US trip - 2025

Greetings!

Summary of my trip to US: 

Lucknow - Delhi - Istanbul - New York

New York - Sacramento - Los Angeles - Houston

Houston - Mexico - Guadulupe - Guadalajara

Guadalajara - New York

Maryland - Baltimore - Alumni Gathering

Rhode Island - Providence - friendly visit

Cincinnati - Dayton (Ohio) - Chicago - New York

Details for those who have time and energy: 

This was a prolonged peregrination. I also note that this is my 25th year of visiting the US. The first was the longest one, way back in 2001 - from May to December. I experienced one of the most traumatic events of the modern history of the US and the world, the terror attack on the world tower. 

I set off on Sat July 19th night and arrived at Lucknow airport 100 kms away using public transport. I was well in time for my flight to Delhi. My plan to go to Delhi by bus was cancelled, as it was relaibly leanrt that the government sponsored kaavad jatras were likely to create major road blocks. Delhi - Istanbul, almost 5 hours at the IGA lounge thanks to a priority card in possession, then another 9 odd hours to New York, JFK. Indigo the first phase partner was generous to provide one warm vegetarian meal, with no entertainment whatsoever for the long 7 hour flight.  But the Turkish people, though not any that pleasant, were a bit more generous with food and entertainment.

No major questions asked at the immigration, though there was some unprecedented scene (for me) resembling the last judgement, where the sheep would be separated from the lambs, here, the. citizens being separated from the visitors! I was received at the airport by my 'sponsor' and friend, Fr Liju, formerly, my junior in CMI, and presently of the diocese of Brooklyn. O was to be at his parish of St Theresa of Lisieux (Little Flower) for the month of August as a resident.

There was an apartment all set for me in the rectory. As Turkish people had fed us well, I was soon in the bed.

Next day, Fr Liju briefly introduced me to the church routine and I took part in the daily morning prayer and mass at 8.45 am.  Soon I got ready and I was dropped off at the airport by Fr Liju for my trip to Sacramento, CA. This was a long trip - 2 hours to Detroit and another 3 to SA. There, the parish priest and the CMI cultural centre in charge Fr George Thadathil, received me with the young CMI, Fr Joby. We had some food - typical Malayalee kappa & meat, and then retired for the night. As per my request Fr G had arranged Mr Roy, a former CMI trainee, to take me around to San Francisco. The ride was good. San Francisco, especially the classical Golden Gate over the Pacific, was misty and cold, and I caught a cold. But relished the bridge. The weather, the view, and we liked around - enjoying unique flora and avian fauna. At the town, we had a typical British lunch of fish and chips. 

We returned. Had some food, and then I was dropped at the Greyhound bus stand, as suggested by me, making it comfortable and affordable for all concerned. Fr George took my ticket to LA and also gave some pocket money. 

The bus ride was fine and the lady who was at the wheel for the fairly long trip of about 400 miles, reached us before time. I was received there by Bella and Garry, faithful senior parishioners of Fr Sebastian Vettickal. They took me for breakfast, which was heavy, but to which I did full justice. 

Then we arrived at the rectory - I was glad to see Fr Savience, my predecessor at SHC, with his brother there. He was on a personal visit. We exchanged pleasantries. He was to leave that night itself. 

 After a while, Sebastian arrived, he is negotiating with some problem with his heart. We were meeting after a long time - almost 30 years. According to his arrangement, Bella and Garry came again, took me aaround the Botanical Garden, the Hollywood area, and then a fabulous exhibition of a 18th century painting of Crucifixion and a modern sequel of Resurrection - something really worth seeing. We returned. We had some dinner. And next day, after the mass, I was taken to a bus station, from where buses ply to the airport for a very reasoanble rate (USD 12). This is a great arrangement to reduce traffic and the burden on the commuters and their friends as well.

I flew to Houston, where Biji and Aniyan came to receive me. It is a one hour drive. At their home in Sugarland, familiar to me from several visits now, Aleena had prepared some food in spite of her busy schedule of job and volunteering in the Church.  It was salmon and shrimp! Good effort, though there is room for improvement. 

