A Summer to Remember: My Parents’ UK Visit

There is something incredibly special about showing your parents the life you’ve built abroad. On April 25, 2024, my wife and I welcomed my parents to our home in Camberley for a two-month adventure. From local walks to coastal road trips, here is a look back at their time with us in the UK.

Settling in Camberley

After they arrived and settled in, we started by exploring our local area. Just a couple of days later, on April 27, we hit Camberley High Street to soak in the atmosphere. We capped off the walk with a lunch at Wagamama, enjoying some warm bowls and good conversation.

We kept things local that first week. On April 28, we visited Camberley Park to see the statue of Colonel John Pennycuick. Given his historical engineering connections to irrigation projects in Tamil Nadu, standing next to his bust was a meaningful moment for us. We also made sure to enjoy some good food close to home, including a dinner at Tandoori Treats on April 30.

Historic Getaways: Bath and Bristol

By early May, we were ready to venture further afield. The weekend of May 4-5 was dedicated to the beautiful, honey-colored architecture of Bath. We spent time exploring the city, taking in the sweeping views of the cityscape under a bright blue sky. Relaxing on the green lawns of the Royal Crescent was a highlight, soaking up the sun and the history. Of course, no trip to Bath is complete without visiting the Roman Baths, where we marveled at the ancient Great Bath with its distinctive green water. We even took a moment to sit by the water’s edge, surrounded by the stunning Roman columns.

After a day of exploring, we enjoyed a lively dinner together, with a table full of delicious dishes to share. We followed that up immediately with a trip to Bristol on May 6, giving them a taste of the diverse city vibes in the South West.

London Calling

You can’t have a UK visit without hitting the capital. We split London into two exciting weekends.

May 11-12: We did the classic tourist trail. We took a stroll near the London Eye, capturing photos with the iconic wheel towering in the background on a sunny day. We also rubbed shoulders with “royalty” at Madame Tussauds, posing alongside the wax figures of King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales in a grand red-and-gold setting.
May 19: We returned for a different perspective, visiting the Sea Life Aquarium and taking a ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car for aerial views over the Thames.

Castles, Coasts, and Countryside

The middle of May was packed with day trips. On May 18, we visited Windsor, home to the iconic castle. A few days later, on May 20, we enjoyed a meal at The Four Horseshoes, enjoying the traditional pub atmosphere.

As the weather warmed up, we headed to the coast. We spent May 26 in Brighton, enjoying the seaside energy. Later, in early June, we made a quick trip to Bracknell before embarking on our biggest adventure of the trip: a five-day getaway to the Isle of Wight from June 8 to June 12. It was the perfect time to relax and explore the island’s unique landscapes.

The Final Farewell

As their trip wound down, we spent a lovely day in Guildford on June 22, soaking in the cobbled high street and local history one last time.

On June 25, 2024, they boarded their flight back to India. It was a whirlwind two months packed with 2,000 years of history, plenty of walking, and great food. It was a joy to host them, and we’re left with photos and memories that we’ll cherish forever.

The first day of the rest of my life

Events, Experience, Travel

A New Chapter

Adieu

First things first, a goodbye to the people, food, and country which has been with me for a little over 8 years. From September 2014 to April 2023, Italy has shaped me a lot. Too much has been said in my previous posts already here Plot Twist of 2023 – Manoj Manivannan and here Should I quit my job ? – Manoj Manivannan . The time has come to say bye to everyone. It was a hard moment that I knew would come eventually. The hardest part was saying goodbye to my mentor/manager Mr. Stefano Torri. I would continue to work with him albeit remotely, the thought that I would not be able to meet my colleagues at Modena made me shed a few tears. A goodbye to my kind neighbour Mirko Pesce whose help made my life in Modena little easier.

He was not only my neighbour, but also my only friend, occasional chauffeur and my translator for most occasions. @Mirko we never got a chance for that dinner. One day I hope we meet again for it.

A goodbye to my dear friends Entela (Thanks for the lunch and that easter egg chocolate), Marco and Eleonora (Thanks for hosting us for dinner and the tasty lasagne). You are welcome to our apartment when you visit the UK again. Looking forward for it.

