Pulchritude

New Jersey and New York City on July 4-5, 2019, were memories of a lifetime that I can never forget. So many pristine moments passed by as I watched them vividly strike my heart and soul.

After packing my bags, I drove early morning towards my desired destination. But first, I stopped in New Jersey, particularly Saravana Bhavan for a tasty meal. If you want the flavors of South Indian cuisine, this is your place to go. The dosa (Indian savory pancakes) and idlis (rice cakes) are mouthwatering.

After lunch, I went to Bridgewater Temple and did my first Archana (puja with fruits and coconut) for Lord Venkateshwara. It was a new experience in itself – you know when you watch certain customs as a kid and perform it later on by yourself? It’s magical…the time lapse and the learning curve.

A few hours later, I got ready to go to Hell’s Kitchen, where I had dinner at Il Forno. I love this place particularly for the ambience and the breeze that passes by when you are sitting parallel to the life on New York City. The pasta is delish – especially the sauce that makes you dream of tomatoes.

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The night was still young – the sun was not ready to set and the moon needed some more time to get ready to shine. Of course, the streets were busy, but surprisingly, there weren’t that many people in the city for the holiday.

I wanted to spend the 4th of July somewhere fascinating and see the fireworks. Though Brooklyn Bridge was closed, the area surrounding it was the perfect location to view the fireworks.

So many people had gathered to see the fireworks – it was like a big community of people with the same wish – to be mesmerized by the beauty of the fireworks. Each firework was loud and powerful, reverberating across the city with waves of color and sound.

I didn’t realize that the smile on my face matched my wonder of the colorful scene surrounding me. I became a child again, refusing to leave until I saw the last firework.

The next day, I set out to visit other landmarks in New York City. Before going to NYC, I stopped by in New Jersey to grab some parathas!

Driving to NYC is an experience of itself – you are visually stunned by the skyscrapers, views and life vibrating in the air.

One of the places that I saw was Brookfield Place. Brookfield Place was filled with luxurious shops and people bustling in and out of the doors.

On my way to the Oculus Center, I saw the One World Trade Center.

The Oculus Center made me speechless. Outside, it looked like the ribcage of an animal, sharp and angular with its walls. Inside, it was colossal and glorious – I was reminded of Mantri Square Mall in Malleshwaram, Bangalore, India.

Oculus Center was also filled with shops – the Apple store was based on two floors!

I went to Brooklyn Bridge afterwards – by this time, the weather was scorching hot and the sun was out to play.

I did not realize that you could see the Statue of Liberty from the bridge. That moment of realization took me by pleasant surprise.

Something about her reminds me of when I used to come to New York City as a kid – it brings me happiness and warmth whenever I see her. I also got a stunning view of the entire city just in one spot.

I walked back to Brookfield Place from the bridge and bought a savory crepe for lunch. I also saw Marzipan, which is essentially a sweet designed as a vegetable or fruit.

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I’ve always been into sneakers for the longest time that I can remember. I loved wearing them with dresses back in school because they were so comfortable. Traveling in NYC requires some serious walking – the best thing that you can do for your feet and back is to wear comfortable shoes (sneakers!) and experience life with joy.

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Before concluding my trip, I stopped by Akshardam Temple in New Jersey for more blessings and serenity.

There were places that I saw in this trip that were part of my bucket list – it is always an opportunity to be able to travel and see the beauty in different places around the world.

Me. Poojah.