Texas Trip

Day 1

The day started as a typical holiday one. I got up at 10:30, checked my email, grabbed a bite to eat and got ready. The only difference was today was the day that we were supposed to leave for Dallas, TX. After helping my mum pack up the clothes, and just get the van ready, we took a lot of breaks. Actually, I took a lot of breaks. I listened to my CD's, watched TV, talked with people - the typical procrastination things. After my dad's friend came by (I think it was around 4:30), we loaded the van, and waited for my dad to come from the airport. He was a little late because his flight from Alaska had been delayed an hour. I think by the time that we left Alpharetta it was close to 5:30.

As we approached GA 400, the traffic looked very bad. Ofcourse, we had anticipated this because it was rush hour. We couldn’t leave earlier because we had to wait on my dad. Other than that, the trip started out smoothly. We listened to a lot…I mean a lot…of music! We took a lot of breaks on our trip. We stopped in Alabama and stayed at the Holiday Inn for the night. The next morning we left after having breakfast at around 9-00 A.M. We stopped over for lunch in Louisiana despite the extreme weather conditions (strong winds, chilly air). By evening, we reached Dallas and drove around to our relatives' place. It was an exciting ride but we all could definitely breath a sigh of relief as we got down. We spent the evening catching up on old conversations (just random stuff). The adults settled in for a movie while the rest of us played cards and games till about 3 in the morning.

Day 2

Even though I went to sleep at 3 A.M, I managed to get up really early (I mean not that early…it was 8:30). Today was one of those days where we had nothing to do. Upon recalling a conversation we had last night, I asked the others if we could go to Six Flags over Texas since there were 4 free passes. After lunch we decided that we would leave at around 2ish. It was a well-called decision because the rides only opened at 4-00 P.M. We were actually early to something! Upon arriving we decided we would hit the rides that had the smallest lines. The first one was a runaway cart ride. I don’t remember the wacky names that these Texans used but it was something like "runaway freight…" - I mean something along those lines. Then it was on to the famous pirate ship. I was a little apathetic towards this because it seemed very slow!! Also, unlike Six Flags over Georgia, this ride didn’t go upside down. It just swung really high and then swerved down. I mean, to be honest, it was far from scary. I think the one in Georgia is far superior and more thrilling. The first two rides were just "starter" rides because we all basically wanted to get a general feel of the rides. It was now time for the thriller rides - Titan, Texas Giant, Great American Scream Machine, The Batman Ride, and so on. However, once we got to some of the rides, we didn’t want to stand in line for hours together. We went to the Texas Giant first because it was practically empty. It was a wooden roller coaster that looked very intimidating at first. Actually, the first time I went on it, I was a little worried because the ride was very bumpy. However, after riding it once, I decided it wasn’t that bad after all, so I went for a second ride. The second time wasn’t as fun because I already knew what to expect. It was definitely worth it but the only thing I didn’t like was the fact that it gave me a backache. The ride was very bumpy and at times the whole spirit of the ride was lost because of the sudden jerks. The only ride I didn’t go on was the TITAN! I felt really bad afterwards but I chickened out. I was considering if I should go or not but in the end I decided I would just watch the ride instead riding on it. I think that there were many things that influenced my decision. One of the main things was the fact that there were many interruptions. They checked the safety of the ride at least three to four times while I was waiting in line. This already had a negative influence on me. I was already thinking the worse things. Even though, I know, it was a cowardly act…I actually didn’t feel that bad afterwards. I (in my own way) felt that I didn’t succumb to peer pressure. I kind of did what I thought was right. It felt good in a way because I listened to my instincts. After this we decided to grab some pizza and popcorn. Anyway, after this we went to the Runaway Mountain ride. It was a runaway roller coaster in an underground mine that had many so-called "booby traps" - well not really but that is what we were supposed to believe. It was actually better than the one in Georgia. Then we walked aimlessly around the park looking for a double loop coaster but we never found it!! Anyway, by this time it was close to 7 P.M. We decided that we better head back for home before our parents started making calls. This would especially stink if we received a call while we were on a ride. Other than that, I think I had a pretty good time. I spent 3-4 hours at Six Flags and I think I really enjoyed myself. It was better than sitting at home and wasting time online! I am really tired now…so I will continue this soon…probably after dinner. I think I went to bed around 2 last night. We were planning on watching a movie but it was too late and we are all very tired.


Day 3

Getting up at 6:30 A.M was no joke. I think I was one of the last people to wake up in the house. It was very exciting because the entire house was full with people for the birthday festivity. In case I didn’t mention earlier, we are here in Dallas because of my dad's cousins' husband's 80th birthday). After the priest came (I think by 7), the ceremony was underway. It was really neat when the priest interacted with the other members and took us on a philosophical journey. We talked about many traditions and beliefs of Hinduism. I really enjoyed the poignant discussion. After this we were served a heavy breakfast. When this was over, the ceremony continued to its final stages. Once this was complete, we were served lunch (yes another meal within a matter of hours). Even though I enjoyed the meals, I was extremely full by the time I was done with it all. Now on a random note, I really met a lot of cool people at the function! It was really funny because we were all related in some distant way but still it turned out to be very interesting. I was shocked at the amount of interesting conversations we hit on today from religion, current events to music (OK, I don’t know how we got there but still it was all good. ). The rest of the day was spent on a musical performance by many of the guests. Even my mom managed to sing a traditional Indian Caranatic piece! I was in no mood to sing today and as usual pulled out a few excuses (I need the book, my throat is dry and so on - but they bought it, which is the important thing!). After this, we went to drop of one of our relatives at the airport. This was followed by a visit to the temple later on in the evening. After I came back, I decided to burn a few CD's from my friend here. Then I decided it would be a good idea to blog! . I don’t know what is planned for the rest of the night but I know that today was much (I mean far greater) than yesterday even though we went to Six Flags. I am really exhausted and not looking forward to our trip back tomorrow. I mean, I do want to go back, but not miss the fun we had here!

On another random note, I received a special religious token from my second cousin today. I was really glad that he gave it to me but I am yet to decipher the true meaning of it! Hopefully, I will find it out before I leave tomorrow morning. Also, I discovered that I am leaving at 6:30 A.M !!!! aaaaaaah….just when I thought I could sleep in! My holidays are really funny - When it is supposed to be a time of "sleeping in" and procrastinating online, I am spending my days working, doing chores, and getting up really early! It is fun because we were all helping out today for our grandfathers (I mean a really close relative who is like my own grandfather) birthday. I don’t like getting up early in the morning but I guess if everything has to be done according to plan, it must be done on time. Anyway, I am going to read other people's blogs now! I was watching FRIENDS as well a while back but now since I am logged on the web, I think I will find some thing to procrastinate on!