Schools and universities were shut for a day and there was an unexplainable fear everybody felt. Next two days as hostages were released and terrorists eliminated, there sure was an air of relief, but the body count rose up drastically. 26th November was India's darkest night for sure.

The terrorists wanted to target the average Indian train traveler who travels through the CST station everyday, the beer guzzling youth and foreigners at a popular café and finally the attack on the city's elitist , foreign delegates an expats at the magnificient Taj and the Oberoi towers. The Jewish community's centre too was the prime target. The terrorists kept the city at gun-point for about 50 hours.

The aftereffects of the attack were painful and in a word unbearable as the once landmark of Mumbai, the Taj was down in debris from the inside. As smoke emerged out from the splendid 106 year old structure and pool of blood accumulated in the hotel, tears rolled down everybody's cheeks and everybody seemed to ask just one question, how could this happen?

After a week, life has returned back to normalcy, security has been increased at every important part in the city. Mumbai is back to business. The resilience of Mumbai has been tested a few times even before this but the city did not crumble. The legendary spirit continues and the unity and solidarity that people showed during this crisis is definitely the stuff legends are made of.

The tolerance of the city and the cosmopolitan culture of the city has won over the fanaticism and evil ideas of the terrorists across the borders. They could kill many lives couldn't shatter the spirit of Mumbai. As the bodies charred and many last rites performed Mumbai lives on. The spirit stays on forever!

　
Among the places I visited this time till now include, my memorable visit to Disney Sea, Roppongi, Ginza, Akihabara, Yoyogi, Harajuku, Shibuya, Komazawa, Yokohama, Toyosu, Imperial Palace Gardens, etc. Each of these places is unique and beautiful in its own way. For nature-lovers looking for serenity and fitness freaks there is no place as good as Imperial Palace Gardens or Yoyogi Park. Imperial Palace Gardens are a beautiful stretch of well maintained lawns in the heart of bustling city where people of all ages run and jog around. Yoyogi too is a great area for jogging and relaxing. The Rose Garden in the park is very gorgeous and pretty. The Tokyo Midtown Gardens at Roppongi too are an awesome place to unwind. Just watching the gushing stream pass through the park relaxes and rejuvenates oneself.

Parks in Tokyo on weekends sees families picnicking together and joggers paving their way through the well maintained tracks. Yoyogi park is known for its autumn leaves, especially the golden leaves of the many ginko trees. The Waterfront at Toyosu is absolutely breath-taking. The view of the Tokyo Sky-line from there is in one word simply inimitable. The liveliness and noise of Harajuku and Shibuya coupled with punk fashion is a delight for a spectator and is a shopper`s paradise. Obviously then, these places see a great crowd of foriegners living the time of their lives simply because they are in Tokyo!

Yokohama is a posh town consisting of many sky scrapers. The view of the Rainbow Bridge and the Landmark Tower is amazing. The University Town of Komazawa too is very beautiful and the tree-lined roads add to its beauty. Akihabara is the Electric Town of Tokyo and has latest gadgets on display. The large number and variety of electronic items on display surely makes you awestruck.

Roppongi, Ginza and Omote-Sando are amazingly plush districts in the city having flagship stores of a number of high-brands ranging from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Bvlgari, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo and many more. Ginza is also known world wide for its expensive shopping and exclusivity. Omote-Sando boasts of the largest LV store! and is referred to as Tokyo`s Champs-Elysees. Roppongi on the other hand too is a very plush district which houses many famous, expensive and premium hotels, restaurants and night-clubs.

Tokyo is a great city that never fails to amaze me each time I come here. I may see the same things time and again but still every nook and corner of this city seem as elegant and gorgeous as never before. I so wish I can stay longer in this beautiful city and spend the rest of my life here.
-Isha.
04/nov/08.

Diwali is the time when the entire family, distant cousins and friends get together to burst firecrackers and binge on sweets. Diwali witnesses spectacular illumination on a no-moon day with diyas, lanterns and fire-crackers adorning the festive sky. It is a happy ocassion, a festival of joy where houses are decorated and people dressed in their best to perform a special `Puja` to welcome the Goddess of Wealth into their homes.

Diwali is the festival associated with prosperity and hence playing cards and shopping during diwali has a special purpose. The motive behind the tradition of exchanging Diwali Gifts is to accentuate the feeling of love and brotherhood in the society. Through gifts people convey their respect, good wishes, blessings, love and appreciation for a person and his family. Shoppers revel in this festival and shopping malls do brisk business during this time of the year.

