Moses' page

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-31T21:04:00.001-08:00

Created with flickr slideshow.

christmas 2011

2011-12-26T17:26:00.001-08:00

Created with flickr slideshow.

preeti's baby shower december 2011

2011-12-03T18:04:00.000-08:00

Created with flickr slideshow.

Huntington Lake, CA Oct-23-2011

2011-10-23T22:27:00.001-07:00

Daund Oct 16 2011

2011-10-16T06:24:00.003-07:00

Baby prep - Oct 1 , 2011

2011-10-01T21:14:00.001-07:00

birthday 2011

2011-09-25T22:28:00.000-07:00

India - Sights Smells Sounds and Tastes - September 2011

2011-09-18T18:35:00.001-07:00

Malaysia 2011

2011-09-18T18:29:00.001-07:00

Hong Kong 2011

2011-09-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

whale watching aug 20 2011

2011-08-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

We went whale watching today. Not very lucky to see the bigger humpback whales but saw several killer whales hunting sea lions.

california academy of sciences - July 24 -2011

2011-07-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

Filoli Gardens 10 July 2011

2011-07-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

Stevens creek trail biking June 2011

2011-07-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

russian-river - May 2011

2011-05-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

russian-river

Yosemite - May 2011

2011-05-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

Hyderabadee DUM-Biryanee - April 24th 2011

2011-05-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

amazing grace

2011-04-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

4/10/11 - rancho 8 mile hike

2011-04-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

world cup cricket

2011-03-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

excited about India - Pakistan semifinals.

comparitive baseball brawl

tanzania day 8 and 9 olduvai

2011-02-17T22:40:00.001-08:00

tanzania day 4 and 5 - serengeti national park

2011-02-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

tanzania day 6 and 7 - ndutu area ( serengeti)

2011-02-17T22:38:00.000-08:00

Daund Jan 30 2011

2011-02-01T00:04:00.000-08:00

Michael, David, Danil, Ma, Dad, Preeti

Uday and Reena's wedding (Uday is my friend fro kindrgarden)

Preeti and Ameena

David in OT room

SSHS Jan 31, 2011

2011-01-31T08:24:00.000-08:00

With Owen Sir

With Vithal and Dennis

shash's wedding Jan 28th 2011

2011-01-30T21:35:00.000-08:00

Me and Dolly

David Lin and Dad

Khushi

Shweta and Doll ( Doll setup the pair)

shashi's wedding Jan 28 2011

2011-01-30T21:32:00.000-08:00

shashi's wedding Jan 28th 2011

2011-01-30T09:43:00.000-08:00

Mt-Diablo 8th Jan 2011

2011-01-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

Mt-Diablo-Hike Jan 8th 2011

2011-01-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

Dead birds and fish

2011-01-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

Not sure what is going on with dead birds and fish but I know such times would come:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zephaniah+1&version=NIV

“I will sweep away both man and beast; I will sweep away the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea— and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble.” “When I destroy all mankind on the face of the earth,” declares the LORD,

Prius First Drive - CA 1 on 1-1-11

2011-01-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

Preeti gifted me a Prius 4 on new year's eve :) We are grateful to God for his blessings .

Bye Bye Corolla

2010-12-31T23:00:00.000-08:00

Sold the first car I ever bought :(

Las Vegas - Dec 2010

2010-12-27T00:03:00.000-08:00

Bryce Canyon - Utah Dec2010

2010-12-26T23:52:00.000-08:00

Utah - Dec 2010

2010-12-26T23:42:00.000-08:00

Utah - Dec 2010

2010-12-26T23:40:00.000-08:00

coyote hills - dec 23 2010

2010-12-23T20:03:00.000-08:00

2010-12-23T19:51:00.000-08:00

Zion National Park

2010-12-12T21:31:00.001-08:00

picture 574, originally uploaded by moses.pawar.

