The Appalachian Range: Top and Above

 

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: After a long haul of COVID-19 imposed restrictions, we finally hit the road and headed for the Great Smoky Mountains. As we reached the small town of Gatlinburg, we were welcomed by heavy rains. Uh oh! Gullu’s big eyes drooped wondering if the vacation was over before it even started, but a convincing smile from Mamma and Dadda assured her that the best adventure just started! We put on our sandals, pulled out our umbrellas, and out we went to explore the city of Gatlinburg.

Ripley’s

As kids, we read books on Ripley’s Believe it or Not, but today we were at the doorstep of the museum, gawking at the artifacts Robert Ripley collected through his lifetime and the stories he brought back – Kamala the wolf girl from India, shrunken heads from the Amazon tribes, the Unicorn man from China etc. In Robert Ripley’s own words – Believe it or not!

Not just Ripley’s, the Parkway is queued up with many attractions. The Skylift park, Anakeesta, arcades, candy stores, local coffee shops, and eateries. The little town of Gatlinburg reminded me of the M.G. Marg in Gangtok, Sikkim. As late as 9 pm, people were outside, eateries were open, streets well lit, live country music had people swaying, and all this with a lot of kids around! The happy faces and smiles exchanged added to the wonderful energy this town exuded.

While most of the time we were on foot waddling through this small old town and when the feet didn’t touch the ground, they were up in the air – top and above!

Treetop Sky Bridge

Anakeesta means the place of high ground in the Cherokee language. Now to reach the 600 ft high top, we can either choose the Ridge Rambler- a bus ride to the top, a Gondola – closed-door cabin ride, or the open Chairlift ride. No points for guessing, we went with the open Chairlift ride! The chair lifted us up the mountain and we saw the dainty city of Gatlinburg passing below with cars on the main road whizzing past under our feet. The Vista gardens and the Treetop village play area had our eight-year-old in happy feet. But, our wow moment came when we started to walk through Anakeesta’s Treetop Sky Bridge. This treetop suspended bridge is the longest tree-based bridge in North America and was spectacular! 

At 50-60 ft high, on a suspension bridge, amidst the deep-dark woods, there was a sort of reverence I felt and a quote from John Muir (Father of the National Parks) made more sense than ever – “And into the forest, I go to lose my mind and find my soul.”

Helicopter Ride

Day 2, just when Mamma and Gullu were thinking about what next to do, Dadda had a surprise for us at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. After a 47-minute drive, we reached the base to see a giant (motorized) dragonfly settling down to the ground. In the next few minutes, we were buckled in behind Tommy the pilot, and Gullu the co-pilot. Ready to take off in a helicopter! Up in the air, we strode past Pigeon Forge and Sevierville and were headed to the ridges in the Appalachian Mountain range and saw the Great Smoky Mountains (a sub-range to the Appalachians). Trekking through the woods is a feeling but getting a bird’s eye view of the vast expanse of nature, makes us feel minuscule as humans living in our concrete jungle!

The Zipline

And here is my reason for coming to the Smoky – the Zipline! We drove and reached the base at Climb Works. Now, I was thinking it to be around a 50ft zipline from one tree to the other, but as the instructors geared us up in the harness and safety equipment, it felt that we were in for something big!  

After gearing up, the three of us hopped onto an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) and went splashing uphill through the muddy trails. The trails were strewed with Black Eyed Susans, only to learn that this favorite of mine is the native wildflower in East Tennessee and the butterflies I saw were less than a fraction of the 130 butterfly species found in the area! True as they say, there is more than what meets the eye.

A Piece of History

So, as we waited for our group to assemble I read through the plaques on the sides that gave a lens into the history of the area. The Smoky Mountains and East Tennessee area were once inhabited by the native tribes of Cherokee. It was one of the earliest civilized matriarchal native Indian tribes governed by a council with equal rights for women (something we struggle for even today!). But as the European settlers came in, the United States felt threatened, and in an effort to consolidate more land, the Congress passed the ‘Removal of Indian Act’ in 1830 forcefully moving the Cherokees (with other smaller tribes) from their nation to the west of the Mississippi River. This tragic displacement is referred to as the Trail of Tears.

Back to the Zipline

“Attention!” called Melby (our instructor) and the history student in me was brought back to the base of the Zipline adventure and we started to ascend the wooden steps leading us on a platform for our first zipline. Here we saw the starting point of the zipline course but couldn’t locate the endpoint to disembark. It was then that Melby helped us see a platform on the other side which was around the size of a lime seed from where we stood because the first zipline was just 1600 ft long and around 200-300 ft high! This was an overdose of adventure for a beginner.