The next day, I was taken to St Thomas Aquinas by Aniyan and I had meetings with the acting President, the vice President for international affairs and Dr Beena, the head of the business school, who is the daughter of the erstwhile chief engineer of our Rajagiri Engineering College. Later on, I attended the regular mass of the campus at 1200. It was St James' Day. And then I was treated to the classic texan steak at the very famous local restaurant, and sent off with promises of follow-up.  In the evening, Palakkappillil (Kiliyatt) Paul hosted a local alumni gathering.  Though the food was good, the giant steak of the afternoon would not let me eat anything more. The gathering was cordial and informal, and I got to know them better. The next day, Brigit also gave me some gifts, and they dropped me off at the airport. 

MEXICO - GUADALAJARA - IFCU I flew to Mexico and waited almost 4 hours for my colleagues from Christ University - the VC and the in-charge of the international office - to arrive. The local resident Malayalee, Augustine, introduced to us by Fr Jobichan was there and was very obliging. He took us too the place of our residence at the seminary of the the Scalabrianos. Fr Rector received us well. We retired for the night in the comfort of a religious home, and woke up to offer mass. 

Guadalupe: After a breakfast, we were led by Augustine to the famous (and perhaps, the oldest) Marian pilgrim centre of Guadalupe, about an hour drive from where we were lodged.  The history of its development into a pilgrim centre is interesting - with an apparition to a farmer/shepherd Juan (pronounced Huan, meaning John) sometime in the 17th century. After much testing the bishop was convinced of something extraordinary there, and it got established as a Marian centre, with Mother Mary in a typically Mexican attire. 

Pilgrims throng in thousands, and there are masses - one after the other. The devotion is palpable. There are groups coming from different parts of the country or the continent, and camping on the premises, reminding me of the melas of UP; the drastic difference seen in cleanliness and orderliness, in spite of the rush; and very minimal littering. 

We were invited for the birthday celebrations of Augustine's son - and were the chief guests.   The next morning, we left for Guadalajara (pronounced gWadalahara) about 500 kms away.  There we were received by a deacon Lalo of Scalabrianos, who is to be ordained this year. While the Christ University people were lodged in a top hotel, I chose the seminary accommodation of the Scalabrianos, as the hotel accommodation would have been around 75 to 100 USD per day.  

The assembly of the Catholic Universities began with a simple inaugural function - 2 cardinals and 3 bishops, besides several other Vatican dignitaries. It was followed by solemn Eucharist with the university choir making a powerful impact. And then there was cocktail dinner by the host university. 

The conference was costing me about 850 euros, which was funded by Bijnor province, for which I work now. That was gracious of them. This included just the conference and accompanying programmes, and meals on the site.  It amounted to Rs. 87000 in Indian rupees. The cost of travel and accommodation, extra. Perhaps, this is the last time I attended this gathering.  I had always been critical of it, saying that it was not being 'catholic' but rather an exclusive club - highly Eurocentric. But those criticisms had fallen on deaf ears. 

The five-day gathering was engaging with presentations, reflections, sharing and also election for a new committee. Now, Christ VC would represent Indian Catholic universities (read, Colleges) on this board. Prior to him, I was representing them.  There are some 400 Catholic Colleges in India.  One special feature of the programme was an outing to Tequila (a region which makes the popular Mexican alcohol - Tequila. It is made out of Agave - a thorny desert plant, resembling pineapple. It grows large enough to have a stem weighing 30 to 40 kilos in about 3 years. Shorn of all its leaf-blades, it would resemble a huge pineapple, and is called its 'heart', which is cut, dried, processed to make Tequila).  We were introduced to the drink and had a fabulous lunch on the factory dining hall. 

