Hey, This Was Fun

Before

After

Sunday Morning

Sunday mornings are so great. Rarely is anything scheduled, so there is no pressure to get out of bed and on to something important.

How about this for a relaxed way to begin the last day of the weekend? Bindu does a great job in the kitchen, and this is a signature breakfast.

Very much apprecited.

Change of Status

5 January, 2011 was status changing day. We are now officially together, through temple, church, then finally the real deal, a profile change on Facebook. :-)








It was a deeply, happy day. We look forward to many returns of this memorable moment.

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. :-)

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.