Archive | August 2015

I Made A Movie Starring Raveena Tandon

I made a movie starring Raveena Tandon.  Raveena wasn’t acting that day, this was real life – I captured the moments when Raveena Tandon was made upset in Los Angeles on Indian Independence Day.  The video kind of went viral.  It has over 185,000 views now.  Also, just wanted to add that I am not a movie maker, I am just someone who likes recording memories – photography and videos.   Also, I made very few edits to the movie.  I certainly didn’t take anything out intentionally, why would I have done that?  All I took out was a few seconds of when the camera was out of focus (example up in the air instead of focused on people).

I do want to say that Raveena looks just as lovely when she is upset.  What would we all give to look like that when we are upset?  On a more serious note, I want to add that guests need to be treated like royalty.

Have you seen it yet?  In case, you haven’t seen it, you really should take a look.

A Visit to Knotts Soak City And Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour

Knotts Soak City in Buena Park

Today was August 15th – Happy India Independence Day!  We left our hotel at the Hilton Garden Inn, and got to Knotts Soak City at around 11:00 am, not at 10am as we should have done, but it was close enough.  It was a really hot day, a great day to be in a Water Park – at least for the kids.

Knotts Soak City is close to Disneyland, and right next to Knotts Berry Farm, which we will have to visit next time.  Here are a few pictures of Knotts Soak City since we had to leave early, it was way too hot!  In retrospect, we should have gone on Friday when we had arrived, and I shouldn’t have listened to the kids.  We still would have had five hours almost.  As it was, today, they wanted to leave at 2:45 pm, so we only had about three and a half hours there.  It was really hot today, I think it actually was over 100 degrees, also, it was too crowded,  That’s why it would have been better to have come on Friday.

Still, can’t complain, as the kids enjoyed it, and it was our family mini-vacation.  We also got to go to Farrells Ice Cream Parlor later and celebrated my son Luca’s birthday again (you can never celebrate one’s birthday too many times).  His actual birthday had been earlier in August.

Here are some pictures of Knotts Soak City:

Knotts Soak City in Buena Park

Knotts Soak City in Buena Park

Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA

Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA

Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA

Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA

Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA

Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA

My kids got to cool off in the Lazy River while I watched their things for a while.  It was ever so hot though.

Knotts Soak City in Buena Park

Knotts Soak City in Buena Park

Just at the entrance/exit to Knotts Soak City was this lovely little area with these little fella’s in it, do you like this one’s hair style?

Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA

They tried a few more water rides, and then wanted to leave, and they were hungry, so off we went to Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour, which we had seen on the way into the Water Park – it is very close by, just on the same road in fact.

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park

Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park

Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park

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We ate lunch first, and then had to try the ice-cream – it was delicious!

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park

Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park

Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park

Next, it was time to enjoy the rest of the evening at the Indian Independence Day Parade/Festival, which was close by in Artesia Park.  My son and youngest one did not want to go to the event, they were tired so I left them at the hotel at the Doubletree by Hilton in Norwalk.

Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at Norwalk

Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at Norwalk

Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at Norwalk

Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at Norwalk

I wish my two youngest had come with us, as it’s a shame they missed out on the Indian Independence Day activities, but then later on I thought it was actually a good idea as me and my oldest daughter did not get back to the hotel until about 10:40 pm.  It was good we stayed another night in the LA area, even though we only live one and a half hours away in San Diego.  I would not have enjoyed driving at that time of night though.  Also, as you can imagine – I was very tired – that was a lot of things today, a trip to Knotts Soak City, Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour, and the Indian Independence Day Festival in Artesia in the evening.  I think I deserved a break – an extended stay in the LA area!

In my next post, I will post more of the Indian Independence Day event pictures and the video of the performances that took place on August 15, 2015.  Happy Week!

We Must Celebrate Indian Independence Day & We Did Celebrate!

We must celebrate Indian Independence Day, especially if we value freedom.  To be given back a country like India that is as rich in diversity, culture and heritage – what’s not to celebrate?  This year was the 69th Anniversary of Indian Independence.  It has been 69 years since the British gave back India to the Indians.  That is reason to celebrate.  So celebrate we did!  First, I took the day off from work on Friday, August 14th.  If a country won’t give us our own holiday (I guess we can’t expect it here in the USA), we must give ourselves the holiday.

So, we drove up to the Disneyland area and were supposed to go to Knotts Soak City today, but the kids said we had arrived too late as our arrival time was about 1:15 pm, and they would only have about less than five hours at the Water Park, they wanted the entire day from 10 am until 6pm, so we decided to just go to Artesia and have lunch somewhere.  We really like Ashoka The Great, and have been here before many times, so this is where we ate lunch.