St. Therese of Liseux Parish - Brooklyn, New York From there I hurried back to Brooklyn on August 2nd morning, and managed to reach the rectory  flying across the middle of US for almost 3 hours.  Next day onwards, I remained practically stay put there - regular mass at 9 am, confessions on Saturday evening, sick calls and annointing as and when required, baptisms - pre-arranged, and some funerals. 

My friend Sajan made his bicycle available and that kept me mobile.  The beautiful Prospect Park was just 3 miles away, and in that there was well laid bicycle tracks for bicyclists.  Good many of the city roads in New York have provision for a bicycle track, and it is safe that way. However, I still found it safer to ride a bike in Kochi and/or in India than anywhere else.  As we are a free country, and since we don't follow any rules, it is easier for us here😜😜. 

We had a gathering at Manikath Sunny's place of former SH students and a few turned up. I went there by bus after the mass, and returned by a late night bus to arrive well in time for the next day's mass. 

Dayton of Wright Brothers I had a vague idea that there was something to see in Kentucky - other than the fried chicken. There were quite a few CMI brothers working there, however, my only available free days of Saturday and Sunday would be the busiest days for them. Hence, I switched to a Plan B without delay. There was our alumnus, Mr Bejoy John, who had welcomed me that side and promised to link me to a Catholic university in his neighbourhood. He was quick to respond and instead of my proposal to drive from Dayton to the Chicago meet, he decided to fly and booked ticket for me too. So, winding up on the 5th of September with the usual mass, followed by a funeral mass, I rushed to airport - and with a stop over at Chicago Midway, proceeded to Cincinnatti, where I was received by Bejoy and his family member Cuckoo (a mix of Golden terrier and something else); a very very friendly and intelligent dog. The next day we spent in exploring the feats of Wright brothers and other Dayton pioneers. Visiting the original bicycle workshop of the brothers from where they flew to the heights of atmosphere. Then we visited the Airforce Museum - a great show of the growth of air defence from the earliest to the latest times. It is worth exploring for a whole day!! 

The United flight to Chicago insisted that the only handbag be checked in, for USD 40.00. However, there were just 5 passengers, and the only air crew on board decided to treat all of us as first class passengers. Offering us a free drink and refreshement on the house during the 40 minutes flight. 

Chicago: The Chicago gathering was all the more enriching thanks to the efforts made by the senior alumnus Herald, and the young alumnus Allen. Allen's whole family was involved and was almost overwhelmingly hospitable to me - though I am unused to any such niceties. But I had no choice. Allen's excellent PR work led to a good coverage on the media. The small programme got some sponsorship as well. The gathering was informal - all those who wanted to share something had time for it. Then we had a singing session with two of the sponsors from IDF (India Development Foundation) regaling the audience with their talent. 

Pope Leo's Chicago Neighbourhood - Dalton The next day, Allen and Herald took me around - on their plans, I had to cancel my planned visit to Fr John Kizhakkedan (hope you all remember him), who had established a scholarship for SH in my name.  We visited the childhood home of the present Pope Leo, a very ordinary, almost run down neighbourhood and home. Now a black settlement in a very neglected part of the Chicago suburb of Dolton. His parish church of St Mary's was found dilapidated and abandoned.  His home has been given a facelift after he was elected pope.  People have started visiting the place. There is a friendly policewoman on guard. The next door neighbour, Dana, who confessed herself to be an Evangelist, has taken upon herself to host the visitors, providing them directions, and for those who need some refreshments for the usual price. She also gathers prayer requests and get them blessed by some priest coming to visit the place. While the visit in itself was not of any interest to me, the possibility of a backward neighbourhood developing and becoming a better place thanks to someone from that neighbourhood being elected Pope is appealing to me. 

