Incredible India

Wow. Where shall I begin? "Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start" (Recognize the line/tune Mom?). Yes, folks, we made the trip to India for our friend's wedding. The video is the groom's wedding procession. You can hear folks in the background saying to watch out for the horse droppings (there were 4 horses in the procession). Droppings were avoided by all I knew around me, and well, what a party!!!!

Had an uneventful trip from the 'middle east' to Mumbai/Bombay, India. When we walked out of the airport, we were greeted by the groom's brother and a friend of the groom's from the groom's adopted country (we'll call her Ms. P - a VERY educated, VERY accomplished lady. We made a new friend right away!) We parted ways with the groom's bro, and our little family and Ms. P were taken in a nice Ford SUV by private driver no less to Pune, India. The drive was around 4 1/2 hours. What a drive - up into the mountains.

We arrived safely in Pune and stayed at the Executive Hotel. The bride's family would not even consider us paying for our own room. I'm still blown away by the generosity of all the people we met. Our hotel was comfortable and clean and had LOADS of steamy hot water and, Cartoon Network in Hindi. So, needless to say, the family was more than comfortable.

We got up fairly early in the morning, had a nice buffet breakfast with made to order eggs at our hotel, coffee with loads of milk and sugar, and about 5 bowls of chocolate cereal for Munchkin #1. We were wired and ready for the day.

We needed to find me a dress/outfit that was appropriate for the wedding. So....thanks to our driver and Ms. P (who grew up in Pune but now lives in Houston), we began the explorations. We first tried a 'western' style mall, but I was really looking for something with more local flavor (after all, I have another wedding to attend back in the home country and I like to wear different stuff). Well, with a recommendation from Ms. P's sister-in-law (Ms. P's brother is a retired Bollywood actor - quite famous), we found a great shop. Well, I guess a lady married to a Bollywood actor would know a GREAT place to find an outfit.

When we went into this great shop, it was a truly designer kind of place (I'm still amazed we bought something in there). It was not as expensive as I would have expected. But, it truly showed the two different sides of Pune. The lush, beautiful and monetarily powerful and 'outside' the severe poverty of homes made from whatever building materials are at hand. Ms. P believes that India's poverty is part of it's current power. People want to no longer be poor, so they are working very hard to improve their standard of living. Interesting stuff to think about.......

Fancy outfit found (thanks Husband for the present of that shopping bag!), we headed for lunch at a Chinese restraunt Ms. P knew. Yummy, yummy, yummy. Of course, the kids eat anywhere in the world where there's rice and noodles. And, ice cream for dessert (thanks Ms P).

Now, it was time to REALLY explore Pune. With Ms. P having grown up in Pune, she knew the good places to go. We found a shopping area with tiny stores just busting with things. The best was the 'textile' shop. If you get the stack of email photos, that's the place where we're sitting buried under merchandise being displayed for us. Mom, this is the place your Christmas present came from - truly awesome shop. It literally felt like being submerged in culture. Yards and yards of fabrics to make Punjabi dresses, yards of Sari's - many covered in tiny little gems, stacks of shawls, pillow covers and a bajillion other things that can be made from fabric. Awesome. Gee, I wish I had bought more. What a place.

That night, we were invited to attend a dinner with Ms. P at the bride's house. I think we were like representatives of the groom's to an important function/precurser to the wedding. The bride's mom made, truly, the best Indian food I've ever had. The bride's lady family members sang to us while playing a drum and then Ms. P and I (no men allowed) were invited/pulled into a back room for dancing. I was expected to dance which I tried to do with gusto and to the best of my ability. Unbeknownst to me, someone told my husband, "Hey, your wife's dancing!" So, the Husband just had to have a peek. Next thing I knew, I looked out the door and there is the husband clapping for me. I was SO imbarrased because I was TOTALLY caught off guard. Well, one of the bride's aunties (a distinguished older lady in a sari) pulled me out of view and shot the husband the dirtiest look you ever saw! But, she felt better when she was told that he was my husband. We got some good laughs from that! After I got to dance with the bride, one of the aunties pulled me aside and said, "You are my daughter" - a VERY high compliment. It has to have been one of the more memorable evenings of my life.