Diwali indicates the return of mythic King Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya from exile. In some parts of the country it indicates the Harvest festival as each harvest is associated with prosperity. The first day is celebrated as `Dhanteras` where grains are worshipped and gold and silver is bought, the second day is `Narak-chaturthi` where an early dawn bath with `uptan` is stressed upon. The third day is the most important day of this festival and `Laxmi-puja` is performed, to worship the the Goddess of Wealth. The fourth day is `Padwa` which is the commencement of a New Year and the final or the last day is `Bhai-dhuj` which glorifies the bond between a brother and a sister.

Diwali is also called as `Deepawali`, it literally means `Rows of Light` in Sanskrit. It is celebrated on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. It symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness.

Schools and colleges are granted a 3-weeks long vacation for this festival and offices are granted atleast a few days of holiday. It is a festival which celebrates love and brotherhood among people. This festival is a renewal in hope for success, prosperity and happiness in life. Indians believe there is one main moral to this festival: Good always wins over evil.
-Isha.
29/oct/08





※本人による日本語訳

光の祭り「ディワリ」

先週からインドでディワリという祭りがあり興奮がいっぱいあります。インドの人々はディワリに伝統,歴史と神話を関連付けています。ディワリは秋の祭りで、と5日ぐらい続きます。

子どもたちは花火をして女の子はランゴリ（床絵）やディヤ（インドの伝統的なランプ）といろいろなお菓子を作ります。家族にプレゼントをあげてみんな楽しいです。

ディワリのとき家族のみんなは一緒に花火をしておいしい食べ物を食べます。月が無い日の夜に花火は空をi照らします。人々の家で提灯もあります。この祭りのときは、みんな新しい洋服で祝います。また、プジャと呼ばれる儀式もあります。。このプジャをして幸の神様に歓迎します。

ディワリは繁栄の祭り買い物をしたり、カードゲームをすることは幸先の良いことだと信じられています。プレゼントをあげることは愛や兄弟愛を意味です。この時期は買い物はとても重要なので店はいっぱいのものを売っています。

ディワリは神話で おお様ラマが自分の国に帰るためのお祝いと言われています。初めの日をデャンテラスと言います。その日に穀物の儀式をして金と銀を買います。次の日はナラクチャテュルティと言います。その日の出の前でシャワーをします。次の日は一番大切とラクシュミプジャと言います。4日めパドワと言います。その日から新しい年が始まります。最後の日はバイデュジュと言います。その日が最大の尊敬とl愛の祭りです。

ディワリはディパワリとも呼ばれています。ディパワリの意味はサンスクリット語でランプを並べることです。ヒンズカレンダーのアシュウィン月にあります。この祭りは暗闇をなくして光を広げるです。

学校と大学は3週間ぐらい休みになります。職場は5日ぐらい休みです。この祭りのときはみんな一緒に行ってお祝いします。この祭りの道徳は：「善は悪に勝つと言うことです。」

―イシャ。
10月31日

We reached Maihama at around 11 after which long queues to the ticket counter greeted us. When we finally entered Disney Sea we first had a boat ride, the boat ride gave us a glimpse of the awesome park. We then headed for Sindbad- The Sailor ride which beautifully depicted sailor Sindbad`s amazing voyage by the sea.

We walked around the entire park and it was simply magnificent, the cities and ports that were replicated and the ancient historical things that were depicted were truly amazing.

We were feasting on tasty snacks while on our walking trip through the park. Although we had occasional breaks at some of the restaurants still we were very exhausted. We then headed to the rides of which we had collected Fast-passes and enjoyed them to the hilt.

Among some of my favorites, the Indiana Jones ride was really interesting and so was the Venetian Fortress exploration. I enjoyed the Raging Spirits ride as well which propels you into a complete 360 degree turn. Super.

The American Waterfront comprised of a rail system, a classic American playhouse, restaurants and shops which characterized bustling New York. Cape Cod offered a slower pace and the opportunity to stroll leisurely along its quaint streets.

The Mediterranean Harbor allowed us to stroll through the streets of a charming fishing village on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, ride a gondola through the romantic canals reminiscent of Venice.

The fire-crackers in the evening were just delightful and the festive spirit of the visitors added to the charm of the park. The shopping in the park too was great, the shops comprised of really cool Disney merchandises and cookies and chocolates, I walked away with a funky hat and a tasty box of cookies.

