essex online... just so that you know where I'm going...
FYI, the Department of Computing and Electronic Systems is located in Square Two and I'll be staying at Tawney Tower (second bldg from right). I, of course, plan to put in my own pics as and when I get there.OK then, this is me signing off...
Love,
Kay [i.e. Kshitija Rane]
PS: In case you'd rather be spared of reading this blog, please let me know... I promise I wont hold it against you [and even if I do, I promise you wont know about it ;-)]
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