Ok. I need some sleep. More of the India story later! Peace.

Of ships, memories and adventures

http://www.tamug.edu/news/txclip.htm

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312072,00.html

The Texas Clipper has finally gone down. The Texas Clipper was a 473 foot and 10.5 inches (depending on the temperature) ship that was used by Texas A&M University (at Galveston) to train cadets. It is now an artificial reef off the Texas coast. If you look at the picture of the ship going down, the part 'sticking up' was known to the students and cadets as "Steel Beach." My husband used to sling a hammock up there during the summer training cruises. I used to stand there and think while looking out over the harbor. In the after bar area, I would stay up late and study for my Marine Botany exams. The best volleyball games of my life were played in her #3 hold. Even though she was a ship, she was an important part of the campus. She was just as comfortable feeling and familiar as any dormitory. Many students, many memories, many adventures. She will be missed. But, for a school campus where all the degrees begin with 'marine,' becoming an artificial reef is a fitting end for the Clipper.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/artificial_reef/texas_clipper.phtml

More adventures to come; tomorrow we fly to India for just a couple of days. Wow, a wedding in India. We are so very excited we get to be there when our friend gets married AND see a 'new' country. The Clipper was just the beginning of the adventures. I didn't get to join the husband on the Clipper voyages, but man, I'm sure traveling now. Peace, ya'll.

What a party!

Well, last night's party was quite an experience. Full dinner, bar (just drank Perrier - I wanted to remember everything in the morning), 1200 guests, fireworks, laserlight show, live band with dancing, and a demonstration/performance by the Shaolin Monks. What a night.

Here's a brief article on the Shaolin Monks:

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=622566e8-732c-472c-8623-4d75bb4cdbbe&k=16124

And, here's a YouTube video I found showing the monks. We saw them do many of the skills they show on this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibiGZt9yLiQ&feature=related

It was a wild memorable night. We didn't get in until around 1am.

And....the above snap was taken by the husband. He was down a few feet and in murky water here near our home. He saw a school of these guys yesterday afternoon.

Sunglasses and a Laugh

Need some new sunglasses? How about a stylish pair complete with barnacles and a sea squirt (at least I think that's what the black blob is)? We find weird things some days.

Terribly sorry I'm not able to post every day. Posting daily is getting to be a challenge with work, extra work beyond the regular work hours, being taxi mum, and trying to have a life about which to write.

Thinking about having a life...I've got a good story for you! Last night, after a long week, we decided to go out for dinner. We have a favorite place to go that's pretty close to home. The people watching is excellent (seriously - a very cosmopolitan place), the food is good, and it's not too expensive. Well, this is a fairly nice restaurant (we are usually the only 'locals' - the rest are tourists). We were all feeling a bit loopy. Munchkin #1 was happily drawing 'scribble' art with a red pen on his paper place mat, and Munchkin #2 picked up her fork. Munchkin #2 began using the flat part of the fork to run up her Dad's arm complete with machine type sucking 'vrooomming' noises. We asked what she was doing to which she replied, "Vacuuming fleas." This was all under the gaze of a watchful helpful waiter. I think we provided some amusement that night! (We're still not sure where the 'flea' idea came from but we approve. Clearly allowing the kids to watch certain Monty Python bits is affecting their sense of humor. I don't know if I should be ashamed or proud.)

We also provide, I think, some entertainment for the security staff where we live. Like many buildings here, the floors are highly polished marble. Well, picture happy kids, kids at heart parents, slick shoes and slick floors. The 'skating' on the floors is quite good. I just don't think the security folks are used to seeing adults behave quiet like we do (particularly the husband). Ah, the fun weird little things in life.

Well, on to house cleaning. The husband is playing in a golf tournament today (lucky duck!). The munchkins are spending the night with friends tonight, and the husband and I are going to a 'fancy shmancy' dinner. Good stuff. Mum gets to wear a new dress, new shoes, and new jewelry. It's been nearly 7 months since the husband and I had an evening out by ourselves. Bless the friends having the sleepover!

