Catchy catchy...

This post was started about a week ago... yeah, it's been one of those weeks

It has been a weird week- preceded by a nice long weekend in Varkala, Kerala and then a few days of feeling under the weather. And yes- we have the monsoon rains back again the last week or so. If I understand this is part of the "retreating" Monsoon, and is not likely to be as long of a rainy season as the previous one. Monsoon seasons, Indian Holiday seasons, not to mention the coming "Western" holidays make for an increased level of chaos and hub bub. It has certainly been festive. Well, to catch you up, I'd better just dive right in! Ready, set, ....

Go!

Last week was Dasara-Vijaydashmi (hope I'm spelling that right!) and this is when, among many other things, people decorate and do a pooja with their vehicles, as well as other work tools. The idea, if I understand correctly is that this pooja will ensure that these tools work good and properly in the next year. Well, our car was not excluded from these festivities!


It was quite fun to drive around and see all of the festively decorated vehicles. Ours actually looked quite simple!

Also last week, I received this:

Yay! I count!

I have now voted, even donned the "I voted" sticker around the house just for fun and now we just keep our fingers crossed that they arrive sae and sound and actually get counted. Yeah. That would be good.

So since last week was the big Dasara holiday, Bryan and Maya had time off from work/school so we headed out to Varkala!

Varkala is a small beach area in Kerala State. For those of you are are not aware, Kerala is the state that is at the South West coast of India. It is referred to as "God's Own Country", has the highest literacy rate in all of India, and is the home of many beautiful, warm and generous people. It is a breathtakingly beautiful spot in the world and other than being far more warm and humid than Bangalore, is absolutely idyllic. We chose to go to Varkala because while it is a little bit of a tourist destination, it is described as a "laid back" one. Perfect. I've been to Goa and wanted to experience something a bit different. Also, as it was "off-season", due to the effects of the retreating monsoon, the prices were far less than Goa. Yay!

We didn't really do a lot. We enjoyed being able to walk without the interference of traffic and such and we also enjoyed a lot of relaxing, whether it was by the pool, or overlooking a beautiful sunset with a Rs. 100 Mojito in hand. Life was definitely good.

Varkalahhhhh

I think I am already ready to go back....