Wednesday, July 21, 2010
July 2010 Update from Boston
July 2010 Update from Boston
Back in Boston since June 7. Left Bangalore on May 31 for Paris, France, where we stayed for one week. Turns out I'd forgotten how much I loved that city, and it's like a time warp, being there again almost 30 years after I was there last, and this time with three kids and a husband! Stayed in the 5th arrondissment, le Marais, on the Right Bank. Turns out, that area has become as fashionable as the Left Bank and the Quartier Latin. Ate tons of cheese and baguette and sampled a fair amount of lovely, affordable French wine.
Reached Boston's Logan Airport on June 7. My sister Mary picked us up at the airport and brought us to Mom's. About a year since we'd last seen them.
Stayed in Methuen until June 15, when we flew to Fort Lauderdale then drove to Miami, Florida so Badri could interview for a job with Third Solutions. Drove to Naples to visit my sister Patty and her family, then back to Miami in time to fly out June 22 back to Methuen. Upon returning to Boston that day, Badri drove to Armonk, NY to interview with IBM. The following day he drove back to Boston and met with folks at Enernoc. Head spinning.
Kids started summer drop-in camp (that means they can go when they want, anytime between 8:30 and 3 Monday-Friday) on June 28. Schlepped our things over to Mary's July 5 to stay there for the month of July. She and Andrew, Max and Alex went out west for a month to camp and hike in Moab, Yellowstone, Dinosaur National Park, Glacier National Park, and the Grand Tetons.
The people renting our Lincoln house moved out by July 18, so we're getting a painting quote from my brother Ski and will hopefully get the inside painted and move in by August 1.
Badri got a verbal offer from IBM the first week of July, and final offer July 19.
July 20, 2010
Brought the kids up to Seabrook Beach with Mom today. They were happy to go there instead of camp. Took about 45 minutes from Mom's in Methuen to Uncle Dan's "cottage" a block from the beach. Mom's brother Dickie, his daughter Erin and son-in-law Richard are staying there for a couple weeks with their daughters Molly and Melanie. The cottage has become quite the gorgeous place since Badri and I stayed there with Maya in 2001 when she first came home from India. It's gone from three bedrooms/one bath on one level to five bedrooms/three baths on three levels. There's a gorgeous master bedroom on the second level, you go up a few steps to a deck that has great views, then a few more steps up to the "loft" with beds on opposite sides below two porthole like windows.
I took a long walk along the beach and was heated up enough that I dove in the water with the kids and rode the waves. It wasn't as cold as New Castle, New Hampshire was the 4th of July weekend, but not as warm as the bay at Dennis on the Cape. Refreshing enough that you could stay in for quite a while without going numb. Molly lasted the longest. Every time she came in on a wave, she'd jump up at the end and give a thumbs up sign. We easily spent five hours there before heading home.
I enjoyed spending time talking with cousin Erin and Uncle Dickie. He'll be turning 80 in December and does aerobics five times a week! He said he'd be dead if he didn't.
July 21, 2010
Picked up the kids from camp and brought them to Littleton where we picked up my friend Erin's daughter, Sarah, and brought her horseback riding. Maya's interested in getting back to riding, so I thought "let's try this place where Sarah goes." She'd ridden several other places and like this one best.
Went into the barn where the girls were grooming their horses and met Jen, who runs the place. Another friend, Jennifer, send her daughter Kathryn here. They like it here because the girls do a lot of care and grooming of the horses. One of the girls in the barn was blindfolded and was tasked with preparing the bridle, or riding gear.
The horses are gorgeous, of various sizes and colors. Molly and Charlie really liked two of the 13 cats who live there, especially Pipsqueak. Somehow the conversation turned to India and Sarah asked what kinds of animals there are in India. I mentioned elephants and camels and she asked if elephants are all over the place. I told her there are more cows milling around. "How cool! All we have our squirrels. Maybe we could trade our squirrels for their elephants."
Tonight Charlie asked me to read in bouger language and I said I'd rather not, because it's kind of disrespectful to the book. What did Charlie say? "I know that's kind of disrespectful for Indians, but no one's watching but God and Santa Claus."