Flickr

2010-12-12T21:28:00.001-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Santa Cruz Mountain Hike - Nov 2010

2010-11-30T16:56:00.000-08:00

International Banquet @ PBC

2010-11-28T22:24:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day Brunch

2010-11-28T21:43:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving day

2010-11-28T21:38:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day

2010-11-28T21:35:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend 2010

2010-11-28T21:29:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend 2010

2010-11-28T21:23:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend 2010

2010-11-28T21:20:00.000-08:00

Preet's India Trip - October 2010

2010-10-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

Birthday - sept 2010

2010-09-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

Black Mountain Travel - 9 miles Sept 18 2010

2010-09-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

Mummy's bithday 7th sept 2010

2010-09-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

San Deigo Safari Park - August 2010

2010-08-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

Grand Canyon August 23 2010

2010-08-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Heard Museum - Pheonix AZ, August 20 2010

2010-08-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Grand Canyon - August 23 2010

2010-08-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hoover Dam - August 23 2010

2010-08-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

Pheonix - Heard Museum August 20 , 2010

2010-08-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

Montezuma Castle , Montezuma Well - Arizona - August 20 2010

2010-08-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

Sedona Arizon, August 22 2010

2010-08-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

Lake Tahoe , Sacramento 15 august 2010

2010-08-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

Lake Taho, Sacramento 15 Auguest 2010

2010-08-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Solvang , Hearts Castle 8 August 2010

2010-08-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Yosemite - 1 August 2010

2010-08-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

Frontyard - Backyard July 2010

2010-07-30T00:45:00.000-07:00

House Warming - July 2010

2010-07-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

2010-07-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

New House Photos - July 2010

2010-07-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

House construction Jan-June 2010

2010-05-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

Shrish and Tina's wedding - Feb 2010

2010-02-27T17:45:00.000-08:00

India Missions Trip 2010 - Daund

2010-02-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

India Missions Trip 2010 - Kolli Hills

2010-02-26T18:07:00.000-08:00

India Missions Trip 2010 - Bangalore

2010-02-26T18:05:00.000-08:00

India Missions Trip 2010 - Arrival Bangalore

2010-02-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

Post Carroll

2010-01-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

I am worried for USC Football program - post Pete Carroll.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

Our dear friends from church Chi and Patricia invited us for Christmas dinner. Toby and Grace their kids are adorable. We had a great time.

2009 - the year of Farmville

2010-01-03T11:06:00.001-08:00

I was introduced to Farmville by afriend with a gift request on facebook. After initial cynicism, I gave it a shot and found myself hooked on performing Farmville chores. Harvesting , plowing , seeding , harvesting trees , animals etc became a part of my day. At one point I plowed several squares in a boring meeting at work.

Anyway, the game is so addictive, I feel is because it mimics life itself. You grow crops to earn coins or cash with which you can buy things. Things can be buildings, decorative items, trees , animals , vehicles. This is pretty much the same way most of us live. We work to earn money to buy things or go places. Goals are sometimes set by us or sometimes for us and we work hard to achieve those goals.

So yesterday , after much toiling in my farm I decided it was time to stop playing farmville. I had bought a villa which is arguably the most expensive thing you can buy in Farmville in coins and several other things and I felt like there is not much left to achieve. I remember the few days before buying a villa I was pretty excited but once I bought it that excitement faded away.

This is pretty serious stuff to learn from - achieving goals like buying house or getting that job position are temporary joys. The excitement fades after they are achieved and the toil starts again for bigger and better goal. At the end when the biggest goal ( in our perspective ) is achieved the feeling in heart should not be an empty feeling with all achievements feeling worthless - the way I feel about Farmville achievements.

Having said that I find comfort in psalm 90 from the bible which says - Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalm 90 (New International Version)

Psalm 90
BOOK IV : Psalms 90-106

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.

2 Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3 You turn men back to dust,
saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."

4 For a thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.

5 You sweep men away in the sleep of death;
they are like the new grass of the morning-

6 though in the morning it springs up new,
by evening it is dry and withered.

7 We are consumed by your anger
and terrified by your indignation.

8 You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.

9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
we finish our years with a moan.

10 The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span [a] is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

11 Who knows the power of your anger?
For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.

12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

13 Relent, O LORD! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.

16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.

