Packing for USA from India

Many Desies travel every year for jobs, studies and other reasons to the land of opportunity. USA is developed country where you can get whatever you want under the sun. You just have to spend some extra bucks. Which off course we multiply with 60 for first few months. Limited luggage, sweets made by mommy, gifts by friends, favorite dresses, so many documents agghhh!! Its hard to leave something special or important behind.
Do not go for every other favorite items, pack smart, keep in mind what essential you would need in everyday life, which you might not get there easily, what you gonna need and may last through out your trip!! Think... Think.... Another funda is, that you should pack small and inexpensive stuff that you need to buy just once.
I hope this article helps you in your packing and stay.


Must Pack:

Documents: 

1. Passport
2. Visa
3. Confirmed tickets.
4. Original birth certificate.
5. Marriage certificates and photo showing religious wedding ceremony.
6. Senior citizen certificate to get discounts.
7. Driving license ( in some states you can drive motor vehicle for first 60 days if you have valid driving license from your country).

8. Medical certificates, test reports, prescriptions.
9. Degrees and mark sheets.
10. Money: Indian currency just to use on air port. US currency.
11. Passport size photos.
12. First aid kit.

Good to Pack:

For Everyone:

1. Some instant ready to eat dry and packed snacks or meals because you would be tired after 20+ hours of long flights e.g; Oats umpa, noodles, soups.

2. Pressure cooker, so that you don't miss those whistles, kidding, If you like Indian food, you need it.
  bring extra gascet.
3. Microwave safe idly maker.
4. Basic kitchen utensils, pinwheel, nonstick flat saucepans and tava.
Extra Tip: Utensils should be flat bottom since in USA burners are flat. Fill those utensils with packed food or clothes to save space.
5. Kitchen towels.
6. Nail clippers
7. General medicines, please bring doctor's prescription.
8. Religious books.
9. Phone covers.
10. Cotton towels, gamusa or gamchha.
11. Reading glasses, its very expensive here, so you better pack one extra.
12. Fine cotton bed sheet and top sheet. Check standard measurement for beds on internet.
13. Green tea.
14. toothbrushes.
15. Tongue cleaner
16. Extra shoe laces (thank me later ;)




For Her:

1. Mehendi cones.
2. Indian ethnic dresses and footwear.
3. Hair accessories, hair pin, rubber bands, hair bands etc.
4. Bangles.
5. Scarfs, shawls.
6. Bindi

For Him:

1. Belts.
2. Wallets.
3. Handkerchiefs.
4. Mufflers
5. Leather shoes.

There are few things you may wish you had pack once you reach here:

1. Essential oils.
2. Family  photos.
3. Woolens knitted by loved one to get special warmth.
4. Indian mouth freshener, dry paan, supari etc.
5. If you are a fan of Ayurveda get those jadi booti, with a prescription off course.
6. Get some made in India handicraft items for new friend you will make here, key chain, show pieces.

What NOT to Pack:

1. There is no point of packing spices, lentils, and other food if you are going to stay for long. You will find everything here, fresh and not that expensive.
2. Do not buy heavy jackets and coats in India, you will need heavy winter wears to beat winters in colder region, so better shop from here.
3. Ladies please don't shop and pack western dresses from India. You will get better quality for less money in here.
4. Crockery, knives, hangers, kitchen utensils, glassware.

* If you gonna stay for longer time, do check with your banker or CA regarding your bank accounts, property and taxes.
** Discontinue your mobile, dish, internet, gas and electricity connection.
*** You can convert your mobile connection to pre paid, to get free incoming sms.

The Legend of Noh Ka Likai

This tallest plunge waterfall in India is situated in Sohra Meghalaya, near Cherapunjee which is the wettest place on Earth. It's height is 340 meters. By crushing solid rocks gradually water created a small pond at the bottom of cliff. This place is less explored.

There is a twisted sad story behind the name of this beautiful water fall. The story is about a mother, Ka Likai who happen to remarry after the death of her husband. She used to work as a porter. One day when Ka Likai came home after work, look around for her daughter. Husband served him meal. She used to eat betel nuts and leaves after meal, so she went looking around her beetle cutter, found fingers of her innocent daughter besides the cutter. Ka Likai realized that her jealous husband killed  poor daughter and cooked her meat. After realizing it Ka like ran around madly and jump off the edge of water fall which is now know as "Noh Ka Likai Falls".
The horrific story behind the name gives an eerie sense. This place is quite, away from chaos and noises. Clouds, vegetation and color of rocks creates a heavenly canvas, water falls from cliff very peacefully but the story can make you restless.

Duluth Hot Air Ballon Fest Sept'15

Where the crystal clear water of world's largest fresh water lake meets the endless horizon, diverse community celebrates fun events together, beautiful seaport and aromatic cafes are in abundance that city is known as Duluth.

Bayfront Festival Park:

For the first time I with my friends went to this beautiful city in September 2015, during Hot Air Ballon Fest.
Unfortunately, due to wind speed it was not safe to inflate the balloons that day! But I could observe how do they operate these giants. Military band in the Bayfront Festival Park was playing 80's and 90's songs, couples, kids were dancing, everyone was having a good time. Kiwanis Kite Fly started in the morning and they gave away 5,000 kites for free. Vibrant mermaids, butterflies and American flag were coloring the sky.

Since balloons were not taking off we were walking by the shore, we were walking around the shore and saw one big ship was ready to pass the aerial bridge, which connect shores. I could capture a video of its functioning.

Craft Brew Village and Helicopter Ride:

In the Craft Brew Village so many outlets were showcasing various fine locally crafted beer. These guys were happy to help anyone and were educating people about local microbreweries and national crafted beer. To taste these beer one had to buy coupons at the cash counter and than you can taste and decide which beer you want from various breweries. There were many food trucks serving tasty treats. A few craft stores were selling vibrant hot air balloons made of paper  and other beautiful crafts items. It was a great combination of beer, live military band, helicopters, hot air ballon and lake Superior. Superior Helicopters were offering good tour deals. It was for 50$ per person to fly over Twin Port and various landmarks. It was one of a best experience of my life. From up there I could see how huge Lake Superior is. I was in air flying around not in hot air ballon(as planned) but helicopter.

Detox Your Mind

Free Steps to De-Stress

Quinoa Salad

This salad is full of color, healthy carbs, anti-oxidants and taste, yes it is tasty! It is so easy to make and does not require a long list of ingredient.
It's a vivid treat for people like who first eat with their eyes.

Ingredients: 

* 1 cup boiled quinoa,

* 1 cup washed chopped  kale/ lettuce or any other green you like,

* 1/2 cup boiled sweet potato cubes,

* 2 tbsp of cranberry sauce or any seasonal berry available. If that's not handy go for 2 tbsp lemon juice for that tangy taste your tastebuds want.

* Rock salt as per taste.


Recipe:

Well you guessed it right. Oh yeah just mix all these vibrant veggies in a giant bowl. Toss them gently. Enjoy this easy to make salad with your music on and stress gone.

Making Decision?

What do you do when you are about to make a big decision of your life, that would transform your today and tomorrow?

Most of us start comparing present and future after making THAT decision, Google our doubts, talk to close and experienced once.
Most of the time you are in dilemma. Look up to people who did something like that.

It is not easy living with those emotions. What to do?
Here are few things you can do:

* Pick up your diary jot down pros and cons if you take the chance or vice versa.
* Do not miss any aspect, be it cost, time, potential of success.
* Talk to people who really know and understand you.
* Go for professional help for decision related to finance, health or career.

Whatever decision you make, just go for it!