DrumRoll

Aditi's first train journey led us to a great trip. We spent Christmas weekend at Hampi, Badami and Pattadkal with our close family friends. Aditi and her friend were very entertaining and Anush and her buddy were on great behaviour having fun only as little girls do and imbibing a bit of the culture.

We realised we could have included Bijapur maybe with slightly better planning. So for those of you who wish to do this, keep it in mind- 3 - 4 days and you can cover all the places, assuming you are willing to start early daily.

While most of what we saw in Hampi is covered in the earlier trip post, there is a new pin hole shadow in the Virupaksha temple and a new bell has been discovered and displayed in the Krishna temple. We caught the elephant bathing session, a road side mehendi, a lovely trinket- a 2 paise coin finger ring and also did the boat trip across the river this time.

There are buggies now in the Vittala area and the dust is really way too much if the kids are allergic. The musical pillars have been cordoned off to the public since the structure looks rather unstable and possibly due to some mindless people using sticks and stones on the pillars!

But somehow the old grandeur seems to have diminished or since it was the second time, was my memory larger than the real thing?

Badami was fabulous despite the crowds. The cave temples/ durbars were filled with stories. The smiling Harihara and the seated Vishnu on the serpent will stay with me forever. The lake nearby saw an indulgent lady let Aditi wash clothes with her.

Pattadkal is sheer poetry and while Aditi's nature call made me miss some of the guide's gyaan, just seeing all the structures left me wondering what great skill artists and masons possesed in the years gone by.

Apart from the Mango Tree ( still too crowded and poor service and great ambiance) Badami Court and the German cafe on the other side in Hampi are places worth eating at. Small and cosy eat was the Durga cafe by the Virupaksha. Apart from the usual suspects, Israeli and Tibetan food have joined the menu in most eateries.

We were in an adequate enough place called Padma Guesthouse. I was afraid of the large lizard that paid us a visit once ( almost like a chameleon) but otherwise it was comfortable with a homely feel.

What was saddening is the brewing issue of the proposed dislocation of the smaller shops/ vendors/ autos near the bazaar to render a pristine historic feel to the place. While there must be another side to the issue some locals mentioned it is the vested interest of the powers that be. Here is a piece on that if you are interested in knowing more.

A quick trip

Did a whirlwind trip with my maternal aunt from Delhi to Chintamani.

The drive in the rain was amazing. Everyone had a ball in any case at home.

Was wondering again why Snickers can't set up a plant there given the awesome quality of peanuts you get.

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I had a haircut and am mighty pleased with the results. On the way to short hair again.

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Aditi has measles- must be why she has been out of sorts since we returned from Tirupathi.

New learning- vaccines are not a complete guarantee.

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I have been given a new account recently at work- one that will take me to Delhi at least once in couple of months. Beginning August. Shopping, M and MM here I come.

Celebrating Ugadi and Ganesha

I think this was the first time we were in Chintamani for Ugadi. Lots of new clothes, the cricket World cup final and food apart, we also had beautiful weather on one of the days and played a bit of badminton as well. This is the first time I saw a natural athletic ability in Anush. Aditi on the other hand is very athletic in general and was a naughty monster this trip.

We also visited a Ganesh temple in Kanipakam, Chittor district. Lovely idol, fairly clean temple but very commercial and very crowded. Excellent drive nonetheless.

Anush sets off for summer camp today , hope she & T enjoy it.

Luck by chance

Anushka's annual school report was very reassuring. She also got a book from the founder and a lovely note as well. She ran back to them as we were leaving to say that she would visit them when she had holidays from her next school! I think I saw one of her teachers in tears. Anushka's best pal T is off to Valley and Anush will be in another school. So T's folks have put her into the same summer camp so that the girls will get some time together this summer. On a whim, Navy and I went for a dinner (without the kids after many- many months), once they had slept off. It was a great feeling and the food did not matter but it turned out to be good as well at Tandoor. I understand that we have been fortunate indeed. Am off to C'mani for the weekend. Happy Ugadi folks.

Nashik and back

Went on work to Nashik via Mumbai. Nice place though it is less scenic than I had expected. It was wonderful to hear the Marathi there.

Bought Chivda at both Kondaji and at the more interesting Madhavji chivda. Also visited Haji for sweets.

