On the way to a playdate..

We were recently on our way to a playdate and we were going to be early. I had added in too much time for Delhi traffic and so we had some time to spare. Luckily, our driver knew just what to do. Near to where we were going was the College of Arts. Wow, didn't even know about it. We pulled in, parked and he walked around with us, showing us the outdoor sculpture. Actually, he really wanted to show us the Queen Victoria sculpture, so that's what we saw first, then we just wandered for a bit. Arthur waved to the students and Dorian found a stick. Everyone was happy.

Being a young woman

I honestly I have no real idea of what it is like to be a young woman in India. My only glimpse of a young woman's life is through my conversations with our babysitter. She is a sweet 21-year old university student. I'm so lucky to have her live near us and to be available most anytime I need her (and if she's not she'll send her sister). She and I will sit and talk sometimes if Arthur is sleeping or Dorian is otherwise occupied when she arrives or sometimes we all sit and play together for a while. Other than babysitting, she's helped me put on my sari, made soup when we were sick and massaged my legs when I thought I had dengue and they were aching (I did not ask her to do this, she offered and while I felt a bit uncomfortable about it she said she does it for her family when they are not well).
She has told me about her classes at school. She has mentioned that she and a boy she knows from school wanted to marry but his family would not allow it because she is from a different caste. She said she wants to cut her hair but her father will not let her. He said she must wait until she marries then she can ask her husband. Her life is so different from my upbringing. Not only did I have so much freedom, my parents told me I could do anything I put my mind to (not necessarily referring to my hair, but more about my future). I really enjoy chatting with her. It's made me realize that we come from two separate worlds and I wish I could give her a little of mine.

Firsts Days of Schools

The beginning of September means back to school and it's been a busy week for us. Taking id photos, getting school supplies but most importantly, getting Dorian excited to go back to school.

And, surprise of all surprises, Arthur started school too! It's just a little playschool for three hours a day. It's funny because I never sent Dorian to a playschool. We had a great group of friends in Reunion and always had some sort of activity going on. But, here with play groups it can be hit or miss and I've been to some where I'm the only mom among ayahs and it's a bit uncomfortable for me. Plus, Arthur can be very energetic, outgoing and expressive so I thought this was something he would benefit from and enjoy. His first day was Wednesday. As soon as we walked into the classroom, he was off exploring and playing. He got a little upset when I left, but not too much. And, he was fine when we picked him up, so I think we're off to a good start.

Dorian's first day back at school was today. He oscillated between slight excitement and not wanting to go. Once in the classroom, he was hesitant...until he saw it...the play kitchen. Thank goodness for that! I don't think it would have been so positive otherwise. It'll be a long day for him, so hopefully he'll be just as happy when we pick him up this afternoon.

Getting Arthur ready for his first day...he relaxes and wonders why I'm taking all these photos.

Dorian is ready to go!

Love at first sight...Arthur beelines for the play cars.
Happy Dorian at the classroom kitchen.

Oh my!

On my list of favorite things in Delhi, how could I forget my most favorite...Lodi Garden! It's the reason we live where we do--because of our neighborhood's close proximity to the park. I remember the first time we visited the park, just after having moved into our apartment we walked over early one evening. What a beautiful surprise. Lush tress, colorful birds, ancient tombs, clean walkways, open space and a duck pond. Lodi Garden is a great place to walk, relax, picnic and run around with the kids. We don't get there nearly as much as we should...that'll be on my "to do more this year" list.

Here are some photos from last year:

Our very first time in Lodi Garden:

Enjoying the walkways:


A Sunday picnic:

Calf trying to get into the park:

One Year Later

On August 25, 2009 we arrived in Delhi for the first time. I remember the anticipation I felt as the plane landed and I tried to get any glimpse I could of what lay out there from the darkened plane window. I had all sorts of plans, like taking Hindi lessons, doing yoga, getting involved in a volunteer project, being invited to an Indian wedding. None of which have happened. Coming back to Delhi almost exactly a year later from our summer holidays, I felt a bit of the same anticipation. But, this time I pretty much knew what was waiting for me.

This past year has been extemely trying. India is a beautiful, amazing and culturally rich country with some of the friendliest people I've met, but it is a huge change from where we lived before and everyday life is not always easy. It brings challenges that you never would have imagined. However, coming back this August really felt like we were coming home. Dorian was thrilled to be back in his space with his things and to see some of his school friends. Arthur was happy as well to be home and he was most excited to see our housekeeper, Raju, whom he loves dearly. Just 4 days after our arrival, Arthur said "Raju" for the first time. It makes me happiest of all to see the boys settled here. I will stay positive as we get back into our routines and I will get more involved. This is going to be a great year!

So, to end on a positive note, here are some of the things I love about living in Delhi, in no particular order:
--not having to drive
--smiling faces
--bright saris
--bangles galore
--sparkly shoes
--everyone loves children
--the boys love rice and dal
--the Taj Mahal
--Humayan's tomb
--bicycle rickshaw in Old Delhi (don't think I'll do it again, but it was fun)
--Dorian is sensitive to the homeless children and thinks of ways to help them
--fort-palace architecture
--the interesting women I've met from all over the world
--the fact that it took Dorian 6 months of watching cartoons about Hindi gods in Hindi to ask me why he doesn't understand what they're saying
--the Lotus temple
--the way India makes me rethink how we live

The Festival of Rakhi

August 24th was the Indian festival of Rakhi. It celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. Traditionally, the sister ties a bracelet, a holy thread called a rakhi, around her brother's wrist and he gives her sweets and promises to look after her. The boys and I were invited to a friend's house for a Rakhi celebration for Dorian's friends and their siblings. Our hostess had bracelets and chocolates for all the children and each pair of siblings exchanged these gifts--regardless of whether they were bothers or sisters or both. It was very sweet.

Dorian makes a funny face here, but really liked Arthur giving him a bracelet:


Arthur would barely stand still long enough for me to put on his bracelet:


He was more into the chocolates:


Read more about Rakhi at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakshabandhan

Back in Delhi

We got back to Delhi late the other night. It's been hard getting back into a routine as we're all jetlagged and Dorian doesn't go back to school for another week or so. Delhi weather has been fluctuating between hot and sticky or just plain pouring down rain. Our first full day back, the first time we were out in the car, we saw this:



Okay, look closely. I know it's blurry and the car window was a bit wet, but it's a monkey carrying her baby...awww...makes coming back to Delhi all that sweeter.