Back in Boston since June 7. Left Bangalore on May 31 for Paris, France, where we stayed for one week. Turns out I'd forgotten how much I loved that city, and it's like a time warp, being there again almost 30 years after I was there last, and this time with three kids and a husband! Stayed in the 5th arrondissment, le Marais, on the Right Bank. Turns out, that area has become as fashionable as the Left Bank and the Quartier Latin. Ate tons of cheese and baguette and sampled a fair amount of lovely, affordable French wine.
Reached Boston's Logan Airport on June 7. My sister Mary picked us up at the airport and brought us to Mom's. About a year since we'd last seen them.
Stayed in Methuen until June 15, when we flew to Fort Lauderdale then drove to Miami, Florida so Badri could interview for a job with Third Solutions. Drove to Naples to visit my sister Patty and her family, then back to Miami in time to fly out June 22 back to Methuen. Upon returning to Boston that day, Badri drove to Armonk, NY to interview with IBM. The following day he drove back to Boston and met with folks at Enernoc. Head spinning.
Kids started summer drop-in camp (that means they can go when they want, anytime between 8:30 and 3 Monday-Friday) on June 28. Schlepped our things over to Mary's July 5 to stay there for the month of July. She and Andrew, Max and Alex went out west for a month to camp and hike in Moab, Yellowstone, Dinosaur National Park, Glacier National Park, and the Grand Tetons.
The people renting our Lincoln house moved out by July 18, so we're getting a painting quote from my brother Ski and will hopefully get the inside painted and move in by August 1.
Badri got a verbal offer from IBM the first week of July, and final offer July 19.
July 20, 2010
Brought the kids up to Seabrook Beach with Mom today. They were happy to go there instead of camp. Took about 45 minutes from Mom's in Methuen to Uncle Dan's "cottage" a block from the beach. Mom's brother Dickie, his daughter Erin and son-in-law Richard are staying there for a couple weeks with their daughters Molly and Melanie. The cottage has become quite the gorgeous place since Badri and I stayed there with Maya in 2001 when she first came home from India. It's gone from three bedrooms/one bath on one level to five bedrooms/three baths on three levels. There's a gorgeous master bedroom on the second level, you go up a few steps to a deck that has great views, then a few more steps up to the "loft" with beds on opposite sides below two porthole like windows.
I took a long walk along the beach and was heated up enough that I dove in the water with the kids and rode the waves. It wasn't as cold as New Castle, New Hampshire was the 4th of July weekend, but not as warm as the bay at Dennis on the Cape. Refreshing enough that you could stay in for quite a while without going numb. Molly lasted the longest. Every time she came in on a wave, she'd jump up at the end and give a thumbs up sign. We easily spent five hours there before heading home.
I enjoyed spending time talking with cousin Erin and Uncle Dickie. He'll be turning 80 in December and does aerobics five times a week! He said he'd be dead if he didn't.
July 21, 2010
Picked up the kids from camp and brought them to Littleton where we picked up my friend Erin's daughter, Sarah, and brought her horseback riding. Maya's interested in getting back to riding, so I thought "let's try this place where Sarah goes." She'd ridden several other places and like this one best.
Went into the barn where the girls were grooming their horses and met Jen, who runs the place. Another friend, Jennifer, send her daughter Kathryn here. They like it here because the girls do a lot of care and grooming of the horses. One of the girls in the barn was blindfolded and was tasked with preparing the bridle, or riding gear.
The horses are gorgeous, of various sizes and colors. Molly and Charlie really liked two of the 13 cats who live there, especially Pipsqueak. Somehow the conversation turned to India and Sarah asked what kinds of animals there are in India. I mentioned elephants and camels and she asked if elephants are all over the place. I told her there are more cows milling around. "How cool! All we have our squirrels. Maybe we could trade our squirrels for their elephants."
Tonight Charlie asked me to read in bouger language and I said I'd rather not, because it's kind of disrespectful to the book. What did Charlie say? "I know that's kind of disrespectful for Indians, but no one's watching but God and Santa Claus."