On the way back via Mumbai, I had some time to kill. Anyone in Andheri west, near the station, last evening, would have seen a woman, completely gleeful, going bonkers shopping and carting unwieldy bags around. On a whirlwind nostalgia trip- I was at Merwans-a Cake shop, Jains farsaan/ snacks, a Titan showroom ( yes I know we have those in B'lore as well), a Pani puri stall and Honesty a small kiddy clothes shop in NATCO. What fun!

Needless to say- my purse was light and me- I felt even lighter. What a high!

Birds of a feather

Had a wonderful trip to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. We went with my SIL and family- in itself guaranteed fun all the way.

Saw a lot of birds- pied kingfishers, egrets, painted storks, spoonbills, cormorants, herons, ibis, some others that I do not recall, a few mean looking but sleepy crocs and countless bats. Anush was in wonder though a bit tired. She also wanted to see a croc with its mouth open wide!!

We were told more birds visit in March- April including the flamingos which evaded us at Pulicat a few years ago but which are fresh in my memory from Nallasarovar ten years ago!

Will possibly do another trip in April.

We passed by sugar city Mandya, the Maddur vada town, Ramnagar- the Sholay location and of course the obligatory stop at Chennapatna. Photos were taken by my able nephew and will come in later.

Also visited the temple at Srirangapatna and was dazed by the crowds. Way too much to feel comfortable with a baby and a by now tired kid. Did a quick darshan and stepped out to enjoy the architecture and air.

Ate at Adigas- very good and Kamats- not so good. Missed thatte idlis in Bidadi. That too maybe for next time.

Weekend wrap up

Had a cozy blogger meet with Shankari, Shruti, Sandhya and kids. I felt so at home!! The kids bonded instantly and we also had a cool craft session from Shruti. Apart from chatter, eats and gifts. I was so moved that Shankari remembered my post and quest for slates with wooden frames and got them for us! Is that thoughful or what!?!

Went to Mainland China after years- enjoyed it thoroughly from the crackling spinach to the darsaan. My father who had introduced this place to me in Mumbai over a decade ago, was the one who took us again here in Blore.

Made a trip to Chintamani and was again wowed by nature's beauty.

Green and sour raw mangoes

We went to a mango farm at Chintamani, Kolar.

What did we see but lovely large green and sour raw mangoes, that we ate all day long indeed.... as the house favourite when it comes to rhymes- Karadi rhyme goes

Oh what fun we had.

Anush's first hand touch of a beetle or whatever this beautiful crawly thing is-

Aditi's first at an orchard-

Also saw cashewnut tree, the hard outer fruit that we place at Ganesh Chaturti, jack fruit trees, broom stick plants and even a lovely dry basket like flower.

BTW on our way back, we noticed that the Parabhat circus has left town.

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And the Mangalore Mishap is just so sad. I was in that very airport a couple of weeks ago and had commented to my colleague on the hill like airport which makes you feel a rush, since you can see the valley and the drop, if the craft misses.....

Learning

The Annual book Exhibition is up and truly a delight as always. Chennai has such a huge number of book lovers , it makes one feel warm. Got a lot of Tulika books for Anushka. At 15% discount !!

Anush's school reopens today. Baby, I hope you have a wonderful, colourful 2010!! Hope you get fluent at reading soon, given your sometimes valiant, often mirth evoking attempts

The header is a pic from our Dilli Haat trip....

Strumming on

We are having fun here.
Killing time doing what families who meet after a long gap do.
The missing people are being missed big time- including Navy.

We went to this restaurant called Pind Baluchi since Punjabi by nature would have been difficult with the baby. Do try their curd kebab- pretty interesting.

And my second review is up at Saffron Tree. Do visit this review ( Sarah's Story) .

Full house

Anush and Aditi are gloating in the presence and with the presents being showered on by everyone in the family ...

We went to the dolls museum- it was not very impressive in display though it could have been. The doll collection is amazing but there is no explanation/ guide/ reading matter/ history/ anecdotes. The walls are dull and drab- rather like a documentary from a bygone era
Anush still enjoyed herself and liked the Spanish flamenco dancers and the Tanjavur bommais the best.

We got a lot of CBT books from next door- look out for reviews on Saffron tree.

Anushka also went to the zoo ( next to Old Fort) with her thaathu and with a cousin (without me for the second time). She went to a carnival at Goenka school with another cousin- first time that she went alone without her amma appa or paati!!

Though both times required lot of coaxing from me, I am glad she made it. A much awaited milestone if you can call it that .