Wow, life is good and some deep thoughts

Sorry this snap is a bit blurry. I've 'cropped' it a bit, and I took it from quite a distance back so....anyhow....

Today was a great day. It is such a lovely thing to work with people who's company you enjoy. I have no clue why I have it so good.

There have been times when I was not happy, but really, I am now. Sometimes I really want to 'help.' I really want to do more. But then, I sometimes need to realize that it's ok to just kick back a bit and enjoy the status quo. So, I'm attempting from this point on to do that for a while.

Sorry, that reads a bit like this random thing, but it felt good to write it.

Well, onto some kicking back time.

What's wrong with this picture?

Ok. This just feels wrong somehow. It's so hot out one wears flip flop sandals and shorts and yet stands in a mall looking at a Christmas display with Arabic writing on the window. Then, one goes back outside into the now not so steamy oven and watches some sand blowing around. Ok. 'Nuff said.

What can I say? The mum stays busy. Today was Munchkin #2's sport of choice, and Munchkin #1 and I spent an hour and half grocery shopping. But, we had homemade chili and cornbread for dinner. Yummy.

Until later, just ponder today's snap.

Laziness abounds

What have I done this weekend? Gone out to dinner, slept in twice, read magazines, gone shopping, sat on the patio and read some more, watched Munchkin #1 swim, and had the new sleeper sofa/futon thing delivered. And, Munchkin #2 attended a sleepover party at a friend's house, and Munchkin #1 and I got to go out shopping and spent some fun time together. Bliss.

This afternoon is more shopping. We're heading for a 'shopping' area we've never explored, but we've heard good things about. I'm going with my list in hand of people to bring things/presents back for over the munchkins' winter break when we head for the home country. Plus, we want to have lots of fun options for people when they come to visit us.

Life is good.

Arabian Coffee and other odd bits....

In reference to the above snap: Dad does the swimming and looking for stuff, Munchkin #2 does the examination of the found critters and objects. Oh yeah, we have fun.

The other evening, I was sitting in a restaurant enjoying a very tasty bacon cheeseburger with barbecue sauce. Yummy. There was a coffee place next door. Well, a gentleman in traditional dress walked right into the coffee place with a hooded falcon (yes it was alive) on his arm. He ordered a coffee and walked out. What was even more amusing was that nobody seemed to notice or think this was unusual. Whatever the reason or point - it was great fun.

The husband the other day was in Oman and popped into a Starbucks for a latte. Well, he got is 'McCoffee' and proceeded to the outside seating area to drink it and check his email. The outside seating area overlooked a BEAUTIFUL stretch of blue ocean. Not the typical Starbucks.

And, a bit of a coffee language lesson: Those of you in the America's reading this: In many English speaking countries (or in non-English speaking countries for that matter), one does not have 'a cup of coffee.' One drinks 'a coffee.' You could say, "I'll have a donut and a cup of coffee." Or, you could say, "I'll have a pastry and a coffee."

And...........drum roll.......

We have plane tickets to India. We are all VERY excited. Finally. Crazy stuff: last month went to Norway. This month going to India. Next month going back to the home country. January, going to Khasab, Oman. February? Don't know yet. March, back to Khasab, Oman.

I have a loving family, a life enriching job, a cool place to live, great friends and a rapidly filling passport. More than I deserve. Life is rich. Off to the patio to read and sip a coffee.

Life just keeps rolling along

I love watching my kids. It just amazes me how fast they are growing. At least they still like to sandwich me in on the sofa to watch cartoons. Sigh....I have a nice mum life.

Not much new except I have pink eye. After confirmation by a nurse I know (and REALLY trust), I walked into a pharmacy and bought the drops I needed. I was surprised that a prescription is not required. Anyhow, good medicine. I checked and it's stuff that's prescribed for pink eye back in the home country. Different countries, different rules. I'm still getting used to things here.

I love this beach snap of Munchkin #2. She loves picking up and examining sea shells. Hopefully, we'll get beach time in this weekend. Until then, I need some sleep. My day begins way too early tomorrow.

