Year: 2010

  • The President's tea party

    Driving up to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is always a thrill when you see the star of India and then in the courtyard the wonderful pair of brass cobras curling upwards. Water flows from their mouths and sitting on the  head of one was a mynah bird dipping for drinks as we drove in. The Presidential palace is…

  • Republic Day Delhi 26th Jan 2010

    The Republic Day of India marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India and the transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic on January 26, 1950.The main Republic Day Parade takes place at the Rajpath, in the national capital New Delhi, where the President views the parade but state…

  • The Jaipur Literature Festival 2010

    This is an entry that conceivably could take up many pages, there was so much on offer, so I have promised myself that I will try and convey as much as I can succinctly. Energizing, egalitarian and exciting – that is what it was for me. The marquee Energizing because it was full of the great…

  • Indian seed pod

    This is what I saw walking in my green haven today. More on that place in another blog but just to say I am off to Jaipur for a few days and who knows what that will germinate.

  • My magic carpet

    It is not often that a shopping expedition can transport you away. You usually come crashing to the ground when you hear the price but this morning was a beautiful exception as we were lead into the den of carpets that is the kingdom of the now world famous Mr A Saboor. “Saboor” to his…

  • Winter blues turn them into Greek blues

    It is tempting to sit in and cuddle a hot water bottle but beat the feeling and go out and do something stimulating and rewarding. Did you know there was a Indo-Hellenic Friendship League? Anyone can become a member and it costs Rupees 250.If you are interested in both cultures as I am then go…

  • Shoppers ready steady ….GO

    I have received so many comments from people who have been to Shoppers Stop telling me about their positive experiences including one from the shop Manager that I said I will visit again and report back.Never judge a shop in one stop or is that step….

  • The greatest Religious gathering in the world is just beginning.

    While I write sitting with a hot water bottle on my lap Indians are gathering for one of the greatest religious festivals. The Khumb  Mela is a three month festival beginning yesterday where pilgrims bathe in the cold but purifying waters of the Ganges. It signifies the end of the winter months, and the beginning…

  • Shoppers Stop

    I went to Shoppers’ Stop in Saket, MGF Mall today in search of something very specific. It is shiny and sleek and full of bright lights, great displays, no shoppers and loads of staff.I found what I was looking for.Two items.The girl wrote their codes on a handwritten receipt and asked me to go to…

  • Memorable Moments – Goa part 3

    Walking along miles and miles of empty beach in Varca and seeing this. Eating Greek on the Goan coastGoing to a Greek restaurant perched on the Hilltop in Vagator called “Thalassa” and talking to the owner Mariaketti from Corfu who all those years ago travelled to India and has never looked back.Seeing Indian women enjoying…