[nukkad] Aik Safar America Ka

["Ragini Chaturvedi" <tanuji@worldnet.att.net>]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tip of the day:  For daily news and info, join the Mumbai Grapevine mailing list
          http://www.mumbai-central.com/grapevine/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi friends
One friend, Nazar Hayat sent this beautifully written piece on America.
Thought we all can share reading it. I suddenly started looking at America
with a new perspective.
Ragini

> Travelling through America is like sailing over an ocean of uniformity,
> variety, colour and prosperity. From the green fields and
> hundreds of lakes of the Mid West, to the warm climate and tall trees of
> Georgia, to the silver sands and sun drenched beaches of Florida, the
> visuals are breathtaking.
>
> The country, born out of a spirit of movement, is tailor-made made for
> easy travel. The first 100 miles let you understand the science of
> interstate roads, exits and toll roads; and in next 100 miles, you
> become an expert on campaign sites, rest areas and parks. The gas stations
> are your oasis.
>
> But more than just the visuals, there is something else that touches even
> deeply. There is an invisible, but palpable, air of freedom and fairness.
> Every one follows the same rules and there is a recognition; and value to
> human endeavour and enterprise. (A young student sells his web site to
> 'Amazon.com' for around a million; and Microsoft buys off Bhatia's
> Hotmail.com for shares worth $400 million.)
>
> An average American comes out as an honest straight person with an
> endearing simplicity and innocence. He is totally upfront and carries no
> surprises or hidden agendas. Everybody gives everybody else an ample
> personal space. They also impart more profound lessons like 'people are
> different and it is OK to be different.' Punctuality and making queues
> become a way of life. So does the traffic code. And as one cruises along
> the highway for some time, a distinct pattern begins to emerge. So these
> small towns keep flashing on the windscreen like picture post cards. If
> you have seen one, you have seen them all. McDonald. Pizza Hut. Wall Mart.
> Taco Bell.on every highway. You tune the FM of the approaching town and
> get local gossip and scandals.Those little people actually live a life
> better than most of the rest of the world.
>
> The American romance with cars is never ending. Good infrastructure and a
> booming economy; where, these days, the jobless or the homeless are only
> by choice. With essentials of life having long taken care of, the
> industries now provide solutions to problems like 'bad breath,' 'hair
> removal,' 'pet foods' or 'skin care.' The economic system is strong and
> takes over your life in a quiet subtle manner. After it demands a hard
> days's work and that you pay all your taxes: in return, it offers you
> everything on credit. Thus begins a lifetime of paying off your mortgage,
> credit cards and things that you have already purchased, used or enjoyed.
> (Only a sharp man can steer clear of the sellers and advertisers). The
> secret of success of the system lies in the fact that an individual, no
> matter how great, is only a part of the system.
>
> The society respects the ideals of human freedom, liberty and a respect
> for personal beliefs.
>
> Stuff like explicit talk shows, one-night stands,lovers, hunks, studs,
> bimbos, hookers, XXX, etc. is not the reflection of the mainstream America
> which cherishes conservatism and tradition.
>
> Journey through USA is so cozy and comfortable that you wish it would
> never end. An occasional patrol car becomes visible and the traffic
> suddenly steadies down further. Bridges, lakes, towns, keep sliding back.
> There are sunsets, rains, showers and rainbows as snake through the mesh
> of highways. The 18-wheelers, sharing the same road, live in a world of
> their own.
>
> America is an experience!




------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Subscribe [Unsubscribe] send a blank message to 
        nukkad-list-request@mumbai-central.com 
with the word 'subscribe' ['unsubscribe'] (without quotes) in the Subject 
of your message.
The list is archived at  http://www.mumbai-central.com/nukkad/archive.html