Another example of our wonderful guests, that become friends and how our chosen family now spans the world.
How lucky are we?
Here’s this weeks Facebook posting from them. ….
Ten years ago when we planned a visit to Mysore with children for the first time, we wanted to give them a unique experience. After lots of googling we chose an english man Stephen Farrell’s , Mysore Bed and Breakfast. It was a home away from home where travellers from different part of the world prefered to stay during their Mysore visit.
Stephen shares his home with guests and offer complimentary home cooked tasty breakfast. All the guests share the same table conversing with each other during breakfast.
Warm hospitality shown by Stephen, Manjula and their lovely Lucy remained as fond memory with us, especially with Dhrithi n Diya.
We were in touch with Stephen through Facebook and we knew what’s happening in his life. He married Manjula but unfortunately their time together after marriage was only for short duration due to untimely demise of Manjula. Stephen gave a beautiful experience to Manjula during her life time. He traveled with her to different tourist destinations, took her to his home country twice, Introduced her to his family and friends. He loved her unconditionally, gave best treatment possible and tried to fulfill her dreams. The days spent with Stephen might be the happiest moment in Manjulas life.
Few days ago, i. e. After ten years we got the opportunity to visit Mysore again with daughters. Dasara Celebration was just over but vibe was still there. Dhrithi Diya didn’t show any interest in seeing palace, decorations, exhibition or lightings. Instead they wanted to meet Stephen at his place. We were meeting him after ten years but surprisingly we didn’t feel the time gap and the connection was instant. He interacted and narrated stories with same enthusiasm, Lucy was as lovely as she was before. Beadu cat is the new addition to the family. Even we could feel the presence of Manjula in every room every corner of that house. Stephen manages public garden in front of the house in her memory. Stephens eternal love towards Manjula is incomparable.
He converted one room to Library in Manjulas memory. He showed his collection of books to Dhrithi Diya. He is keeping Manjulas memory alive through various activities including reading activity for youths. Dhrithi n Diya received godfather card from Stephen . And he said only few children recived that card from him so far and he will support them always .
Stephen conducts MyCycle, tour on Cycle to various parts of Mysore and surrounding villages. He has good knowledge about India, he apreciates cultural diversity, craftsmanship, artifacts & practices of India. He loves to interact with people from diverse background , celebrate festivals. He has deep understanding about the essence of India and some time I feel he is more Indian than many of us.
He shares his experience and memories in his blog
https://meandmycycle.com/2023/10/31/guests-become-friends-2/
Their Facebook entry
Me and MYCycle 