I initially planned for 1 month trip but it got prolonged to 3 months as I had to take care of my father's health. I saw him struggling to walk and took him to Orthopedic specialist. We came to know that he has severe osteoarthritis on both his knees and total knee replacement (TKR) surgery was only alternative. As part of surgery screening, a cardiologist told me that my father needs angioplasty. After consulting with Dr Soma Raju (a popular Cardiologist), it was determined that no angioplasty (stent) was needed, much to our delight. However, the doctor recommended to wait for 1 month before father gets surgery due to other health conditions. For me, the whole episode with TKR was a emotional roller coaster with mixed emotions !. Thanks to Ananda Rao mamayya who was of great support to me during this time. I am hoping to visit India after a month or so to get smooth surgery done.
I got chance to meet Friends, Bava's, Mamayya's and other family members during this trip as there was ample time. I am fortunate to be part of such a big family with my elders holding elite positions in the society. Lots of dinners, drinking, sweets and greasy food ! Much to my dismay, I gained whooping 10 kgs (20 lbs) weight during these 3 months. None of my pants fit now with my waist size grown from 32 to 36 inches ! Lot of elbow grease needed for me when I return to USA.
I also visited Bangalore to meet my friends. Although the city has grown exponentially as a technological hub, I must say that Bangalore has lost its charm !
Sadly, I had to witness AP state getting divided into Telangana and Andhra for political gains (Thanks to Congress party).
I played my 11 old nephew Manoj who incidentally got gold medal for his performance in Olympiad Maths. He is proving to be bright boy with lot more achievements to come. We also have a new addition to our family namely Jessie which is a dalmatian puppy.
In Jan 2014, I got rare opportunity to meet Ramu Mamayya. He is someone who always loved us but we didn't get chance to meet personally. Had opportunity to spend time this winter. Enjoyed his great humor and wit. Here is the pic from Inorbit mall in Hitech city (Telangana)
Velagatoor village trip (Feb 21 2014)
Velagatoor village (located in 2 km from koilakuntla, Kurnool district) is my father's native place where he grew up. It is a small village with 2000 population. It is around 300 kms from Hyderabad. (Hyderabad to Kurnool - 210 km. Kurnool to Velagatur via bethamcharla - 90 km)
Me and my father went to this nostalgic place in our recently serviced car. It took us 5 hrs to reach this place (3 + 2 hrs). My father recently quit smoking for his knee surgery preparation which set off withdrawal syndrome. He wanted to chill out by by visiting this serene place and reminiscing his memories. We had a overnight stay and paid respects to our late elders at their burial. Some of the pics from the trip...
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| Bus shelter at the village donated by me |
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| This is the street father grew up |
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| Front view of the house |
