My Stockholm Diary - 2

On July 5, one of our young friends Nikesh, an IT expert, invited us for a family dinner. We knew Nikesh from our Prague stint from February 2001- July, 2007. Nikesh started his career in Prague and graduated to a good position in Stockholm. We also met yet another young man Vijay and his vivacious wife Vandana who was also working with me in the Indian Embassy in Prague at the dinner at Nikesh´s beautiful flat adjacent to clusters of beautiful trees and greens in Upplands Väsby. Vijay and his wife were full of reverence and nostgalia of our Prague days particularly the frequent card sessions. Nikesh and his homely wife treated us to an excellent Rajasthani food including delicious and potent Dal Bhatti. Keeping in with our Prague tradition, we also played Teenpati (cards) to drive away the bad spirits. It was an enjoyable evening. Today, July 7, my daughter-in-law Anju picked up some fresh Methi leaves (fenugreek) and spring onions from the personal patch of farming of Nikesh. It is a good tradition in Sweden to hire a patch of land near ones home and grow vegetables and fruits as ones own kitchen garden. People enjoy this activity.

Sunday, July 6, we mostly remained at home and interacted with the family over some family videos and lazed around. Naresh took me to the local Centrum (Shopping Mall) for sundry purchases. We have had coffee at this very well planned and stocked Centrum. It was a good experience as usual. I must add that Commune Centrums are very well maintained and kept. It is always enjoyable to be there for shopping or small break for relaxation. We wanted to bring some mangoes for the family from India but could not do so because of the EU ban on Indian mangoes. We found pakistani mangoes at the Centrum and purchased. Why India could not conform to the food standards of the EU if other countries can do it ? 

The weather is exceptionally good with temperature at 26 degree Celsius. Swedes are excited. Many of them, as per the system, are on Semester (vacation) to enjoy the summer in this otherwise cold and long winter. In these months in Sweden, one needs to go by the clock rather than the sun as it the day-light remains for most of the time. 

Meanwhile, I spoke to my old friends in stockholm, Bimla Chander of the Indian Embassy and Jadid Mansooreh, a business person of Iranian origin. It was good to renew our friendship with them.