My neighbors

Kate was very surprised to see my neighbors swinging through the trees, walking along the railings of my apartment house in Tiruvannamalai, and scouting for food. The whole family troups through every morning about 8 a.m. I try not to bother them as I know they can be a little cranky ... but Kate went out to capture their antics on camera.
Walking up the mountain, we also saw Languor monkeys --- the kind with black faces. A few that crossed our path were the size of Jack.
- Mom

Jack, Namy and Mama

Jack fell off his skateboard a few hours before this photo was taken. His face has nicely healed now.. He was very proud of his big Ow-wee and enjoyed telling his teachers how it happened.

- Choo

Kate's Last Indian Update

I had a wonderful stay in Pondicherry. This is a temple elephant. When you give him a rupee he takes it in his trunk and blesses you by bonking you on the head.
We stayed at a gorgeous guest house right on the beach. It was India's republic day and many people were out celebrating with fireworks. There was a fair complete with a fast moving unstable looking ferris wheel that fascinated Namy.
Our last night, I treated Mom, Chooch and Namy to dinner at one of the newest design hotels. We had a buffet that was out of this world. Mom hadn't had fish for months and she really ate. Namy loved the chocolate pudding among the other desserts.
We toured Auroville which was fascinating. It is a utopian community that's about 50 years old. Quite a lovely setting. Google it if you want to know more.
Now in Tiruvannamalai for two days then to Chennai and then to Bombay and then to NYC. More details to follow. - Kate

Party!

Nana's birthday was a success. We had a chocolate truffle cake which Choo, Namy and Kate managed to get home on the scooter. Namy made sure to buy trick candles and have confetti ready to throw at Nana's head. Jack insisted on opening all the presents.

Bob made everyone laugh by wearing 3 birthday hats at once.

Nana said it was the best birthday party in all of India.

Towering Gopuram

Towering Gopuram
Originally uploaded by Gitasuz.

Just one of the gopurams at the temple. More than a thousand statues adorn the towering structure.

Little Shiva in Madurai

Little Shiva in Madurai
Originally uploaded by Gitasuz.

My trip to Madurai over the Christmas holidays was incredible. The city is known for its centuries-old Menakshee temple (Menakshee is the fish-eyed goddess, never closes her eyes.) The temple itself has four entrances -- north, south, east, west -- and the gopurams at each entrance are towering structures adorned with thousands of brightly painted statues of gods and mythical beasts -- all staring down at the onlooker. Amazing. Inside the temple, a tsumani of pilgrims floods the place. The smell of incense, the sounds of chanting, the sights of statues and people, the palpable feeling of devotion -- it almost took my breath away.

Mom's Birthday Jan23rd

Today is Nana's birthday. We will be having a celebration and showering her with gifts.

I got her a roundtrip ticket to Bombay so she can come see me off when I leave. We will spend a few days there.

More later on how the party goes.

- Kate

Just Jack

Just Jack
Originally uploaded by Gitasuz.

Jack enjoys a new present from his large pile.

Christmas Part 2

Christmas Part 2 in Chennai was a joy. There was a festive breakfast -- complete with menus and a guest sign-up sheet and Elvis singing Christmas songs in the backgrolund. Jack and Namy were here for a sleepover so, of course, the morning began early around 6:30. The kids stacked the gifts with Jack's gifts towering over all. Bhagirti and Bob arrived at 7 a.m. and promptly ordered from the menu. Nana and Namy were the kitchen crew. There were gifts galore, toys to play with, Barbies and certificates for great treats. A swim afterwards completed the morning.