Thursday, July 08, 2010
May 2010 Update from Bangalore
May 1, 2010
Our last month at 639 7th Cross, 11th Main, HAL II Stage, Bangalore. Badri's brother Ravi, sister-in-law Malini, and nephew Apu have come to visit us for the weekend. Unfortunately, Maya is away at camp so missed them.
Went for breakfast at the Egg Factory--our favorite breakfast joint--then to UB City for a tour of the over-the-top opulent mall. Then dropped by Alla and Chris's to see them and Bruno. Had an interesting conversation about the Indian economy. A few minutes into the conversation, I mentioned to Chris that Ravi was a business editor, and Chris said "off the record".
Tonite we went to Unicorn restaurant for dinner on Infantry Road. Terrific Mangalorean (or Konkan) seafood, mostly very spicy. Enough moderately spicy that Molly and Charlie were happy, and so were the adults. Charlie is on his very best behavior and dressed up--chose his black linen pants that I picked up on sale (I never thought he'd wear them) and a button shirt with collar--also a rare event for him. It's adorable the way he hero worships Appu.
May 2, 2010
Malani, Ravi, and Appu went to Janaki auntie's for a visit.
Molly had her friends over. We took pictures, had pizza, watched a movie and went to Monkey Maze. All the girls' favorites.
May 3, 2010
Took an autorickshaw to Woodlands for a pedicure. It took 30 minutes and cost 45rs. Going from Woodlands to Cunningham Road, the next guy wanted 60rs. The auto I took put the meter and it was 15 minutes for 24rs. It was the second auto this week who had change for a 100 rupee note. MG Road to home cost 48rs. Essentially, it's a half hour ride for $1. In the US or another country with more effiicient roadways, it would be about a 15 minute ride.
Met Jackie and Marylouise at Infinitea for lunch. It was the first time I'd gone there since I interviewed with Sapna Rao of Aperian Global in 2007.
May 4, 2010
Molly and Charlie had a mini science camp at Monkey Maze from 2-5 pm this week. They really seem to enjoy it. I met with the instructor the week before to find out what she'd be working on and it seemed cool.
Molly's gymnastics instructor has gone to Hungary for the month, so there will be a substitute teacher and it'll only be once a week this month.
Maya came back from camp today. She was exhausted and quite skinny. We found out that while she was there she'd had a temperature of 102 degrees a couple of days. And she didn't have to tell us but she didn't eat much food or get much sleep while she was away. Really should have sent her for fewer days.
Badri and I went for dinner at Divya's with Vinay, Deepdi, and Arun. I feel pretty strongly that we'll meet up in Bogota when Div and Vinay move there later this year for Oracle.
May 5, 2010
Met Sapna, Rekha, Pamela, and Archana for a goodbye lunch. Great group of women to work with who I'll really miss. They gave me gorgeous jhumki earrings and a silk scarf.
Amma and Appa came today for a good bye visit.
May 6, 2010
Brought Maya to orthodontist Ritu Jacob for a checkup before leaving. She'd said she wanted to see her before we went back to the U.S., and said Maya'd probably need braces when she was about 11.
Had a nice walk with Kitty.
May 7, 2010
Charlie had a fever today and Maya still catching up on sleep after camp, so neither went to tennis.
But Kimaya S. had a bon voyage with classmates at her house for Maya and they gave her a lovely poster with all their pictures and good bye messages. Kimaya's mom Sangeetha is a real sweetheart--very concerned about Maya leaving and getting settled nicely in the U.S. before doing Skype video with the girls in Bangalore. Very thoughtful.
Went on a date with Badri tonite at Nakshatra restaurant on top of the Fortune Select hotel off Cunningham Road. I chose it because it's a rooftop restaurant location and I want to enjoy (and cherish forever memories of) going out at night in a sleeveless dress and not have to put on a sweater or a wrap. Even in San Diego it was cool enough that you could rarely do that. It's one of the things I'll always remember about Bangalore.
May 8, 2010
Had a sleepover at Marylouise's house with all but Badri. Marylouise only moved into this house off Golf Course Road and near the ITC Windsor Sheraton a year or two ago, but the heavenly location and the times spent there--dinners, parties, playdates--will be forever etched in my memory.
