Wimbledon 2009

Jignesh holding our official queue cards

The Wimbledon 2009 draw

Where should we go?

Maria Kirilenko with centre court in the background

Some doubles action

Since we had such an amazing time at Roland Garros, we had to check out some more tennis this week at Wimbledon! Because we failed to get tickets through the official ballot, we had to join the queue early in the morning to secure tickets. Wimbledon is one of the only major sporting events that reserves a number of tickets for same day sale. For show court tickets, you have to camp out. Otherwise, you simply pay your 20 quid and get groundspasses (these allow you see all the outside courts). The process of the queue is taken very seriously and an entire 50 page pamphlet on the rules and regulations of the queue is handed to you as soon as you join the queue. Even though play did not start until 12 noon, we arrived at 7:30am. We immediately received our queue cards..numbers 4,464 and 4,465! This year I was more prepared for the long wait and spent the wait time enjoying a picnic breakfast of fresh fruit, croissants, bagels, and coffee, sleeping on a soft blanket, and reading the paper. It was actually a painless process and the time actually went by quite quickly. Before we knew it, were inside the grounds and enjoying a sun filled day of fantastic tennis. Because it was only the third day of the tournament, many great players were on the outside courts and we were able to see players like Vera Zvonareva (#7 in the world), Nadia Petrova (#10 in the world), Agnieszka Radwanska (#11 in th world), Tommy Robredo (#15 in the world). and the Bryan Brothers (#1 ranked men's doubles team in the world).

Cheers!

Happy Dad's Day

Dad, Happy Father's Day! As I write this, I am sure you are either enjoying a float on your boat, a long bike ride, or a scenic hike through the Smokies (in just a few weeks I will get to do all these things with you!). Hopefully, you will also be rewarded with a delicious Mom cooked meal. You certaintly deserve all of the above and more! You have taught me so many things through the years that I cannot even begin to list them all. I often see a lot of myself in you and for that I am grateful. You are are truly someone that I respect, admire, and love more than words can say. Don't worry, your present is on the way (I could not show favoritism and have your gift show up on time when Mom's Mother's Day gift was late!). We (Jignesh and I) wish we could be there to celebrate with you. Have a wonderful day.

Of course, I cannot forget to mention my Grandad. At 91 years old, he is amazing. He recently made it through cataract surgery with flying colors and is looking forward to having his other eye done so he continue to all his daily projects around the house. I hope that I am still alive at that age much less changing water heaters and cultivating a huge garden. And thanks to my sister, my Grandad is now a Great-Grandad. I love you and will see you in 8 days!

To Jignesh's Dad....Even though you are no longer with us, Jignesh and I think about you all the time. You were an extremely generous person and were always so loving and accepting of me. Of course, you helped to produce an amazing son as well for which I cannot thank you enough.

To both our Dad's....we miss and love you dearly.

Cheers!

Stowaway to Geneva

Last week, Jignesh had a two day business trip to Geneva, Switzerland. Well, I decided to stowaway in his luggage and forced him to turn his two day trip into five. I have to admit that I was not sure what to expect of Geneva. Admittedly, I had only really heard of Geneva in conversations involving the United Nations and other large international organizations and thought that it was purely a city that revolves around business. I was proven wrong. Geneva is set against the huge Lake Geneva (Lac Leman to the locals) that provides endless activities such as sailing and waterskiing. The path that lines the entire lake is a great place to rollerblade, cycle, or simply stroll. And, of course, with the Alps just a short drive away the scenery is amazing (not to mention the skiing). While Jignesh was slaving away in the office, I took advantage of the lakefront with some long runs in the morning and some window shopping (I am dreaming of a Swiss watch) in the afternoon. Don't worry, Jignesh was not all work and no play. One night we joined one of Jignesh's co-workers for some great weather and music at the Caribana music festival. We also spent Saturday exploring some towns outside of Geneva, including Lausanne. Another thing that surprised me about Geneva was the cost. Depending on what list you look at, Zurich and Geneva are usually on the top ten of list of most expensive cities in the world. But I always thought that no city could really be much more expensive than London. Right? Wow I was terribly wrong. The number of Ferrari's that we saw was outrageous. However, it was not more outrageous than the $4.00 coffee at Starbuck's! Yes, $4.00 for a basic coffee. All in all, we had a great trip and I am glad that I decided to stowaway for the weekend.

Cheers.

Geneva, Switzerland

What time is it?

Lausanne's Cathedrale Notre Dame

The view from our hotel room

Did you know that the Swiss flag is square?

Our last meal before leaving for the airport

Jet d'Eau, Europe's tallest fountain

The lake with the foothills of the Alps in the background

An attempt at some creative photography

One Year Anniversary

Today marks one year from our move to London! Well, it is not exactly one year as Jiggy would have been here for a few weeks already this time last year and I was still a few weeks from arriving. But this does mark Jiggy's one year anniversary of his start date at work so I figured this was good compromise!

As I look back on this year, the first thing that comes to mind is how fast it has gone! Life really does fly by at the speed of a fighter plane. Another thing that comes to mind is how easily we have adjusted to life in a different country and how much we have come to love London. Of course, I have to mention all the great things that we have been able to experience. Naturally, there have been some frustrations and times when we wish were back in the States but we have not regrets about this decision.

As we leave our first year in London behind and look ahead to our second year, I am not sure what is in store for us. There may be some changes that Jignesh and I never even saw coming (stay tooned for any news!). Regardless of where these next 12 months take us, I am sure our adventure will continue and we will relish and appreciate every opportunity that comes our way.

Cheers!

Oh, we do have one regret from this year....not using our guest bedroom enough. For all you that have not visited, that was a HUGE hint!