Where's a Fairy-Godmother When you Need One?

We are going to a company Diwali party tomorrow...we all need to wear Indian dress DH tells me. Huh huh OK. The kids are already kitted out so no problem there although the orange sand stains have not come out of DS's trousers but we'll just have to deal with that tomorrow.

Now the easiest thing to do would have been to have visited somewhere where you can choose fabric and have something made up, but we've been very busy this week and just haven't got round to it, plus it's difficult lugging the kids to and fro and then expecting them to sit like statues while you make choices. That's just never going to happen and it's too stressful to boot!

I thought I knew what I wanted. And so today I left the kids with Jayanthi (aka Mary) for the afternoon and went to see what I could get 'off the peg'. As far as I can gather there is a modesty theme going on in most types of dress, any curves are streamlined and b**bs are flattened to oblivion. That's all well and good if your b**bs can be flattened, mine aren't the flattening type.

Whilst zooming around and to and fro I found some of the most beautiful outfits (I wanted silk and sparkly) but they were all just that little bit too tight on the chest area to be comfortable for about 5 hours of a Diwali party.

What is a girl to do? I need a fairy god-mother job I think.

Immersed In India

http://www.globaladjustments.com/?q=node/930

I've been meaning to tell you about a very interesting Culture Immersion evening I attended last week that was hosted by the re-location company who helped us with our move to Chennai but haven't got round to it as yet. However, the link to the article (above) appeared in the newspaper today and explains it all probably a whole lot better than I could!

Spot me in a Sari! Wish I'd been quick enough to get the turquoise one!

We Have a Pool...Oh No We Don't

Well we do, but we just can't swim in it yet. It was finished last week, it was filled with water and then they drained it. At 11pm one evening there was loads of activity in the garden, we thought there was a security issue but it was just a water tanker delivering water for the pool. The chemicals were added but by the morning the water looked as murky as a swamp. On Tuesday they drained it again, which plays havoc with the drains, and alot of peering into the pool took place. Yesterday another tanker arrived, the pool was filled again and another 2 oil drums of chemicals were added. This morning it looked gorgeous, crystal clear and very inviting. On the way back from the zoo I was imagining how nice it would be to have a cooling dip...until I saw the lovely murky waterwas back again. Better watch that no crocs take up residence because they'd be very much at home.

Exhibits at the Zoo (us not the animals!)

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

Today a friend and I took ourselves and our children 'out of town' to visit India's oldest Zoo.


I was quite excited as it was the first time we had actually been anywhere apart from school, playgroup, shops and house!


The temperature has dropped to a more manageable 26 or so degrees and so has the humidity so it was really pleasant being able to walk around and not be in the car. We even had a picnic. Most of the animals looked very well cared for, they had the most amazing and beautiful tigers I have ever seen (not that I've seen that many!). Only the bears looked a bit stressed. DS was fascinated by the Tiger and 'roared' all the way home. DD was particularly taken with the chameleons, snakes, fish and hippo.


What wasn't so pleasant was all the attention that the children attracted from the local visitors and if we only even stopped briefly for a few moments we were immediately surrounded, photographs were being taken and a lot of touching of cheeks was going on. We had to be very firm before the attention moved to a more acceptable distance, then we were just followed! My friend commented that she could understand and somewhat sympathise with our so called celebrities, and so could I.


Sorry, no photos folks as the camera needs new batteries

Snap BANG Crackle & Pop

The fireworks continue. Although we had a rest from them today they began again in earnest this evening, the kids are so unphased by them now they even sleep through them. How they do that?!

I thought after yesterday that would be it, there couldn't possibly be any more fireworks left in the whole of India, but someone found a whole lot more somewhere on a shelf in the corner. Now, I don't know if I've got this right or whether something got lost in translation but Kumar told me that today is the day that non-vegetarians celebrate with their fireworks, yesterday it was the vegetarians. If that is the case then our neighbours on all sides can't make their minds up whether they eat meat or not!

Kumar also told me of his firework experiences last night. Two stray rockets entered his home at different times while he and his family were watching TV and started fires.
'Coconut roofs is a BIG problem Madam'.