May 9, 2010
Usha Chitti came for a brief visit and we all went to the Ashok Lalit Hotel for Mother's Day Sunday brunch. The kids had a great swim. It just felt strange--after coming here over the last six years and always sitting in the same place on the patio for brunch, today the brunch was moved over to the grassy side opposite the pool, near the woods where it was a bit muddy. Today was a pretty humid day, too, so not an ideal set up.
Went out to dinner with Vandana and Manoj at High Note. Gotta love this place which opened last year in March, only a ten minute walk from our house. This and the bakery that sells great baguettes--also a ten minute walk--have gotten tons of business from us in our last year here. We love High Note especially because it's open air dining. Have come here at least six or eight times in the year plus it's been opened. Twice with Badri, once with Sarayu, once with Kirsty and friends, once for Aditi mom's night out, once with Kitty and her California colleague, and this time.
May 10, 2010
Brought Molly for her swim lesson at the KGA, and who should show up but Rahul Dravid. Got his autograph.
Charlie went to tennis in the morning, then over to Arti's with Anupama for a playdate. Anupama's been taking tennis where Charlie is for a year now. She's a little dynamo.
Went to Pune in the evening for three trainings: Thriving in France, Spain, and the US.
May 11, 2010
Maya went to Pragya's for a playdate today. Pragya leaves for vacation tomorrow and won't be back until we've left India. They've been such good buddies. Maya used to complain about the bus ride (understandably so), but since she and Pragya have become such close buddies, she doesn't complain about it anymore.
May 12, 2010
Amma and Appa and Badri visited Janaki Auntie today.
May 13, 2010
Molly had her last day of swim lessons with Nisha Millet. She really loved it at first, then decided it was way too many laps to swim each day. She much prefers playing mermaid and spending the majority of her time under water.
May 14, 2010
Getting things in order for the move back. The tailor came to make new sofa covers and alter our long curtains to five feet length.
Trushita prepared an amazing lunch and had us all over, including Amma and Appa. There must have been six or seven dishes! She and her husband, Sunith, have been wonderful in our time here--Sunith especially helped out Badri with his business.
Molly had a sleepover at Alyna's.
Went out to dinner with Sharath and Jyotsana at the Chinese restaurant on Church Street. We hadn't been here since a couple years before when we met up with Badri's cousin Neelam there. Sharath is one of Badri's college buddies from years ago. He and Jyotsana met when he was on a one year visiting professorship in London, and she'd been living/working there for years. Her brother, Avinash, was a mutual college buddy of theirs (who we almost named Charlie after) who introduced them a week before Sharath headed back to Bangalore at the end of his stint in London. She's since re-located back here and is making the adjustment. At some point she worked for the UN, and we had a long conversation about the possibilities of Badri working there (why not me, too?).
May 15, 2010
Brinda, Eric, and Shyam had us over for lunch today--Gujarati fare yesterday, and Tamilian today. Amma and Appa came today, also, and we all had a wonderful time. Our housecleaner Shanti will go to work at Brinda's--she's already started there in the mornings.
Maya, Charlie, and I went to dinner at Indira and Arushi's (one of Maya's classmates and basketball buddies). Turned out to be a huge catered dinner party, with quite a few Aditi moms. Maya had a great time with her friends.
May 16, 2010
So many goodbyes to be said. We all went to visit Yamini and Gerry Martin at their farm. We've spent quite a few afternoons, birthdays, and holidays here over the last few years.
Went out to dinner with Amma and Appa.
May 17, 2010
Met some of standard 4 moms for lunch--Sangita, Sagarika, Monisha, and Ashwati (moms of x, x, x, and Leah) at shi shi mall's Italian restaurant.
Amma went for a pedicure at Woodland's today. Too bad it doesn't seem like the Woodlands hotel in Chennai has a similar pedicure clinic.
Maya and Molly started Spanish language lessons at Monkey Maze with a teacher from Barcelona who's living here with her Indian husband.
Went to visit Janaki auntie this morning.
May 18, 2010
Went to visit Dr. Kinger with Maya. He gave us a prescription for Montelukast to help her beat her allergies, to dust, we think.
Went over to Kitty's for wine and a chat.
Maya to Leah's for an overnite.
May 19, 2010
Amma went back to Chennai.