Ashoka The Great Restaurant in Artesia

Ashoka The Great Restaurant in Artesia

Ashoka The Great in Artesia

Ashoka The Great in Artesia

Ashoka The Great in Artesia

Ashoka The Great in Artesia

These are my three kids enjoying the buffet at Ashoka The Great

Ashoka The Great Restaurant, Artesia

Ashoka The Great Restaurant, Artesia

This is me and my three kids

Ashoka The Great in Artesia

Ashoka The Great in Artesia

My little girl Chandi loves fruit, and Ashoka has a great selection of fruit for her right after she eats enough of the other lunch items. I love Khadi Pakora, it’s my favorite curry (the yellow one below) and I love Saag (spinach – right behind the Khadi Pakora).

Ashoka The Great Restaurant, Artesia

Ashoka The Great Restaurant, Artesia

Ashoka The Great Restaurant, Artesia

Ashoka The Great Restaurant, Artesia

Ashoka The Great Restaurant, Artesia

Ashoka The Great Restaurant, Artesia

Then we walked around a bit, and went to a few different stores.  I bought some bangles for Chandi and Niki, and decided it was time for a visit to one of my favorite Sweets & Snacks restaurants – Ambala Sweets & Snacks!  The kids had just enough space for banana milkshakes, and I had space for a cup of tea, and one of the sweets from the assortment that I bought – see the picture of sweets in the box below.  The rest of the sweets I could eat at the hotel or back in San Diego (if there was any left).

Ambala Sweets & Snacks, Artesia

Ambala Sweets & Snacks, Artesia

Ambala Sweets & Snacks, Artesia

Ambala Sweets & Snacks, Artesia

Ambala Sweets & Snacks, Artesia

Ambala Sweets & Snacks, Artesia

Ambala Sweets & Snacks, Artesia

Ambala Sweets & Snacks, Artesia

Then we headed to the car which was parked in the parking lot of Bombay Sweets & Snacks.  I had to go inside, and get another cup of tea.  I sometimes just love the atmosphere of different restaurants, and when they have TV screens that play Indian movies or music videos, I just love relaxing there with a cup of chai.  Chandi just hung out with me while my other two sat in the car, even though it was an extremely hot day – they were fed up of me and my cups of teas.  I love the food at Bombay Sweets & Snacks too, but how much can you eat after a buffet?  I sometimes stay full all day after a buffet.

Bombay Sweets & Snacks, Artesia

Bombay Sweets & Snacks, Artesia

Bombay Sweets & Snacks, Artesia

Bombay Sweets & Snacks, Artesia

Our stomachs were full, and we got to the Hilton Garden Inn in Anaheim at around 8 pm.  What a lovely hotel, and the service was very nice.

Hilton Garden Inn in Anaheim

Hilton Garden Inn in Anaheim

Next morning, I had coffee in my room, and then enjoyed another cup in the lobby, before we headed out to Knotts Soak City.

Hilton Garden Inn in Anaheim

Hilton Garden Inn in Anaheim

In my next post, I will continue writing about our celebration of the Indian Independence Day.  We started celebrating one day early, and celebrated all day Saturday, and then Sunday too!

Fantastic Indian Independence Day In Los Angeles, CA – Some Videos

I’m just recovering from a crazy week after Indian Independence Day in Artesia, CA (in the Los Angeles area).  I loved the craziness actually, and why not?  After all, it’s not every day that my videos get over 100,000 views in a matter of days.  Well, this time it happened, but it was quite unexpected.  Currently, my video has 178,895 views.

I shared my video a few days ago (the one that got all the action, and attention), so I won’t share it again here.  However, I would like to share my other videos, and hope you will watch them.

First, let me share another picture of the beautiful Raveena Tandon.  I hope she comes back soon to Los Angeles or San Diego, and I hope she gets the star treatment that she deserves.

Raveena Tandon at Indian Independence Day in Los Angeles

Raveena Tandon at Indian Independence Day in Los Angeles

Most importantly, I take and make videos because I enjoy it.  I take pictures because I enjoy it.  I post because I enjoy it, I tweet and pin pictures because I enjoy them, and I attend cultural events because I enjoy them.  It’s all in the enjoyment, and it’s all just a hobby.

In the next post, I will share more pictures of the actual event.

Letter To UFICA from Reema Pandit, Manager of Raveena Tandon

To

UFICA

Cerritos, LA

I Reema Pandit , Manager of Ms Tandon am shocked to read your open letter with all the allegations against Ms Tandon and hence am compelled to write this letter so that the facts can be bought in front of everyone. I reached Cerrittos on 13th August, a day before Ms Tandon arrived to ensure co ordination.