March 16 to April 4: That was how long I took off from work to prepare ourselves mentally, physically and in so many others way for our journey. Although it was only a 2 and half hour journey, we had to pack our all our stuff and throw away those that we couldn’t fit in our allowed baggage. 4 large 32kg bags, 1 cabin bag and 2 backpacks. With that, we were all set to travel and begin the new chapter of our life.

We were headed to this 2-bedroom apartment in a calm town called Camberley which is 1 hour from Waterloo, London. Thanks to the business class tickets, we had the comfort of travelling hassle free, thanks to the relaxing lounge, and the priority access through security.

Although our flight started a late, the captain made up in speed to reach London Heathrow on time. It was our luggage that took a long time. After waiting for almost 30 minutes, we were welcomed by Hema’s maternal Uncle Prakash and my friend Ayyappan. A friendly slight and a warm welcome in a foreign land.

A smooth transition

Upon arrival we headed straight to Holiday Inn, Slough to drop off our luggage (just the 32kg ones) before going to Prakash’s home to have a tasty south Indian food. Radish and lentil stew and beet root gravy with rice and a side of potato only made the arrival experience even more pleasant. We spent the night at Holiday Inn and the next day headed to some supermarkets after having an assorted English breakfast. We bought some basic groceries like rice, wheat flour, onions, bread, eggs, milk, and few others which I am unable to recollect as I write this. Then we collected our apartment keys at the Waterford’s agency and went straight to our apartment. This 2-bedroom apartment had a large living room and an open kitchen which we really loved. The master bedroom came with these tall sliding door which opened into a large balcony facing east overlooking the London Road.

A Belgian Affair: Waffles, Wonder, and Witty Wanders

Experience, Travel

After two long years of daydreaming and dodging travel restrictions, Hema and I finally made our long-awaited summer pilgrimage to Belgium. Curiosity is our second language—and Brussels was about to become our new dictionary. Armed with maps, a borderline obsessive itinerary, and an insatiable appetite for fries, we embarked on a 5-day, 4-night adventure that left few stones—and even fewer museums—unturned. From the dazzling Grand Place to the futuristic Atomium, we crisscrossed Brussels with the enthusiasm of two over-caffeinated archaeologists.

Takeoff, Touchdown & Tasty Waffles

Our trip began on August 22, 2020, with us sprinting out of our apartment in Modena like contestants on The Amazing Race. We were heading for a 15:50 flight from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi International Airport. I, being a card-carrying member of the “what if we miss the flight” club, dragged Hema to the airport with ample time to spare.

Naturally, our flight was delayed by 40 minutes. But we made the most of the wait—chatting, laughing, and perfecting the art of airport people-watching. After a short 90-minute hop, we landed at Brussels Charleroi International Airport and hopped on a shuttle to the city center.

A brisk 15-minute walk later, we arrived at our Airbnb: a charming attic room featuring a snug bed, a study desk, and a swivel window offering views of suburban Brussels. No time was wasted. We freshened up and made a pilgrimage to the Grand Place. Our reward? Heavenly Belgian waffles and perfectly golden fries, devoured under the glow of ornate buildings glinting with gold. The calorie count? Let’s not talk about that.

The first thing we try was the famous Belgian waffles and along with fries, enjoying a beautiful view from the center of Grote Markt (Grand Place). The historic buildings with their golden highlights and bright focus lights were a delight to watch while we munch away our waffles and fries.

Day 2: Spheres, Miniature Cities, and a Giant Wheel

Equipped with an 8-euro day pass that unlocked the city’s entire public transit, we boarded the metro and rode 20 minutes out to Heysel Park. There it was—the Atomium. Imagine a science nerd’s fantasy turned into 102 meters of shimmering aluminum and steel. Originally built for the 1958 World Expo, this giant iron crystal replica (yes, it’s modeled after a ferrite molecule!) became a permanent icon because, honestly, how do you tear down something that cool?

