Celebrating life!: 2013

My recent trip abroad raised a few eyebrows, a lot of “lucky you”s and several jealous glances because you see, I didn't pay a dime! How you might wonder. Let me just say that endless TV and my love for entering competitions lead to my becoming one very lucky woman. Put simply, I won an all-expense trip from Comedy Central to watch a live recording of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in New York as part of the channel’s first anniversary celebrations in India. The competition involved answering a few questions online followed by a series of phone interviews that determined whether I qualified. Containing my joy was almost impossible when I learnt the news, tempered only by the fact that I wouldn't be taking hubby with me since there had been a tie in the finals. My sister-in-law was the second happiest person because we had never managed to spend any time together and she couldn't wait for us to meet up.

So one Sunday morning in February, I found myself on a 4 a.m. flight to Kuwait where I would meet my connecting flight and the other winner. The 14-hour flight delay in Kuwait meant I got to know some of my fellow passengers and chat on the phone as well to some family in the country. The best part though was that I got to eat meals with an amazing view of flights taking off right in front of me (being holed up inside the airport’s hotel). Mark (the other winner) and I also finally met each other.

This is what boredom in a hotel leads to!

Recycled art by children on display at Kuwait Airport

Finally at New York, a young Brazilian woman we met on our way to the hotel and I, saw ice for the first time when we stepped out of the airport. Despite being bundled up I realized then why my hubby kept telling me I would never again complain of India’s heat. It was freezing! When we finally ended up at the hotel we were exactly a day late! Maybe all those green-eyed people got to us! ;) With just enough time for a quick jaunt and lunch, we walked around Times Square (our hotel being located here) and then hurried off for our big date.

Nature vs. Nurture (Around Times Square)

More Nature vs. Nurture (Around Times Square)

Iced trees anyone? (Bryant Park, NYC)

At our appointed time we reached the studio and got our VIP passes. With half an hour to kill before we were allowed to enter the studio, based on TripAdvisor recommendations we went over to this little Italian cafe Il Baretto, where I got some delightful hot chocolate. Absolutely yum!

The Daily Show studio hoardings

The Daily Show studio awning

Above the studio entrance

Behind the cafe's counter

After security check, we got in and soon had our last minute instructions from the crew before we got inside, VIPs first of course. The sad part was that we were unable to take pictures on the sets. But the show itself turned out to be awesome. Before the show we were given final instructions on how to behave as an audience (lots of laughter and clapping involved). And then Jon Stewart arrived spending a few minutes answering questions of all kinds from the audience before the actual taping began. Being pre-rehearsed, the whole episode was taped in two fluid pieces. The guest of the day was George Stephanopoulos , the show opening with cracks at the Pope’s retirement announced that morning.

The fun soon ended and back on the streets I did a bit more exploring. I got to shop at M&M’s & Hershey’s for all my sweet-toothed friends back home. Despite being the city that comes alive at night, Times Square was rather peaceful (probably because of the cold). I also managed to get one of the famed self images at the Square.

Every hue possible (M&M store)

Choco haven (Hershey’s)

All geared up for V-Day

The not-so-crowded Times Square

Never figured what this ad was for

Yours truly on screen (behind Lady Liberty)

Next morning I woke up groggily to a hyper Mark on the phone asking me to check out so we could do a bit of roaming before leaving. We breakfasted on the go, NYC style and walked around Rockefeller Center that looked amazing dressed in white. And yes this shopaholic did finally get a chance to buy some artsy goodies at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s store in Rockefeller Center.

Plethora of colours

Spot India

The cool guy reigns

Shopping time!

Mark and I finally parted ways as I had a plane to catch to Houston and he wanted to visit MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) before returning to India. The stroll back to the hotel provided some interesting sights.

The famed Christy’s

How insignificantly small am I

Wonder if it really is true

Cavalry in NYC – not an everyday sight

Men may come and men may go but I go on forever

Fountains like this were spouting all over the city

At Houston, in addition to spending time with family, I got a chance to visit NASA. It provided me ample opportunity to get some interesting shots.

Who knew these helmets weighed a ton

Moment with K. Chawala

Finally shoes to match the bag

When sleep eludes

Sis-in-law making sure I don’t miss out on V-Day

Wintry Houston

I returned to NYC after a few days for my return flight to India. This provided me the opportunity to catch up with some family and visit MoMA where I finally grasped abstract modern art thanks to my brother’s wonderful tutelage (he is a regular visitor). And yes I also found more artsy stuff to take home.

Andy Warhol’s most famous piece

A most extraordinary chair

Coking

Speculative

Futuristic art

The return flights were relatively peaceful and empty enough to allow me to stretch out on the plane seats and nap leisurely. I looked forward to sharing my experiences and meeting hubby though returning to the heat was another trauma altogether.

NYC Skyline. Reminded me of smoke signals

The Hudson

A rap song composed on one of our several journeys by road in Iran on our trip when we had little to do. Genius Kaye did most of the words. Dana was our script writer (literally!!!). Therese, Mary and I helped with words when we got stuck. TJ as expected was also the grammar consultant! Eden was left with listening to us.