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  • Green, Green Grass of Home

    No, I am not channeling Tom Jones….although I know your singing the song in your head now….sorry.

    The crisp, fresh air of Ireland bursting into spring was a nice change of pace from Bangalore.  The time adjustment was funny for me this time – finding myself wide awake at 4 in the morning and not wanting to wake the rest of the family I did the only sensable thing…

    I heaved on layers of clothing – again, when I am I going to learn to pack more sensibly? – grabbed my camera and headed out to walk the lanes of Kells as the sun was coming up.  It was a wonderful way to start the day and allowed me to do some exploring without getting run over by a lorry (aka truck).  

    Sidebar – for those of you who haven't been to Woodhaven House in Kells – it sits beside a main road that is frequented by many, very large lorries going at breakneck speed down into the village.  

    Once on the side lanes, the country opened up and there were fabulous, bucolic views to be had – grass glistening with dew, the clean mowed hedges and fields and their inhabitants – rabbits, a couple of foxes, and the odd (not a judgement on their person mind you) farmer out for a walk.

    There was something delicious about being up and out before the world got busy – and I am not a morning person.  All in all it was a great way to start the day and helped balance out the mounds of tea, cake and pavlova that inevitably finished each day.

    You can see the full album of pictures here – Around Kells

     

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  • Market “Snaps”

    Forgot to post these after Rick and I went to the City Market….each time I go there is amazing stuff to photograph.  These are just two that I really like…glass bottles for lime soda and an advertisement for underwear.

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  • The Great Indian Adventure

    A spontanous decision during the holidays, 4 plane tickets and a lot of miles covered brings my sister and her family for their two week stay in India…never enough time but so so greatful that they undertook the trip at all and used what little vacation they had to visit us!

    Those who know me will not be surprised to learn that there was a calendar with suggested daily activities, two planned mini vacations for all 6 of us and of course a much needed and deserved, pre planned trip to see the Taj for the two parents of my darling niece and nephew.  

    So here is a quick synopsis of their visit and photo albums to go along with it:

    First few days:  The 1/2 trip around the world is a killer regardless of how often you travel.  Both of us were heartily humbled by how well all of them did….apart from a few naps they were ready and rarin' to go!  Masala Dosas and Chai all around please….and of course a bit of shopping.  Here is the album:  First Few Days

    Trip #1:  We were off to Shravanabelagola to see Gomateshwara (say that 3 times fast) he he… and Mysore  to see the Wodeyar's Palace.  Both places are amazing – we stopped in at Shravanabelagola first and after climbing up over 600 steps in bear feet, we were, understandably, a bit knackered.  But after resting up at the hotel, we managed to fit in a bit of mini Golf before dinner.  The next morning we visited the place – very interesting place…but a bit funny about photos being taken. Here is the album: Shravanabelagola and Mysore

    Trip #2:  We donned our safari hats and mossie spray and headed to K Gudi – one of my favorite spots in this part of India.  We did a few safaris, saw some amazing wildlife (no, not the kids although one particular young man can do an amazing impression of a monkey), made a flower necklace, and managed to have a good time even though our little lady came down with some serious gatro problems.  Needless to say, I think we were all relieved when we got back to Bangalore.  Here is the album from the trip:  K Gudi 2011

    Adventures in Young-people sitting:  While Amy and Rick were in Agra and Darren was at work, I had the kids ALL to myself – so much fun.  We went to the city park, took a miniature train ride, avoided some pretty dicey playground equipment, played Holi, applied some mehndi, watched the laundry go around, and had roof top picnics.   It was awesome…oh and the parents….they had a pretty good time too 🙂  Here is the Album:  Adventures in Young People Sitting

    Last Few Days In India:  Time always goes too fast and the last few days of their trip were spent making an unsuccessful trip to the dancers village (it was closed), learning how to play cricket, some last minute shopping and taking Rick to the city market to experience it's wonders – where we picked up a few knit caps for the kids.  Here is the album:  Last Few Days in India

    Fair warning – these albums are mostly of the kids – what can I say, I am crazy about them and find them incredibly interesting and funny.

  • India vs. Ireland

    No, this will not be a debate about whether Kingfisher is better than Guinness – please, some credit.

    Cricket, an obsession in this part of the world, had it's world cup competition this year and Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India were hosting.  Needless to say Bangalore, along with the rest of the country, was whipped into a frenzy.  

