The Raghavan Family in Bangalore

March 2007 Update from Bangalore


Thursday, March 1, 2007

Spent a couple hours looking at houses to rent in the area. Nothing that compares to our current place. I talked about the outrageous rents in Bangalore these days. Many places have tripled in the three years we've been here! One friend started paying $1111 (50,000rs) in 2004 for a three bedroom in Koramangala, and now the landlord has raised it to 150,000rs! Of course, they had the option to leave, but chose to stay because they love the place so much, and it has a great garden (yard).


Friday, March 2, 2007

Badri and I went to a wine and cheese evening at the Leela sponsored by Mahua Gallery and Lladro, featuring Ganesh in contemporary art forms. It was fun to see Usha and Shanelle who both work there, but Badri's not interested in buying any Ganesh art. Overexposed, he says.


Saturday, March 3, 2007

There's a new store in the neighborhood called Appleofmyi, close to the Neev school. They have an activity room upstairs where they have fun events for the kids. Today we went to a cooking class with all three, and they loved it. Saw some friends there, as well as a mom who I'd met three years ago at Maya's first school here, Kangaroo Kids. Seems like ages ago! She was three then, and it's hard to believe she was ever at a school where she wanted me to hold on to her and not leave, but that's how she was there for a brief period.

In the evening, Badri and I went to Kirsty and Andrew's for dinner and movie night. Saw the Australian docu-comedy "Kenny".
Monday, March 5, 2007

Went to M&W hair salon at the Leela for a haircut and color with Stella. Came out a little reddish (not my intention), but not bad.


Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Read with Maya's group today at school.

Went to a playdate at Jessica and Rupert's with Molly. I mentioned before that Molly and Rupert are like kindred spirits. It was nice to see, for the first time, Molly go running up to a friend's room all on her own while I visited with the friend's mom separately.


Thursday, March 8, 2007

The school search for Maya goes on. She's been accepted to Sishu Griha, which is only a seven minute drive from our house, but Badri has some misgivings. It is a very Indian school, like the NPSs (National Public School), focusing mostly on academics with few extracurriculars. The other possibility is Mallya Aditi (MAIS), which some people (such as Badri and Malithy, Maya's stellar teacher from Neev) say is an extension of Neev. It is an art-rich environment with music and other extracurriculars, but it is a long bus ride away, just like the Canadian International School (CIS). She'd be leaving shortly after 7am, as she does this year at CIS, but would be home closer to 4pm, rather than 5:30.

She needs to go for a test next Tuesday to see whether she'll be accepted at MAIS.

Went out with Sangeeta, her mom, and sister, to a dinner at the Taj Residency sponsored by a local jeweler in honor of International Women's Day. There were lots of games organized by the emcee before dinner, and though Sangeeta was complaining for a while that she feared they'd never feed us, she ended up winning all the games and getting the grand prize of a diamond gold necklace. Tutu, her husband, came to pick us up, and said it was a good thing she won it, because he [as a journalist] can't afford to buy that sort of thing for her.


Friday, March 9, 2007

Went to lunch at Tchi for Marylouise's birthday, along with eight of her closest friends (she is one of Bangalore's best known expats, and certainly one of the best party hosters).


Saturday, March 10, 2007

Today bit the bullet and bought pool membership at the Leela! It's very expensive, but it's the closest pool to our house, and I figured if I can get Molly and Charlie in the water often enough, they'll catch up on the water exposure they've missed in the last few years.

As I always say, living in India vs. U.S. is a real balance: in the U.S., they'd have more opportunities to swim and go to places like the zoo, aquarium, big open parks, etc. But in India, they get to experience a way of life that's so different from that in the states. They walk on the streets where people always engage them (as much as the kids will allow, anyway). They make "aunties"--regularly seeing older folks in the park and neighborhood who just take them under their wing. Molly so loves this one, Prem, that she sees her across the walking park and calls out "Patti!" (Tamil for "grandmother"). When they reach each other on the loop, Molly rushes up to her with the news of the day.

