My first American weekend !!

Hey its was Diwali and I was away from home missing family & friends in India. Friday evening packed my bags and went to Poonam’s place. She is here in Minneapolis with her husband Sandip, 18 month kid, Ved and Swapnil , her brother in law. I met Poonam all thanks to Deepa, both are very good buddies . Poonam and I had never met or talked before coming here, but the way she made me comfortable in this alien city shows the friendship Deepa and Poonam share.

Friday evening I barged into Poonam's house. I first time attended a virtual/techie pooja where Googled aartis were played on laptops, prints of aarti were taken and electrical lamps were lit. It was Lamxi pooja day, so the entrance door was also opened during the aarti for Goddess Laxmi to come and bless us all. Then had great dinner of Puran polis. Wah wah. My mom was really happy when I told her about me having Puran polis during Diwali Then watched the movie ‘300’ after dinner celebrating Ram’s home coming with a drink.

Then on Saturday , we went to the Hindu temple in Maple Grove, to clean our souls and mind. Remove all selfish thoughts and bow down before the Gods. I cant imagine myself going to any temple to do that, but then I had see around Minneapolis . Also I thought that I would be able to see some good desi gals, but was disappointed on that count . Poonam’s complex had organnised a Diwali get together in the evening. Me also crashed into the party. Danced , ate and played games and we did not realized that it was past midnight when party got over. We returned home and over a drink watched India and Pakistan match for a while.

Sunday was more relaxed and went out to check out the malls there. In US I have seen more malls then people on the street. They have such huge malls, and variety. Also there is less crowds as compared to Indian malls.

Was very unhappy when the weekend got over cause I had to go back to my place for the weekdays. Had a blast and looking forward to few more great weekends in Minneapolis before the cold freezes us all inside our homes.