Summer Palace

Our most popular cycle tour is on Srirangaptnam, the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu’s empire for forty years until 1799.

Tipu’s Summer palace is his wonderful guest house on the island. It’s beautifully painted carved wood with fascinating murals of the second war of Mysore. One of our most regular guests Anna took these great 👍🏽 photos on a recent visit.

previously photographs were not allowed.

After the cycle tour many guests stay on island for lunch and to visit the palace.

Back from our weekend away

SB was all prepared for todays big puja.

Today!
I’m uncertain my T shirt was appropriate wear.

After our ‘family’ weekend, that’s Me with the girls…. Kaveri, her mum Chandrika, sister (aka auntie) Radikha together with Lucie at Chera Rocks in Kannur,

We introduced body boards to the beach, work and play. A fun weekend together.

New season begins.

One of Manjula’s favourites.

Antoinette, Ani (USA) with Jeroen and Sanne.
Out with Carol and Michael at the Lalith Mahal hotel bar.

As we enter October more guests arrive. Our next big adventure is Kaveri’s school holiday.

I see her most weeks at school but staying here plus a trip to the seaside is icing on the cake.

Any ideas why we share our home?

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! 🤪

Did we get the timing wrong?

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.

Outta here.

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.

Back home in Mysore

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

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

She loved it and we her.