Death in India.

You know there are some things that you don't really want to see. In India we are confronted by these things every day we walk out our front door.
Last night on the way home from picking Andrew up, which we don't usually do, we came across a funeral procession. I have seem remnant's of these before but not actually seen one in process. As we approached I said to Victor "is this what I think it is?" "yes Madame"
The procession was a small one I am told, about 10 men walking along carrying the deceased on a stretcher, adorned with flowers. All I could see was a shock of grey hair, so you knew it was an elderly person. There was someone walking in front scattering flowers along the road, often there is also someone walking along beating a drum, but not today. They were on their way to cremate the body and then in 13 days time the ashes will be scattered in a river or at the beach.
I was very moved by this confronting display of death in India. It is so public. They honour their dead so differently to us. It was amazing to see life just going along as normal whilst the procession took place. Everyday life here I assume.
All this is part of their Hindu faith, believing that you are born again and again and the quality of your rebirth depends on your karma in your former lives.
In some ways it's not unlike us as Christians being worthy of eternal life in what we know as "our Heaven".
I have felt along way from home this week with the loss of a friend who died on Sunday. 47 is too young to die. In fact any age is too young for the family and friends left behind.

Auto Ride

We had an Auto ride home the other day, which is always a lot of fun. The kids think it's great and this time we didn't get ripped off. It cost us about $1 to go 2km, we could have walked but there is a really busy road to cross and there's no way I am ever going to try and cross it on foot. we had fun trying to fit 2 scooters and a stroller and 4 people in this tiny auto.

Family snaps

Just a few shots of the family to let you see we still look the same. The kids are growing fast, and Sam still loves to give me those goofy faces when I try to take a photo of him, Liza still loves that "get that camera out of my face" look and Mac is even more devilish every day. (just ask poor Victor) Andrew and I are both really good and we are enjoying our time here, even though some days are very frustrating. It's all part of the experience.

Funny Photo's

Try again, I realized that you could not see these very well in the last post.

Loved these signs, we had a real giggle.
Don't drown, heavens you might disturb the life guard.

Yesterday Victor took us to one of the University's here in Chennai. His brother's wife works there and we where very lucky to be able to get through security and have a drive around. It covers 900 acres and has 9000 students. Amazing place, it is basically a community of its own and also has it's own postcode. Victor took us to meet his brother's family who actually live on campus in housing supplied by the government at a very cheep price. They can use all of the facility's including pool, theatres, gyms, you name it and it is there. We ended up having a kick of the footy at one of the ovals and sat ans watched a game of cricket. Victors family were very welcoming and have told us we can come into the grounds anytime we would like by just mentioning their house no. There where lots of Deer walking around and apparently monkeys as well, but we didn't see any. It was a very peaceful place to go, no "toot toot", ah bliss.

I love the signs you see over here.

We had wanted to go to a park that is just around the corner from our home and we have tried to go there many times but never get there due to traffic, closed roads, opening times etc. The opening times are 8.30-10am and 2-4pm, closed on Sundays, go figure.

This park has the largest Banyan tree in the world and has lots of good paths for walking and riding scooters, which the kids are dying to do.

We are going to try to go today, as we had a call from the school at 9.30pm last night (Sunday Night) to say the kids have the day off today AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For what reason you ask?

"Some great leaders Birthday" GREAT.

Happy Birthday To You. Great Leader whoever you are.

4 days at home and these kids go a little crazy, so does their Mum.

Banyan Tree here we come.

More Onam Celebrations

I was lucky enough to open the door at the right time and be able to watch our neighbour make the final flower offering for their Onam celebration.

Today was a special day for them, not unlike our Christmas Day, new clothes for all and a feast to share with family and friends.

As I sat and watched I asked many questions of our neighbour (who's name still eludes me) probably too many for this very Conservative girl. 35 years old not married and still living at home with her parents, maybe waiting for the arranged marriage, she has a degree in economics and also in Home science? whatever that is. Fancy staying home everyday and not working when you are so educated. She was every embarrassed with me taking photos but I will get some copies for her and I think she will love that. She has been making these offerings with her Mum since she was a little girl.

The finnished product.

Onam Festival

Yesterday morning I opened the door to find this beautiful flower offering at the front door of our neighbours house. This week it is the festival of Onam. It is a celebration that goes for 10 days and originates from the state of Kerala. During this time the people celebrate the mythical King Mahabali and on the last day they have a day of feasting with their family. They decorate their homes and anticipate the kings visit.

Today they had added more to their offering, isn't it lovely. That is a Lotus flower in the center,
Rose petals and Jasmin petals around the outer circle. Cant wait to see it tomorrow.