Broken Wagon Bison Farm Then we went to visit a farm rearing the Great Buffaloes (Bisons) of the 

native Americans.  The species almost on the verge of extinction due to the exploitation by the colonisers - killing millions for their skin, and also as a political strategy of depleting resources of the natives, so as to force them out of their localities - saw a great come back, thanks to the conservation efforts from the early 20th century including those by the leaders like President Roosevelt (himself an avid hunter turned conservationist).  Birde's Broken Wagon Bison (BWB) farm, which began about 20 years ago with just 4 cows, have now more than 120 animals.  This is the American national animal, and almost a sacred animal for the native Americans - however, that does not prevent them from rearing them and eating their meat!! The souvenir shop offers the skulls of buffaloes with horns, ranging from $75 to $200. They were generous enough to take the three of us on a farm wagon to the farm, where we remained amidst the herd of buffaloes grazing on the 160 acre ground - some of them really huge.

 

Heartian Family of Allen: After an Onam meal at Allen's home,  with kids of Allen's sister Anu (also our alumna - their maternal Grandfather, maternal uncle etc were also Heartian alumni) becoming unusually friendly with me, I had to bid good bye. Allen took me for a night ride of the down town around the River Chicago. I posed for a picture at the Art Institute of Chicago, where Swami Vivekananda made history by presenting the greatness of Vedanta to an American audience.  The street is named after him. 

On my insistence, Allen drops me at the airport. Flight is at 6 am, and they would not do the security clearance before 3 am. So we wait. Security cleared, the rest of the matter is normal.  At Laguardia, I rely on public transport - bus to subway (Metro), subway to Times Square, changing to No. 2 train, getting down at Newkirk and Little Haiti, then bus B8 to 45th street. Next three hours are spent in washing and packing, and by 4 pm, Fr Liju drops me at JFK. With sweets for friends and  staff my minimal baggage is overloaded.  For the permitted 46 kilos, I had just 28 kilos, but I felt overburdened by that. The major components were sweets/dry fruits for students & staff and the CMI house, and about half a dozen fiction books (received free) for the library. 

The Indigo connection from Istanbul was significant only for its near empty vessel, which permitted all those who wanted to stretch and sleep, a provision for that. Otherwise, there was nothing to do in that - no in-flight entertainment, no-food-or-refreshment-flight, except one warm meal for the entire stretch of the 7-hour flight! 

Arriving at 5 am in Delhi, I try to extend my air trip to Lucknow to gain 4 to 5 hours and show my face at the office for the day - but the price for the only flight that would suit my purpose is prohibitive - more than Rs. 10000 (usual fare around Rs 3500), plus Rs. 1200 for every kilo of the additional check-in baggage.  Though it was a tough task reaching and loading the four bags I was having, I thought it was trouble worth to save over Rs. 20000.00.

But connecting to public transport was not all that difficult - Airport express line takes you to New Delhi station in about 25 minutes, you shift to the Yellow Line to the next station (Rajeev Chowk), from there you get the blue line going to Vaishali, and you are there at ISBT Anand Vihar - all these stations accessible by lift! Even though I was willing to engage a porter (perhaps for the first time), I didn't have to do that - nor did I find porters readily available.  I get a Haryana Roadways bus to Sitapur by 8 am.  The conductor is quite friendly having guessed that I have travelled from abroad. Wants to share his share of US stories of his nephews and cousins who go there in 'the no. 2 channel', still finding it a risk worth taking!! He owes me Rs. 72. I wait to see if he asks for that after all that friendly chat. But he conveniently forgets it, but backed with dollar power, I treat it as a tip!! There are any number of trans-gender people out there in begging trade, and they coerce men to contribute.  Though never yielding to any such pressures, this time, I check my wallet and finding a 20 rupee note, donate the same. At the stop-over Dhaba, I treat myself to 2 masala kulhad tea and 2 packets of potato chips. I notice that he is charging Rs. 10 extra on each packet.  The usual me, either argue for the MRP, or decide not to purchase, making it known to them. But I don't. I am changing, or I am just getting old!!

At Sitapur, I get an e-rickshaw - the driver is not willing to fix any rate and insists on 'aap ki marzi'. He takes me to the monastery door, and I pay him a generous fee of Rs. 100.00 (usually 50 or 60), and he does not stand for any argument. 

Thus ends my trip of 1 month and 20 days.