Went to another one of Marylouise's fantastic parties--her birthday party!--tonight. Really hard calling it quits at one of her gigs. Great food, drink, people. Had a great time catching up with Marion.


Sunday, March 11, 2007

My baby sister, Patty's, 43 birthday. She may be the baby, but she does a good job taking care of all of us.

Not a great morning for me. Couldn't go to the bathroom last night, so called my ob/gyn Dr. Praveena Shenoi (on her cell phone at 7:30 in the morning on a Sunday, no less). She actually answered her phone (see if you can get that to happen on a Sunday, or any other day, in the U.S.) and told me to go to Manipal Hospital and she'd call ahead to get me all set up. I got "catheterized" to the tune of 1 1/2 liters!

Afterwards, I consulted with the urologist Dr. Somanna, and he recommended I get a hysterectomy ASAP--9 cm fibroid pressing against my bladder.


Monday, March 12, 2007

Had my monthly pedicure today at Woodlands Hotel for 250rs ($5.55). A lot more fun than yesterday's appointment.


Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Maya had her test at the Mallya Aditi School. She went in happily, and came out the same way. We walked around the campus and spoke with some of the kids at recess who were currently in 2nd grade. They seemed very outgoing and happy, talking about their tabla lessons, asking where we're from, etc.

Coincidentally, I paid Maya's fees at Sishu Griha today. We can't count on admission to Mallya Aditi, and the deadline for paying fees at Sishu Griha is today.


Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Molly had a playdate over at her favorite classmate, Naomi's house. I asked her if she wanted to go on her own with Naomi and her mom Theresa, but she wanted me along.

Badri and I went to dinner at Jessica and David's (the Swedish friends in Koramangala whose rent has tripled), along with Kirsty and Andrew. Great gabfest and Italian food. Jessica's such a sweetheart, and a real socialite! Lately she's been on Page 3 of the Times of India. Page 3 is where you find all the pictures of people at the happening parties. My friend, Jennifer, jokes that her next goal is to get on Page 3.


Thursday, March 15, 2007

Spending a lot of time this week consulting with docs about surgery. One day I make up my mind to do it here with one doctor, and the next day I decide to do it in the U.S. while we're home for holiday in May.


March 16, 2007, Friday

Went swimming almost every day this week, but had to leave early a couple days because of the pool area being set up for parties.

The kids dressed in their green today for St. Patrick's Day (celebrated at school).

The bunkbeds arrived today for Maya and Molly. We bought them at Home Stop a few weeks ago. They're built by a company called Quetzel. We have a few other things from them--a trundle bed that will go to Charlie, a desk for Maya, and we also got a toy shelf, desk and chair for Molly, and a small set of drawers for art in the girls' room.

So Charlie makes the transition to a big boy bed today, at a mere 3 years old. It's so funny--I know of kids who are well less than two who are climbing out of their crib, but Charlie never showed interest until last month. He really gave Rita a scare one day when he quietly snuck up behind her after his nap.

Maya and Molly are, of course, thrilled about their bunkbed. We've ordered mattresses from Springwell off the Outer Ring Road, and they should be coming soon. We ordered nice thick ones, because Maya had been pretty uncomfortable on the thinner one we'd bought last year for the trundle bed.

Met a bunch of friends at a new hotel's bar, Ista. Great ambiance. Five couples. Music too loud, though.


Saturday, March 17, 2007 Maya's Gotcha Day

Celebrated the day we first laid eyes on Maya in Pune six years ago. Went out to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner. But the most exciting part of the day for her was her friend, Finn's, birthday party on Cunningham Road. The highlights were the magician and tattoo artist.


Monday, March 19, 2007

Ugadi, Karnataka New Year

Today Maya had a holiday for Ugadi, but Charlie and Molly went to school. It is a very important festival for the Karnatakans and Telugus. It marks the onset of spring, of new life and new beginnings.


Tuesday, March 20, 2007

The big news today: Maya was accepted into the Mallya Aditi school. Although it's farther than Sishu Griha, we'll go with Mallya Aditi because it's so much more well-rounded and is so highly recommended by the two teachers we respect most that know Maya so well: Malithy and Nilu.
She'll just have to bone up on her math and Hindi in the next couple months.

