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Jan 16, 2011

Relocated:: Moving homewards …

Hello.

Happy New year! I know, its a bit late to wish you a Happy New Year, but better late than never, right?

Actually when everyone in the world was celebrating new year, I was busy moving. It is not the best time for a move, I know, but these things cannot seem to be scheduled in your favor! When you got to move, you got to move!

The last week of December and the first week of January was a whirlwind of activities. I had no idea we had accumulated so much stuff over the past years until we started to pack it all. Sourcing empty boxes, categorizing stuff, sorting and packing. The sound of masking tape being unrolled was almost a constant background noise in our homes. Someone was always packing something. The final move was on December 31st and January 1st. Bad timing. Yes, tell me about it!

There was no way that all our old stuff would fit in to our new place, so we had to discuss the fate of each and every piece of furniture we owned. We had to part with several items, and that was, as always, a difficult decision. The furniture you have kind of grows on you and its always disappointing to see it go. Unless of course you get a way better piece to replace it.

After 5 truckloads, 3 to our new place and 2 to the yard, we had everything in our new place. Setting up the new place was easier than I thought, and we had some help. Luckily, everything we wanted here fit almost perfectly. That was a relief, to say the least. All the utilities and services has also been relocated and activated including cable TV and internet.

After living in rented spaces for almost a decade, coming back home felt really good. Lot of stuff has changed in my neighborhood. People have changed, buildings demolished and rebuilt. The old timers remember us, and fondly talk to when we meet on the street. They are as friendly and caring as I remember, asking us how we are, telling us how they missed us, and asking about our family members and how they are doing. Though I have managed to reconnect with some of my childhood friends, most of the people living on my street are unfamiliar to me. To them, I am the newcomer to their neighborhood. It seems around here, even parking spaces have to be earned! Mostly by repetitive usage.

The old mosque, which was a landmark and a favorite hangout when we were kids, has also been rebuilt. It is much bigger now and three stories high. There is no garden and sandy compound anymore. Every square inch has been built upon, and the devotees still overflow on the streets, and way past my  door! I have to walk not towards the mosque, but away from the mosque, when I attend Friday prayers!

Now that I am home, life has taken a new turn. Priorities and responsibilities has changed. I am still trying to settle in, but it is good to be back home. Elated! 

Laterx.

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