Eleven plus an Englishman and a dog go mad in Kerala

March 25, 2022March 26, 2022 SF2 Comments

On MAnjula’s death anniversary, we came up with a great idea to celebrate her— even more — by going on holiday to one of her favourite places.

It may provide material for an Enid Blyton story

Kannur is where Manjula and I first went on holiday together after our engagement in 2015.

Maybe we’ll find treasure, or at least get wet.

It’ll be a great adventure with MAnjula giggling from the antics of the loosely formed team.

It’s a challenge, anywhere, to bring together fragments of four families with two additions of an Englishman and his dog but this is India. It’ll be OK.

It’s a great way to thank Sowbaghya, Tanuja and Satish for the help they’ve been in so many ways, including setting up the new business.

It’s also an opportunity to spend fun time with Kaveri and her young auntie Rhadika.

That’s Rhadika dressed up for ethnic day in the midst of her exams.

We’ve got the go ahead from Kaveri’s mum, Satish has worked it out with the school and Jo will definitely have completed her term.

So we’re good to go…

Wonderful

So which amazing place is going to host this motley crew?

Children’s Books in Manjula’s Library.

February 24, 2022 SFLeave a comment

Some of our favourite authors are Oliver Jeffers, Neil Gaiman, Michael Foreman.

Interested? Contact Stephen, Sowbaghya or Survesh tours@mycycle.co

Manjula’s library.

October 2, 2021 SFLeave a comment

Latest delivery to the children’s section.

The board books in the centre use more appropriate local images for the traditional English rhymes still shared with ‘early years’ children in India.

What do you think?

I’ve ordered extra as gifts from Manjula to some of the children in the immediate locality.

welcome to our home

September 22, 2021 SF2 Comments

two recent visitors were overcome, loving our house, its vibe and the rich mix of art so I thought I’d share a bit more with you of Manjula and my creation in these videos

Manjula gives again.

September 15, 2021September 18, 2021 SFLeave a comment

New roses arrival, some gifted by Manjula, for the sadly depleted garden.

While Manjula’s garden and benches hang out in the next door park.

So that’s why the corporation often don’t place their benches in the shade? 🤭I don’t think it was a Manjula gift or maybe it was….

Celebrating Manjula

August 24, 2021August 24, 2021 SFLeave a comment

With friends (where are the women?) photo album, portrait, garden and cut out board.

Thank you to Karan, Anjali and with help from Aaditya and other students at CAVA Art College.

Did you spot the two women? Our commemoration will continue and more will visit this week.

Yet another day in the park

August 20, 2021August 21, 2021 SFLeave a comment

Creating a garden for MAnjula

There’s been two sorts of reactions to the garden which might provide some insights into people’s view of life, more later.

Lucie just did her own thing, happy not to be all alone with me.

Mysore meandering again

August 11, 2021August 12, 2021 SFLeave a comment

Mysore’s magic continues to show itself in special ways.

The party girls out and about after my early morning yoga.

lunch in Indra Paras Hotel where the owners and staff were happy to see me and surprised I’d been in Mysore all this time.

The hotel owner thought I’d put on weight, so I blamed the pandemic and not the cream cakes from Sapa. Might have to hit that on the head though.

MAnjula’ bench (no 4) at my favourite museum in the old House used by the British after the fourth war of Mysore in 1799. It’s-now complete with sleeping Buddha.