    Honestly, I had never followed Cricket before the World Cup came here.  However, when the Ireland v. India match was scheduled for Bangalore, I got interested.  I was able to purchase a couple of tickets as a surprise in large part because no one was really interested in the game.  Ireland wasn't really taken seriously UNTIL they beat England (Go Green) the week before.  So, we lucked out with our box seats which included free food and drink (free cocktails – yummy) throughout the game as well as a great view.

    We actually weren't sure who to cheer for so we each took a team.  It made for great conversation starters for others with us given Dar, wearing the Irish jersey, was holding hands with me wearing the Indian jersey.  

    It should be said that this was particularly helpful as Cricket is a long game – the world cup 50-over matches lasted over 7 hrs.  What was amazing and impressive about this was the energy, spirit, and enthusiasm for the game NEVER wained.  The stadium was electric and continued to be through out the game.  Accordingly, the time flew by …suddenly it was dark and the players were still going….

    The stats of the game were actually fun to learn and helped us realize that while Ireland gave it the lash, they would not likely win the chase game.  We left with about an hour to go and the funniest moment came when Prasana was driving us home as he ribbed Dar as to India's empending victory and that there was no way Ireland could pull it out.  

    Needless to say, India won – we knew this not by the TV but by the bevy of fireworks set off a little while after we reached home – displays went off all over the neighborhood and I would venture to guess all over India.

    There were no cameras allowed in to the stadium so all I have for you is the excitement evident outside – India vs. Ireland Album

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  • Bootjack Bound

    I should start of my saying that there is a bit of a dispute as to where my I was actually heading – not that I did didn't know where I was going.  More to the point, my friend passionately disputes where she actually lives….

    A bus, train and car ride later, I was in Bootjack enjoying the beautiful outdoors and of course, fantastic company (including the new addition to the family) indulging in our usual wild womanness.  There was the usual "you guys are crazy", See's nuts and chews and chatting over coffee.  What a great couple of days.

    A small sidebar if you please – if you haven't experienced the wonders of Amtrack travel, you are missing out.  It may take a bit longer but (in my humble opinion) it TOTALLY beats having to drive yourself and/or taking a plane – there are no searches which violate your person, there is a food car that serves wine and beer (here here), the seats actually recline AND plenty of legroom (not that this is incredibly important for someone of my stature but a bonus nonetheless).

    You can get to the album here:  Bootjack Bound

     

  • San Francisco Birthday

    My sisters – all 4 of them – and I headed to the city to hang out for my and Michaela's birthday.  My favorite hotel, great vietnamese food, a jewish deli and amazing chocolates were serious highlights.  However, the best part was just being able to hang out with some amazing gals.

    Not too many pictures were taken but here are a few…notice the blur as many hands go for the chocolate….

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  • Ice Cream, Bimbo’s and Trikes

    We headed north for New Years.  Another year done and dusted….

    After an amazing dinner we hung out around an outside fire pit laughing and joking.  What a great way to ring in the new year.  Our visit also included huge ice cream bars (seriously – they needed to be shared), a visit to a fantastic bakery (hence the Bimbo's) for a wholesome lunch (and fights over who could finish the last chocolate croissant) and reminiscing about our childhood as we watched the boy wonder zoom up and down the street on his 3 wheeler thrift store find.

    Here is the album:  New Years 2011

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  • Holiday Spirit

    After getting in the holiday spirit in Frankfurt, we headed west to hangout with family. We made it just in time for a nephews birthday – still can't believe how quickly they grow.

    During the holidays, there was a huge amount of fun, eating, laughing and more eating. The kids were great Рtheir smiles made the holidays as well as the multiple games of P̩tanque.

    You can view the album here - Christmas 

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  • Snowy Stop Over

    Our way to San Francisco for the holidays we decided to extend our stay in Frankfurt.  We stayed in Römerberg near the Christmas Market and enjoyed walking around the area for a day.  Mulled wine to warm us and tons of sweets to choose from made for a very good start to the holidays.

    Here is the album:  Frankfurt Album

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  • Jungle Trip

    I love heading out to the forest – quiet respite from the crazyness of the city.  A good friend is working on her Phd on the Racket tail Drongo and suggested a lodge near her location.  K Gudi turned out to be a fantastic find.

    Tent accomodations inside the nature reserve served as a base for  safaries over a couple of days.  I do not claim to be a nature photographer – too slow and my lenses are too small (no comments please) but we were very lucky on the trip.

    Frankly any safari, where on the way to the lodge, you see a leapord sitting by the roadside – intently watching you – is a tailsman for good things to come.  The small life was as amazing as the large and while I failed to get a picture of a Drongo, the trip was a huge amount of fun.

    Here are the photos:  K Gudi Album

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