{"id":5665,"date":"2015-08-05T23:31:00","date_gmt":"2015-08-05T18:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/?p=5665"},"modified":"2026-01-18T18:43:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T13:13:10","slug":"from-pune-to-the-moon-a-weekend-at-space-center-houston","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/index.php\/2015\/08\/05\/from-pune-to-the-moon-a-weekend-at-space-center-houston\/","title":{"rendered":"From Pune to the Moon: A Weekend at Space Center Houston"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Work Takes You Closer to the Stars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>2015 was special.<br>It was the first time I landed in the United States\u2014officially for work, unofficially for experiences that would stay with me forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like most onsite trips, weekdays belonged to meetings, deadlines, and deliverables. But weekends?<br>Weekends were sacred. That\u2019s when onsite colleagues came together to explore, laugh, and create memories beyond office walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One such weekend led us to <strong>Space Centre<\/strong> Houston\u2014the official visitor centre of NASA Johnson Space Centre.<br>And honestly, it felt less like a museum visit and more like stepping inside a childhood dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-serano-gutenberg-container content-row light-section full has-animation\" data-bgcolor=\"#171717\" style=\"text-align:left\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.otter-masonry .blocks-gallery-grid .blocks-gallery-item img{ width:100% }<\/style><div class=\"otter-masonry\" data-margin=\"10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e37a0e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e37a0e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5685\" src=\"http:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2477_1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5685\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2477_1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2477_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2477_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2477_1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2477_1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e37d7c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e37d7c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5644\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2472-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2472-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2472-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2472-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2472-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2472.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e38066&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e38066\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5645\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2488-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2488-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2488-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2488-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2488-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2488.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e3833e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e3833e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5643\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2476-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2476-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2476-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2476-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2476-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2476.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e386e9&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e386e9\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5658\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2760-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2760-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2760-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2760-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2760-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2760.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e38a91&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e38a91\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5687\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2482-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2482-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2482-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2482-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2482-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2482.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-serano-gutenberg-container content-row light-section full has-animation\" data-bgcolor=\"#171717\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<figure class=\"has-parallax has-parallax-content \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2614-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"><div class=\"parallax-image-content content-max-width text-align-center\"><div class=\"outer\"><div class=\"inner\"><h1 class=\"has-mask\"><\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Plan: A Simple Day Trip, A Lifelong Memory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whenever weekends arrived, our onsite group made it a rule\u2014<em>let\u2019s do something memorable<\/em>.<br>This time, the choice was unanimous: <strong>Space Centre Houston<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And like always, <strong>Amy<\/strong> was the heartbeat of the plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She wasn\u2019t just an office colleague\u2014she was our unofficial travel guide, local expert, food consultant, and logistics manager rolled into one.<br>From pickup to drop-off, from where to go to what to eat\u2014Amy handled everything with warmth that went far beyond workplace friendship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>People are the same everywhere. You just need to find people like you.<\/em><br>And in Houston, I found Amy.<\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2576-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2576-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2576-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2576-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2576-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2576.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2481_1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2481_1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2481_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2481_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2481_1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2481_1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-serano-gutenberg-container content-row light-section full has-animation\" data-bgcolor=\"#171717\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<figure class=\"has-parallax has-parallax-content \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2773.jpg\" alt=\"\"><div class=\"parallax-image-content content-max-width text-align-center\"><div class=\"outer\"><div class=\"inner\"><h1 class=\"has-mask\"><\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Familiar Faces in a New Land<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another comfort of that trip was <strong>Vineet<\/strong>.<br>We were already colleagues back at the Silicus Pune office, part of the Sales &amp; Marketing team. A few months before this trip, Vineet joined me in Houston\u2014and we were staying together in the same company apartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So this trip had everything:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Familiar colleagues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New friendships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A shared sense of curiosity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And an endless supply of inside jokes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2722_1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2722_1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2722_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2722_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2722_1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2722_1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2712-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2712-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2712-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2712-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2712-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2712.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inside Space Centre Houston: Where Science Feels Personal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking into Space Centre Houston instantly shifts something inside you.<br>This isn\u2019t just about rockets and space\u2014it\u2019s about <strong>human ambition<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some unforgettable highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Moon Rock (Moon Stone)<\/strong><br>Standing inches away from an actual piece of the Moon was surreal. Something that travelled across space\u2026 now resting quietly behind glass.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Astronaut Cameras &amp; Tools<\/strong><br>Cameras actually used by astronauts in space. Scratches, buttons, wear marks\u2014proof that real humans were behind those historic missions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Historic Spacecraft &amp; Capsules<\/strong><br>Seeing spacecraft up close gives you a new respect for design, engineering, and courage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Space Shuttle Exhibit<\/strong><br>And then came <em>the moment<\/em>.