The park just bubbled of excitement and adventure and one truly couldn`t help but marvel at the Disney magic where the ancient and modern world were reborn and breath-taking love-story between fire and water was created. Magic.

On the whole, we had a great time and this was truly an amazing experience that I would never forget. The festivity and the delight of this park will stay for a lifetime with me. I started to believe in the Disney adage which says- `Disney Sea- Where Adventure and Imagination Set Sail`...
-Isha.
27/oct/08.

※本人による日本語訳

一週間ぐらいブログを書いた後、私はディズニシへ行きたくなりました。前に東京ディズニランドへ行ったことがありますが、ディズニシへは初めて行きました。混んでいましたが楽しかったです。

11時に舞浜駅についてチケットを買うために長い列に並びようやく、パークの中に入りました。まず船に乗ってパークを観光しました。そのあとシンドバッドの乗り物に乗りました。アラビアの街のエリアでアラビアン料理を食べてから乗り物に乗ろうと考えたけれど、行列だったから先にファストパスをとっておきました。

そのあとパークをたくさん歩いていろいろな街や港の風景を見ました。途中でお菓子も食べた。私たちはたくさん歩いてとても疲れてしまいました。そして最後にファストパスを取っていた乗り物に乗った。本当に楽しかったです。

インディージョンズとレイジングスピ―リッツは一番大好きな乗り物でした。アメリカンウォーターフロントを歩くのも面白かったです。ベニスの道を通った時ゴンドラを見たのも楽しかったです。

夕方の花火や人々の盛り上がりは素晴らしかったでした。パークで買い物をするのも面白くていっぱい買い物をしました。とても素晴らしいい時間を過ごしました。一生忘れないトリップになりました。
ーイシャ。
10月27日。

Although I can`t really answer the latter as I have no means to calculate it and I don`t even remember!. However there are many little things that every average student or person can do to make this Earth a better place to live in.

In Japan I`ve seen a number of green spaces, although technically and industrially advanced as a Nation. I learnt that their respect for Mother Nature has made them very environmental friendly. Apart from creating a large number of green spaces there is a great deal of awareness among the Japanese people on this issue. At the recently concluded Japanese Formula One GP, eco-friendly green grooves on tyres were used. What a fantastic way to go green in a sport that requires a hell lot of fuel!

Back in India I believe in saving electricity as much as possible. I do not have an air-conditioner in my bed-room in Mumbai and I don`t even feel the need for one as the garden outside provides me with clean,fresh air. I try to switch off the mains when required. As far as my transport means are concerned I have always been using public transport to the University. I try to plant as many trees as possible in my own little garden that I maintain.

These few things although may not really be a great deal they are definitely a way to improve living for me and the generation that follows. If each one of us tries to contribute a little bit in their own way this world would definitely be a nicer and cleaner place to exist in.

Planting trees and regulating the use of CFC [Chloro Flouro Carbon] compounds emitting gadgets and machines apart from using public transport and car-pool services will surely go a long way.

In future I would really like to use Biotechnology for environmental purposes. Be it introducing a variety of micro-organisms that eat up the waste in the ground or inventing many other ways that will help the mankind in protecting the environment.
-Isha.
24/oct/08.

Trains are also known as Life-line of Mumbai. About 6 million people travel by trains each morning to work. This is the highest passenger density travelling by trains in the world.The rail network in Mumbai is one of the best however the same cannot be said about its comfort. Buses are another important modes of transport. The routes covered by buses being large, they are more widely used.

Taxis are a common mode of transport all over the city but they can be spotted more in the Southern Region of Mumbai. Recently more and more private companies are also venturing into the transport business.

I travel largely by bus as it is more convinient and it stops right in front of my University building, whereas I would have to walk a long distance if I travel by train. The cost would be more if I decide to travel by an auto-rickshaw or a taxi. Most young people prefer traveling by bus as trains tend to be too crowded at times. Many Universities in and around Mumbai provide thier students with Student`s Concession for travelling.

Regular ferry services are also available in South Mumbai. This service ferries passengers from the heart of the Suburbs to the Southern Regions of Mumbai which houses many offices.

The travel options in Mumbai are large are convinient. The efficiency of transport system in Mumbai is one of the best among major Indian cities.

Although trains have to bear a lot of pressure per day due to overcrowding, the smooth functioning of travel means in Mumbai indicate the smooth running of work among the population.
-Isha.
23/oct/08.