We Have Our Stuff

Ooodles of it! Amidst the unpacking it dawned on me how much I had actually enjoyed living a 'clutter' free life these past few weeks, but it's good to have some familiar stuff around us, even if antique pine 'doesn't go' in an Indian house. And...neither do our sofas!



Some of you will remember that HUGE Pickfords lorry that virtually blocked Priory Road for a whole week, so here is the Indian version of that lorry. This one went backwards and forwards 6 or so times over the weekend ferrying our belongings from the dock to our house, thank goodness we're on the coast.


The kids thought Christmas had come early and were delighted to see their toys, particularly the outside ones and DD was off on her bike up and down the drive closely pursued by DS in his pedal car (pushed by the guards!) then they swapped over, then there was a tussle, a paddy and a tantrum...and it was time to come inside again to calm and cool down!


So, we've been very busy this weekend attempting to unpack, get straight and have even added more debris to that Skip we had sat on our drive in Kenilworth for a month before we left. Funny how some belongings become surplus to a new life.

Happy Diwali! Festival of Light

AKA Firework War Zone!!

If you thought the UK run up to November 5th was noisy...come to India to celebrate Diwali! (Click on title for full info on this noisy festival)

The firework and firecracker build up began in spits and spats about a week ago and every night since then in the vicinity of our house the volume of fireworks has increased. To begin with we oo'ed and ahh'ed just like us Brits do at anything sparkly in the sky. But as time went on we became a bit blase about them, hardly even noticing...until last night that is.

There have now been fireworks going off around us solidly for the last 36 hours, there was a short interlude between midnight and 3am but otherwise they just keep on coming...and coming. They are being let off in gardens, in the middle of roads, off roofs, out of trees, with confetti, without confetti. Colour and without. Loud, louder and loudest. I heard shattering glass earlier somewhere nearby, hope we won't discover it's one of our windows when a million mosi's seek solice from the party going on outside.

Party!

DS's playschool held a Diwali Party on Friday, Indian dress compulsory. DD's school had a day's holiday so she was able to come too. Firecrackers and sweets galore!

Lovely white trousers, before he found the sand pit that is!

As per anything to do with 'dressing up' DD has embraced Indian dress with gusto, Bindi's are especially valued, we had to visit 3 shops before the party to ensure her outfit was complete with a complementary Bindi!

ஹாப்பி தீவாளி எவேர்யோனே!
Happy Diwali Everyone!

Today is the Day...

Fingers and toes crossed, that the bulk of our sea shipment will allegedly arrive at 10am (ish).

The heavy monsoon rains we have had this last week (I think half the volume of the Bay of Bengal has fallen in Tamil Nadu this week) have abated this morning and we have sunshine. The massive puddle that has flooded the end of the drive and threatened to drown the poor guards and their sentry hut is receding.

The maid is late, the kids are being painful and it's now 10.15.

10.20 - Joy oh Joy they're here!!!

Got to go - lots to do!!! Still no maid though - can't have it all!

School UN Assembly

Guess what? I'm in the school library again!

This morning DD very proudly flew the flag for Great Britain in the school United Nations assembly which took place this morning. In the rush to get here on time, with her in costume I left my camera at home again but hope that the ones I took on my phone will be OK...errr when I can work out how to transfer them to computer!! There were teams of three to flag carry for each country and luckily DD had two older girls with her to actually carry the flag. She was really brave at first but then slightly overcome as the enormonity of walking through a room with a noisy cheering audience of 600+ dawned on her. She did so well and undertook her duty with great aplomb. Photos to follow, fingers crossed.

Scrap Last Post - I Lied...

...albeit unintentionally. Our sea shipment didn't materialise, it's "allegedly" ready for delivery now but I'm beginning to realise that you have to learn to expect things when they actually happen. So, whenever. Whatever.