Went for a playdate at Sheela's house for Molly and her Neev classmates.

Out for a much needed (aren't they all?) Mom's night out with Marylouise, Kirsty, Jennifer Austin, and Hannah. Enjoyed Harima's for sushi. Hadn't liked it the first time, but it certainly was satisfying this time. Had both raw and cooked sushi.


Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Tonight at bedtime, Molly was laying on our bed and I said, "Time for bed" from the other room. Next thing I know I hear her screaming like I've never heard. I found her on the bed gripping her stomach, or so I thought, and Maya with a shocked look on her face. Maya thought she'd be helpful and try to get Molly up, but pulled too hard on her arm. We couldn't touch her arm without her crying out in pain. My thoughts went immediately to my friend, Kirsty, whose son Angus broke his wrist last month.

I got out my reference book from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, and it was the strangest thing--the book fell open to the page on elbow injuries. Said to bring the child directly to your pediatrician so that they can check the arm and if no fracture is evident, manipulate the joint to release the trapped tissue. Badri brought her to Manipal after I called Kirsty's orthopedic surgeon (luckily I'd gotten his mobile [cell] number from him last week and had it in my phone). Dr. Varma said to bring her to the E.R. and his assistant would be waiting for her there. Sure enough, Badri got there, mentioned Dr. Varma's name, and she was taken care of right away. The doctor did exactly as it said in the book, Molly cried for a few seconds, and then was all better. They took an x-ray just to be safe.

By the time she came home she was sleeping like a baby and very comfortable. So happy to have Manipal Hospital so close by. Basically a ten minute drive, and next door to Badri's office.


Friday, March 23, 2007

Went to Columbia Asia hospital for a routine procedure to remove some endometrial tissue to check for anything atypical. Fine experience, great doctor (Dr. Vidya Desai Mohan) and terrific anesthesiologist (I forget her name). Only problem was, between the time I was admitted and had some initial tests, and the time I got to my room, they'd lost my clothes! They found them eventually, though, somewhere.


Saturday, March 24, 2007

Went to a terrific fundraiser at Ira and Sherry's in Indiranagar organized by my friend Christina. It was in support of the Lovedale Children's Home, a local orphanage. Walked over with Jennifer Adair and her husband Sam (Jennifer volunteers at the Ashraya Orphanage). The Mexican food was terrific, as were the margaritas! Met a fun couple, Lynn and Mike, who live in Jennifer's building. The highlight of the evening was the raffle: Badri and I won dinner for two at Olive Beach, one of our favorite restaurants.


Sunday, March 25, 2007

Went to breakfast at the Leela's Citrus restaurant again this morning. Kirst and Andrew will be going back to Australia next week, and we'll basically miss them for the next couple months (because we'll be in U.S. in May), so we thought it'd be a good chance to get together. The kids had a great time--again (all six of them!). They love the waffles there, and I love the eggs benedict and Badri the omelets as well as the Indian breakfast (he had heavenly pongal and onion uttapam today).

After eating we were disappointed to see that the main pool was pretty green. Last week it was the kiddie pool that was green, and now this. Badri spoke to the manager, and he said the pool would be clean by Thursday, and we'd get a one month extension on our membership.


Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Ram Navami, Celebration of Hindu God Lord Ram's Birthday

Here's a holiday I wasn't aware of, until I saw Ratnama designing a gorgeous rangoli in front of the house. She had been doing koloms and rangolis pretty much daily last year, but then the system of paying her for her work got a little confusing. She stopped doing them, but then when there was a holiday this year, we asked her to just do them on holidays and we'd give her money. Well, she has an amazingly fine hand anyway, but she did a remarkable one for some festival earlier this year and we paid her 100rs (for her work and the cost of the white and colored rangoli powders). So now she's designing these intricate designs on every conceivable holiday, birthday, etc., and the expectation for 100rs has been set. Oops! That's what we used to pay her to do them daily!