※本人による日本語訳

インドの公共交通機関

ムンバイはインドの島の都市と呼ばれています。ムンバイの公共交通機関は電車、バス、リキシャとタクシーです。

電車はライフラインと呼ばれています。ムンバイでは毎日600万人以上の人が電車に乗って仕事へ行き世界で一番多いです。バスもムンバイにある大切で便利な公共交通機関です。

リキシャも大切で有名な公共交通機関です。リキシャはリキシャスタンドから乗れます。リキシャは郊外までしか行きません。3人以下しかリキシャに乗れません。

タクシーはムンバイ中にいますが特に南ムンバイにたくさんあります。南ムンバイにはリキシャのサービスがないからです。最近は民営のも交通機関も参入してきています。

私はいつもバスに乗ります。なぜかというとバスは大学の前で止まるから便利だからです。電車と歩きは遠くなります。若者は電車は混んでいるからバスに乗ります。ムンバイとその周辺の大学は電車とバスの学生割引を提供します。

南ムンバイから郊外までフェリーも運行しています。

ムンバイでは旅行の交通手段はいっぱいあってべんりです。ムンバイの公共交通機関はインドの主要都市の中で一番便利です。

電車が発達しているおかげで、人々の仕事が円滑に進むのです。
―イシャ。
10月23日。

I was Five when I first came to Japan so I don`t really remember the kind of food I ate but I am pretty sure I ate the traditional Indian food along with my parents. But I do remember that on my visit to this amazing place in my early teens I didn`t like Japanese food. I thought the food was bland and didn`t like its rawness. However as I kept frequenting here I fell in love with this Cuisine and now I absolutely swear by the sushi!

Earlier eating with chopsticks was also a big problem! However now I am able to handle even a tiny morsel!. Strong and pungent Wasabi flavor too was an initial put-off.

This time I`ve been opting out more for Japanese food than for any other. I find it healthy and amazingly tasty. I am a complete sea-food freak so maybe, after the initial resistance, it wasn't really difficult for me to adore Japanese cuisine.

There are a lot of dishes that I really like however the ones that stay on tip of my tongue every time I think of Japanese food are sushi,sashimi,miso-soup,yakitori and shabu-shabu. Nigiri sushi and maki-zushi with its unque wrapping of sea-weed around a rice ball is definitely the most delicious and filling food I`ve ever had.

Sashimi dipped in soy sauce is great as well and so is yakitori in various combinations like soy-sauce dipped or salt and sesame sprinkled,each combination lending it an unique taste. Miso-soup too is great and shabu-shabu dipped in soy-sauce is an absolute treat to anybody`s taste-buds.

Tempura too is a delightful food and so are other meat,fish and egg based dishes. A generous dollop of soy-sauce makes the food even more lip-smacking.

Among the drinks, sake is undoubtedly the most common and the most famous Japanese liqour. It is a kind of wine made from rice grains. It is popularly referred to as rice-wine.

I first had sushi at a picnic on the outskirts of Tokyo and didn`t like it that time. But later at every traditional Tokyo restaurant I fell in love with it everytime I had it. Shabu-shabu is the food which has the distinction of me loving it in the very first bite. I`ve tasted other Japanese food as well and loved it. I am glad that many of my friends are lapping up Japanese food and know it beyond rice-crackers. Rice crackers and other Japanese Wasabi snacks are pretty much a hit with folks back home.

Japanese food is famous in India for its exclusivity and is available at an eye-popping price at some amazingly premium restaurants.

I hope that in future Japanese food is made more available and less expensive. I think its now time that common folks and University students too get a taste of healthier and tasty food at an affordable price.
-Isha.
21/oct/08.

※本人による日本語訳

最近インドではインド人たちはほかの国料理を食べれようになってきています。インドでは地域ごとにいろいろな料理がたくさんあります、でも若者は外国の料理を好んでいます。

イタリア料理と中華料理は世界中有名です。今は中華料理は世界中どこでもたべるとができます。最近日本料理は注目されています。特に寿司と刺身です。世界中の人々は健康志向になっています。寿司と刺身は健康から一番いいと考えられています。

日本へ初めてきた時私は5歳でした。その時何を食べた何も覚えていません。でもそのあと日本へ来たとき日本料理はあまり好きではありませんでした。でも頻繁に日本行くうちに好きになった。いまは一番大好きな料理は日本料理です。

