Month: December 2019

On my IELTS exam, I got asked to describe a place with a lot of colour, and give details about my memory of the place – as much as I could remember. I had to be stopped by the examiner because I begun describing Global Village, which I have far too many memories of, having visited so often.

My attitude toward the place has matured as I’ve grown older. I absolutely detested how much walking my parents made me do there as a child, and I hated the fireworks. The only reason I put up with it (maybe begrudgingly, I don’t have such a great memory also), is the fact that my parents always bought me good food there – and always ensured I got to carry home something fun. One of my first magic sets was bought at GV, as was a bunch of instant noodles. Also we began this habit of buying blenders at the place (amazing blenders, really), so I had new toys pretty much all the time.

Today I really appreciate the colour, the diversity and truly, what an exhibition the place is. The food remains amazing. I don’t buy much there, but the walking is very enjoyable. And the company: I usually visit with family + some others, is always, always fun. 

We visited the Dubai Frame today, which is worth a visit. I still find it crazy that this city spent money on building a frame to “frame” the city, but it’s testament to what Dubai is – ambitious, with a side of crazy that spurs on the impossible and unimaginable. It was a wild experience.

Over the last few years away from my parents, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my relationship with them – both of them, and each of them independently. I share very different relationships with my mother and father, and I’m grateful for them both. My dad, however, has often borne the brunt of this distance away from me, because we’ve been apart for a long time – something I’ve written about several times already. The physical distance is one we’ve bridged through the use of technology, but I wouldn’t be truthful if I said that not being around for family moments hasn’t taken its toll – on each of us. My dad especially. He tried to be around for as much as he could. Came for PTMs often, and Graduation too. I don’t really remember him missing anything – which is testament to how often we bridged the gap.

But I missed several moments for him, including office parties and gatherings where I would’ve otherwise been able to just be a proud son for my dad when he celebrated stuff.

Today I didn’t. And I was treated to some good food and good company – with games and enjoyable activities, but also just the sheer joy of spending time being there as my dad’s family. My chikamma being there was such an added bonus. She’s a maverick and really good fun – so she quickly became the life of the party, winning herself some free earphones and providing me with little nuggets of laughter at dinner (aside from company for some Pepsi).

I took the difficult decision to skip out on visiting Ikea today, and ended up spending time at home working on some stuff I had to complete. I hate missing out on activities – especially when guests are in town. That’s a little contradictory to my general inertia and laziness, but I really enjoy spending time with guests and showing them around the city. It’s weird to think that shopping malls and Ikea constitute attractions, but they really do. Ikea especially. What an institution it is.

I’m yet to self-assemble a piece of Ikea furniture. I made an attempt around 6 years ago, when we purchased a table for the old residence my dad stayed at, but I found it really difficult. I’m hoping I get another opportunity when the parents and aunt return tonight – although it’s very unlikely that I will. One day I will assemble all the Ikea furniture. And all the Lego products. That will be a fine day.

I shall return to work now.

I’ve been very fortunate to have parents who have indulged my food habits. I’ve been raised as and continue to follow a vegetarian diet, which, in my childhood was something of a difficulty. I was always the minority at parties, and sometimes the only vegetarian, which meant that families hosting me would make exception to their diet and attempt to ensure I always had something to eat. They were kind. My best friend’s family actually ensured my best friend always dined as a vegetarian whenever I was over (a habit I have now kicked).

It’s also always led to lesser choice when we’ve dined at restaurants that try catering to vegetarians and non-vegetarians. More often than not, the vegetarian choices are fewer in number.

Except at buffets, which is why I enjoy them so much. My parents recognized early on that I had quite the appetite. And so they pampered me by taking me to nice buffet spreads. One of these was a few years ago at the Atlantis hotel in Dubai, a spread unlike any other that I had. I’ve been determined to go back and visit, but we haven’t had the time nor the patience to actually go till there. My aunt being in town provided legitimate reason and excuse to go.

So go forth we did. The experience did not disappoint, and I have now returned home happy and content, but definitely a kilo or more heavier.

Yet again, it appears like the habit of not writing on the WordPress editor and clicking “publish” has caught up to me. It’s not a great habit, honestly – and I’ve been trying to kick it out for so long, but the procrastination, and the ease of writing on Microsoft Word is far too alluring to me. Nonetheless, I’m hoping that once I catch up to today, I won’t have too much difficulty uploading stuff till the end of the year.

Today I went to the gym and then headed to the beach. We saw the most wonderful sunset, and its an image that’s lodged itself firmly in my memory. My aunt, my mum and I spent all the time thinking about how beautiful the Sun is – as a star that not only signals the end of our day-time, but also reminds us of the fact that there is a tomorrow to look forward to. It’s fascinating that we live from sun to sun, as creatures of habit. Yet, it’s comforting, in a sense, knowing that the Sun will rise in your part of the world again, and you will be offered another opportunity to live your life.

I also used the time to reflect on my day. Having visited the gym, I truly believed that I was entitled to some junk food. Thus, once the sun set and all the philosophizing had been completed, I took the adults to Five Guys and ate some large fries with mayonnaise.

It’s been a memorable day.