It’s been five days since we landed in Chennai, and we are having lots of fun. I’m here with my girls and my husband and Boy will join us in a few days. The flight was long, with a stopover in Brussels. We ate Belgian chocolates in the airport and freshened up before the long haul to Chennai.
Setting foot in Chennai (new name for what used to be called Madras) was immensely emotional. This is my mother’s hometown, and where her heart was I’m sure. We travelled here with her as kids; we got to know the city and it’s magic through her. My connection to this place is her, and she is not here.
But today I’m here with my kids and happy to be sharing these lovely memories with them. As soon as we landed we were embraced into the loving folds of my gigantic warm family. We arrived at the outset of a fantastic family wedding and have been enjoying all the gaiety and colourful celebrations. We’ve applied mehndi (henna), eaten loads of delicious wedding delicacies like mutton biryani, kebabs, kulfi and more. We’ve danced with dhandiyas, sipped lychee sodas at a beautiful sangeet (music party) near the sea, and partaken in tons of family fun.
It’s been a delight for the Girl, who’s mesmerized by the unbelievably gorgeous clothes and jewelry, the dancing, music, twinkling lights. The wedding has taken place over several days, and the kids are enjoying playing with the myriad of cousins and relatives who are here from all over the globe. I haven’t figured out how to post pictures from here, but I will do so as soon as I can.
Can’t wait to see pics!
All I can say is WOW!!! What a wonderful way to introduce your daughters to some parts of their Grandmother that they may not have known. What an experience!
Wow, sounds amazing! Looking forward to seeing some photos because it sounds just beautiful. And it’s great that your kids get to experience it all, too. Enjoy your visit!
Ooh! I can’t wait to see pictures. Sounds fabulous. What a wonderful way to get close to your mom again.