Tag: Mysore

What next?

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Be prepared. There maybe a few postings about —- what next? I’ve adopted India as my home for sixteen years after first visiting twenty years ago and connecting with India from a distance in the 1970s.

Let’s not forget, I’ve been so lucky and—- i fell in love with the most amazing woman — MAnjula. But I’m slowly getting the message that I’m not wanted anymore (if I’ve ever been) and maybe just maybe I need to think afresh and try something new.

It’s not the people of India.

They are very friendly and welcoming. I’ve been and continue to be very happy here. I want to stay here and retire here.

It’s the system.

I’ve lived here on a business visa, all this time. It’s now getting increasingly difficult to do that. I’ve failed to get OCI supposedly because MAnjula died yet I’ve heard others have it in similar circumstances but in other parts of the country. I’ve tentatively tried other things and keep hitting (soft) brick walls.

It’s tiring.

When I first posted this on Facebook a friend reacted and introduced me to someone who might be able to help. We’re in discussion now.

As I reach 69 in a few weeks I recognise I can’t keep moving. I may have only moved here sixteen years ago but it feels like it’s always been my home.

If I must leave, I must, but my particular concern is my desire to continue to support and help Kaveri grow to her full potential. She really is like my daughter.

That’s my biggest worry.

As MAnjula, my muse,would say: ‘let’s see’

Art again and again

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As part of the festivities we attended a fabulous art show at the Art College just across the main road.

Our no 1 pull was to see Pravalika’s wonderful piece of art.

With tons more to appreciate.

I stopped myself from buying anything. There’s already too much to fit into the new house.

But how about a bird for the tree?

Moving on too

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This is a big emotional and practical step.

We’ve found one option that we could make work here. Do take a look.

…

This is an invite for our friends far and wide to get involved. Guests from the past and those that might join us in our new form.

What do you think?

A lovely French family that recently visited emphasised the proximity to the centre, quiet area, great decor and good communal space. Got it!

We need storage space including for cycles and car. Some of the current accumulation will have to go.

Now there’s a challenge.

But of course with any momentous change we need to do our research.

Here’s another option for us to consider …

Anjali found it for us. Its advantage is it’s independent, with a garage, and its rooms are a bit small — We can make it work though.

Sowbaghya and I are leading the team of investigators (that includes you) — of course, I draw MAnjula in as it’s for her too.

Let us have your suggestions and know what you think.

We approach Manjula’s birthday

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In August Manjula would have been 52.

We have traditions in the U.K. to commemorate and recognise significant people’s contribution by installing a blue plaque on the house where they lived

Like this one ….

So we just had to get one for MAnjula

Sarvesh, and Stephen the Directors of Manjula’s Mysore with Kaveri who we sponsor and support.

MAnjula remains in our home in Mysore in so many ways, this seemed like a fitting tribute to our precious …

Kaveri and her mum Chandrika unveiling Manjula’s blue plaque (again)
Kaveri and Sowbaghya reveal our lovely new plaque, witnessed by Akram
In recognition of her tolerance of the Yindian and her sharing her love through her beauty, infectious smile and attentive presence.

We love and miss you MAnjula. You’re here in our hearts and guide us in everything we do.

Manjula was our sunshine and a …

With Teeny feet

We’ll do more to remember her on her happy birthday.

I’m desperate Dan

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I seriously shouldn’t bother the busy MP with my issues. I’m not even a citizen. But I am close to desperate and it’s stressful!

So I give it a go.

… here’s a bit more of why?

Another great experience of India.

My 10.30am docs appointment hadn’t begun by 11.10 so I legged it to go see the Maharaja (he’s also the MP and I’d had a message inviting me just this morning) for 11.30

Of course it wasn’t exactly a timed appointment. It isn’t with a doc so it’s hardly likely to be with Royalty — now, is it?

We’re gathered in the outer office.

Groups and the odd individual — yes I’m the oddest — waiting to see the boss.

After 90 minutes he actually stops seeing visitors in the office and comes out, for it to become an orderly-free-for-all, we take it in turns to plead our case.

He agrees to write a letter to central govt.

Barat and I go post it.

More interesting insights into a Mysore Palace

Stephana Farrella

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I’m in an absolutely amazing institution.

It’s my week to be tested and my friendly neurologist in addition to the many tests she’s imposed, has suggested I get my hearing tested.

But of course whilst I’ve complemented the staff here on doing sterling jobs, it’s efficient and easy-going.

A challenge to create and maintain especially in a large institution of any kind.

I still can’t resist taking the piss.

Remember I’m here for a hearing test.

I’m in a waiting room at the audiology clinic at the institution.

Look at the photo.

We’re maybe 200 metres from the entrance door.

I’ve spent a week dropping drops in my ear and fresh from the ENT physician with a nifty, teeny vacuum cleaner to suck out the wax

Yes I’m in the audiology block waiting to have my hearing tested— that’s assuming I can hear security yelling out my name from the door 200 metres away .

This couldn’t be made up. It’s like a comedy skit.

So, precisely on time, the rain has started with its heavy patter on the ( temporary plastic) roof.

Yes the ‘hard of hearing’ might have a challenge to hear their name called out for the HEARING test.

But let’s be fair. In India everyone turning up at a clinic will have at least one member of the family with them to help out.

So I hope that when they call out the name for the lonely old Firangi (foreigner) to go for his test, they’ll put extra effort in to ensure he can hear it.

Maybe they’ll call

Stephana Farrella

But that for another time as it’s part of one of Manjula’s tales.

—

How come exactly one week ago I walked straight in to the doc, this week there’s tons of people.

BUT do not let my stupid desire to have a joke at everything camouflage the fact that it’s a great place and the staff who include students from Kerala and other states do a fantastic job.

It involves a lot of testing and not just the outer ear.

Well done team.

You’re a real credit.