Monday, January 28, 2013

Finally gave into fad for shoes

After a long time resisting the fad for five-finger shoes, I finally gave in and bought these (yes in pink!) - http://www.rei.com/product/835034/vibram-fivefingers-kso-multisport-shoes-womens-2011-overstock
Lets see if there any truth in all the "awesomeness" of these shoes or chappal or whatever they are.

Also spend the weekend doing touristy things - eating at interesting places, all recommended by locals -
Shana Thai
Sakoon Indian
Banana Leaf Malasian
Madras cafe
(2 more to come before the weekend is over)

But I earned it all by going for a 6 mile run on Stevens Creek trail and then hike up Mission Peak ~6miles RT, 2000ft elevation gain.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Fastest zip through US immigration

Today I was very pleasantly surprised by US immigration, a totally rare event. I was asked just one question - which I answer wrong anyway. What type of visa you have - I said H1 though I have a B1 :), old habits. Then just right hand fingerprint and photo, and you are done! In general it felt like line was moving quite fast, perhaps they are learning from Europe! Of course Switzerland still holds the record for efficiency, out of plane and on the train in under 20 minutes!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Me, snow and love

I love snow, I am scared of it, I still love it. Any day I getup and see the rooftops covered with snow, it makes for a great day. This year winter in Zurich did not disappoint, we had feet of snow in December before I left, and there is still some on ground now, and this is just middle of winter. It feels so awesome to be covered in overcoat, gloves, scarf, hat and winter shoes and go out walking in snow with temp under 0C as if its just another day. I am still not so comfortable walking on snow, but its perfect here where elfs always come in the morning and anytime after snow to clear the walkways. Looking forward to doing some snowshoeing this year, and maybe finally take out crampons to try something.

Monday, January 07, 2013

If Tomorrow Comes - Sidney Sheldon

Somehow I found this book in my collection left back in India and decided to read it out of boredom. The book turned out to be a surprise, I might or might not have read it earlier, but its a real page turner. It starts out with the central strong female character becoming a victim. As you are reading, its quite clear that you feel her foolish and pretty much expect what's going to happen. Soon though it turns into a real surprise and in the end you have a completely different feeling from when you started. There are of course some naive incidents in the book which you are bound to say - really! it does not happen that way. But then again if everything was totally realistic, then it would not be a work of fiction. So pick up the book and enjoy it, a really good read.