On 14th August Ms. Tandon’s flight landed at 3PM. She had landed with a bad throat infection.I was accompanied by Pat Patnaik and UFICA President Alka Patel to receive Ms Tandon. However, unaware that Etihad has a different getaway point for arrivals, we were waiting in the area dedicated for all other airlines and because of which we missed to receive Ms. Tandon. She finally had to leave by the Airport car to reach her friend’s house. Normally a celebrity should be upset that there was no one to welcome her and yet she was courteous enough to invite Pat, Alka and me to her friend’s place. We then reached there and spent close to an hour with Ms. Tandon over tea and snacks. As Ms tandon was unwell she requested Pat and Alka if she could come for half an hour, fulfil her commitments and leave. Looking at her health Pat was considerate and mentioned to Ms. Tandon that she can come only for half hour for the dinner and leave.

Pat mentioned to Ms. Tandon that there would be two ladies in the Limo to pick her up that day for the event and the next day there would be two kids in the Limo. As a rule we do not entertain anyone in the car with us yet Ms. Tandon obliged and agreed.

The Hair and Makeup artist was organised by Alka Patel and was called at 6 PM and the Stylist was organised by Mr Barring and was supposed to come by 7 PM whereas she came by 7.30 pm,post which there were some alterations which took time,although the measurements were already shared. Thus the delay already started happening but NOT on our account.

We had left from Raveena’s friend’s house to get ready around 5:15PM and reached the hotel by 6:10PM. I was told to get ready and I will be picked by Alka by 6:30PM. I was down at 6:25PM waiting for the Limo which Limo arrived only by 7 and thereafter we reached to Ms Tandon by 7:50PM. This led to us gettingto the event by 8.40PM. So the Allegation made by UFICA that we arrived late is baseless as it can be checked with the Limo service company as to what time did the car reach Ms Tandon.With that it shall be proved that the limo was delayed by the organizers themselves.

The allegation that Ms Tandon did not shake hands with anybody is also not right as when she reached the venue and got down of the car she was presented with bouquets, apart from her that her hands were already full with her Clutch and 2 cell phones. It is Humanly impossible to hold all this and shake hands with anyone. Also I was next to her and heard Ms Tandon tell Ms Vineeta “I am sorry I have too many things in my hand “ When she reached the stage she kept all the things on the chair and shook hands with all the people she was introduced to. Also Ms Vineeta was not introduced to us by any of the organizers till the end of our stay so we didn’t know who she was. Please find attached the you tube link which shows that she is happily shaking hands with everyone and greeting everyone

https://youtu.be/aEORHX8z7t8

The Allegation that Ms. Tandon did not watch the kids performance is also baseless as we were aware of the cultural programme happening on 15th August and NOT on 14th August. As she was about to leave a lady told me there was a cultural program and if Ms. Tandon could wait but by then Ms. Tandon had walked out of the restaurant alongwith Pat and Alka. They didn’t mention any performance to her in spite of them waiting with her for the Limo. She was unaware that it was the kids who were performing. However she called all the kids present for group picture as she thought they had already performed on her accord and as a gesture for all the kids present.

Mr. Vinod Vineet then comes and makes a sarcastic comment that “you just came and are leaving now, this is not done”. All this in spite of her being at the event for almost 45-50 minutes(which was specifically said by Pat and Alka looking at her health). Raveena was very upset with the way she was spoken to and made it very clear that if she doesn’t get an apology she will not attend the event the next day.Luckily Mr. Barring’s car was close by and since the Limo was taking time we left in his car. Mr. Barring got calls from the organizers stating that Mr. Vineet is feeling bad and would like to apologize following which all was sorted.

On 15th August Alka Patel and her husband were courteous enough and took Ms. Tandon and me to the mall and we also had lunch together.

Raveena’s health had further deteriorated and knowing she would like to rest, I mentioned to Alka to not send anyone in the Limo that day stating that she gets claustrophobic(I meant that she had a bad cough and was getting breathless). I also reminded her that normally as a protocol we don’t permit anyone to travel with us.

