Finding India in America

Most Americans don't have a great opinion about India, but then wherever I travel in the United States I see evidence of India. For example in Texas deer hunting is very popular, the animals that are so fondly hunted were introduced here from India. The cattle that Americans like to eat so much are also products of India, which have been hybridized and bred to produce more meat.

I recently found another Indian influence on American soil. At the Lake Ray Roberts one of the predominant species of grass is the "Indian Grass". Here are some pictures of the signage that I saw:

Measuring Distances and Showing the way!

While I was in downtown Denton recently I chanced upon this nice signage in front of the first United Methodist Church. Interesting subject to discuss about I thought... the distance from earth to heaven... billions of people across the world are in the quest of reaching heaven and they would all benefit from knowing the distance they have to travel to reach there.

After seeing the signage I wonder if there is a short cut to heaven. The distance may be greately shortened if you are a believer and you work towards getting other lost souls to convert and become believers themselves. Anyway going by the size and majesty of the church building I can imagine that there are many people out there trying to go to heaven. This lecture is sure to help them know the distance to heaven and the tools they need to get there asap.

The Majestic church building just off of Courthouse square in Denton, TX.

Wildlife in Ray Roberts State Park

Last week when I went to Ray Roberts Lake for a hike and swim I chanced upon some wildlife like Deer, Possum, and Weasels. I could only capture pictures of the Deer, the other creatures were too fast for my reflexes. It appears that the deer are quite used to seeing humans so they don't scamper into the bushes but just keep a safe distance from hikers/ walkers. One of the bigger deer actually walked a short distance away and stood as if posing for pictures even as I clicked away. Here are a few pictures I was able to capture...

Sunset at Ray Roberts Lake, TX

On a recent visit to Lake Ray Roberts I stayed late into the evening and was bedazzled by the glorious sunset I got to witness. I spent only about 3 hours at the State Park but the experiences are worth much more. I hiked the 2.7 mile Randy Bell Scenic Trail when it was still light and was lucky to get the glimpse of few deer grazing by the trail. Then after finishing up my hike I went back to the swimming area and waded across the icy cold water for a few minutes as the day gave way to dusk and to night. As I stood there beholding the beautiful azure waters of the lake, I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen the past few years. Overwhelmed by the beauty of the sun which changed from golden yellow to a blazing red to a soothing orange and then into a dull brownish yellow, I almost forgot to click pictures.

The moment was tranquil, it was just me and the vast aqua forte, for a moment I was transported back to India where I would travel all alone to remote lakes, mountains and forests to enjoy the outdoors. Here I was in a pretty popular location but all alone because it was a weekday and it is still too early for people to visit state parks. Anyway for me personally it was a great moment of union with nature and as I soaked in the beauty I felt months of fatigue flowing out of my soul and new energy from the elixir of life getting imbibed. Looking forward to more such moments in the future.

Denton's Courthouse Museum Square

I have been working in Denton, TX since two years and now since the past nearly six months I have been living close to the city also. Couple of weeks ago I got the opportunity to visit the square and walk around the old courthouse, now a museum and take some pictures of the grand building. Walking through the court house square, watching the groups of picnicking youth, families and couples was interesting. How these open spaces are available for general public to enjoy and spend time at. Here are few pictures of the stately courthouse in Denton, TX.

Facade of the Courthouse



The Courthouse Another View



Section enlarged - the stately pillars around the windows add grace to the architecture



The Courthouse's crowning glory



One of the entrances to the Courthouse - arched and flanked by pillars, impressive indeed

Another view of the courthouse from the corner

Downtown Fort Worth

380 Greenbelt Park - Actually Green

The 380 Greenbelt park is one of the precious green spaces in the city of Denton, TX. The park is the starting or ending point of a 10 mile trail that meanders through the Ray Robert's Lake green belt/ watershed area. Most of the trail is surrounded by trees which makes it very beautiful during the spring months. This place is thronged by everyone that loves outdoors - runners, hikers, walkers, photographers, cyclists, even kayaking and fishing enthusiasts. The elm fork of trinity river runs along the trail making it an ideal spot for Kayaking.

I was at the trail on Monday and I was able to sight a Possom, a fox probably or coyote... both the animals were so quick that they scampered into the bushes as soon as I neared their location. I will be visiting this park often and will post updates as I visit.

 

Old Red Museum in Downtown Dallas

I had the opportunity to revisit Downtown Dallas and take in some of the sights it has to offer. Of course the Old Red Museum which used to be prison is one stately building that everyone should take a look at. Here are some pictures of the museum as it stands. I like the way it has been maintained with public funding. It is interesting to note that national and state pride makes these people spend enormous amounts of money to showcase their history and heritage to their own people and visitors alike.

The main signage for the Old Red Museum

Interior of the Museum - iron stairs leading to the main galleries

One of the exhibit halls of the museum

Dallas Love Field airport Showcased in the Museum

The representation of the General Store that existed in Dallas a century ago

cycle - strange looks and hard to ride

Native American Figurine

Stockyards station - Fort Worth

The old water tower that was used to fill up steam engines of trains that transported cattle from farms to the slaughterhouses across the country. It stands preserved as a testimony of time this country has emerged from.

Place for quiet contemplation

In the heart of downtown Dallas is this fairly large space with concrete structures designated as a quiet place for contemplation in memory of late President Kennedy. This location is not far from where the former president of US was shot makes us aware that life is short and can end at any time. When the time is up, even the most important people have to leave. That is the law of the universe. I hope the corporate executives that mill around this location will find a moment to quietly contemplate on life at this location, irrespective of their political affiliation....