Israel.....Jerusalem.....Shalom.....

My flight landed at Ben Gurion airport on a Sunday afternoon, one of those beautiful days in May with the pleasant Mediterranean Sea breeze.  The security and immigration was a breeze, my chauffeur gave a big smile and we headed to the Hotel Renaissance at Tel Aviv.  It was quite exciting to look at the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline extending up to Port Jaffa.   It is refreshing to see the resilience, hope and happiness in the people who had a very sad past of holocaust.

Tel Aviv is a cosmopolitan city and there is definitely a co-existence of people from north Africa, Palestinians, descendants of different Jewish tribes from all over the World including about thousand families who emigrated from Kerala one of the southern states of India.

My first stop was the famous great synagogue at Allenby. The famous architect Yehuda Magidovitch designed the Synagogue funded by the Rothschild’s.  The stained glass windows are a marvel, which depicts the synagogues destroyed during the holocaust. I always feel sad when I enter any synagogue be it the one in Budapest, or Worms in Germany, they stand as the evidence of the atrocities committed to innocent people during the holocaust. 

On Memorial Day May 11^th, I visited Jerusalem, the holy land and the most coveted city from the ancient days where the three major religions have their sacred places worship and relics from the past in the order of its origin.   Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel and the city is divided into the “old” and the “new”. The Israeli Knesset or Parliament is located in New Jerusalem.  

The Holocaust Memorial Museum is a must see place. I paid homage to the 6 million Jews who were killed during the holocaust, the most cruel genocide of the civilians. The children’s memorial was quite fitting with stars in the sky dome and it is heart wrenching when we hear the voice mentioning the name and age of each child. The memories are sad but the children of the Israeli tribes have sprung up against all odds and built a country from the scratch.  Amazing development and technology.  

From the viewpoint at Mount of Olives, I could see the old Jerusalem shining with its famous landmarks from Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Time to enter the old city that beckoned monarchs, merchants and pilgrims from the ancient past. The city that survived both natural and man-made calamities is there in front of me and I could not wait to enter the cobble stone streets.  Next in Part 2.

PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Harriet......History.....Inspiration....

This week's news apart from the Presidential election campaign is the inclusion of Harriet Tubman in the US $20 bill.  As usual, controversies came about on the replacement of the seventh President Andrew Jackson with Harriet Tubman.

Born in 1820 to slave parents, Araminta Harriet Ross escaped the clutches in 1849 by marrying a freed slave Mr. Tubman and moved to Philadelphia. Araminta changed her first name to Harriet honoring her mother.  She relentlessly helped to bring her family plus many slaves to freedom making secret trips to Maryland. During the civil war, Harriet also worked as a nurse and cook in the Union Army. Harriet was also the first woman to lead and guide the Combahee River raid that liberated more than 700 slaves in South Carolina.  

The Fugitive Slave Law in 1850 stipulated that the Northern States have to co-operate if a slave owner looks for an escaped slave in the Free States. Harriet showed her mettle again by helping to transport them to Canada. Frederick Douglass, the famous abolitionist, writer and orator has commended her service to uphold freedom and liberty.  This amazing woman passed away peacefully in 1913 at Auburn, MA.  The US government buried her with military honors at Fort Hill Cemetery. A life dedicated to help others, to dare, and to achieve the impossible.   

I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.

I grew up like a neglected weed - ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it.
- Harriet Tubman.

Dear Harriet: I am glad to know that the story of your eventful life has been written by a kind lady, and that the same is soon to be published. You ask for what you do not need when you call upon me for a word of commendation. I need such words from you far more than you can need them from me, especially where your superior labors and devotion to the cause of the lately enslaved of our land are known as I know them. The difference between us is very marked. Most that I have done and suffered in the service of our cause has been in public, and I have received much encouragement at every step of the way. You, on the other hand, have labored in a private way. I have wrought in the day – you in the night. I have had the applause of the crowd and the satisfaction that comes of being approved by the multitude, while the most that you have done has been witnessed by a few trembling, scarred, and foot-sore bondmen and women, whom you have led out of the house of bondage, and whose heartfelt, “God bless you,” has been your only reward. The midnight sky and the silent stars have been the witnesses of your devotion to freedom and of your heroism. Excepting John Brown – of sacred memory – I know of no one who has willingly encountered more perils and hardships to serve our enslaved people than you have. Much that you have done would seem improbable to those who do not know you as I know you. It is to me a great pleasure and a great privilege to bear testimony for your character and your works, and to say to those to whom you may come, that I regard you in every way truthful and trustworthy.