Harness straps. Check. Hands on the handles. Check. Butterflies in the stomach. Double check! 1-2-3, Zip away! Zooom we went past on the duel zipline, zipping over the forests below, and in less than 30 seconds we made it to the other platform alive! Here at this tree top as we looked around we saw nothing but forests and the different peaks of the Appalachian range in North Carolina and Tennessee. What a sight! We stood there in silence, soaking in the serenity.

“The woods invite me into themselves so that I might be drawn out of myself.” – Craig D. Lounsbrough (Author)

While the forests acted as a balm on our souls, our eight-year-old was our sparkling inspiration. Fearless and enjoying every second of the ziplining without complaining about the heat, the heavy metal harness she carried along, scrapped ankle or insect bites. She happily and eagerly hopped on from each tree platform to the suspension bridge and zipped across the 5 lines!

 

We didn’t trek, we dint hike, but our rendezvous with the mountains was from the top and above!

What more can I say, just that it was one tree-mendous experience!

वाह उस्ताद!

 Vienna, Virginia:

“Wah Ustad,

Arey huzoor, wah Taj boliye!”

A 90's kid will reckon this advertisement with some nostalgia. Fast forward 20 years, and here I am in the lawns of the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, waiting for the world-renowned Tabla virtuoso-Ustad Zakir Hussein. With some embarrassment, I admit that I had never heard him before (except for the famous Taj Mahal advertisement) and thus, I was more a curious George to see what makes this maestro get the audience, accolades, and the international acclaim. What makes him the Padma Bhushan Zakir Hussein?

As the evening lights brightened the arena, a dainty figure walked up the stage and with folded hands voiced, “Namashkaar”. The crowd was magnetized! 

Ustad Zakir Hussein then settled himself and greeted the audience with a ‘Happy Onam’ and a ‘Happy Rakshabandhan’. Just his words filled the air with an amazing aura and what followed, was magic. He set his hands on the Tabla and played a piece in absolute rhythm and unstoppable beat for a non-stop 30 minutes. Entranced by his energy and exuberance, I couldn’t bring myself to believe that he is a septuagenarian!

His musical piece that had the kids and me more engaged was how he showed that the Tabla can play the words you speak and the expressions you emote. Ustad beautifully displayed with an example of first a deer sauntering in the forest and then, how its ears alert it to a hunter coming close, and finally, how it gallops away into the thick forest. Well, I only wish that my words were half as good as his taal to explain.

The second segment that had me enthralled was the jugalbandi with the talented Uzbeki musician who showcased his prowess with a Doira (a kind of drum with jingles attached). And just when the jugalbandi was enlivening with the Doira, the musician pulled up 2 more Doiras, while our Ustad kept the bandish with not just the Tabla, but a small bongo and the back of the Shruti box! As eccentric as it sounds, I must admit I have never witnessed another musical event where musicians extemporize with cascading creativity and all through enjoying it to the fullest without missing a note! The language on the stage then was music and the culture was that of humility. Such was the enigma, such was the energy, that had the audience enraptured!

Wah Ustad! Wah!

 

Our Sunshine - Akshara

Every time I call you, a toothless smile and twinkly eyes greet me with joy.

The only way you sleep is wrapped in my arms and close to my heart

Tiny fingers patting my face and cooing at 4 in the morning is indeed a good morning!

Our heart warms up when you show that we are your favorite toys to play, jump, drool and cuddle upon.

Mamma and Paapa do not miss the social life of friends, movies and outings as you, my little one, have so miraculously chained us to your cuteness, innocence and growing mischiefs. 

We are under your spell of love, our highness! Enslaved to you and to everything you do…..

27 Feb, 2015:

With Almighty's divine grace
A beautiful life we embrace
Prayers and Blessings wove this wonder
A beautiful gift of a daughter never to sunder

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27 Feb, 2017

Akshara is turning three,

And she's as happy as can be

Just a cake and a balloon are now a bore, 

Fun time with her friends is what she wants more and more

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27 Feb, 2018

I am turning four, and

There is still so much more to explore;

My birthday Party will be fun,

Don't be late! Ok, done? 

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27 Feb, 2019

Time has flown, and

Our little girl has grown!

From baby steps to leaps and strides

Into her 5th year, Akshara glides.

She has been waiting a long time for this day

Do come to celebrate her birthday!

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27 Feb, 2020

With her boundless imagination and curiosity in top gear,

Our little girl flutters into her 6th year.

