Weekend Buzz: Concerts, Flights, Flu and Assignments

Last weekend started off on a nice note. Saturday was the day of the 'Burn Notice' marathon and I was able to catch up on the episodes I had missed earlier. Then started a dull Sunday that brightened up after I got myself invited to a concert. More than the concert (though the concert was good), it was the venue that proved to be more interesting. Stern Grove, as the venue is known, is a natural canyon kind of formation surrounded by eucalyptus (or redwood, take your pick. They're really tall) trees. It forms a perfect natural amphitheater with excellent acoustics despite the sound dampening affect of the woods. The efforts that have gone to preserve this natural habitat in the middle of a city are truly commendable. With a great weather, and with several pretty faces making it a point to attend, it was a nice way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. What followed was a great dinner at a downtown restaurant. But the icing on the cake was the completion of an economics assignment which I well believed was nothing short of a miracle. Truly satisfying.

This weekend started with the long travel back home. Before departure, as I stared at the huge aircraft (a 747-400) from the boarding gate, I realized how ungainly this bird looks on the tarmac in contrast to its sleek profile in the air. So while I was having these thoughts about aesthetics and functionality, a pretty couple walked upto me and wanted their picture to be taken with the 747's nose in the background. I agree that I look friendly and approachable enough for being trusted with a camera, but being photographed with a huge nose in the background is beyond me. Nevertheless, it was an idea and after the couple left, I took a photograph of the nose for myself. Just in case.

Anyways, upon arrival back home, I was amused and also happy to find a bunch of medical staff with nose masks scanning passengers for possible symptoms of swine flu. We had to clear their scrutiny before we could approach the customs and immigration. Looks like a lot of thought had also gone into the H1N1 medical information form (that was given to us just before landing)considering that some of these forms are really tiresome to begin with. It was crisp and simple. But despite the med staff's efficient processing, some of my fellow passengers were still impatient with them. I guess its just a force of habit. I wish the passengers showed a little more courtesy to these med staff who are working unearthly hours just to ensure we did not go home with an infection and afflict our near and dear with this now (in)famous flu.

Well, swine flu or not, now that I am back home, it will be a few more days before my circadian rhythms get adjusted to the local timezone. Till then, I will be holidaying at the Wii Sports Resort at 3 am in the mornings.