Your friend,

Frederick Douglas

HAPPY EARTH DAY

PEACE ON EARTH

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Vancouver....Whistler....Whispering clouds.....

It is great to be back in Vancouver after so many years.  British Columbia region is the most beautiful place in Canada.

This time I drove to Whistler via the scenic Sea to Sky Hwy 99.  Nature has blessed this region with waterfalls and the snow clad mountain peaks.


Whistler is brimming with ski enthusiasts as always.  The ski pads are open till May even though the snow in some areas has receded. Whistler hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010. The infrastructure has improved a lot since I visited in early 2000.
I also wanted to make the most out of my drive by stopping at every possible view points. I enjoyed looking down at the  Horse shoe bay and Lion's bay with ferries and ships moving serenely on the blue water.  The mountains covered with tall cedar, cypress and pine trees played hide seek with their snow covered peaks.  A moment to remember, a moment when time freezes and you surrender to the nature. Indeed, "What a wonderful world"  !!

PEACE ON EARTH

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Happy New Year.....Fiji Islands........Bula......

Fiji Islands – A Serene Blend of Nature, Culture, and History

 Our tropical escape to the Fiji Islands began in Nadi, a warm and bustling gateway city nestled on the western coast of Viti Levu. As we arrived, we were instantly greeted by the island’s signature charm—frangipani-scented breezes, palm-lined roads, and the ever-smiling faces of the Fijian people.

We stayed at the Hilton Resort, a beachfront haven where our room opened up to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The tranquil setting was the perfect backdrop for early morning coffees and sunset reflections. The highlight here was kayaking on the gentle waters—gliding past the horizon with the cool ocean mist on our faces was nothing short of bliss. Vacationing in Fiji Islands. Bula, Bula the smiling Fijians welcomed us when we arrived in Nadi.

Island Magic – South Sea Island Day Cruise

From Port Denarau, we embarked on a day cruise to the tiny but vibrant South Sea Island. This coral-fringed paradise, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, offered some of the best snorkeling and kayaking experiences we’ve had. The underwater world here was alive with colorful reef fish and dancing corals.

As we stepped onto the sandy shore, we were welcomed with a lively Fijian dance performance, full of rhythm, smiles, and infectious energy. The warm hospitality continued with a delicious buffet lunch featuring island-style cuisine, fresh fruits, and tropical drinks that added the perfect touch to our idyllic day.

Scenic Drive to Suva – Sugarcane Fields & Sacred Temples

We then took a road trip from Nadi to Suva, the capital city of Fiji. The drive was a green marvel—rolling sugarcane fields, rustic villages, and children waving from the roadsides. Along the way, we made a meaningful stop at the oldest South Indian temple in Fiji, a beautifully preserved symbol of faith and heritage. 

One of the most memorable aspects of our trip was the culinary experience. Fiji’s fertile land yields an abundance of fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, and herbs, making it a vegetarian’s paradise. From spicy curries inspired by Indian roots to island-style stews with taro, cassava, and papaya salad, every meal was a celebration of flavor and freshness

This visit opened a window into Fiji’s rich Indo-Fijian culture. The majority of Fiji’s Indian-origin population are sixth-generation descendants of indentured laborers brought from South India in 1879 to work on the sugarcane plantations. Their contribution to Fiji’s cultural and economic landscape is deeply embedded, and it was fascinating to witness how traditions have been preserved over time. Several historians have written about the different ethnic groups that came from the southern and Northern part of India. 