<br>Amy and I stood behind the shuttle and captured what I can only call a <strong>lifetime photograph<\/strong>. A frozen memory, framed by one of humanity\u2019s greatest achievements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Training Modules &amp; ISS Displays<\/strong><br>From astronaut training setups to International Space Station models, everything felt immersive and deeply humbling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All around us were families, kids, seniors\u2014proof that curiosity has no age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-serano-gutenberg-container content-row light-section full\" data-bgcolor=\"#171717\" style=\"text-align:left\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.otter-masonry .blocks-gallery-grid .blocks-gallery-item img{ width:100% }<\/style><div class=\"otter-masonry\" data-margin=\"10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e3988e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e3988e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5664\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2919-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2919-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2919-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2919-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2919-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2919.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e39b9b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e39b9b\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5660\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2771-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2771-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2771-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2771-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2771-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2771.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e39e95&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e39e95\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5659\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2764-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2764-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2764-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2764-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2764-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2764.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e3a1c6&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e3a1c6\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5657\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2712-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2712-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2712-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2712-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2712-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2712.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e3a6e1&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e3a6e1\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5662\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2836-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2836-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2836-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2836-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2836-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2836.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e3aa65&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e3aa65\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5650\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2552-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2552-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2552-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2552-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2552-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2552.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Collectables, Gifts &amp; Smiles Back Home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No Space Centre trip is complete without souvenirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I went a little crazy at the gift shop \ud83d\ude04<br>Collectables for my kids, mementoes for family, fun space-themed gifts for friends\u2014each item carried a story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Back home, every gift became a conversation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cDid you really see this where astronauts train?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. I did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-serano-gutenberg-container content-row light-section full\" data-bgcolor=\"#171717\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<figure class=\"has-parallax has-parallax-content \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2683.jpg\" alt=\"\"><div class=\"parallax-image-content content-max-width text-align-center\"><div class=\"outer\"><div class=\"inner\"><h1 class=\"has-mask\"><\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-serano-gutenberg-container content-row light-section full\" data-bgcolor=\"#171717\" style=\"text-align:left\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.otter-masonry .blocks-gallery-grid .blocks-gallery-item img{ width:100% }<\/style><div class=\"otter-masonry\" data-margin=\"10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e3b068&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e3b068\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5652\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2588-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5652\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2588-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2588-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2588-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2588-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2588.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e3b36f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e3b36f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5646\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2526-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2526-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2526-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2526-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2526-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2526.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ef7a5e3b684&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ef7a5e3b684\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5647\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2529-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2529-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2529-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2529-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2529-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2529.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Reflection: Beyond Space and Science<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What stayed with me most wasn\u2019t just the technology or exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Colleagues becoming friends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A foreign land feels familiar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A weekend turning into a lifelong memory<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Standing there, looking at the shuttle, I realised\u2014<br>Exploration isn\u2019t only about space. It\u2019s about people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And sometimes, thousands of miles away from home, you find connections that feel just right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-serano-gutenberg-container content-row light-section full has-animation\" data-bgcolor=\"#171717\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<figure class=\"has-parallax has-parallax-content \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2624.jpg\" alt=\"\"><div class=\"parallax-image-content content-max-width text-align-center\"><div class=\"outer\"><div class=\"inner\"><h1 class=\"has-mask\"><\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Closing Thought<\/strong><br>That 2015 visit to Space Centre Houston wasn\u2019t just a sightseeing trip.<br>It was a reminder that <strong>curiosity connects us<\/strong>, and <strong>people make places meaningful<\/strong>.<br>Have you ever taken a simple weekend plan that turned into one of your most cherished memories?<\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When Work Takes You Closer to the Stars 2015 was special.It was the first time I landed in the United States\u2014officially for work, unofficially for experiences that would stay with me forever. Like most onsite [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5663,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[74,91,73,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5665","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","category-work","category-corporate-stories","category-travel-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5665","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5665"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5665\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5697,"href":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5665\/revisions\/5697"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5663"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5665"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5665"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laveshsumant.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5665"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}