Visited Janaki auntie. She's not feeling at all good these days. Very weak.
Went out to b flat with Divya, Irfana, Brinda, Shonalee, Vinay, Roshan, Kitty, and Sarayu. Had a great time with the gang.
May 20, 2010
Bruno came over for a visit. We're going to miss him soooo much. Hannah came over for a sleepover.
Went to visit Janaki auntie and brought magazines. I think I was hoping she'd have the energy to read them.
Went for a walk with Kitty before she heads off to Goa (hot time of year).
May 23, 2010
Went for a swim at Alice's. Rahul Dravid was there at the pool. He and his wife and two sons left behind some sunscreen, and Badri left a note to his hero attached to the bottle.
Maya and Charlie went home with Arti after tennis. It really does take a village:)
Vani came over today with her daughter Priya to say goodbye.
May 24, 2010
Janaki auntie passed away today at 9:13 pm. She was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in May 2008. She really suffered for two years.
Went to Manipal Hospital with the kids to say goodbye to Dr. Jagdish Chinnappa. Got some good pics with him and each child. He's been terrific to and for our family.
Molly went to Iccha's for a playdate, and Maya's friends Kimaya C., Arushi, and Leah came here for Domino's dinner and a sleepover.
May 25, 2010
Went to Rishi and Kajoli's for Janaki auntie's death ceremony. She was laid out in the living room, and Christine was sobbing on and off. All her loved ones were there, friends and family. Those who live in Delhi or Chennai, except for the closest relatives (like her sister, Sudha) couldn't make it in time since it's held the day after she died.
She was taken by van to a crematorium, where Rishi walked around her several times in dhoti and his thread, annointing her with water, powder, etc.
Then she was brought over to the fire and pushed in. I'd never seen anything like that in my life. I miss her so much.
Koyal came to babysit the kids.
Molly went to Pritis and Charlie to Suhasini's (Vedarth's his classmate).
May 26, 2010
Badri took the kids to see Shrek 3rd.
Alyna and Iccha came over. Maya and Charlie went to Arti's again after tennis.
to Kites with Divya, Irfana, and Vinay (kites?!)
Met Sapna, Archana, Pamela, and Deepma for lunch. They gave me gorgeous chutri earrings and a silk scarf. What great colleagues they've all been.
Alyna stayed for a sleepover.
May 27, 2010
Charlie to Maya's (Namrata's) for a playdate.
May 28, 2010
Molly to Aanyaa's for a playdate.
Got together with Tutu for lunch.
Molly sleepover at Divya's.
Gave the car to Shonalee and Sajith. It'll be fun to go visit Bangalore and see them in the car.
Movers here.
Charlie went over to Anupama's.
Shut off gas connection.
May 28, 2010
Saw Ratnama when walking in Defence Colony. She looked so much better than when I last saw her. I'll never forget her face and her rangolis.
Badri and I went out to dinner with Marylouise, Jackie, Alice, and hubbies at the new 5 star hotel with hanging gardens.
Movers here
May 29, 2010
Went to Veronique's for lunch.
Badri had farewell coffee with Yuganthar.
Eswaran got a tempo to transport plants to Nilu's. What an odd site--looking down from the 3rd floor terrace to see the truck filled with green.
Had a party at our house tonight with Irfana, Divya, Deepthi, Brinda and hubbies. Sent them off with lots of kitchen and other household stuff.
Badri and I spent the night at the Indiranagar Club, and the kids slept over at Marylouise's, with Rita supervising.
May 30, 2010
Flight to Paris on Air France 0191 at 1:45am. Arrive 8:35am.
May 31, 2010
Culture shock: no rush or crush of people at Charlies DeGaulle airport. Seemed deserted, like a ghost town, but it was a normal business day.
I wrote 'Fontaine sully, Hotdogs, 2 wine' in my phone calendar. Not sure if that means we went to the restaurant Fontaine Sully for lunch or dinner. I just do not recall, since I'm over seven months late updating this blog(!). Ah yes, maybe that's the restaurant we went to and the waiter was very snooty--can you believe that, in a Parisian restaurant?!