Friends, cake and balloons still define her birthday,

Can't wait to celebrate with you, her BIG day!

Eagerly and very excitedly, Akshara looks forward to having her buddies join her on this special day.

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27 Feb, 2021

Another year zips past,

Akshara was just 6 the year last.

Crayons and color pencils are slowly stepping back,

As interest in poetry and karate are suddenly out of the sack!

So, join us for it's not just another day,

After all it's Akshara's Birthday!

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27 Feb, 2023

When, oh when, did this girl turn nine?
Just like her favourite zip line, she wooshed past eight and reached nine!
Outdoors and her art attacks is where she's still a little inclined,
But a writer in line and an engineering mind, is the new find!
We would love for you to join us with all smiles and cheer,
As we celebrate our Akshara dear!

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27 Feb, 2024

 
Entering the two digit club 
Is my little cub!
This year what’s new?
Nothing much let me name just a few. 

Homework is such a pain;
And shower a day is the biggest bane!
Rick Riordan’s writings she cannot give amiss,

Even if her taekwondo class has to go tai-tai phiss 

Our little explorer is our best companion, be it combating the Kali river rapid rides;

Or on Kudajadri hills taking those long strides. 

More to say, but I will call it a day. 

Now let the universe makes way 

Go shine the brightest, my bae! 

And before you do, take a moment to bow down with humility and gratitude 

For you have the love and blessings of your loved ones from above and around the latitude. 

And after that, mamma and acha will say,
To our precious girl we wish you a happy birthday! 

A Modern Day Oasis

Fort Worth, Texas: 

After a wonderful time attending Dr. Remya’s graduation ceremony. Sumod and Remya decided to take us to the water gardens at Fort Worth.  The last thing on my traveler’s list is visiting gardens and water fountains. A personal choice, where the human touch to the hybrid flower bushes or pruned trees, do not much amaze me. With a convincing nod, our hosts insisted that this one will not disappoint us. Slowly we meandered our way up. Way up? A water garden?

While we were still in disbelief, Remya asked us to step up a pedestal and peep down. Vola! We witnessed a spectacular sight. The water garden below was an architectural brilliance. Concrete blocks all around with water seeping through and a fleet of concrete steps take you down into the kind of an oasis. Just as much as my little one was excited to trot down, equally excited mamma and acha scampered with all the glee.

Designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee. This urban park is rightfully referred to as the ‘cooling oasis in the concrete jungle’. This is indeed a place not to miss.  Pin it! For your next trip.

Meet the New Doctor in Town

Denton, Texas: 

Our Merry Christmas started from December 14 itself, when we touched down the city of Denton, Texas to attend what I call as the crowning of our PhD graduate, Remya. Embarrassed I am to say, but yet admit my ignorance, that I considered it another graduation ceremony and family celebration time. Up until, I got a few minutes with Remya and in between coffee sips, I learnt the backbreaking work that goes behind the study of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Completing a PhD involves unbeatably sleepless nights of hard work, perseverance and sheer dedication, I deem its double an achievement staying away from family, fighting all odds of depression, standing by your sincerity that might be fiddled a bit owing to some miser politics, surviving and thriving on meager income and fighting some unanticipated health issues makes this day of receiving the doctorate a day etched in time, an immovable milestone and a day of pride!

So, as we sneak in the auditorium of Texas Woman’s University (TWU) and hustle our way to the seats, we hear the call of announcing PhD graduates. I sat awestruck and feel so small hearing the thesis/ dissertation that each student has completed on topics so relevant and much needed. Topics like  - ‘Effectiveness of Video Modeling on Motor Performance for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder’, ‘Fighting for Hope: The Criminalization of Trauma in Justice Involved in Girls’ Lives and stories of Resilience From a Juvenile Prison’, ‘Predictors of Cardiac Arrest in Rapid Response Systems’, ‘Brain Activism following Constraint-Inducement Movement Therapy Using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy in Stroke Patients’. 

Hearing such fabulous topics of thesis, my mind raced to surmise that we might not need batman and superman, but a bunch of these PhD Superheroes can turn the world around and make the planet and our lives a much better happy place to live in. “And now”, exclaimed the announcer, and I gathered my thoughts back into the auditorium, “Remya Ammasam Veetil, topic- ‘Polyethylene Glycol Copolymer Nanocarriers: Biocompatibility, Uptake and Intracellular Trafficking in Neurons”. With great pride and adorning her academic regalia, our lady walked up the pedestal (with some butterflies in her stomach) to receive her hood, and Team Remya (us) on the other side, rooted for her with equal pride and excitement. With a vote of thanks from the Chancellor of the TWU and with the University anthem in the backdrop, the young graduates marched out a triumphant march. 

