My life journey : Texas - Lone Star State

Sophia Rajkumari *

I heard about a war drill taking place in Imphal, a stark reminder of how conflict has woven itself into the fabric of my homeland. Though I am far away, across mountains and oceans, the echoes of war remain with me. From time immemorial, war has persisted in my homeland, shaping lives in ways words can barely capture.

Even now, at my age, the sudden blast of a firecracker sends a shiver down my spine, my heart races in panic - an imprint left by years of turmoil. Who gifted this lingering fear ? Surely, I am not alone. There must be countless others like me, eyes frozen in remembrance, bodies tense at the sudden recollection of the past.

Though I have learned to live with this lifelong affliction, it is impossible to erase completely - it flows through me like a relentless, gushing flood. Even here, in this distant and enchanting land -America - I still get goosebumps. Yet, in the same breath, I smile, remembering my fellow people back home, fearfully rushing toward the sound of gunshots and explosions.

Just as my heart is drawn toward my homeland, let us take a moment and journey to Dallas - the Lone Star State- Texas. Walk with me. Everything is Big in Texas. Everything in Texas is grand. So much so that even the pizzas are astonishingly large, unmatched anywhere else in the world. But Texas offers more than oversized slices.

The Lone Star State boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Its heart-stealing natural deserts transport visitors to an era of history that makes them momentarily forget the present. Adventure here is immersive - it wipes away life's worries and exhaustion, embracing all who step into its vast expanse with warmth.

Texas is the 28th of the 50 States in the US. It earned the nickname 'The Lone Star State' because it existed as an independent country in North America for a decade before joining the Union. It is the second-largest State by area, trailing only Alaska, and ranks behind California in population. Austin is the State capital.

Texas proudly carries the motto 'Friendship' and its State symbols reflect its deep-rooted identity, the Bluebonnet as the State flower, the Northern Mocking bird as the State bird. It is bordered by Louisiana to the east...

My journey began at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), a place so vast it nearly overwhelmed me. With five terminals and 160 gates, navigating its expanse was disorienting. I believed I knew English well enough, yet when the bespectacled immigration officer spoke, nerves took over - my heart pounded, my voice failed me, and I fell silent.

Stepping outside, Texas welcomed me with its calming sky and vast, rolling clouds. On the drive home, I noticed the uniformity of the houses, standing in harmony as if they whispered, `There is no difference here.' The roads were a spectacle, massive 12-lane highways where cars moved with extraordinary speed, seemingly controlled by an unseen force, like a remote-operated system.

At every traffic light, a fascinating rhythm unfolded. Yellow prompted vehicles to slow, red commanded an absolute halt - the scene resembled a choreographed dance, a symphony of movement in perfect sync. But in Texas, missing a step - disregarding traffic rules - brings disaster. Compared to India, Texas feels less populated.

Its sheer scale is surreal, almost like stepping onto the set of a Hollywood horror thriller. When I arrived home, the door alert sounded, warning - 'Main door opened.' The next morning, as I toasted bread in the toaster, the fire alarm howled. If a vessel slipped from my hands, the alarm scolded me, insisting I had broken glass.

My mind froze, gripped by the same panic I felt when I heard gunfire back in my homeland. A few days later, I experienced the wonder of Tesla's autopilot mode. It was utterly mesmerizing to sit in the driver's seat as the car navigated on its own -overtaking other vehicles, changing lanes, adjusting speed, and steering effortlessly.

At one point, my eyes grew heavy, and suddenly, the car shouted, "Why are you sleeping?" It was pure magic. Absolute magic! A few days later, I went sightseeing in downtown Dallas. The city felt vividly alive, its towering buildings standing motionless yet seemingly reaching for the endless sky. I arrived at Dealey Plaza, where a faintly painted white "X" marked the spot on the road.

In that moment, vivid images danced before my eyes - John Fitzgerald Kennedy, popularly known as JFK, America's 35th President, taking his final journey. It was here, on November 22, 1963, at 12.30 pm local time, that tragedy struck. President Kennedy, along with his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally, and his wife, Nellie Connally, rode in a motorcade limousine when fatal shots were fired.

As I watched the traffic flow over this historical site, I captured countless pictures. We wandered through the bustling streets of down-town, exploring far and wide. In one of the smaller lanes, I stumbled upon Dallas's famous sculpture, 'The Giant Eyeball'.

'The Giant Eyeball' : My life journey : Texas - Lone Star State :: Pix - TSE / Sophia Rajkumari

Standing at an impressive 30 feet tall and weighing 8,200 kilograms, the sculpture is crafted from fiberglass, resin, steel, and painted with oil paint. It is a replica of artist Tony Tasset's own eyeball - a deeply personal creation. There's a story behind it - Tasset was born with an eye deformity that required removal and reconstruction.

When asked about the meaning of his sculpture, he simply states, `Whatever you want.' Since I'm passionate about photography, I was determined to capture this striking piece despite the challenges. Since the sculpture is housed within a private garden, and outsiders aren't allowed in, but with great effort, I managed to take many pictures, preserving the memory of this unique sight.

After visiting 'The Giant Eyeball', I headed to a place called Deep Ellum - an electrifying hub of art and street festivals. The streets weren't just lined with vibrant, seven colored shops, restaurants, and mobile stalls; they pulsed with unique energy. Loud music echoed from afar, inviting passersby to pause, take a breath, and momentarily forget their worries.

The place seemed to whisper its unforgettable history, mesmerizing me with its raw charm. After driving in circles searching for parking, I finally found a spot deep inside the street and made my way to a restaurant called 'Revolver Taco'. As we waited for our food, we talked about the rich history of Deep Ellum, realizing its journey through time was anything but ordinary.

The area came to life in 1872, when the railroad brought prosperity, attracting laborers and immigrants from diverse backgrounds -African Americans, Greeks, Jews, Italians, Mexicans, and Czechs - many of whom had fled their homelands, seeking refuge from oppression. The name Deep Ellum evolved from 'Deep Elm', a place where daily wage earners were once picked up and dropped off.

In the early 20th century, economic decline set in, and with it came rising crime and rampant prostitution. However, amidst the turbulence, legendary musicians like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Lead Belly performed on the streets and in local theaters, reshaping Deep Ellum's identity through art and culture.

By the 1940s, the US federal Government attempted to revitalize the area under the 'National City Beautification Project'. Soon, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs were drawn in, breathing new life into the district.

Despite its turbulent past, Deep Ellum's artistic soul and cultural significance have transformed it into an extraordinary historical landmark In 2020, it was recognized as one of Texas's 'Cultural Districts', and by 2023, it had earned its place in the 'National Register of Historic Places'.

And with that, I wrap up today's journey. Until we meet again on the next adventure - remembering you all with love from afar.