May 1, 2010
Our last month at 639 7th Cross, 11th Main, HAL II Stage, Bangalore. Badri's brother Ravi, sister-in-law Malini, and nephew Apu have come to visit us for the weekend. Unfortunately, Maya is away at camp so missed them.
Went for breakfast at the Egg Factory--our favorite breakfast joint--then to UB City for a tour of the over-the-top opulent mall. Then dropped by Alla and Chris's to see them and Bruno. Had an interesting conversation about the Indian economy. A few minutes into the conversation, I mentioned to Chris that Ravi was a business editor, and Chris said "off the record".
Tonite we went to Unicorn restaurant for dinner on Infantry Road. Terrific Mangalorean (or Konkan) seafood, mostly very spicy. Enough moderately spicy that Molly and Charlie were happy, and so were the adults. Charlie is on his very best behavior and dressed up--chose his black linen pants that I picked up on sale (I never thought he'd wear them) and a button shirt with collar--also a rare event for him. It's adorable the way he hero worships Appu.
May 2, 2010
Malani, Ravi, and Appu went to Janaki auntie's for a visit.
Molly had her friends over. We took pictures, had pizza, watched a movie and went to Monkey Maze. All the girls' favorites.
May 3, 2010
Took an autorickshaw to Woodlands for a pedicure. It took 30 minutes and cost 45rs. Going from Woodlands to Cunningham Road, the next guy wanted 60rs. The auto I took put the meter and it was 15 minutes for 24rs. It was the second auto this week who had change for a 100 rupee note. MG Road to home cost 48rs. Essentially, it's a half hour ride for $1. In the US or another country with more effiicient roadways, it would be about a 15 minute ride.
Met Jackie and Marylouise at Infinitea for lunch. It was the first time I'd gone there since I interviewed with Sapna Rao of Aperian Global in 2007.
May 4, 2010
Molly and Charlie had a mini science camp at Monkey Maze from 2-5 pm this week. They really seem to enjoy it. I met with the instructor the week before to find out what she'd be working on and it seemed cool.
Molly's gymnastics instructor has gone to Hungary for the month, so there will be a substitute teacher and it'll only be once a week this month.
Maya came back from camp today. She was exhausted and quite skinny. We found out that while she was there she'd had a temperature of 102 degrees a couple of days. And she didn't have to tell us but she didn't eat much food or get much sleep while she was away. Really should have sent her for fewer days.
Badri and I went for dinner at Divya's with Vinay, Deepdi, and Arun. I feel pretty strongly that we'll meet up in Bogota when Div and Vinay move there later this year for Oracle.
May 5, 2010
Met Sapna, Rekha, Pamela, and Archana for a goodbye lunch. Great group of women to work with who I'll really miss. They gave me gorgeous jhumki earrings and a silk scarf.
Amma and Appa came today for a good bye visit.
May 6, 2010
Brought Maya to orthodontist Ritu Jacob for a checkup before leaving. She'd said she wanted to see her before we went back to the U.S., and said Maya'd probably need braces when she was about 11.
Had a nice walk with Kitty.
May 7, 2010
Charlie had a fever today and Maya still catching up on sleep after camp, so neither went to tennis.
But Kimaya S. had a bon voyage with classmates at her house for Maya and they gave her a lovely poster with all their pictures and good bye messages. Kimaya's mom Sangeetha is a real sweetheart--very concerned about Maya leaving and getting settled nicely in the U.S. before doing Skype video with the girls in Bangalore. Very thoughtful.
Went on a date with Badri tonite at Nakshatra restaurant on top of the Fortune Select hotel off Cunningham Road. I chose it because it's a rooftop restaurant location and I want to enjoy (and cherish forever memories of) going out at night in a sleeveless dress and not have to put on a sweater or a wrap. Even in San Diego it was cool enough that you could rarely do that. It's one of the things I'll always remember about Bangalore.
May 8, 2010
Had a sleepover at Marylouise's house with all but Badri. Marylouise only moved into this house off Golf Course Road and near the ITC Windsor Sheraton a year or two ago, but the heavenly location and the times spent there--dinners, parties, playdates--will be forever etched in my memory.
