India…From the eyes of a Non Resident Insider

Spreading the holiday cheer

2008 was an eventful year.

America went into an economic depression. Indian firms started feeling the heat, and layoffs are a routine affair now. Mumbai saw the worst terror attacks India has ever seen. America got a new and very dynamic leader in Barrack Obama. India sent a mission to the moon. India managed a nuclear deal with the US despite the left’s best efforts to disrupt the deal. Manmohan Singh managed to last his entire term in office.

In sports, China celebrated its coming-of-age party in the shape of the most lavish Olympics ever. India managed to win not one, but three individual medals. Vishwanathan Anand became the undisputed world chess champion. Recently the Indian cricket team walloped England.

Hopefully 2009 will be a little less eventful. Hopefully the economic situation will improve. Hopefully India’ will keep going on the road to progress. Hopefully the elections will give us a stable, strong government that will work on improving the infrastructure and keep up the GDP growth. Hopefully the terrorists will get jobs that lead to retirement and give up their guns for keyboards and mice.

Happy New Year everybody! Hopefully the new year will bring cheer and good health to our lives.

Here’s some pictures taken from all over New york city to brighten up otherwise dull times.

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Holiday decorations at Macy’s

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NewYork from the Top of The Rock

The Rockefeller Center is one of the tallest buildings in Newyork standing tall at 872 feet. A place where you can gain a real perspective of Manhattan.

Here’s some pics taken from the Top of the Rock

Central park – The lifeline of Newyork.

Fun Facts [link]:

  • Central Park is larger than two of the world’s smallest nations. It is almost twice as large as Monaco and nearly eight times as large as the Vatican City.
  • Central Park constitutes its own United States census tract, number 143. According to Census 2000, the park’s population is eighteen persons, twelve male and six female, with a median age of 38.5 years, and a household size of 2.33, over 3 households.

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Happy Birthday America

July 4th. The American Independence day. A day for barbeques, picnics, family get-togethers, and fireworks!

The Macy’s ‘spectacular‘ has been a Newyork tradition for the past 32 years. This year we decided to watch it from Roosevelt Island, which supposedly offers the best views of the show.

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Roosevelt Island Pictures

In the middle of East river between Manhattan and Queens lies a little island called Roosevelt Island. One way to reach this island from Manhattan is a tramway, one of the few in the US.

Here’s a brief account of our trip to this nice getaway. All pictures were taken by me…feel free to compliment me on my photography skills.

South point on the island gave me something that i havent encountered often in Newyork – Silence. Its like a little oasis of desolation right in the middle of one of the noisiest cities in the world.

I also shot a video on the way back. Watch out for the shiny Newyork lights, traffic on FDR Drive, the nicely lit Queensboro bridge, and loudly talking Newyorkers. Alas, i didnt make any noise so you wont catch me there ;)

How to get there: Tram Station on E60th street and 3rd avenue. Your metro card gets you a ride.

Roosevelt Island is a prime spot to watch the 4th of July fireworks. Get your tickets here

Here’s more pictures of the trip on this unique mode of transportation.

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Little India

Right here in Newyork’s backyard exists a quaint little neighbourhood called Jackson Heights. Sometimes also known as Little India. A visit there and you actually feel like you are in some Delhi market. Chandni Chowk anyone?

Here’s some pictures of this great Indian getaway.

Did you want to buy some Jewellery?

Some nice Indian clothes?

More Jewellery?

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