We zoomed to the top sphere for panoramic views of Brussels and snagged a drink at the small café tucked up there. Then, like electrons on a tour, we jumped from sphere to sphere—each containing exhibits, except one psychedelic light show that left us a bit speechless and slightly dizzy (in a good way).

Refueled with yet more fries at the base of the Atomium, we strolled over to Mini-Europe, a theme park that might just be the greatest cheat code for lazy travelers. Roughly 350 famous European monuments, each painstakingly built at 1:25 scale, were laid out across manicured lawns. From the leaning tower of Pisa to the Eiffel Tower to the Acropolis of Athens, it was a whirlwind Eurotrip without needing another metro ticket.

Back in the city, we sought out Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, Belgium’s oldest shopping mall. Maps led us astray and when it declared “You’ve arrived,” we found ourselves staring at a very non-mall-looking structure. Turns out, the place is so classy and quiet, it doesn’t even feel like a mall. Inside were chocolatiers, boutique stores, and all the opulence one might miss while hunting for a nameboard.

We wrapped up the day with a visit to Place Poelaert, where we rode ‘The View’ — a giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the glittering Brussels skyline. As the sun dipped, we headed home via a city still buzzing with nightlife.

After spending some time around the wheel, it headed towards our airbnb room. It was too late and only couple of buses left for the day, and yet while returning through the city center we could feel the city alive and people still enjoying the night life.

Day 3: Parliament, Poke Bowls & Beer Heaven

Time to engage the brain cells. Our morning was booked at the Parlamentarium, the visitors’ center of the European Parliament. It’s free, but you do need a reservation. Thankfully, a kind German visitor helped us through the sign-up process after we cluelessly strolled in. (Danke, mystery man.)

Armed with audio guides and disposable earphones, we explored the EU’s legislative HQ. The main chamber—known as the Hemicycle—is arranged not by country, but by political leanings, a visual reminder that Europe loves a bit of ideological nuance. Interactive exhibits on the EU’s formation, the world wars, and democracy building made us feel smarter by the minute.

Post-politics, we found solace in food. A short walk brought us to Hawaiian Poke Bowl, where Hema assembled a veggie tofu creation and I devoured a chicken bowl topped with nachos and onions. She wasn’t a fan (the seaweed was a chewy villain in her story), but I was in food heaven.

Next stop: the comic art museum—well, that was the plan. Instead, we ended up at the Marc Sleen Museum, dedicated to a Belgian cartoonist we’d never heard of. The art was quirky, and the museum quaint, but we didn’t linger. A quick visit to Notre Dame du Sablon followed—a Gothic cathedral that, while beautiful, didn’t quite dazzle me after experiencing Milan’s Duomo.

We ended the day at the legendary Delirium Café, proud holder of a Guinness World Record for offering 2004 types of beer. I tried the Bar-Meter: a flight of 10 beers served on a wooden plank fit for a Viking. Hema passed on the alcohol, but we had one of our signature deep-dives into random topics while I got mildly tipsy. Classic evening.

Day 4: Dinosaurs, Evolution & Dosa

Originally, Day 4 was earmarked for Antwerp and a trip to the zoo. But three days of nonstop adventuring had caught up to us. So we pivoted and opted for something closer: the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. Expectations were low—the exterior was anything but inspiring—but the inside? Absolute mind-blower.

This wasn’t just a museum; it was a journey. Ten permanent galleries took us through human evolution, biodiversity, the rise of mammals, and a mesmerizing dinosaur exhibit. We got hands-on with fossils, roamed through immersive media experiences, and admired over 850 animal specimens from aphids to giraffes. The “Gallery of Evolution” in particular was stunning—a time machine in exhibit form. We spent five full hours and still left wanting more.

After all that intellectual calorie burn, we sought comfort food. Enter Ganesh Restaurant, a South Indian eatery run by a Tamil proprietor (whom we didn’t meet, sadly). The dosa was crispy perfection, the chutneys hit all the right notes, and the chicken tikka? Chef’s kiss. Sated and sleepy, we packed up for our final morning and crashed hard.

