We had dinner at Citi Residency today. That was a first for us. After the dinner, we strolled over to our old haunt – the restaurant in Peerless. And ran into my classmate from school – Prodipta – who was celebrating his wife (Sonali)’s birthday along with his mother in law!!

The best part was – the moment we entered, a staff member recognized me and asked “Rajib Sir!!” Made some good, long lasting friendships here, it seems!!

That would be my siblings, their spouses and Sharmila’s brother and his wife. Also present was one nephew (Sharmila’s brother’s son). The rest of that generation is spread all over Bangalore, Delhi, California, DC and New York. At the risk of boring my nephew we had great fun remembering old stories. (mostly of our parents!!)

After about 2 years!!! The last one was also in the same hotel, same lunch table… but that time Sharmila was here too!

I bet none of my friends in US or Europe has experienced this. When I was alighting from the Indigo plane in Durgapur, the pilot announced that we can get off from either side door in the front or the one in the back. I have seen two door exits – both on left side of the plane. Never seen people getting off a right side door too! In fact, Indigo announced that this is a global first!!

Would be interesting to see if this is catches on.

I usually do not travel thru this airport in India. My first flight of my life was from this airport with a now defunct airline (Damania). In fact, my first international flight was also from here. So much has changed. Very impressed with the modernization of the airports in India.

Numerous animal statues all over

They even have tents inside the forest where you can sit down or lay down!!

I used to go thru this airport 8 times a year. Came this time after 4 years. So many changes!!

Love the rainforest set up. Who will say I am in a desert airport?

Going to India after a long time. A very quick turnaround after a couple of days. There was a time this was the trip that I used to look forward to every quarter. The prospect of seeing my parents, listen to some more humorous quips from dad, have mom’s food – that was what the wait during the rest of the quarter was all about. I always had or the other surprise every time. Including that one time, I surprised everybody by showing up one fine day. Only to realize that everybody had gone somewhere else!!

The center of gravity used to be Kalyani where my parents lived. My brother and his family would show up there and of course, my sister and her family would be there too.

After my parents’ passing away in quick succession, that whole excitement balloon took big punch in the gut. There was that one time I did go two years after their passing away – to surprise Sharmila who was visiting her mom.

On the other hand, I use that opportunity to go visit other countries!

This time I am going for work (I think it has been 20 years since I have gone to India for work). Will swing by Durgapur to check on my mother-in-law and my uncle there. In fact the whole center of gravity will be Durgapur this time. My brother, sister, brother in law and their spouses will be showing up in Durgapur.

I have also heard a certain college student is visiting his parents in Durgapur. High up in priority is high-fiving him!!

Also will be visiting Vijaywada for the first time in my life!