The Fiji today is an amalgamation of Melanesian, Polynesian plus Indian and other indigenous tribes adjusting to the modern age of Internet and Tourism. Suva is the capital city located about 189km from Nadi where the international airport is located. Planning to do the island hopping and to visit the villages to get the glimpse of the culture.  

       
                                              Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

                                                             PEACE ON EARTH!


All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Mon coeur va aux victimes à Paris

November 13, 2015,  another heinous crime committed on innocent public with simultaneous shootings on different neighborhood of Paris. Why?  Are we moving towards another World War?
It is high time for the World leaders to put aside their difference of opinions and to act in unison to curb terrorism.

It is a shocking reality that the terrorists managed to infiltrate into the city with an organized plan.
It is a crime committed to the whole humanity.  Just like the twin tower attacks, this was not a random shooting.  My heart goes out to the victims families and all the people in France.

PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Antwerp....Ruben....Diamonds....

A visit to Belgium is not complete without experiencing Antwerp that thrives from the middle ages.  Antwerp or Antwerpen is connected to the North Sea and is the second largest port in Europe. My visit was a day trip from Brussels and can be easily reached by car in 40 minutes.  The river Scheldt winding around the city and provide the uniqueness of any city that was found near a river with its immense use of transportation, providing water and the parks and natural habitats.     

 My main intention to visit Antwerp was to see the birth place of Ruben and some of his original paintings that are still kept in the famous Cathedral of Our Lady.  The Cathedral stands tall in the city center surrounded by cobblestone streets.  I was awestruck  by the life like painting “Elevation of the cross”. Peter Paul Ruben is famous for his baroque style of painting with all grandiose and attention to detail on the human anatomy.  Also visited the birthplace of Ruben converted into a Museum to look at some of his other great art.  Next to it is the Grote Market and historic baroque style buildings almost like an open air museum. 

The diamond district with its hustle and bustle is a showcase of various ethnic communities that co-exist to trade and trade… Hasidic Jews, Indians, Lebanese, and other artisans and traders own shops, cut and polish diamonds and sell. The Antwerp Diamond Bank and the De Beers are famous in the diamond trade all over the World.  A compressed carbon still rules the World!

Contented with a great lunch and Belgian Chocolate ice cream, I started my journey back to Brussels. 

PEACE ON EARTH

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Brussels....Ghent......Bruges.....

My third trip to Belgium began around the Memorial day weekend.  This time, the plan was to spend more time in the unexplored cities like the Ghent, Bruges and to visit the World War II historical sites and memorials.

 

The culture is a co-existence of  hard working Flemish and artsy French.  Even the monks in Belgium are famous for brewing beers! I was offered the Westvleteren ale referred as Trappist beer. As usual, anything vegetarian I have to try and needless to say, got blessed by the monks!! 

Ghent and Bruges are recognized as the UNESCO historical sites.  The canals in Bruges reminded of Venice but much cleaner and nicer. The movie "In Bruges" was filmed here.  In Ghent the attraction is the gothic and baroque churches.  One must see the "Adoration of the mystic lamb" in St. Bavos cathedral, painted by the VanEyck brothers in the 14th century. 

Brussels is flanked by Paris and Amsterdam, yet it is quite and laid back compared to them.It was a nice experience to be in the Jazz festival week. The city center at Brussels was vibrant with music lovers till the wee hours of dawn.  After, a decade it is great to visit a city again that has not changed very much.

  

Happy July 4^th!

PEACE ON EARTH

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Earthquake.....Nature......Nepal.....

It is sad that the recent earthquake took toll of many lives in Nepal.  Earthquakes are known phenomenon across the World. Nature has no distinction between whether it is Chile, USA, Nepal or Japan.  But, whenever and wherever there is an agonizing human loss and suffering we feel sad and helpless before the colossal laws of nature.

We are now concentrating on the study of core earth more than before and the environmental impact of constant mining, and groundwater depletion that impact the core. More research should be done on minimal impact building structures and education on handling the earthquake scenarios and aftermath. 