While on milestones, Aditi is trying to her head up and straight and was happiest the day all family was making a lot of ruckus. She had decided to be a part of the fun I guess.

The only shopping I did myself was buy light shoes for Anush- ( and her face lit up more than the shoes) and lovely bed spreads and sweaters.

In this season of gifting and giving, howdoweknow got Anush a DIY doll house and Madmomma lent us a pram!! Thanks ladies. Would have liked to meet up as well. Next time maybe.

Dilli 2

Anush's cold and baby's slight discomfort not withstanding, we are having a good holiday.

Here are some snaps from the rail museum. While it is much larger and better stocked than the Chennai rail museum, I found that there was no personal touch and the rather infectious passion that the Chennai curator showed was missed. Also the ticket counters were often unmanned and the toy model train in a state of repair. The gift shop was well stocked though. Still definitely worth a visit.

Today is dear to me because Aditi turns a winsome three month old. All the best baby!!

Gave Akshardham a miss but will update you all based on my mother's visit.

And Merry Christmas all.

Milestones on a road trip

Children's day celebs extended from Friday on to Monday at our place

We drove down to Chintamani. It was:

Aditi's first out of towner ( at 1.5 months and she enjoyed most of it)- Anush had been the same age when we took her on her first flight to Mumbai

My ILs 40th wedding anniversary - we had a fun do to mark the occasion complete with the relighting candles

Anushka's first school fancy dress - though the school was her father's !

Aditi's introduction to her adoring and adorable Blore cousins- she won them with her smiles

Our first long road trip as a family of four( hopefully many more to come)


It has been a year since our previous trip to Cmani

Go here for a then and now moments in pictures. .

Where have I been?

Anush discovered she could create a "moustache " with her hair. She was so pleased with herself! Am sure she will shudder in dismay when she is a teenager, coming to terms with unwanted fuzz on the upper lip and elsewhere.

While on moustaches, on Thursday, we had a demanding client visit us. He was happy enough to make light conversation- he mentioned that a quirky entrepreneur in Kerala asked only one thing of his potential male employees " You remove your moustache and then come trow" If they did, it was considered the height of loyalty and subservience and he would employ that person!!

I was in Bangalore on work on Friday and met up fleetingly with JLT, her smart little one, who spontaneously felt my tummy for the baby's movements and her endearing mother. JLT gifted me a lovely terracotta vase. After a dash to the airport realized the flight was late and also the airport toll fee has been waived so less time required!!

Navy has gone to Chintamani to spend some time with his folks. Anush's explanation to her grandma as to why she did not go with Navy- "Amma will be alone na? So i decided to stay back with her!!"

After the continuous fun we have had over the last couple of months, looks like it is time for the bad cold cough Anush gets every once in a while. Hope it goes off sooner this time. We opted for homeo treatment which worked well last time.

Most of you know that new constructions are prone to cracks after a year or so. But this time I think they are way too many ( as compared to our previous home) and the hassle of having accents on the walls where in I have not really recorded the paint colour codes has come back to nag me.

The last few days

Friday

Met Usha - one of my oldest blog inspirations. She is just what she is on her blog- frank and lovely. She thoughtfully got Anush a CD of stories. Anush surprised me by really taking to her and not wanting her to leave. She even asked for Usha before the blogger meet at Blore!!

Saturday

Went to Blore for Navy's cousin's wedding. Travelled by the day train after a long time.

Enjoyed the mehendi . . .

Anush to a relative" If we ask for mehendi in only one hand, then they will put till here( till mid arm) . If we ask for both hands then they will put small small....."

Anush to me" Amma that mehendi lady is very good and fast na? .....Shld i say woman not lady?"

Anush delighted the gang with her dancing and prancing to all the " 9xm songs" and even did a solo dance much to her own delight!!

Sunday

Anush dressed up in all her finery and enjoyed herself thoroughly with the teenaged lot at the wedding.

I was asked the same battery of questions " due date... how r you....how is anush reacting....are you still working...." and that was it. Some of the older women told me it would be a boy since my skin looked pretty bad.

Yes, met up with some bloggers and their lovable kids- Poppin's mom with her delectable kids, Monika with Ojas and hubby, the most gracious hosts- Mamamia (Abha) household, Starry and Collection of stars with her lovely daughter.

Monday

Enjoyed the conventional food at the marriage.