17 May the favor [b] of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.

Sand City, Monterey-11-29-2009

2009-12-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

Point-Reyes-12-26-2009

2009-12-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

13 December 2009

2009-12-13T22:37:00.000-08:00

30th October 2009

2009-10-31T20:04:00.000-07:00

4th wedding anniversary - 24th october 2009

2009-10-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

It seems like our wedding was last year. Its been 4 years since we tied the knot. Life has been well - life all these years. Let me also remind myself not to set a tone of any major accomplishment here. We still have a long way to go together and more challenges and happiness exists in future. The only thing I and Preeti can vouch for is God has been good and faithful to us. Let me list some major challenges and moments of happiness in our life so far.

1. When we got married in 2005 - October 24, I was barely 10 months into my first job in the US. There was much instability around finances for the wedding and some college debt. The story runs long on how everything came together but in the end we both were united here in the US after 2 years of long distance relationship. This was a time of happiness since we were together after a long time.

2. New country, new people, new culture and being the only child of doting parents made first few months of Preeti's stay here sometimes very tearful. This was also time we had fun exploring California nature , beaches, hiking and made new friends at church and Preeti got to know my friends here.

3. During the same time my Mom battled an early stage cancer and recovered. This was particularly challenging for me as I was totally unprepared to handle such a situation.

4. In September 2006 Preeti passed her california nursing license exams and in next few months of futile job search here in bay area she got a RN position in San Dimas in southern california. With the job came the opportunity to apply for a green card for both of us. We got into the nursing green card quota barely 12 days before the quota filled up and has never been reopened since. Preeti was excited over her first US job and we moved to southern california in early 2007. My company allowed me to work from San Dimas for 6 months till in July 2007 I had to move back up to the bay area. Southern california again was an exciting time and we enjoyed "india-like" summer and warm orange county beaches and made new friends there.

5. After July 2007, 3 months of long distance within US ensued. Every week me or Preeti had to make the trip ( drive/fly ) to each other. We both were proud that even though we lived 370 miles apart there was never a stretch of more than 5 days when we were not together.

6. We earnestly prayed for Preeti's move back up here. What followed astounded us. Not only Preeti got a job up here but the green card application stayed intact inspite of employer change. Preeti got salary about 25% more than what she earned in San Dimas. We were back together in November of 2007. Preeti initially was stressed handling to a new job environment but settled gradually.

7. During all these years we both were able to support a good cause back home which I wont write about here. The satisfaction we obtained from it always makes us happier.

8. We hosted my parents and sister in August 2008. It was wonderful for the family to be together for the first time in US. Later in November 2008 we surprised Preeti's parents and my parents by dropping in uninformed. We had a great time all along planning the surprise visit and hosting my folks.

9. In November 2008 there were layoffs in my company. I had to adjust to new management and increased responsibility and stress. Preeti had to adjust to these changes. Life become more stressful. The depressing economic environment added to the stress as we lost considerable stock value we owned. During this time we both were grateful for having jobs. It also halted our house search

10. To get away from this stress and disappointment of our failed house purchase attempt we took a 21 day europe tour in April 2009. We visited 7 countries and meticulously planned our trip. The trip planning and the actual trip was a fantastic experience. This is one of the best things we have experienced in our lives.

11. When we came back from Europe - God gave us the opportunity to start looking for a house again. After much disappointments and excitement we finalized a house 15 days back. Last 15 days have been an emotional roller coaster as we searched for a loan. On the last day of our contract expiration we got an approval and we finalized the contract yesterday.

So on the 4th anniversary of our wedding we look forward to a new house. Another thing we look forward to is a India trip January next year. This trip is special with several members of our church visiting our home town. A book we read in last few days has been specially helpful taking disappointments and happiness in life in correct stride. We are trying to learn to take one day at a time, worry less and enjoy the more important things in life.

Traditional - October 18 2009 ( at Swaroopa and Omkar Mate's party)

2009-10-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

Rio Versus Chicago

2009-09-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

So much contrast in how the real people of Rio and Chicago are thinking how the 2016 Olympics will affect their lives.

45 % people in Chicago oppose Olympics in their city ( wow ! ) in 2016. On the other hand overwhelming majority 95% + people in Rio want olympics to be held there. The 45 % in Chicago may have their reasons but just shows how the city which really wants the olympics may not get it but the city who doesn't want may actually get it ( thanks to O cube power... Oprah, Obama M , Obama B).

