An Unusual Celebration

 Just attended a wonderful birthday celebration of a friend's aunt. She turned 87, and is as lively as ever. She was joking around, chatting as if we were longtime acquaintances (I met her for the first time), and was generally in high spirits. Some pics from the event, which involved two cakes. One, a special one from Vienna brought in by her nephew, and another, a home grown one from an Indian vendor, in the shape of a grenade, of all things! Great fun.

The 'Grenade' cake, before pulling the pin,..

and tadaaa, after.

Below, the special one from Vienna, Apricot flavoured, and a big deal in Europe.

Before Sunrise- Film Review

A lovely film, after a very long time. No idea why I missed it, seems it was made in 1995.

A young man meets a young woman, on a train in Europe. He urges her to get off in Vienna, before her destination. She agrees. They spend a night roaming the streets of Vienna, and talking with each other about their lives, views about life, and such. That is the plot. They part, confused about whether to meet, and whether they are in love.

I loved the movie, and wouldn't mind watching it again sometime. It is simple, uncomplicated by too many characters except when referred to by these two. There are some cultural references to the French and American stereotypes. He is American, and she is French.

The dialogue, the script, the cinematography, and the music, all are top-class, and hold your attention. There is also an old-world romantic feel, and a longing that the two actors portray, that you start wishing them well. Great feel-good stuff, and I am going to watch the sequel soon. There is one.