In the lawns outside, Dr. Remya, introduced us to her faculty, her guide/mentor and fellow recipients of the hood. With a few clicks, many congratulations and delicious graduation lunch, we headed home to relax our heels and minds, when Dr. Remya handed over a copy of her dissertation. Though most of it seemed Greek to me, but I was touched upon the acknowledgement page, where she acknowledged her parents and brothers for being her pillars of strength and Sumod, her husband for being the rock support and carrying her through the tumultuous journey in completing the PhD. I second that Dr. Remya, way to go! It'll soon be a payback time, as we now roll our eyes to the next graduation and the next Dr. in line – Sumod Sebastian….

A Jet Lagged Morning

Tirur, Kerala:


Jet lagged morning in Kerala, Mamma, Acha and baby go for a walk and happen to closely admire a butterfly atop a flower.

Baby: Mamma, what is the butterfly doing ?
Mamma: It is drinking nectar, its food from the flower. You see that?

Baby nods. We reach back home, the toddler trots to kitchen and grabs a plate from her grandmother to collect flowers fallen on the ground.

Mamma: Gullu are you collecting flowers for the temple ?
Baby : No Mamma! I am collecting flowers to keep for butterflies, so that they can come to my house and drink nectar.

Mamma zapped ! Baby trots away calling butterflies 'You naughty little butterflies eat your food !'
Mamma and Acha laughing in splits ...

中国古典舞 (Classical Chinese Dance)

18th June 2017, Maryland, USA: 

It was one of those busy working days at office and after we wrapped up our notes, reports and documents, Yu Huan slipped an invitation to traditional Chinese dance recital, of which she was a participant too. My eyes gleamed with joy, as I was unaware of this hidden talent in her. So, Calendar marked and sunday afternoon was booked to witness the Xuejuan Dance Ensemble.

Another reason for our mounting excitement was our daughter, Akshara, as it was the first time we were taking her to a live dance show and how curious we were to see our little one’s reaction!

And soon we were there, parked our car and trotted up the staircases to only enter a packed auditorium. As we scuttled our way to the seats, the lights dimmed. Curtains drawn aside. Silence. Music played. And, we witnessed an enchanting rendition to Zhuo Ma – a famous Tibetan traditional song. The costume, expression and grace was mesmerizing and transported us to the Zhang highlands in Tibet.

The next piece called, ‘Auspicious Clouds’, was a classical dance based on Han and Tang dynasties. The dancers were in an alluring sync as the music cascaded down. Beautiful hues of blues and white covered the stage, and just as we were bewitched by that serenity, the classical Chinese fan dancers breezed on the stage. Amidst the group we saw a recognizable smile (all dancers look very similar with the same costume and make up) , yaayy that’s Yu! So happy we were to see her sway in rhythm.

The ‘Divine Serendipity’, ‘Incense’ and ‘Dunhuang Classical Dance’ were equally enthralling. The colorful costumes, the perfect lighting, and the dancers fondling in perfect rhythm to the melodious tune from the Konghou (Chinese harp) or Pipa (a pear shaped stringed musical instrument), hypnotically carried us along.

In ‘Arirang’s’ melody we saw beautiful maidens dreaming of their wedding and future. Even their beautiful purple gowns flowing in music did not miss the cadence!  ohh how serene it all was and the maidens effortlessly took us with them into their world of dreams.

‘Mamma can we go now!’ whispered little Akshara. 2 hours over, and my little toddler’s patience held good all this while, with her little ‘wows’ and ‘applauds’ here and there! Not bad…  

And as we prodded our way out through a still packed auditorium, my mind couldn’t stop thinking over the fact that all this while the dances I have witnessed be it the classical Indian dance, the Tanoura dance of the middle east, the hip-hop of the west, all have beats to it. And dancers counted these beats to change their moves. But here is a music that had just no beat! It was a pure melody of the harp and pipa cascading down, and the dancers in perfect sync, swayed to the right moves and all together at the right time!

My train of thoughts came to a full stop when we got to witness another performance at the parking lot and this time the performer was little Akshara :) who voiced her Chinese music and imitated the dancers convincing us that she is one. And yes, we applauded an equally convincing applaud, wrapped her in our arms and then in the car seat to head to our next destination. 

Zaijian (bye) until then….