Several olympic games have been held in the US and 2016 will be the first ever in South America if awarded to Rio . So, I truly feel that the games should be given to Rio. With Olympic games comes economic prosperity and the pride of hosting the games is something to be treasured for a lifetime. So let the Chicago folks who dont want the games have it their way .... please.

what's up with australians?

2009-09-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Australians are known to be very laid back and friendly people. I grew up with several of my father's australian friends visiting us every year. I know them to be extraordinarily friendly and caring people.

Now, every day, I hear some Indian student or immigrant is beaten up in Australia which is at odds with the character of the Australian people. I can understand that there are always certain section of the demographic which are committed to stir up trouble. But the shear number of attacks on Indians and in spread out geography is very puzzling and none of the media reports seem to get to the bottom of the actual reasons of the hate crime.

Have Indians overstayed their welcome? Is it something they are doing ( like encroaching on jobs) thats causing the backlash? Is it shear hate due to racism ? What has ticked off the australian people and I have no way of knowing. I guess I should contact my father's friends and check what exactly the reason are but I am genuinely puzzled at this.

San Francisco Chinatown

2009-09-21T01:25:00.000-07:00

Be courteous to people

2009-09-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

As part of our house hunting we regularly park on a spot closest to the house so that we can quickly take a look and go to the next house. Today Preeti parked our car such that the car's rear was about 6 inches into the driveway of a neighboring house. The street was quiet with no soul to be seen around. Since the house was not in our desired location we determined that we would be back in not more than 5 minutes and so neglected finding a proper spot.

When we came back in about 7 minutes to our car a guy walked outside of the house in front of which we were parked and flashed a police badge. I immediately understood that he was not happy about the 6 inches of his driveway we blocked. He was in civil clothes and asked for driver's license. The house we had parked in front of - was a policeman's house :(

Now Preeti was driving but I decided to show him my license so she would not have to do the hassle of appearing in court etc ( I have appeared in court before for a speeding infarction and reduced my fine to 100 dollars from 300) so I am a little bit experienced plus parking tickets carry no points so did not matter who took the charge)

Anyway we showed him my license and he said its going to be 50 dollars fine. Ironically I had just received the renewed license in mail about an hour ago and my license expires day after tomorrow. We immediately apologized and asked to let us off with a warning.

Now legally we were in the wrong. The law requires we park park 5 feet from the driveway along side the curb.

The guy said we could apologize to judge and now said it would be a 100 dollar fine instead. I was saying to myself - Wow ! 100 dollars for 6 inches of his driveway ! We tried to explain that we were going to be back in 5 minutes and were in a hurry for other open houses. After about 5 minutes he decided to let us go with a warning.

He said from now on - be courteous to people. I said to myself you too. Also , not buying that house.

Annoyed with privacy notices from credit card companies

2009-09-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

I get these notices from credit card companies which basically say we are going to seel your information to other companies and if you don't want us to you have to mail us back this form. I never get to actually mailing these forms even though I dutifully fill them up and plan to mail them.

Shouldn't it be the other way? We want to sell your information but only if you allow us by mailing us this form and if you don't we do not sell it.

Preeti moving from Regional Medical Center , San Jose to El Camino Hospital in Mountain View

2009-08-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Preeti moving from Regional Medical Center , San Jose to El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. 5th September will be her last day of work at RMC , SJ. Hoping that she likes the new place.

Dolly

2009-08-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Dolly ( Miriam) - my sister graduated from nursing school with distinction (total points > 75%) . Very happy for her.

the open house

2009-08-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

We had two different species and families of birds inhabit the same nest in our balcony one after another.
After the first family flew away - within 7 days the others moved in. We joked that they just had an open house , placed an offer
and bought it.

After the second family flew away we removed the nest before they tried to sell to others and further dirtying our balcony.

Preeti Cooking - Mansion Grove Apartments Santa Clara

2009-08-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

Egg Curry Indian Chinese

Preeti @ work - Regional Medical Center San Jose

2009-08-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Baby Sitting Grace.

2009-07-24T21:50:00.001-07:00

We are baby sitting a 5 month old for our friends for entire day and entire night. Nervous and excited - both.