We moved into the house a week ago and as of today we have been here 4 weeks. We have no Internet connection and probably won't have for at least another week. I dropped DD at school and one of the other mums suggested I use a computer in the library - way hey! Didn't realise I could, so at least I can do a few things like check email, check the news, weather, blog etc

It's been great being in the house, even though we are sitting on boxes. I can at least cook meals other than pasta now, don't get me wrong pasta is one of the best culinary inventions EVER but after 3 weeks solid of the stuff and exhausting all the sauce variations I could think of even DS was beginning to complain!

So, 4 weeks in and we're settling down, we have a routine, we have more settled stomachs, we have a red meat/wine/beer supplier, we have the rainy season and I'm beginning to find my way around this city...well I can get from home to school to shop to bakery to deli to fruit and veg shop via a shoe shop...not bad going! I'm going to attempt to get to a Mall this afternoon as I need some books.

And the Good News Is...

Our sea shipment could be with us by the end of the week!!

We weren't expecting it until first or so week in November but it turns out that it reached Colombo in Sri Lanka last week and has been re-loaded and, all being well the ship docks in Chennai tomorrow. Originally it was going via Singapore and then to here but I'm not complaining! DH has had a good go at talking round the bureaucracy that rules the Port Authorities of Chennai and if we're canny we may be able to go and do all the necessaries and have some home comforts by the weekend! OK so now I'll just take a reality check and admit to myself that 1) We're in lovely India. 2) Things never go according to plan. 3) There will be a 'Jobsworth' or three to contend with. 4) Indian Customs & Excise are allegedly b*****s for red tape and extremely thorough - hmmm could take time.

Whatever happens sooner rather than later will be a REAL BONUS!

Tomorrow is D Day

We have....
Curtains (upstairs anyway) - Check
Fridge, oven, water & coolers, all doing their stuff - Check
Air-con - Check
Beds, rented - hard as nails - Check
Some towels and linen - Check
TV - Check
Cbeebies on Tata Sky - Check
Playroom with some toys - Check
Well stocked store cupboard - we can enjoy pasta with various sauces and can do beans on toast - Check
Basic cooking utensils - Check
Some cutlery & crockery - Check
Diesel for the back-up generator - Check
Insect screens - Check
Something hard and impracticle to sit on until comfy furniture arrives - check
Somewhere to sit and eat, draw, colour and stick - Check

So, what, you may ask are we waiting for? I think we should take the plunge and move into the house tomorrow as I just want to get this show on the road and settle into the house. We just need pest control to come and do their stuff which will hopefully be tomorrow.

And now I feel bad....Bindu, our housekeeper/caretaker/maid in the apartment has just asked me if we are leaving tomorrow and I've told him yes, and he's now very upset. :-(

Our Little Housemate

Hope you can see him/her!

This is one of our little Gecko's that periodically run up and down the walls and ceilings in the house much to the delight of DS who tries his level best to catch them but they're way too fast.

I found a baby one in a box in the playroom the other day and as they are good housemates to have (they eat the nasties ...err well, I hope they do) I carefully took it to the front door and popped it outside...where it sadly lay on it's back with feet in the air. While I was peering at it in disbelief because I'd really been so careful, one of the security guards wanders over and declares "Dead Madam". Oh b***** I thought.

5 minutes later it's time to collect DD from school and as I come out of the front door I guiltily glance down to my left and the little blighter was nowhere to be seen, gone, disappeared! What a wise little chap it was and must have been 'playing dead' to save itself. Clever little Gecko!

Coming Through, Coming Through...TV on a Bike

This time I had my camera at the ready when our TV was delivered yesterday. It did not look as ridiculous on the back of the bike, just imagine a 6ft High , 3ft wide fridge on the back!

This is such a good example of India, the land of contrasts, the latest technology being delivered by old technology.

Work In Progress

I finally found the camera cable and I will also insert some photos into a couple of older posts.
In the meantime here are some photos of the house and the on-going work in the garden.

The front is now looking quite tidy

Working on the pool. They had made great progress this week but things slowed a bit again today after 3 of the workers ended up in jail after a boozy holiday day and a brawl!

