I’m told they don’t pick up or answer the phone.
If the underpass is anything to go by you’ll be waiting sometime.
This is on a day when the whole city is heaving. It’s Lakshmi’s festival in a few days time.
People are risking life and limb crossing the busy roads, squeezing in the few inches between the concrete blocks separating the constant streams of traffic.
Who cares?
Manjula once told me that she wished to be reincarnated as a tree
This book reminded me of that
So if you ever see me talking to a tree….
You know.
It would have been her 50th birthday.
Manjula’s Mysore organised a creativity day for the 100 children of Kaliyuvamane school.
Our main team was Anjali leading on painting/drawing, preparation and overall coordination, Shubhash origami and Rena, sculpture.
Aryaa assisted with with the preparation. Ali, Miai, Ina and Sowbaghya together with the whole school team, helped out.
At the end, I explained why we’d organised the day.
The children and staff met Manjula (I cycled her images), we thanked everyone and then we were rewarded by the wonderful ice cream donated and served by Polar Bear.
Footnote
Stephen’s thanks.
“Today is because being creative is fun and good for us.
Did you enjoy it?
The day was Organised by Manjulas Mysore, to remember my beautiful wife who lived to give love to everyone. Today that beautiful woman is still with us in spirit and would have been 50 today.
Thank you to everyone for taking part and making it good. that is … Everyone at Kaliyuvamane: children and team who run it, to the artists and helpers.
Polar Bear’s fantastic treats are the tops, thank you for the ice cream.
Well done everyone
Let’s now enjoy our ice cream and look at the art.”
Message from Ina —Thomasina Sng — who has visited most years since we opened Mysore Bed and Breakfast. She became a great friend to MAnjula, is here now and helped us celebrate Manjula’s Birthday.
“Manjula was and still is an inspiration, from a background that would have made most people selfish and angry, she chose to be caring and giving,her happiness was in making and seeing other people happy and this is the love that she continues to teach.” Ina
We’re out again this evening to celebrate Manjula’s birthday.
One, Manjula continues to give. We celebrate and continue to share her loving kindness.
Two, we’ve made a great difference for 100 young children
Three, enhanced our reputation at Manjula’s Mysore of making things happen.
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.
I’ve missed not seeing her for almost six weeks followed by a flurry
On the drive home she spelt words after giving me a series of drawings, at least one for each week we missed seeing each other.
I’ve visited the school twice already this week. As a ‘family’ visit with scotaussie Ina and to attend the Independence Day celebrations with French Paul.
This weekend we’ve started with skating, she worried that she may have forgotten it, (no chance) a monsoon landing and hilarious walk home
Followed by opening the giant parcel I brought on the plane and Kaveri’s first Lego build.
I was so impressed by Kaveri quickly getting into following and implementing the Lego instructions. She clearly has never experienced anything like it before. I must also admit that I’ve cracked it, and have successfully bought clothes for a nine-year old. We all know it’ll not last.
Ina’s patient tolerance, knows no bounds.
Mysore Bed and Breakfast
It’s since been corrected from 🍞 to 🛌
Zonal office number nine of the Mysore City Corporation.
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.
As we know—— Travel brings so many benefits—- broadening horizons, being challenged, learning outside our comfort zones, time for reflection, meeting new people….. blah blah
One overriding lesson, is from comparing and contrasting the two countries. I now know India is way ahead in so many ways.
At the airport as I await my flight, there’s women in sarees, and shalwa but just one man (me) in Kurta.
As Indian kids would say Hi-Bye.