Update: ( picture on left )

stomach flu

2009-07-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

Had a bout with stomach flu last week. Not a pleasant experience by any means. Feeling much better this week. Works been pretty busy this week with some high profile demos of interesting streaming technology.

House hunting

2009-07-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

House hunting is in full speed. Nervous about making the biggest purchase of our lives. We are looking for a single family 3+ bed 2 baths in sunnyvale, 94087.

Europe Trip -- 4 Rome Day 2

2009-06-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

We realized pretty quickly that Rome is a classiest act there is in Europe. This is our second day in Rome and we realize we cannot do justice to the city's historical importance even if stay here for a month. But we dont have a month. We have 12 hours before us and have to make the most of it.

Sub Urbe Roma - our apartment in Rome is the most spacious, convenient place we have stayed on this trip. Right across from Colosseum and the Roman Forums. I highly recommend this place to anyone

We walk to the Forum at 9 Am. Roman Forums is the ancient ruins where Rome stood in all its glory. Several important words like 'Palace' - Palatine hill , 'Capital' - Capitoline Hill , 'Money' - temple of Juno Moneta ( mint) originated in this piece of land. More importantly the Octavian Calendar was designed here. I am awe struck at how much liberty did Augustus have in designing the calendar which we follow today. He added one day to August so that August would not have lesser days than July ( Julius's month ... wow).

It also amazes me how many important things were going on at that time and how Augustus helped in completing the prophecy that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=49&chapter=2&version=31)
"The Birth of Jesus ¹In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ²(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³And everyone went to his own town to register. "

Back to 2009 AD - Our Roma pass ( highly recommended) allows straight access without waiting in line. Without the history the place is a hopeless ruin. Without the audio guides and prints from "Rough Guide to Rome" it is impossible to tell where one place starts and the other ends. We read and listen to the commentary on Saturn Temple, Temple of the Vestas ( virgins) , Arch of Septumus Severes, Arch of Titus, Ceaser's Temple and such slowly moving from Capitoline Hill to the Palantine Hill. On the Palantine Hill the scene is little bit upscale with Caesar's place, ancient Roman huts where Rome was supposed to be founded and House of Livia the powerful wife of Octavian.

By 12 AM we "finish" the forum and head to the Colosseum. We walk on Imperiali st (the street is car-free today for a Marathon) to the Colosseum. The Roma Pass allows us to skip the line and walk staright in. Preeti is highly impressed by the stadium with its gory history however I find it uninspiring. We over hear a tour guide narrating stories about American tourists puzzled at how the Colosseum was built so close to the METRO. Really or is just material you wrote?

National Museum of Rome Pallazzo Massimo is 2 stops from the Colosseum by Metro. We come face to face with the Caesars. The gigantic heads were a lineup in the forums before they were preserved here. It is a strange feeling to look into the eyes of the sculpture of a man who would be so feared in his day. The BC dated collection of "Disc Thrower copies" , "Boxer resting" and copies in gymnasts section beg the questions "why copies? where are the originals?"

We take the slow bus 23 from termini to Largo Argentine a big square close to the Pantheon , Piazza Venezia and Campo de Fiori. Pantheon is massive dome which alternated as monument built by Agrippa to all "gods" and a church under the Pontifical rule. I especially want to see "relocated Raphael's tomb" (ref: Angel's and Demons) since gazing at his inspiring stanza's at the Vatican Museum yesterday. Campo de Fiori area is colorful with nice shops and restaurants.

Walking from Largo Argentine to Piazza Venezia Preeti captures some summer heat with her camera.

Piazza Venezia is just a square but Capitol Hill (Piazza del Campidoglio) and Victor Emmanuel Monument are massive structures worth admiring for some time. Michelangelo designed the Piazza so we sit there for some time. The stair case to Santa Maria church just adjacent to the Piazza is steeper. The guidebook says the 2 adjacent staircases side by side show Man's liberation from religion. One staircase is steep and the other more gradual. We like the steeper better and take couple of photos climbing down. A wedding inside the Santa Maria church is almost starting. The mood inside the church is serene. I drag Preeti in who is apprehensive about her conformance to the dress code till I show her a girl wearing mini skirt inside.

