American Beliefs

If you are ever curious as to what makes America unique and different from other nations this is the book. It not only speaks about the forces that have shaped the culture in America, but also compares it to other cultures of the New World namely Spanish America, Canada and Brazil. It tells how some policies of England were different for the original thirteen colonies of America, which enculturated sovereign beliefs in the people of America and brought about the American revolution. It talks at length about how the diverse pool of immigrants worked towards self-reliance and strongly believed in improvement. It is the capability of these immigrants to desire improvement and imagine a wide array of opportunities that brought them all the way from the Atlantic ocean to America and made them laborious and understand the value of labor. Unlike other colonies, all kinds of immigrants were welcome to American colonies. It's this surge of population that enabled America to expand at a rate which was unprecedented. Ofcourse they were helped by their geographic conditions, but that does not undermine the collective organized effort of the people towards building a supreme nation.

It satisfactorily answered my questions as to what made America a great nation, with people from all races living in peaceful unison. It is a country that believes in hard work, labor and determination, believes in personal development and works towards the progress of a nation. It answered my question of why there are cultural differences between America and Europe, even though most of the immigrants were Europeans. And it also answered my question as to why the American people are so receptive, friendly and have a positive attitude.

p.s - This is my first (almost!!) completely read book. Have started dozens but never completed any.

In-laws IN town

NBA season is almost over and I am rooting for none other than the Lakers. I predicted a Pistons-Lakers showdown before the season started, but damn KG and Pierce. Lost freaking 10 bucks on a bet.

In-laws are in town. Home-cooked biryani, khichadi, methi mutton, and keema have been the highlights. YUMMMYYYYY. I can start a business out of it, especially in the bay area. First weekend was a Napa trip. It was their first exposure to American culture and they loved it. We did some wine tasting in V-Sattui, hung out in their small garden to stuff ourselves with their sandwich and left within a couple of hours. Did some shopping in Napa outlets. Next weekend was SFO. It was my four hundred thousand three hundred and twenty fifth trip to GG and Fishermans wharf. Can't complain though, after the clam chowder I had at the wharf.

Long weekend was awesome with universal studios and sea world on our itinerary. I was impressed by the shows in Sea World. Pets Rule, Shamu and Dolphin adventure were unforgettable. The way they have trained the dolphins is surprising. The amount of fish they have to feed the dolphins after every act does justify the price of the tickets to this theme park. Universal Studios was mediocre, especially if I compare it to the one in Orlando. That one is huge and the shows/rides are much better, not to mention Island of Adventure which is missing from LA.

Did cherry picking last week. Its a totally different experience. Stuffed myself with a lot of cherries. I am sure its the cheapest activity anyone can do in and around the bay area. Went to Big Sur and Gilroy today. It was a nice day for a drive on PCH.