In spite of this the Limo comes to pick me up at 6.30PM and I see that that there are 3 teenagers(2 girls and 1 boy) in the car. At this point I call Mr. Barring and give him an option that I can take the kids to meet Ms. Tandon and they can come back in another car while coming to the event. We waited till 7PM but no car had come. Mr. Barring then told me to drop the girls and head to pick up Raveena. Alka Patel’s son Neel came with me as he was supposed to do the co ordination. So the allegation stating that Raveena asked the kids to get off the car is baseless as she was picked up only after the kids were dropped off by me. RAVEENA WAS NOT EVEN PRESENT IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

After dropping the girls we went to pick Raveena and reached by 8PM and left by 8.20 PM. We reached the venue at 9 but because of lack of co ordination between Neel Patel and Mr Barring as Mr Barring’s phone was not reachable.We waited for 15 minutes and finally were on stage at 9.15. Again we were delayed by the organizers as the second car was not arranged in time. Raveena fulfilled all her commitments and also sat through the cultural program. She is seen enjoying the show in the links below

Raveena Tandon Speaks About Our Great Country India on Indian Independence Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skgL9nP545Y

Indian National Anthem on Indian Independence Day in Los Angeles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci3gROY0bck&feature=youtu.be

American National Anthem at the Indian Independence Day in Los Angeles

https://youtu.be/cs7sB5re1vw

The show shut down at 10PM which is apparently a rule in Artesia where the parade was held. We were not aware of the same. So I stepped down to ask TJ about the car when I saw people having discussions about how they were upset as she didn’t allow the kids in the Limo,whereas she wasn’t even aware of the same. As a manager it was my decision keeping the privacy,security and comfort of my celebrity in mind. TJ told me that the Limo was taking time so he went to take his car.

That is when Mr. Neeraj comes on stage and starts behaving rudely with Ms. Tandon. When Ms. Tandon threatens to tell the audience he snatched the mike from her hand. Later we got to know that the Limo was sent back and they wanted us to go on our own.

I am attaching the you tube links below which show Ms Tandon enjoying the event and being her jovial self while interacting with the crowd . All this in spite of she being extremely unwell.

It is Shocking that despite her ill health Ms Tandon completed her commitment and still got no appreciation by the organizers.

Thanks to Mr. TJ Barring for ensuring we left the venue at the right time on both the days. We would also like to thank Mr. Pat Patnaik, Mrs.Alka Patel for ensuring everything went off smoothly on both the days.

*Note:  I, Davinder Kaur, did not write this letter or revise it in any way.  I simply posted it upon request of Raveena Tandon.

Indian Independence Day in Los Angeles, CA – What A Memorable Occasion!

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

Indian Independence Day in Los Angeles, CA was a very memorable occasion.  Why do I care about Indian Independence day?  Of course I do!  I am Indian, and even though I was born in England, I know my roots.  August 15, is India’s Independence from the British.  It might seem strange for some of you that I have an allegiance for India, and celebrated it’s independence from my other country.  All I can say is I love England, and I love India, and now of course, I love the USA.  I am very grateful though that the British gave India back.  No country has the right to rule another.

We went to LA and stayed overnight for two days to celebrate my son’s birthday at Knotts Soak City, and then went to visit Artesia (Little India), and get my share of Indian culture.  Oh, how I love visiting that area, and having a buffet lunch somewhere, followed by another visit to a smaller place to have Indian sweets and a cup of chai.

Well, imagine my delight when someone told me there would be a parade for Indian Independence Day the next day on Saturday – this was perfect, since we were in the area anyhow.  I vowed to visit it, and furthermore, my daughter told me that her group was going to perform, and she wanted to see them.  She took the day off from dancing this time, I think it was because I told her not to plan anything this weekend – since it was her brother’s birthday.  She knew Raveena Tandon was going to be there in Los Angeles, but she didn’t realize that she was going to be at the same event or that her friends were performing at the same event as where we wanted to celebrate Indian Independence Day.  Little do we know!  So, when she said “Mum, the event that you want to go to is the event where my friends are performing, and where Raveena Tandon will be!” I thought perfect.  Even more of a reason to attend!  You may not know about Raveena Tandon, but she is a big mega-superstar, a Bollywood actress with many hit movies.  She is an icon of Indian cinema.

So we got to the event at around 5:45 pm.  I’m pretty sure she told me that one of her friends was supposed to be performing at 4:30 pm, and her group was going to be doing their dance at 5:30 pm.  She was kind of upset that we might have missed it already when we got there and saw that practically all the seats were empty.  We didn’t realize that the event had not started yet, we thought it had just finished.  When I asked someone if it was over, she told us that it had not started yet, and we were so relieved.  We wandered around, had samples of delicious chai and saw all the food vendors, and clothes displayed for sale.  What a fabulous event, I thought – even before it began. Later in the evening, I tried the food.

Raveena Tandon arrived a little later than expected, and of course I captured most of her presence on the stage.  Here are some pictures.  You know I like taking pictures and videos!  Here are just some of the pictures:

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event

You will not believe what happened next at this great event.  Well, someone made her upset, and of course I captured it, and I didn’t even know what was happening, as I was busy looking through the lens, and knew that something was brewing.  Anyway, long story short, Raveena has seen my tweets of the videos, and apparently is happy that I posted the videos as they show what happened.