And then we see "Oh" the Vittorio Emanuele II monument up and close. Its huge and beautiful monument dedicated to the first King of unified Italy and dates to 1890 something so its relatively new. We breeze through the museum but spend few minutes outside the monument taking photos and soaking in the grandiosity of the place.

We are dead tired by now but the last frontier remains. We want to see the "first" highway ever built. We take bus 118 to Porto San Sebastino and back. The initial part is between walls and the road is uninspiring. Preeti takes some beautiful pictures on our way back. By 11 PM we are back at our apartment after dinner. We made the most of 14 - 15 hours we had on Day 2.

Europe Trip -- 3 Barcelona

2009-06-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

It is 18th May. We are in still in Rome Italy. We wake up at about 6.AM. We have a 9.20AM flight from Fuimicino airport to Barcelona. We both get ready. Our stuff is already packed and the only thing that remains is to unplug the chargers.

Chargers and adapters have been a big mess throughout the trip and I have been kicking myself for not planning the converter stuff correctly. We bought one US->Europe adapter and one US->Europe adapter with USB port at Frys, Sunnyvale. All was fine in Paris till the latter blew up in Brussels since it had a voltage cutoff point. The former worked robustly throughout the trip. Now without a USB charging point we could not charge our IPOD in Brussels which means we could not get photos from our camera to IPOD. The IPOD to camera USB link drains battery like a leaky bucket. Anyway 3 days later in Munich we somehow found a electronic store where we bought a IPOD charger with a European adapter. Now all was fine till in Switzerland and Italy we started to find that the our first adapter does not fit and plugs are slightly smaller. Now our IPOD charger works but we cannot charge our AA batteries. We bought 4 energizer batteries for our camera in Switzerland and they lasted a day before buying a adapter in Grindelwald , Switzerland. Now the new adapter was probably designed by some idiot ( literally ) . It had a hard round plastic sheath around the two metal rods so it would not be inserted anywhere. Now we bought it since generally before buying an adapter at a Swiss post office you would expect them to have a reasonable assurance that the thing is designed and is useful if the product is cased inside a box which could be opened only after it was bought. So we wasted 10 euros there. Fortunately in Venice , Florence and Rome we found that the plugs where the phone power was plugged in always fitted our first adapter so we did not have to buy a new one. But that's about that. The bottom line is take two adapters for rest of Europe , a separate IPOD charger and 1 adapter for Italy and Switzerland.

Anyway, back from the flashback we hurry up to catch the Leonardo express from Roma Termini to Fuimicino airport. The train leaves at xx.22 and xx.52 minutes every hour and we think its better to reach airport early and catch the 7.22 AM express. We underestimate time required to get tickets and arrive at platform 25 at 7.22 just to find that the train leaves from the very far end of the platform. With heavy backpacks on shoulders we make a dash. Fortunately much like India trains , Italian trains leave about 3-5 minutes late and we make it inside. I sweat profusely making a businessman in adjacent seat uncomfortable. The train leaves and AC kicks in and we are good. At the airport we check in our luggage since the Vueling airline overhead cabin space is smaller.

The flight is smooth apart from surprising 3 probable first-time passengers who stood up to gawk through the window all at once.

At Barcelona Girona airport we follow the baggage pickup signs and exit the secure area just to find that our bags were at a different luggage pickup area and we have to exit the airport redo security and then pickup ours bags. Thankfully we have our boarding pass stubs on us.

With bags secured we find the train station ( a pretty long walk ) and board the train to Barcelona Sants station. At Sants we keep our luggage at in the station lockers and buy 10 metro tickets for our sightseeing needs. It is Monday so the Picasso Museum is closed. We are not too unhappy about it. We like realism an idealism both abstract is beyond our reach. I did some reading on Picasso and it seems he was not happy with Facist Spain under Franco and would not return till he died but he died before Franco.

We see the following places
Sagrada Familia the Gothic church being built on donations and started by Anatonio Gaudi

Barri Gotic - The gothic quarters . A maze of narrow streets running between gothic style buildings and arches

Place de Catulanya - central gathering place of the Catalan people

La Rambla - street filled with people shopping pet birds , vegetables , fruit and meat

Cathedral of Santa Eulelia - oldest cathedral in Barcelona in neo gothic style