To the civilian, life in the services seems to be full of glamour and glitter ... But what is it like in reality? Is it just the (perceived) comforts, privileges, household staff, dedicated healthcare services, parties, et al? What is it actually like for the people living this life, far removed from their native roots, especially for the wives, who have to adjust to a totally different life style, while maintaining the prestige of their husbands' positions, and taking care of the families' needs? This collection of real life stories is a narration by one such Navy wife, covering her transition from a sheltered young girl in the southern city of Thiruvananthapuram, to her life in the major metropolises, and even abroad, as the wife of a very senior officer. Written with sensitivity and gentle humour, the stories are a great read, throwing light on the private lives of these guardians of our frontiers, which all of us have been curious to know about ...