150 Miles north of London is the city of Nottingham - famous for the semi mythical Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men. Nottingham has a sizable student population and is home to 2 universities - The University of Nottingham and the Trent Nottingham University. This would also account for the large over 20,000 student population in Nottingham. We travelled down to the city to meet Puja who is doing her PHD at the university.
The Old Market Square is built with three shades of granite. The central open space is a light coloured granite, with white, beige and dark grey granite used for the fountains, terraces and flowerbeds. A new water feature dominates the west side of the Square, with jet fountains and waterfalls. These water features can be turned off if required, allowing a amphitheatre-like seating area to be created for shows and concerts
After an absolutely fantastic performance of the play, we headed for dinner to The Mint Leaf situated just opposite Her Majesty's theatre. This is a stylish restaurant with a sense of elegance. The food is excellent and wine list exhaustive.
The Birthday Cake
Sanjiv, Ranjila and Shaan with us the restaurant
Night scene at the nearby Leister Square
Anita with Sanjiv and Shaan
Diwali also signifies the end of the harvest season in most of India. Traditionally, it also marks the end of financial year of a businesses and closure of books of accounts. Prayers are offered to the Goddess of Wealth - Laxmi for prosperity and wealth through the coming year. Doors of houses are left open on Diwali so that the Laxmi can enter the house and bring wealth with her.
Entrances to houses are decorated with flowers and intricate designs
Candles lit outside a house in Gurgaon 
Crackers, rockets and other fireworks are a Major attraction on Diwali. The evening can be extremely noisy with crackers being burst all around. The night is totally lit up with fireworks.
Night View of houses lit up at Diwali
