Victoria Memorial

What would visiting Calcutta be without a trip to the Victoria Memorial? It seems at the top of every guidebook and tourist resource. Yesterday I made the pilgrimage and was impressed by many things.

I spent much time in the grounds surrounding the memorial, and in the end I believe the well cared for park of 64 acres may be its finest feature. Few overflowing Asian cities can boast such a large amount of public green in the center of the city. There were as many enjoying the outdoor space as those inside the building. From all available evidence, it must have been Couples Day at the memorial.

In 1921 the memorial was opened and remains in very good condition, especially the buffed to glowing exterior. Inside there is an extensive catalogue of Indian history, particularly during the time of English influence and governance. I felt a little uncomfortable with looking at the displays from the point of view of a Caucasian occupation, but the Indians present were very engaged. I came away with much knowledge and a couple of points I need to research. The battle of Plassey? The more I learn, the less I seem to know.


Upon leaving the memorial I saw this work crew I thought was almost comical. Can you tell which one is the boss? The mid level laborers? And finally those at the bottom (ground level?). Classic work gang around the world. :-)

35 Years-Nothing's Changed

Today was the big 35th class reunion of the Loreto Catholic Girls School. The school building has a very significant history, dating back to the mid 1700's. My imagination doesn't quite reach back that far.

We have seen many old buildings, mostly social clubs still set in the rooms first organized by the British in the 18th and 19th century. For the most part these buildings are clearly showing their age. This is not true for the Loreto Catholic School. No scaling or peeling walls, fresh paint all around, and uncracked tiling cleaned and polished.

From 3rd to 10th grade Bindu and Anu entered the door behind them. Inside is a central courtyard with 3 story classroom buildings spread across a significant area. Today there was a service in the hall where services have been held for more than a hundred years. It didn't take much singing or talking to bring the assembled former students to tears.

35 Years Ago-Home Sweet Home

Today we did a nostalgic trip through a portion of Bindu's life. 8 Rainy Park looks just like this.

Bindu and her family lived on the second floor of this house 35 years ago, from the time she was 10 until she was 16. She clearly had tears in her eyes as she described the large extent of garden they played in, all now paved over. We found the location of the water well where brother Sidanshu took what could have been a fatal plunge. We climbed the stairs and were able to open the windows and peer out at the cityscape that has much changed. Of course now high rise buildings obscure what was a beautiful view out across the city.

Bindu found her bedroom where she must have drawn thousands of sketches, developing her arts career as she lay on the bed. Today the door was triple padlocked with no chance to see the inside. Triple padlocked?

Lastly, we went next door to Shanghai Dry Cleaners, still operating. Bindu talked with the young people running it today, yet still members of the same family who owned the business 35 years ago. They promised to pass on greetings to their grandfather.

Isabella Joins Our World

While my goal is to write about our travels through India, today must be about a very special event, the arrival of my only granddaughter. This is the one day of my life this has taken place and I'm humbled by the knowledge of her presence. For sure it will be Marc and Julia's full time responsibility, but I will know her well and cherish following her story, her journey.

Isabella was due the 11th of December, but held us in suspense. She stalled, waited and teased us. Finally the doctors had to take the cesarean route and she had no choice.

Caiden was very much involved with the arrival of his sister, and has quickly became quite the big brother. Bindu and I are wondering if he realizes Isabella is soon to leave the hospital, arrive at his home and share his space. We will meet Isabella in July and we are already starting the countdown till that day arrives.

Some Good Results

Bharat Sarronwala, Bindu's father, had surgery yesterday to remove a growth from the upper portion of his right lung. Observation and testing has proven the growth to benign, so nothing to worry about.

While the result was good in that regard, initial recovery from the surgery itself has been a little slow. This morning Bharat was very weak, even quite breathless on a limited walk in the hall. He came back and took to the bed and was breathless, sweaty and quite unsteady from the exertion. It was a little sobering watching him try to get back to his former self. By late this afternoon, though Bharat seemed to have turned the corner and indicators were moving in the right direction. Before we left the hospital at 9.00 this evening, he really was gaining strength almost by the minute. He slid into bed tired, but much more his own self. This is a completely good result now.

We are all so grateful to begin the holiday with such a positive result.

Launch That Holiday

Day 1, hour 1 of a much anticipated break for Bindu. The VPA concert is behind, and all compliments on student performance very well deserved. She and the entire Visual and Performing Arts department can be happy with the results.

We lift off via Singapore Airlines today for Bangalore. This is the only part of the next 3 weeks we view with a serious eye as Bindu's father will be having surgery later today to remove a growth in his lung. The prognosis for a complete recovery is excellent, yet still, a surgery of this kind at 80 is enough for more than one concerned look. We anticipate good news and are putting all our energy in that direction.

I've never attempted to blog a holiday before, one where we will be doing significant moving from place to place. Still, if it's a priority, it can get done to some degree. It will motivate me to look at the world around me for a little more detail knowing I'm committing to this task. :-)

An Sunny, Warm, Asian Christmas

In a few days we'll be heading to India for a wonderful change. Bindu will not have the daily school routine, and I'll be seeing a country fabled for color and culture. This will be very, very cool.

Until recently I've not realized how much snow and cold weather has been part of my holiday psychological framework. Can it be the end of 2010 and no snow on the ground nor frosted breath in the air?

A few days ago we put up our Asian Christmas tree. The lights went on, came off. Went on, came off. Ah, then a trip to Ace Hardware. Two more times - lights on, lights off. Finally we got it right, as if there is a right. We finally called a halt to the nonsense and are enjoying bright lights and beautiful ornaments. Isn't this the way it's supposed to be?

The eReading Experience

This has been revealing. A lifetime priority has been having a great book going, and the emotional/educational experience has always been tied to the text comfortably resting in my lap.

From youthful flashlight reading under my covers to absorbing a travel book while watching the land roll by from the crowded side of the Greyhound bus window, the physical book has always been present.

Currently I'm absorbed in The White Mughals, a classic piece about the assimilation of early Englishmen into Indian society.

The novel is great, which is not a surprise, but the whole experience of reading it on an iPad has been an unexpected pleasure. From the backlit text, increased font size, sepia color background, and easy transport of the book, using this medium has been revolutionary. While it may be a bit premature to say this is the only way I'll read in the future, it's clear I'm going to try this route again.

The test will come when I have a hard copy in my hand and I'm still tempted to purchase the same book in digital form.

Unexpected Pleasure

Consistent running is garnering the most obvious benefits...I'm getting in much better shape. I fully appreciate having the time to do this.

The running is good for health, but yesterday I had a wonderfully warm and unexpected benefit. Stride for stride I fell in with two other runners, an Indonesian man and woman. I have seen them before and have been impressed by their speed stamina. Tono has just returned from the New York marathon. Nini is training for the Singapore 42km. and they are both planning on running the Tokyo marathon.

To make such friends or acquaintances while doing something I enjoy so much is very, very fine. I look forward to seeing Nini and Tono again and follow their progress through the upcoming events.