May 9, 2010
Usha Chitti came for a brief visit and we all went to the Ashok Lalit Hotel for Mother's Day Sunday brunch. The kids had a great swim. It just felt strange--after coming here over the last six years and always sitting in the same place on the patio for brunch, today the brunch was moved over to the grassy side opposite the pool, near the woods where it was a bit muddy. Today was a pretty humid day, too, so not an ideal set up.
Went out to dinner with Vandana and Manoj at High Note. Gotta love this place which opened last year in March, only a ten minute walk from our house. This and the bakery that sells great baguettes--also a ten minute walk--have gotten tons of business from us in our last year here. We love High Note especially because it's open air dining. Have come here at least six or eight times in the year plus it's been opened. Twice with Badri, once with Sarayu, once with Kirsty and friends, once for Aditi mom's night out, once with Kitty and her California colleague, and this time.
May 10, 2010
Brought Molly for her swim lesson at the KGA, and who should show up but Rahul Dravid. Got his autograph.
Charlie went to tennis in the morning, then over to Arti's with Anupama for a playdate. Anupama's been taking tennis where Charlie is for a year now. She's a little dynamo.
Went to Pune in the evening for three trainings: Thriving in France, Spain, and the US.
May 11, 2010
Maya went to Pragya's for a playdate today. Pragya leaves for vacation tomorrow and won't be back until we've left India. They've been such good buddies. Maya used to complain about the bus ride (understandably so), but since she and Pragya have become such close buddies, she doesn't complain about it anymore.
May 12, 2010
Amma and Appa and Badri visited Janaki Auntie today.
May 13, 2010
Molly had her last day of swim lessons with Nisha Millet. She really loved it at first, then decided it was way too many laps to swim each day. She much prefers playing mermaid and spending the majority of her time under water.
May 14, 2010
Getting things in order for the move back. The tailor came to make new sofa covers and alter our long curtains to five feet length.
Trushita prepared an amazing lunch and had us all over, including Amma and Appa. There must have been six or seven dishes! She and her husband, Sunith, have been wonderful in our time here--Sunith especially helped out Badri with his business.
Molly had a sleepover at Alyna's.
Went out to dinner with Sharath and Jyotsana at the Chinese restaurant on Church Street. We hadn't been here since a couple years before when we met up with Badri's cousin Neelam there. Sharath is one of Badri's college buddies from years ago. He and Jyotsana met when he was on a one year visiting professorship in London, and she'd been living/working there for years. Her brother, Avinash, was a mutual college buddy of theirs (who we almost named Charlie after) who introduced them a week before Sharath headed back to Bangalore at the end of his stint in London. She's since re-located back here and is making the adjustment. At some point she worked for the UN, and we had a long conversation about the possibilities of Badri working there (why not me, too?).
May 15, 2010
Brinda, Eric, and Shyam had us over for lunch today--Gujarati fare yesterday, and Tamilian today. Amma and Appa came today, also, and we all had a wonderful time. Our housecleaner Shanti will go to work at Brinda's--she's already started there in the mornings.
Maya, Charlie, and I went to dinner at Indira and Arushi's (one of Maya's classmates and basketball buddies). Turned out to be a huge catered dinner party, with quite a few Aditi moms. Maya had a great time with her friends.
May 16, 2010
So many goodbyes to be said. We all went to visit Yamini and Gerry Martin at their farm. We've spent quite a few afternoons, birthdays, and holidays here over the last few years.
Went out to dinner with Amma and Appa.
May 17, 2010
Met some of standard 4 moms for lunch--Sangita, Sagarika, Monisha, and Ashwati (moms of x, x, x, and Leah) at shi shi mall's Italian restaurant.
Amma went for a pedicure at Woodland's today. Too bad it doesn't seem like the Woodlands hotel in Chennai has a similar pedicure clinic.
Maya and Molly started Spanish language lessons at Monkey Maze with a teacher from Barcelona who's living here with her Indian husband.
Went to visit Janaki auntie this morning.
May 18, 2010
Went to visit Dr. Kinger with Maya. He gave us a prescription for Montelukast to help her beat her allergies, to dust, we think.
Went over to Kitty's for wine and a chat.
Maya to Leah's for an overnite.