Wore a sari after a long gap- a gorgeous Kanchivaram designed by an NID student- one gifted by my mother over a year ago!!

Met a distant relative and friend of Navy's who had been following my blog!!

Took a fancy new Shatabdi and met a lovely co-passenger who indulged Anush almost through out the journey

Travel Tales

I am currently reading Gerald Durrell's " My family and other animals" It is hilarious in style and Gerald's family is so endearing and entertaining. I am at just the beginning of his travels to Corfu, Greece.

Was in Bangalore yesterday and enjoyed the rain that poured down as we were headed back to the airport. Travelled Jet after a long time and ate lunch at a darshini called Swati at 4 pm!!

In Chennai, Anush had gone to my grand aunt's farm and was very excited at having picked a zillion mangoes!! It did look like a mango market at home when I got back. since my mom did not take any pics, here is one from the past at the farm . . . and one at home with the loot

On Sunday we had been to a shaadi in an area called Valsarvakkam which I have never been to in the last 10 yrs in Chennai! I felt very hi-tech navigating teh route using googlemap on the cell phone.

Anush went up to the bride and told her " Aunty you are looking pretty"

She saw a girl in high heels and exclaimed" Amma , is she short or is she silly? " ( something her positively silly but not short mother had told her to keep her off heels) Luckily that girl did not hear this.

Return to Childhood

Bangalore was so hot!! Was there for a family wedding.

We met/ to be precise, saw, Navy's paati who has gone into coma. It is sad to see active people lose out in so many ways in their old age. ( I hope I have a quick and easy death. )

At the wedding, Anush had a wonderful time and enjoyed the multiple dress changes and the rituals and the conventional music. She went off by herself, tailing a couple of cousins and being the centre of everyone's attention.

I noticed that
- she looked taller than the rest of her age group
- she was pretty self reliant while having food
- she has developed a South Indian sing song tone to her English while asking questions: -)

We introduced Anush to those stick on (freebie) tattoos, South Indian mehendi ( marudaani) and gold fingers ( light & crisp, tubular yellow fritters that adorn your fingers before you munch them up)

Together we discovered some exotic fruit called Panneer or some such, which reminded me a little of rosewater and had a beautiful round marble sized seed inside.

Again missed meeting a couple of friends, blogging and otherwise.

Back to Chennai now and my family has arrived from Mumbai. Welcome appa and paati.

Harried Dwar

I was at Haridwar on work and found just enough time to venture up to Rishikesh cross the Lakshman Jhoola and collect some beautiful stones. More on that at the travel blog in a while.

My journeys were really remarkable-
The flight from Chennai to Delhi was delayed numerous times and I was sure I would miss the train. The train was delayed as well ! Providence.

The special train from Nizzamudin to Haridwar-I was in a "coupe" and it was so old worldly beautiful but had a quaint musty odor about it.

The road journey from Haridwar to Rishikesh saw me chance upon a Madras tours and temple

My co passenger on the Shatabdi was an interesting young government official from the home ministry- I think this is the first really articulate person in my age group that I have met who works for the government

On the flight back from Delhi to Chennai I had a paediatric liver transplant expert next to me. What an accomplished and interesting lady- She had lectured in Romania and was on her way to Chennai for another one. She shared a video of a beautiful 4 year old dancing post a few days after the transplant!! How inspiring ......

Anush has been down with fever the last couple of days. She has never ever asked me not to go to office but today she cried a little and asked me to stay....it really broke my heart.

Delhi Dwellings

Was in the capital city yesterday.

Was surprised to see how hot it was already. It has also joined the other Indian cities with water problems/ scarcity, at least this summer.

The hoardings are far fewer than in Chennai or Mumbai.

This is the only place where I saw accidents on flyovers- autos have rammed into the boundary walls of the flyovers!!

Ate in a restaurant called Chor Bazar, near Mc Doanlds, Noida. Chaat was good, dessert bad. Interesting choice of side dishes - bitter gourd and raw jackfruit were there apart from the omnipresent paneer.

I bought nine outfits for Anushka in Lajpat Nagar market for a steal, in fifteen minutes flat.

It reminds me a lot of a hotter- larger Blore. I cannot pin down why. Any help?

No Chinta, yet Chintamani

Had a much needed if rushed outing to Chintamani, Kolar where Navy's folks live.

Anush recognized her grandparents and was following her thaatha a lot.

Here is proof of what she did other than munch on grapes forever.