In London… expected snow but its still very cold… Its amazing to see the spirit with which all caste and creed celebrate Christmas in London… streets beautifully lit up, hustle & bustle of last minute christmas shopping, excitement & warmth on people’s faces… 24th December flew past with decorating the christmas tree and placing our little gifts for every member of the family & friends at Raj’s beautiful country home… 25th December started with all of us opening our gifts (loved my gifts)… was so exciting… Then Shamita and I took over the kitchen to cook enough for a battalion. Marks & Spencers food store is a scary place to be in pre-Christmas!! People shop like there’s no tomorrow and who says there is a credit crunch… ha ha… dinner was a lavish (healthy), exotic spread …. fruit punch, salmon & chicken appetisers with some dips, Golden Roasted stuffed Turkey,(it looked like a tandoori turkey by the time I was finished with it!!!!) Yorkshire pudding, Mozzarella Salad, Roasted Parsnips Organic vegetables, corn pulao, brussel sprouts with roasted chestnuts… and finally topped it with a two layered chocolate cake and apple crumble with icecream and traditional mince pies with warm custard. (Thank God for readymade mince pies) Phew!!! Luv cooking but (for 15 people) was backbreaking, but worth all the same when showered with huge compliments which we thoroughly lapped up. Raj nearly fainted with shock seeing the spread and I nearly collapsed with fatigue…. just as well Christmas comes once a year!!! Also the family sat around the dining table and we did remember 26/11 and prayed for the departed souls before thanksgiving.

We even found time to hear the Queen’s speech on television which all seemed so wonderful and traditional… Winding off the day with some card games… I am quite enjoying this multicultural activity specially since I looked forward to this time with my loved ones around me… Oh my advise to everyone - dont shop on boxing day unless you’re geared with boxing gloves… sales are tempting but shopping a nightmare…. While I skedaddled to the nearest exit the damage was done… someone stamped my already hurt foot again (did see stars and the goddamn planets!!!). Luckily not too much damage done to the foot thanks to Shamita playing a wonderful Florence Nightingale… Hmmm!! I also found myself keeping a track on the Indian news which I had never done in the past and am happy to know that slowly and steadily things seem to be moving in the right direction.

Got to pack for Spain… thats where we are heading for New Year… will keep you posted… Heartfelt thanks to all my fans and my well wishers for wishing my foot a speedy recovery…

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