May 19, 2010
Amma went back to Chennai.
Visited Janaki auntie. She's not feeling at all good these days. Very weak.
Went out to b flat with Divya, Irfana, Brinda, Shonalee, Vinay, Roshan, Kitty, and Sarayu. Had a great time with the gang.
May 20, 2010
Bruno came over for a visit. We're going to miss him soooo much. Hannah came over for a sleepover.
Went to visit Janaki auntie and brought magazines. I think I was hoping she'd have the energy to read them.
Went for a walk with Kitty before she heads off to Goa (hot time of year).
May 23, 2010
Went for a swim at Alice's. Rahul Dravid was there at the pool. He and his wife and two sons left behind some sunscreen, and Badri left a note to his hero attached to the bottle.
Maya and Charlie went home with Arti after tennis. It really does take a village:)
Vani came over today with her daughter Priya to say goodbye.
May 24, 2010
Janaki auntie passed away today at 9:13 pm. She was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in May 2008. She really suffered for two years.
Went to Manipal Hospital with the kids to say goodbye to Dr. Jagdish Chinnappa. Got some good pics with him and each child. He's been terrific to and for our family.
Molly went to Iccha's for a playdate, and Maya's friends Kimaya C., Arushi, and Leah came here for Domino's dinner and a sleepover.
May 25, 2010
Went to Rishi and Kajoli's for Janaki auntie's death ceremony. She was laid out in the living room, and Christine was sobbing on and off. All her loved ones were there, friends and family. Those who live in Delhi or Chennai, except for the closest relatives (like her sister, Sudha) couldn't make it in time since it's held the day after she died.
She was taken by van to a crematorium, where Rishi walked around her several times in dhoti and his thread, annointing her with water, powder, etc.
Then she was brought over to the fire and pushed in. I'd never seen anything like that in my life. I miss her so much.
Koyal came to babysit the kids.
Molly went to Pritis and Charlie to Suhasini's (Vedarth's his classmate).
May 26, 2010
Badri took the kids to see Shrek 3rd.
Alyna and Iccha came over. Maya and Charlie went to Arti's again after tennis.
to Kites with Divya, Irfana, and Vinay (kites?!)
Met Sapna, Archana, Pamela, and Deepma for lunch. They gave me gorgeous chutri earrings and a silk scarf. What great colleagues they've all been.
Alyna stayed for a sleepover.
May 27, 2010
Charlie to Maya's (Namrata's) for a playdate.
May 28, 2010
Molly to Aanyaa's for a playdate.
Got together with Tutu for lunch.
Molly sleepover at Divya's.
Gave the car to Shonalee and Sajith. It'll be fun to go visit Bangalore and see them in the car.
Movers here.
Charlie went over to Anupama's.
Shut off gas connection.
May 28, 2010
Saw Ratnama when walking in Defence Colony. She looked so much better than when I last saw her. I'll never forget her face and her rangolis.
Badri and I went out to dinner with Marylouise, Jackie, Alice, and hubbies at the new 5 star hotel with hanging gardens.
Movers here
May 29, 2010
Went to Veronique's for lunch.
Badri had farewell coffee with Yuganthar.
Eswaran got a tempo to transport plants to Nilu's. What an odd site--looking down from the 3rd floor terrace to see the truck filled with green.
Had a party at our house tonight with Irfana, Divya, Deepthi, Brinda and hubbies. Sent them off with lots of kitchen and other household stuff.
Badri and I spent the night at the Indiranagar Club, and the kids slept over at Marylouise's, with Rita supervising.
May 30, 2010
Flight to Paris on Air France 0191 at 1:45am. Arrive 8:35am.
May 31, 2010
Culture shock: no rush or crush of people at Charlies DeGaulle airport. Seemed deserted, like a ghost town, but it was a normal business day.
I wrote 'Fontaine sully, Hotdogs, 2 wine' in my phone calendar. Not sure if that means we went to the restaurant Fontaine Sully for lunch or dinner. I just do not recall, since I'm over seven months late updating this blog(!). Ah yes, maybe that's the restaurant we went to and the waiter was very snooty--can you believe that, in a Parisian restaurant?!