These ladies are sorting out the 'good' grass for planting

Durga Puja Festival

Tomorrow and Thursday are a national holiday in India.
Durga Puja (pron poojah) is an important Hindu Festival celebrated all over India with different rituals and festivities especially in eastern India. It is celebrated in the month of September/October every year.

A great deal of decoration and preparation can be seen at shops and houses as you go about your daily business in Chennai. Please click on the title to find out more about the legend surrounding the festival and the rituals involved.

Still No Email

Unfortunately I still haven't got outgoing email. There was a brief interlude when I managed to fire off a couple of replies, but since then nothing. Hopefully it'll be resolved when we move into the house. XX

Bureaucracy at it's Best

This morning at 9.30am we had our Immigration appointment to get our permits and paperwork etc all in order and rubber stamped.

Now, I've never been to an Immigration department anywhere in the world before so the experience could be standard practice the world over but somehow I don't really think so! This is India after all!

You start at an open entrance hall with rows of chairs on either side, imagine a clock, you join the queue at 1'O Clock and move down and round to 11 O'Clock. At 12 O'Clock sits a stony faced official who directs the charade that is 'musical chairs' but without the music. Let's also just mention that he was VERY particular on where the pushchair should be placed as we made our way round.

We get to about 10 O'Clock in the musical chairs game and all of a sudden there's a flurry of activity and we are marched up some steps to a desk where the first Official checked through all our paperwork and signed each application. Into another room, with yet more chairs but this time in rows, apparently this is a queuing system but no-one else seemed to know what or where to sit either, and besides Indians don't do queues! At the front of the room is a 'Helpdesk' but they didn't look very helpful and were the only ones in the room lucky enough to have a fan on them, and the temperature was rising.

We then join a line of chairs against the wall and it looks like this could be the homeward straight as we inch along from chair to chair as and when the director comes in to tell us to do so. We've now been doing this for an hour, it's hot, the kids have exhausted every toy I have in my possession and are beginning to play up. Today was one of those days when Cute Kids Don't Help!!

Then GASP! We're told it's our turn next, This is it we think, it's nearly all over. The director instructs me to wait with the kids outside and sends DH into a room where the paperwork is checked through yet again and a second Official signs the paperwork.

He comes out of the room and goes to the 'Helpdesk' where a third Official checks through the paperwork and another signature is added. He is given four plastic tokens and then directed to another desk.

Into another room where you must hand over the plastic tokens before they will do anything with your paperwork and then a fourth official checks through the paperwork and finally it gets stamped and you're free to go.


Hooray, after an hour and a half it's over as we emerge back out into the daylight and heat, we call Kumar and get back into the A/C car and I breath a sigh of relief, until DH tells me that he and I have to return in 1 weeks time to collect the permits and paperwork. Deep Joy.

And, just to top the experience off we drive round the building to exit and we have to pay 10rps to leave! How come? There's is nowhere to park, there are NO PARKING signs everywhere and Kumar bless him has spent all the time driving round in circles waiting for us. Like I said, Bureaucracy at it's VERY best! And the best part...we in fact only have ourselves to blame, it was the years of British rule that put the big wheels of Bureaucracy into motion in India!

Custody Battle

We are certainly extremely lucky to have two beautiful and engaging children but I'm finding that fact a little bit of a double edged sword at the moment. The Indians LOVE children full stop. They particularly LOVE blonde, blue eyed children and they therefore love ours.

Wherever we go we are practically besieged by people and everyone wants a little piece of them, sometimes it has its advantages...faster attention and service when you're holding a cute kid, more often it can be a hassle and DD is becoming a bit self concious and wary, which in turn is making her clingy, something she has never really been.

Our caretaker/housekeeper/maid in the apartment is a point in case and I feel I'm in the midst of a custody battle! He is a lovely man, (those of you who have Skyped with us have probably seen him as he is very curious and hovers in the background!) his wife and year old daughter live 2 hours away and he won't see them for another two months. He misses them. He lives here day and night and I realised the other day that he actually sleeps on the kitchen floor, so for these things I can actually forgive him, BUT sometimes, just sometimes I wish he would leave DS alone just for a minute. He actually takes over and interferes with meals, gets him out of his cot in the mornings when he doesn't have to, want to or needs to. He has even taken him from me when we are having a cuddle or a play! His English is minimal so I can't reason with him and I don't want to get upset with him...so, just for the timebeing, because we are not going to be here forever I will try to stay calm and put up with it. On the plus side it does mean DS is always occupied and busy!