Oh, one more thing. The husband is buying plane tickets for India. Yup, back and forth on the decision, but we really want to go. So.....more adventures, and we roll along!

Diwali

Quick post. I just learned something new. There are MANY people from India living in this country. There are signs everywhere in stores advertising stuff to buy for Diwali. Well, I looked it up, and it is "The Festival of Lights." And...there are Christmas decorations and ads up and out as well. What a unique place!!!

Anyhow....here are two website links:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/holydays/diwali.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

Anyhow....I love learning new stuff...and this was REALLY new for me! Have fun reading; I know I did.

Old camel?

Today was a good day. The husband is away in business (not so good), but I'm working another hour each week (3 extra total). My 'head for numbers' is in demand. It's nice to be appreciated. And, even though the husband is away, he has his Blackberry at last (he calls it the 'BlackBurp'), and he paid some big deposit for global roaming. So....no more communication troubles. Bliss at least for me.

All is well with the muchkins. They seem happy in school, but they get about an hour of homework each night (not quite so much for muchkin #2, but it's still a lot). Munchkin #1 just finished reading the first Harry Potter book all on his own; he finished it in less than a week. I'm so proud! He LOVES to read.

Well, on to cook dinner. Since the husband is away, dinner tonight is some leftover chicken for the munckins, a bratwurst for Mum, and oven french fries for the munckins. Well, and salad. We're not going to TOTALLY junk out. Hee, hee.

Oh yeah. The snap above is pretty old - it's the first time we saw a camel when we moved here.

Typical day.....en paradiso y some extra fluff

Hola! Como estas? Ok. I've had a touch of fun lately making a feeble attempt to use a bit of my Espanol. Kinda weird; living in the Middle East and using Spanish. Sigh......

Ok. The today snap I find mind blowing at just way too many levels. What a trip huh?

Work is good but getting busier. My head for numbers is now being put to work two extra hours per week. Really, it is a good thing, but I think the extra work time is a bit rough on the munchkins.

Thinking of munchkins, Munchkin #2 twisted an ankle at recess today so she had to miss her sport of choice this afternoon. Ah well, so it goes. And, we now know that she really dislikes the smell of BioFreeze (like IcyHot or BenGay), but she now believes Mum when I tell her it does work! Anyhow, she's fine. She just needs to rest up the ankle a bit.

Ok. On to REALLY pointless stuff! The husband told me that we've been invited to a pretty fancy/big deal dinner meet and greet thing for his work. Well, I'm WAY excited, but I totally freaked when I realized I own nothing that I could wear. So.....I got to do some SERIOUS shopping in Dubai this weekend. Wow, to say the least. I found a shimmery silk dress kinda thing that's knee length that is silvery with tiger stripes. The sleeves are wide but short. And, bought some black heels with rhinestones and pearls (VERY dressy). What an experience.....went into a VERY pricey store, found a dress in my price range, and bought it. Paid cash too! (Ladies in my family - think Neaman Marcus or Harrods but not quite so steep). I now have something to wear. But, I didn't bring my good silver jewelry, sigh.....more shopping. Whoot! And, to my mum and cousins: just bought a nice sleeper sofa/futon thing! It'll be delivered on Saturday. Paid cash for that as well! Great fun!

A REALLY cool thing........

Ok. Here's the really cool thing: Some of you may have read or heard something like this before, but frankly, I think it's just TOO cool not to share. I can only give a piece of it, but for those of you who know where I went while working towards a master's degree - this is from the mission statement of the place of employment of a VERY dear friend/sister from that time in my life. "Live fully, love wastefully, and lead courageously." I wish I could write more about it here, but hopefully you all will get where this statement is coming from.

The Palm in Dubai

Well, here is an older photo (a few months) of the villas/homes on Palm Jumeirah. Thought folks might find this interesting. I can't remember if I've ever posted a pic/snap like this before.

Today was a good day, got paid today, and Daisy Rat made a visit to Munchkin #2's class at school. Lots of fun for the rat and Mum!

Went out to dinner tonight, and had a pleasant quiet evening as a family.

More fun to come!