4 January 1961-Birth Day

50 years ago today a premature little one was born in Jalandhar, Punjab, northeast India. No bigger than a spot, she was named Bindu by an auntie who was present. Though she refused to drink milk during the first weeks of life, she grew into the wonderful person we know today.

Happy birthday, Bindu, from many, many who know you.

A Christmas Morning

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Christmas Morning.
Elephants.
Rhinos.
Hawks.






Up at a cold 4.15 to leave at 5.00.
Standing in the freeze waiting for the ride...until 5.30.
Riding to the sanctuary in the near frost, arriving 30 minutes late-no surprise.








Cold breeze atop the somewhat cooperative elephant.
Aaah. The sun, above the trees thawing all it touches.

Rhinos, acting tame, but stamping forefoot, head lowered.

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. :-)

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.