Help Nepal.

https://www.redcross.org/donate/ps0215-d?donationProdId=prod10001&flow=oc1&pgver=psearch&scode=RSG00000E017&subcode=grantdonationsgeneral&gclid=CITJieeMlMUCFXQV7Aod8SIAUA

https://secure2.oxfamamerica.org/page/content/nepal_earthquake/?gclid=CKzA_r2MlMUCFRHl7AodpSkAoA

http://www.nycmedics.org/?gclid=CLX4rdmMlMUCFY09gQod14MAsw

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/indian-armys-aid-to-quake-hit-nepal-named-operation-maitri/articleshow/47056645.cms

PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Solidarity....Empowerment......March 8th.....

Mosuo Women - Courtesy: The Guardian

When humans started living in groups, the Matriarchal and patriarchal societies evolved based on the economic and social needs.  In Lugu Lake in South West China one can find the remnant of a matriarchal society even today. The Mosuo tribe carries the tradition of empowering women and the property is handed down to the women. In Meghalaya, the North Eastern State in India, Garo tribe is another example where women own the land in this unique matriarchal society.  

By and large these examples are exceptions. It is not that we need either of the extremes but a more egalitarian society where everyone is treated and respected as a human being.

Political empowerment began with women's suffrage movement. Few noted examples are:

August 26, 1920 - 19th amendment. Ballots were given to women in the USA

1918 - Britain granted voting rights to women above 30. In 1928 women and men were considered equal for voting rights.

Interestingly, France granted the ballot to women only in 1944. French women had to wait for a long time after Voltaire proclaimed Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity!

There are many women who have pioneered to overcome the gender, racial, occupational, educational, political bias that formed a barrier. Today is the day to salute all women who have touched one's life in one way or the other.  

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day!

PEACE ON EARTH

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Goodbye February.....Welcome March.....Feeling Positive.....

O'HARE

Busy February is ending.  Blizzards, wind chill, snow and cold as usual put me on a litmus test during travels. I braved it whether it is a weather related flight delay or getting stranded in an airport during a layover.

Manhattan view

Being calm is the essential ingredient to face the unknown during travels.
February is a month that gives one a first ray of hope for spring. It begins with the Ground Hog's day. Theories about global warming also float during this month when a bizarre blizzard or icy rain strikes.

After new year, January literally push us to execute the resolutions made during the New Year! First 10 days are very intense in executing the diet plan, exercise schedule and after that the enthusiasm slowly fades away.  Then comes February with its sudden spurt of  cold weather and freaky snow storm and life becomes normal. An excuse for not going to the gym, lounging and blaming the weather!

On a flight to CT

Today is the last day of February and it feels good to step into March. March usually brings another surge of optimism to end the quarter successfully both in business and personal life, to learn from the mistakes and think positively. Life goes on - teaching us to adapt to nature, smile and  not to blame the weather when we know very little about the grand design of the universe.

Spring is not far!

PEACE ON EARTH

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Tears.....Faith.....Je Suis Charlie.....

My Prayers to the families who lost their loved ones in this act of terrorism. We all need to stand up for freedom, democracy and liberty. There is always a non-violence means to reconcile the differences or express opinions than killing.  

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty".

Mahatma Gandhi

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Bye Trinidad....Welcome....New Year 2015.....

 Welcome 2015! It is great to be getting back to the US just on time for the New Year. The end of the year holidays in Trinidad & Tobago with family was great.
After the  the proclamation of abolition of slavery (1865) in the USA, the human traffic from Africa was dwindling and the slaves became expensive for the plantation owners in the island. The next best opportunity is to use the poor agricultural laborers from India which was then under the British rule.

As we have seen time and again, the previous generation's toils paid off.  The descendants of the laborer  with their sheer hard work and education have reached the pinnacle. The Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is of Indian origin. The temples, cuisine, music all reminded me of India.  The famous shore temple at Waterloo is a must to see and so also the tallest Hanuman statue in the beautiful Dattatreya temple.

