It seems I am leaving India today. what a whirlwind – as usual. It’s been…… everything!
To put you right in the picture… here are some pics of our neighbourhood, just outside Tender Heart. it’s changed so much in the time I’ve been coming…. & somehow not changed.
Nilima and I went to Bhatola village so I could meet up again with some of the women. When I first came to Tender Heart 10 years ago, I met these women in the woman’s empowerment program. I have seen them most times when I come back.. not for 3 years though. It was lovely as always to see them, have chai with them and be in their homes. Madhu, Radjani, Ragwati, Munesh.
Yashika is the young girl in the ‘heart’ dress. (Mum is in the same dress). I remember her when she was about 5 & I Used to call her monkey which made her laugh. She is so grown up I didn’t recognise her at first. She had taken the day off school to see me. She is just a delight.
Local barber
Nilima and I went to Bhatola village so I could meet up again with some of the women. When I first came to Tender Heart 10 years ago, I met these women in the woman’s empowerment program. I have seen them most times when I come back.. not for 3 years though. It was lovely as always to see them, have chai with them and be in their homes. Madhu, Radjani, Ragwati, Munesh.
Yashika is the young girl in the ‘heart’ dress. (Mum is in the same dress). I remember her when she was about 5 & I Used to call her monkey which made her laugh. She is so grown up I didn’t recognise her at first. She had taken the day off school to see me. She is just a delight.
Local barber
Performance
The special needs children can do amazing things! They are ‘differently abled – not disabled’. They were invited by a corporate organisation to perform at a recent dinner.
They were fabulous – the audience joined in at the end of their performance…. and then there are their amazing creative teachers..
Palace of the winds and very optimistic sign. It didn’t work.
Amazing monkey temple, 800 year old with monks still living there. We rode on a motor bike down a bumpy windy road. Such fun. The monkeys were well behaved often being fed by this monkey man.
Ending the day with 5 people on a motor bike is always a treat
Very old steps leading down to a once was water tank. I think these were the steps that featured in Best exotic Marigold hotel’
Beautiful Rajasthani girl sitting by the Water Palace. It was a fashion shoot – very convenient.
Amazing Amber Palace – I’d been there before but no chore to go again.
Lunch … including fish and chips for my pom friend
A very royal wedding complete with arriving by car, drums, drums, so many drums, dancing, crowds & crowds
Commencing the ceremony held in Sanskrit… complete with many rituals
I’m fairly sure they are married now
Wedding day morning event…bride & groom are covered in marigold petals, women wore colourful Rajasthani lehengas and men where yellow Kurtas. The yellow colour represents turmeric which is very auspicious which brings health & prosperity.
And the wedding celebrations continue
Cocktail party with dance and singing performances by all…including me briefly
redsaree 