Holiday Hiatus: Mother India

My trip to India was quite memorable, but I suppose moreso it was surprising. The surprise arose from the fact that nobody besides my uncle, Panchu Boju, knew that I was coming. So one morning I just landed up in good ol' Bangalore, after about 24 hours of traveling and layovers at nearly every airport from here to India. Panchu Boju picked me up and after a brief nap, we headed off to surprise people. After changing into pants to cover up my legs, I covered my head with a jacket and was led into houses to be introduced as Boju's "new girlfriend." Nobody really had any clues who this person was (the most fruitful guess was, perhaps, "Usha"), and then SURPRISE! - out came Rohan to what I like to think was more excitement than bewilderment. Boju and I thought we were pretty smart until we arrived in Victoria Layout. My immaculate and timely sense of fashion is what did us in. Suhana guessed "Rohan" right off, thanks to fact that I haven't purchased new shoes or socks since my last visit two years ago. That Suhana's first guess was correct was the first SURPRISE! for me. After revealing myself, and getting hugs and greetings, I got the next one. SURPRISE! - Suhana's working on her final project and you can help! Welcome to India...

Suhana was working on her textile design graduation project for the revered Shristi design school and she had chosen screen printing as her medium, which I must say is quite sweet. Long hours of drama unfolded that carshed-turned-workshop, but the final product was worth it, as Suhana got rave reviews.

There's me, hard at work setting up Suhana's exhibition. They forced me to smile, so that people would think i was "enjoying" my time in India.

After showing up unannounced at various houses in Bangalore, some dinner with cousins, and a birthday party, we headed off to Coorg.

Ananth suggested martial arts poses in honor of my visit from Japan.

Sumedh/Cookies' birthday party. Sumedh's little friends were a treat, as you can judge from their expressions.


Dinner on a banana leaf... you just can't go wrong.


Aww, the moms-to-be.



Indian assembly line.


Indian highway carpooling.


At a gas station mid-way from Bangalore to Coorg. My new friend, Arjun.

Seeing family in Coorg was like none other. This was made all the better by the Coorg scenery - the views are unparalleled. Lush green colors, the clear blue skies - a veritable paradise. It's the kind of beauty that calms and exhilarates you deep within.

Some serious rummy. Nice hand, Boj.


Kunjiappa and Kunjiavva's work in progress. Absolutely wonderful location.

I ended my week in Coorg at Kunjiri. Having completed all the essential stops, I was whisked back to Bangalore by early morning bus, just in time for Suhana's graduation.

Looking quite dignified in a sweet Coorg saree.

Suhana came away with awards and compliments galore, and even did the farewell address for her class. (Which she found out about the day before.)

This shot was taken for verification that Suhana really was at her 2005 Graduation. Notice that she is peeking through the curtains...

The night of graduation I was treated to a club with a bunch of fashion school girls, which unfortunately closed down at 11:30. It was proving to be an interesting night, but Suhana wasn't about to let that happen. "Can I hit on your cousin?" "He's 19, you know." "Damn." Thanks cuz, I'll remember that.

After Suhana's exhibition, there was a neat little luncheon shindig in her honor where a bunch of family showed up. 'Twas wonderful, as you can judge by the fact that a dance party sporadically broke out.

Later that night, a bunch of us met up at Rocky's club where we hung out for a while. The dance floor wasn't open that night, but that didn't stop us. Soon the whole club was was on the floor, and I was being laughed at for my dancing. Appreciate the confidence-boost, Sheetal.

The trip to India, as usual, ended more quickly then desired. But I can't complain; I had an amazing time. What's more, I was sent away with more Indian food than any man would ever need (thanks for the packing skills, Pooja), and when when your time ends with a party on the roof, you know something has gone right.

Pri is somewhere between 90 and 95% here.

With all the family that I saw, all the good times that I had, all the memories that I came away with, and the discussion of the correct pronunciation of "scooter" ("scoo-TA?" - what rubbish), I know I'll be back soon.