最初は箸で食べるのは難しかったですでも今は小さなものも箸を使って食べれています。最初わさびの強い味も好きではありませんでした。

私はシ
ーフードが大好きだから日本料理を好きになることはあまり難しいことではありませんでした。

日本料理に好きな食べ物はたくさんありますがまず思いつくのは寿司、刺身、みそ、焼き鳥としゃぶしゃぶです。ノリでくるんであった握り寿司と巻寿司はほんとうにおいしいです。しょう油につけたさしみは素晴らしいです。たれの焼鳥と塩とゴマの焼鳥もおいしそうな食べ物です。天ぷらも大好きな食べ物です。食べ物はしょう油の味付けをすると何でもおいしくなります。

日本の飲み物で一番有名は酒です。酒は米から作ったワインです。海外ではライスワインと呼ばれています。

寿司を食べた初めのときは東京でのピクニックでした。その時寿司は好きではありませんでしたがそのあといろいろなところででも食べるうちに大好きになった。しゃぶしゃぶははじめから好きでした。私はほかの日本料理の食べ物も大好きです。友達は日本のせんべいが大好きでほかの日本料理も食べて見たいと言ってます。

インドで日本料理は非常に高級なレストランにあります。

将来的に大学生でも食べられるように、安い日本料理レストランがたくさんあったら私は幸せです。今日本にいる間に日本料理をたくさんたべたいです。
-イシャ
10月21日。

We were then told that we would be alloted in a hotel until the flight is arranged for us. A 10 hour wait at the hotel followed after which we were told that we would be leaving by the 6pm flight. That made our wait 18 hours!. We then arrived at the airport and soon got into the aircraft. We were glad that the flight finally took-off with. Yippee!

However we were aware that we had missed our connecting flights and were told that they had arranged hotel accomodation and connecting flights for us. We boarded a flight to Tokyo and finally reached here in Tokyo at 7pm on the 17th of October.

I then attended a Welcome Party arranged for me savouring wonderful Mediterranean Cuisine. Next day I was going to go for Live Jazz at Tokyo Club at Suidobashi. Now that was pretty exciting primararily because I had never been to 1 before. I enjoyed myself to the hilt there and the Band 3MM surely rocked!

The following day we went to Asakusa Shrine and Roppongi`s Tokyo Midtown Garden. It was a beautiful garden with lush green lawns and awesome landscape. As a Botany student it was a treat for me as I got to know about various species of plants and flowers. We walked about a lot on the streets of Ginza,the shopping district and Roppongi and shopped as well.

We returned home tired but rejuvenated and I got a chance to unwind in this beautiful country and was glad that I could destress myself since I`ve been working hard and round the clock since the past 2 years for University Entrances!sad!.

As I begin my 4th day here in this lively city of Tokyo I thought of sharing my wondreful experiences with others.

I consider myself lucky and and am grateful to this amazing country to help me become a better person and providing me with stunning entertainment each day and night!. I wish that the remaining 3 weeks also turn out to be as great as they have been till now.
-Isha.
20/oct/08.

※本人による日本語訳

日本へ来てから４日になった。日本は「親切な国」と呼ばれている。なぜかというと私は日本が新切な印象を受けたからです。このような親切はこの時だけではなく子供のころからずっとみています。

ムンバイを去った時、何かが起こるとは少しもわかりませんでした。飛行機に座っていたが私たちは降りた。飛行機に技術的な問題があったから。たいへん！

そのあと私たちはホテルで１０時間ぐらい待っていた。そのあと６時の飛行機に乗ってクアラルンプールへ着いた。そこで８時間ぐらい待っていてほかの飛行機に乗ってやっと東京へついた。１0月１７日夜７時ごろついた。

それから、welcome party へ行った。そのpartyでメデテリアン料理を食べた。次の日ジャズのライブに行った。それまではジャズを見たことがなかった。とても楽しかったです。３mm　バンドは本当にすごかったです。

その次の日私たちは浅草明治と六本木の東京ミッドタウンへ行った。その庭は立派な庭でした。私は植物学の学生ですから、その庭のピクニックがもっと面白く感じました。そのあとで六本木と銀座をたくさん歩いて買い物をしました。

２年間ずっと私は入学試験でたくさん勉強したから、このような休みは必要なことです。日本はとてもきれいな国と信じられています。

日本に来て4日で、賑やかな日本を皆様と一緒に共有できました。

日本へ来たら私は本当に幸せになった。毎日このようなエンターテイメントがあると祈っています。残りの３週間も素晴らしくなってほしいです。