Nigil and I had the privilege of spending a night at the dreamy Mid-Atlantic home of our dear friends, Dr. Shaija Kutty and Dr. Shelby Kutty — an immigrant abode filled with art, warmth, hospitality, and stories. Every corner carried a personal touch: large custom rugs designed by their daughter, indoor plants lovingly arranged along windowsills and quiet corners, European-style glass chandeliers, and shelves lined with fantasy, fiction, and many other treasured books. Even the ride to the airport in their electric SUV became part of the experience — gentle and thoughtful.They welcomed us with several rounds of chai and a delicious Mallu breakfast of appam, idiyappam, chicken stew, and egg roast. For a brief moment, it felt as though Kerala had quietly travelled with us to Washington. The night before, we attended the official launch of the AKMG Mid-Atlantic Chapter, started under the leadership of Dr. Shelby Kutty, at Bombay Tandoor. It was a gathering that carried both celebratio...
Reena Kavilaveettil MD Traveling with Family and Friends from Tampa Brown Bears I. Arrival — Tokyo in Full Bloom Our journey began in Tampa, with excitement packed tighter than our suitcases. As the plane lifted into the early morning sky on Easter Day, we left behind the familiar warmth of home, heading toward a land where tradition and technology coexist in perfect harmony — Tokyo. Tokyo welcomed us not just with its dazzling lights, but with a rare gift: cherry blossoms in full bloom. Walking through Ueno Park, we found ourselves beneath a canopy of soft pink sakura petals. The air felt lighter, almost magical, as families gathered, laughter echoed, and petals fell gently like nature's own confetti. We felt incredibly fortunate to witness the fleeting beauty of sakura — Japan's most poetic season. II. Temples, Palaces, and the Soul of the City Our Tokyo tour began at the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled within a beautifully forested area that honors Emperor Meiji — th...