We also visited the house of V. S. Naipaul the Nobel Laureate from Trinidad. I am not a great fan of Naipaul but it was fun to take pictures near the Lion House.  Everyone seems to know about his book "A house for Mr. Biswas" !   Las Cuevas and Maracas are the must to visit beaches. Caribbean spiced curry, cocoa plantation, tender coconuts, and the ethnic mix make this island a must to visit again list!

The hospitality of the islanders in Trinidad & Tobago was great. I have to write more on this. With New Year's count down has began in hours, I am praying for a peaceful 2015.

   HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015! 

PEACE ON EARTH

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Berlin.......Brandenburg Gate.....Silver Jubilee......

Yesterday, Germans celebrated the 25th anniversary of coming down of the Berlin wall. The World joined to remember the demolition of the wall on November 09, 1989, and its long history of escapades, protests, revolution, different ideology, and the triumph of democracy.  The Brandenburg Gate has witnessed the construction of the wall after World war II.  The Brandenburg gate was originally constructed as the triumph arch. The architecture and the theme is Roman with a neo-classical flavor.

In 1998, when I visited Berlin, Brandenburg gate was open and one could go thru the gate freely and of course no wall, no fear, and no GDR!.   I could see the difference between the west and the east Berlin. East Berliners talked highly about their culture, opera and art despite the fact that economically they are not well off like their neighbor at the West side of Berlin.  Construction was going on and the East Berliners were adjusting to the free democratic lifestyle from a socialistic government sponsored plans and lifestyle.  After chatting with the people in the coffee shop,  I joined the crowd to get into the train station of Osten Berlin.  A happy group was singing Bocelli's "quante partiro",  I stood and listened thinking that,"Yes, time to say goodbye to all differences and oppression".   The bells at the nearby church started ringing, and the whole place looked happy with smiles under the beautiful blue sky.

PEACE ON EARTH

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Australia....Adelaide....Aha moment....

 I read about the news that Lonely Planet has named Adelaide as the top 10 cities to visit in 2014.  Aha...I need to write about my visit to Adelaide. This is another episode in the Aussie Chronicles.

Adelaide is a quaint city bordering the outback and my first visit was to the Fleurieu Peninsula to watch the whales.  Next stop was Barossa and Clare valley famous for its vineyards.  The locals told me that the Jesuits who fled from Poland has planted the vines sometime in 1851.

My main motivation to visit Adelaide is the Silver Band falls. We drove from Melbourne to Adelaide first to the Grampians National Park.  The park ranger in the visitor center at Halls Gap was very helpful in explaining the trails. The falls welcomed us with misty sprinkles. Interestingly the water falls into the ground and disappears and come out again 55 yards away. The falls does not form a ground pool either.

Just like any other city, Adelaide has a past in the Aussie history.  Gold... mining...immigration...expansion...assimilation....abandonment...and resurrection.  Only the rivers, mountains and the cliffs are standing timeless like a silent witness.

.

PEACE ON EARTH

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America.....the Beautiful.....Backroads......

For the past few months I travelled in the back roads, some of the cities that were not in my bucket list.  The miles and miles of corn fields, farmlands, shining metal silos, old farmhouses and church steeples filled me with joy and I hummed "America the beautiful".
The famous Route 66 in Tulsa Oklahoma to some historic cities of the mid west, the local traditions and cuisine do provide that decadent charm.

Terre haute, a beautiful city in Indiana on the banks of the Wabash river. It has a history that dates back to the 18th century when the French explorers named it Terre haute or High land.  The closest airport is Indianapolis. It is also a college town closer to Evansville.  I have tasted the best pan cakes in the Main Street Cafe at a small nearby town Paris.


Nestled on the Saginaw Bay, Bay City is another quaint old town sharing German heritage. Lake Huron provides the water source and sports activities.  The waterfront market has so many specialty stores. The best one is the St. Laurent Brothers Candy store. One of the very old family owned stores since 1904. The toffee crunch is the best that I have ever tasted. Yummy! Bay City has 4 sister cities. Looks like Ansbach in Germany is famous as one can find the street signs mentioning Ansbach.

My back roads journey will continue....

PEACE ON EARTH!

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.