Last night I nearly lost it. We took the kids to a hotel that does the best fish n chips that DD has ever had, even better than England apparently. At the next table was probably the most annoying man I have ever met, he was probably even more annoying for the pitcher or three of beer that he and his companion were drinking. He began quite politely by offering his compliments on the children and then quite literally began circling the table "Cootchy Cooing" the children. Constantly. Touching them...errr smelling their hair, all while we are trying to give them their meal. I was tired, emotions got the better of me and tears of pure frustration poured out of me...and do you know what he did?

HE KEPT COOTCHY BLOODY COOING THEM, all the while telling me how BLOODY cute they were, and I'm crying my eyes out and he doesn't even seem to notice!!

We got the bill and left, no dinner for us, and the last thing I heard as we took our leave and the door was closing was a final Cootchy. Cootchy. Coo.
So, that's my rant over! If I'd posted last night it wouldn't have been quite so polite!

Monday Already!

Well last week flew by and before I knew it the weekend was upon us. Most problems at the house have been ironed out now, to be replaced by others in time I'm sure but we'll just have to wait and see what crops up.

Our drivers, Kumar (mine) and Murasoli (DH's) are worth their weight and have been fantastic both at driving and sorting some of the issues that arise, as Kumar told me this evening, he is not just a driver and anything we need he will sort out for us...OK Kumar, fine by me!

Jayanthi (aka Mary) is also great, fab with the kids and gets on with things even before I have to say anything. Granted we're still not in the house and things will run much differently when we are but from what she has demonstrated so far, I think we'll be OK.

Saturday was spent curtain and blind choosing and ordering, most will be fitted later this week so at least we'll sleep OK. Am waiting to do the downstairs until our furniture arrives in the sea shipment in a few weeks time.

Saturday evening DH went.....OUT FOR DINNER!!! Woo hoo!! Jayanthi babysat and we enjoyed good food and a panoramic rooftop view of Chennai here..
http://www.raintreehotels.com/
Check out the Above Sea Level Restaurant!

On Sunday DH and I were eaten alive by mosi's while looking at furniture. Moral of the story...wear repellent at ALL times.

Coming Through, Coming Through...Fridge on a Bike

I really really must remember to take my camera out at all times because there are some really comical sights you see both out and about and even at home, as we witnessed today.

DH was still not satisfied with the fridge, I was losing the will to live so on our shopping expo (sorry H no bracelet for you today, not that kind of retail therapy I'm sorry to say!) he popped in the shop and persuaded them to exchange it for another one with basically more gadgets for him to play with.

5.20pm was delivery time and sure enough, along came 4 men but no fridge.
"Fridge is coming Sir, no worry", we were told with a wobble of the head, and sure enough a couple of minutes later a man on a bike with a small trailer behind him, shakily pedalled down the drive pulling the fridge behind him. It then took the four men an age to actually get the thing off the trailer and struggle with it to the kitchen. Now consider...This fridge had come perhaps some 2.5 miles through the notorious Chennai traffic on a push bike and got to our house in one piece and working...whoever said that India was not an enviromentally friendly country?! In some respects at least.

An Update on Our Challenges

The fridge is now cooling.
The cooker is no longer leaking gas.
The shower curtain rails have been lowered.
The doors have been adjusted.
Some of the Boots shop has been located.
The pool is half full of water, not sure it's safe water...think they may be just checking for leaks.
Grass is now being planted.
Temporary furniture has been delivered, it just needs assembling.

Not bad for a days work in India.

Tomorrow is a National Holiday in respect of Ghandi's birthday so no school and no work. I'm thinking that a little retail therapy may be the order of the day.