Here’s the video of where Raveena was upset:

I just wanted to give you some context of what is about to appear in my next post as for the first time ever, there will not be a single picture in that post.  Also, I will not be introducing the Indian Independence Day event, the significance of it, or anything of that matter.  That is why this post is being published first.

The organizers are called UFICA, and they responded to her tweets about their version of why the ending was not the way this great event should have ended.  They publicized their letter on Twitter, and Raveena and her manager have asked me to publish their letter.  That is coming up next.

I do want to say that no matter what – I really enjoyed the event, and I say that in all sincerity.  There are always two sides to the story.  Also, to read more about the event click here: http://www.indiawest.com/news/global_indian/raveena-tandon-ed-royce-grace-fia-ufica-independence-day-event/article_4e45b512-46ae-11e5-8384-ebe722be66ec.html

It’s Not Just A Yard – It’s Neal’s Yard!

Neal's Yard

Oh, the wonderful places near Covent Garden.   But remember, when I told you it’s not just a garden…..it’s Covent Garden – well now, there’s a yard thrown into the picture too.  However, it’s not just a yard…..it’s Neal’s Yard!  It’s a most colorful looking place, close by to Covent Garden.  Don’t miss it!  Just ask anyone when you’re at Covent Garden where Neal’s Yard is, and they should be able to tell you.  Here’s some pictures.

Close To Covent Garden Is Neal's Yard

Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard

Neal's Yard

Neal’s Yard

Close To Covent Garden Is Neal's Yard

Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard

Close To Covent Garden Is Neal's Yard

Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard

In case you are wondering, you will find Neal’s Yard on the corner of Neal Street and Shelton Street

Close To Covent Garden Is Neal's Yard

Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard

Now, you will see Neal’s Yard close by to Shorts Gardens – you have arrived!

Close To Covent Garden Is Neal's Yard
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal's Yard

Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard

Close To Covent Garden Is Neal's Yard

Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard

Fancy some tea?

The Tea House, Covent Garden

The Tea House, close to Covent Garden

Fancy some cake?

Lola's Cupcakes, near Neal's Yard

Lola’s Cupcakes, near Neal’s Yard

How about now?  I think it’s tea time!

Lola's Cupcakes, near Neal's Yard

Lola’s Cupcakes, near Neal’s Yard

As you can see these are not just any gardens or any yards, they are special places and getting to be quite well known now.  Don’t forget to look out for them when you go to London.

I hope you enjoyed your visit to Neal’s Yard via my post, and I hope you have a great week!

On The Way To Covent Garden, London

The Tea House, Covent Garden

I find everything worth taking a picture of, especially in London.  So, you won’t be surprised that I took several pictures on the way to Covent Garden when I was there last year.  Here are the pictures:

Close to Covent Garden

Close to Covent Garden

Close to Covent Garden

Close to Covent Garden

Close to Covent Garden

Close to Covent Garden

They have the most interesting names of pubs in England, don’t you think?

Close to Covent Garden - The Nags Head

Close to Covent Garden – The Nags Head

Close to Covent Garden - The Nags Head

Close to Covent Garden – The Nags Head

Close to Covent Garden

Close to Covent Garden

Do you think that I wouldn’t take a picture of this place – The Chandos?  Why would I not, when it’s kind of named after my little Chandi.  Didn’t get a chance to go there though, but will pop in next time.

The Chandos on St. Martins Lane, near Covent Garden

The Chandos on St. Martins Lane, near Covent Garden

After we visited Covent Garden, pictures of which I showed you last week, we went to a street not too far away, and found some really lovely places to gaze and gawk at too.

The Tea House, Covent Garden

The Tea House, close to Covent Garden

More, next time.

I hope you liked the pictures close by to Covent Garden, sometimes, it’s not just the destination, but even the trip that’s worth it.  Always remember to take as many pictures as possible, or you might just forget what you saw on your way.

It’s Been One Year Since I Visited London!

Oh, it’s been one year since I visited London, and I miss it already! I have a video to share with you, something really short.  Perhaps you will be able to see that the Underground gets packed, and the stops are very brief.  Keep in mind that exiting passengers should be allowed to get off first, before new passengers board.  Always remember to Mind The Gap!

I think we must have been on our way to see my favorite Bridge – Tower Bridge.  I have to include at least one picture – so here it is.

Tower Bridge, London

Tower Bridge, London

I really wish I was in London.    Sad, sad, sad!