Category: Life in India

Anjali gets married.

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Since Punith introduced us I’ve realised how much Anjali is a real star

She got married today. Every wedding is same but different, down to caste, experience, attitude and get-on-ableness of the generations, so it’s not unlike absolutely everything else in consistently inconsistent India.

Even in the midst of planning a wedding and balancing the interests/preferences of in and out laws Anjali was instrumental in making our creativity day for the children at Kaliyuvamane.

Thoughtful dad.

There was a great mix of people and more recently found great friends.

They were obviously also having fun

Guess which twit forgot to put his kurta on?

Congratulations to Anjali Sakleshpur and Veethahavya Kootanoor Sheshadrivasan

Any ideas why we share our home?

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You’d be correct in assuming it’s to celebrate MAnjula and help more people meet her.

It’s also ..

.. because it’s life affirming and fun.

… meeting new lovely lively people,

what’s not to like?

Thank you to our latest new friends from near Barcelona (one of my favourite cities) for spending time here and we getting to know you….

… that’s Martina, Jana, Marta and Angel

Jana created a lovely image and wrote a beautiful message, for me. Fab!
I’ll need to learn Spanish. Those who know me, realise I’m ace at languages! 🤪

Bringing MAnjula home

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Manjula appeared behind my cycle as well as in our hearts on what would have been her 50th birthday.

We celebrated with 100 children at Kaliyuvamane

Today I brought her home.

We cycled through the countryside, along the national highway, through the suburbs and on my cycle route around Chamundi Hill.

The countryside behind Kaliyuvamane
Layouts are planned
New friends Preetham and Preeti
Whoops
around the backside of Chamundi Hill
Chai stop at Lalithdripura
Breakfast stop
Back home at Mysore Bed and Breakfast

Stopping to chat as people wondered what it was all about.

It’s about our love and her kindness

… and now we’re back home at Manjula’s Garden

Our quiet relaxing park

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Exotic birds
Billet-doux
Lucie

I have an uneasy feeling.

Conflict could happen.

One of our benches

Locals have made an addition, it’s becoming a lounge.

Our love for MAnjula

Billet-Doux decides to wind up the crows.

But it’s not with those species that problems arise.

As a fracas begins and grows and grows as more self important neighbours choose to bully one side.

I’ll find out later what it’s about

Sounds like they’re resolving it physically now. Good job the do-gooders got involved to calm things down, not.

No different from Britain. Except caste and community might have an influence.

We’ll find out.

It’s not often I notice such happenings but things quickly flare up and get-out-of-hand.

Later

I’m (un)reliably informed that the police do pick up the phone, as they appeared , presumably to bang heads together.

Meanwhile the birds, dog and cat co-exist.

Except

radhika’s puppy

Comes to wind up Lucie

Did we get the timing wrong?

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First Sunday after returning home.

When Kaveri visits we’ve started going to swimming pool Sunday morning but we’ve got timing wrong or they’ve changed the rules.

Women and children only.

How is that possible with an old man and in India?

As you can see it’s a bit empty.

But this being India, I managed to get in for half the session.

I’m not altogether sure what’s the biggest attraction. Swimming or bakery.

I think we know.

Business licence renewed for Manjula’s pride

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Mysore Bed and Breakfast

Look at the name on the last trading permit. Just visible in the shadow of the receipt.

It’s since been corrected from 🍞 to 🛌

New one issued in a jiffy. When things work in India they really do

Zonal office number nine of the Mysore City Corporation.

The first woman sent me to the wrong desk instead of the one next to her! No problem as everything went smoothly.
The bank, pay Rs 5184 plus penalty of Rs 778
Entered in a ledger and rubber stamped again.
Permit gets printed and stamped
Ms helpful
I’m overcome. So speedy. Wobbly chais stops swoon

I had to pay a penalty as my application was late. Should have submitted it at the beginning of the financial year. I didn’t as we only reopen now so not been trading.

Next I have to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office.

I’m hesitant as I wish to hang out in the glow of: it-all-worked-well a little bit longer.

Back home in Mysore

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What’sapp between Ani and I

Manjula keeping her watchful eye, caring kindness and wonderful presence.
Ani arrives back from the US en route to Bylakuppe. After retiring as psychologist in the US she became a Tibetan Buddhist nun

Sowbaghya is in charge, looking after the house and menagerie while I’m away.

Waiting to go for a walk, together.
Even growing cucumber
We’ve been waiting to see the beautiful flower, Manjula’s favourite but missed its full glory.

So here, from a few years ago, are the two beauties together

She loved it and we her.

Flower power

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Manjula adored her flowers.

She …..

…… would thread the garlands since a child to supplement any income.

…… Loved the jasmine growing on our roof and in the drive.

But she saved a special place in her heart for what’s locally called Brahma Kamla but strictly speaking it’s ‘queen of the night’.

She’d excitedly spot the new buds coming through and accurately predict which night it would blossom.

On that night we’d open the back door and be hit by the overpowering aroma. It would be gone by morning

After she died, four years ago, the flowers didn’t appear until this year. Sowbaghya spotted a bud. It’ll flower as we approach what would have been her 50th birthday.

The flower is now featured on a tattoo on my shoulder and in a portrait of Manjula in our upstairs hall (lounge).

Check this out.

Grandad poo

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Lady at corner shop complained about Kaveri not calling me uncle. Honestly it’s ok!

If only she knew what my granddaughter Poppy called me🤔🤭🫣

I’ve found this Birthday card from two years ago.