Day 5: Farewell Fries & Rainy Goodbyes

Our flight wasn’t until the afternoon, but Airbnb rules meant we had to check out by 10 AM. So, with our bags in tow and clouds above, we made our way to the airport. One last serving of Belgian fries (from a bustling cart) felt like the right goodbye.

At the terminal, we sat and chatted about everything and nothing, reliving our favorite moments. By 7:30 PM, we were back in Bologna, and an hour later, finally home in Modena. We limped back to our apartment, collapsed into bed, and smiled.

Five days. One city. A thousand memories. Brussels, you were worth the wait.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Weekend Trip To Milan

Experience, Travel

Waking up at 4AM to catch the 6:20AM train from Modena to Milano was an overkill. But it was a much-needed head start considering the fact that Hema had to do her make-up routine after her shower.

As usual I was quick to get ready and started annoying Hema as it was getting late. I remember she was pissed off that I kept calling out the time every minute and how that reminded her of her dad.

I guess it’s an (Indian) guy thing. We wanted to leave at least 15 minutes earlier than our plan, so that we wouldn’t have to run to the train station. But we ended up leaving the house at the threshold wherein we had to do a fast-paced walk to reach the station on time. Anyway, we reached the station on time.

We only had to wait 3-4 minutes on the platform before our train arrived. Thanks to online booking, we didn’t have to waste a couple of minutes on validating the tickets. As we didn’t have any breakfast in the morning, other than a glass of water before leaving the house, we were already feeling hungry. Hema keeps telling me that I cannot tolerate hunger. That’s mostly true. But she was prepared for it. A pack of multigrain cookies in her backpack saved us from eating each other. 😁

Happily, munching on our cookies, our journey began. 2 hours 15 minutes of chatting politics, science, and gazing at the scenery, we spent our time talking nonsense as usual. Excited and planning our day, we recited our plan for the day. Milan Cathedral was the first one on the itinerary. A clear sky would be an absolute delight for a view from the top. Unfortunately, the weather forecast for Milan was scattered thunderstorms 😢.

However, we were lucky to find out upon reaching the cathedral that it was not that bad. And surprisingly the square of the Duomo was not as crowded as we anticipated. Mostly because we were so early to reach there. Anyway, after taking a couple of pictures we headed straight to the rooftop of the cathedral. Below, are some beautiful clicks from the view.

The return stairwell from the roof led straight into the cathedral and we enjoyed the amazing interiors of the cathedral walking around. We also went to the archelogical area and meseum of Duomo.

The next item on the itinerary was lunch, a proper Italian restaurant. We found a decent restaurant near the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The oldest active shopping gallery.

I ordered tagliatelle with chicken and mushrooms and Hema ordered a platter of focaccia. Though it was too much quantity, it looked beautiful, nevertheless. Several slices of focaccia topped with mozzarella, pesto plus yellow and red cherry tomatoes were so colorful that Hema’s decided not to finish it off 😜. With oil and pesto dripping Hema’s fingers, she ate as much as she could and got the remaining food packed. We finally finished off our meal with a cafe. In about an hour, we were done. It was almost 2PM. With a full tummy, we moved on towards the Castello Sforzesco. The sky was cloudy, and we knew then it was going to rain.

So, no pictures from during that time. 😢

We did walk around Milano, going every which way we could. At one point we were so tired we couldn’t walk further. We had to stop and rest for a while. Our calf and thigh muscles were aching really bad. Somehow, we gathered all the energy we could and headed towards the station to return home. We finally made it home at around 9.45PM and the Focaccia that we packed was a life saver. We didn’t have to cook at that time. We slept off at 11PM and woke up after around 10 hours. Every muscle in our body was exhausted. We were really concerned about our trip again to Milano. Because the weekend was not over yet for us.

The plan was to go watch the Tamil movie Vikram which was screening at the Arcobaleno Film Center. Sunday came and we did the whole routine again, but only this was it was the 7.30AM train. The theatre was filled with Tamil community. Keralites, Sri Lankan Tamils and more. It is always surprising for me to see so many Tamils at outside India. It was one time before, many years ago, that I experience such an event for a screening of another Tamil movie.