Had some of Molly's friends from her pre-K class over for a playdate today. That's a first for us. Kids had a great time, and we moms got to know each other a little better.

Badri gave me a shot of Lupron to help shrink my fibroid before the May 7 surgery. I actually had Lupron shots less than ten years ago while going through IVF procedures. It artificially sends you into pre-menopause so that you can be down-regulated and scheduled for egg retrieval. Now, not too many years later, I'm on Lupron for a different reason--so that the hormones that feed the fibroid will diminish and hopefully it will shrink. What a difference a day makes...


Wednesday and Thursday, March 28 and 29

Berkeley's brother, Atticus, is in the hospital with the flu and some breathing difficulties (a couple days in ICU), so she's been coming here to play with Molly. They're becoming quite good friends.


Friday, March 30, 2007

Happy to find out the results from my procedure last week were negative. All is normal.

Celebrated by going out to dinner with Badri at Olive Beach on the coupon we won at the Lovedale orphanage fundraiser. The chef came out to our table and introduced himself. Said he'd read some of my blog which he discovered when he googled "Olive Beach". Of course, the reference that popped up was probably me talking about the time Badri and I had been sitting outside when it started raining. We were moved inside, but the waiter transition didn't happen, so we sat around for quite a while before getting dinner. But we really do love the place. Not only is the food good, but the highlight for me is the incredible sound system, great choice of music, and the fact that the volume isn't ear splitting.

Earlier today Maya had a playdate with her Australian classmate, Brooke. I took Charlie for ice cream to celebrate his last day of school for the "academic" year, and later we all went swimming at the Leela and had a great time. Not a bad way to spend the beginning of the Bangalore summer.


Saturday, March 31, 2007

Here we go again. Maya and Molly woke up feeling a bit under the weather. At 11, all five of us went to Neev preschool to see the art exhibit. An absolutely amazing array of art done by the children: the toddlers to K2 (2 1/2 to about 6 years old). Miss Nilu is an incredible art teacher, and has inspired so many children to dig in and create these masterpieces. There were samples of Mayan masks and sun calendars, Kuna (Panama Indians) molas on paper (see link: http://www.quiltethnic.com/kuna.html, Kandinsky geometrics, Incan pan pipes and pots, Native American rainsticks and dreamcatchers, a wall (to be permanently exhibited) of Miro-style insects, and much more--texture painting using salt crystals, string, torn paper, "drip and run" paintings, something called resist effect (really, some techniques I'd never heard of).

As soon as Maya arrived at Neev today, she ran inside and caught up with all her friends and teachers. She absolutely adores Miss Nilu. They have quite a special bond. I spent quite a while talking with Malithy, the K2 teacher Maya had who is a terrific teacher, also. Unfortunately, she'll be moving to Pune this coming Wednesday, and the K1 teacher, Shaista, who I also like, will be moving to Mumbai, both following their husbands' jobs.

Before the hour was up, Molly was seriously fading. In fact, when she showed no interest in the brownie and cake snacks, we knew it was time to go. Before too long, both she and Maya threw up and were both running fevers. It's going around, and of course everyone blames it on the heat.




Before the Tamilian thread ceremony (rite of passage for young man) in Whitefield



Charlie "reading" the newspaper



Charlie and Molly on favorite couch with Patti and Thatha



Maya doing her homework with Appa's supervision



Charlie feeling artistic with a new haircut



Molly on St. Patrick's Day with a hat she made at school (Ganesh statue in the background)



Maya drawing the Irish flag on St. Patrick's Day, with a hat she made at school



Maya, Molly, Berkeley, Atticus, and Charlie (B&A--2 new friends from Arizona)



Molly and Berkeley



Molly insists on only twirly dresses these days



Maya, Charlie, and Molly




Art day at Neev pre-school: kids drawings in Miro style



Masks at Neev, including Maya's from last year (sorry, sideways)



Art on display on the Neev playground



Kids drawings a la Keith Haring



Priti (super pre-K teacher), Nivedita (administrator), Hema (accounting), and Nilu (art teacher extraordinaire)



Maya visiting her old school