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We settled
down to listen to music and compare favourites with Franky
when Sandie (Sandra Saleh) and Sandra Sinclair ventured out
into the street and happened upon some special celebration
at the Hindu temple three doors down. Music, flowers, wood
smoke, fire pits, food and crowds of people, colour, and the
sounds of drumming overtook all the senses.
Children smiled and wanted to greet us. They wanted to have
their pictures taken and wanted to have pictures with us.We
were soon to learn our novelty would continue throughout the
day with complete strangers just wanting photos with us.
We were taken into homes by the children who with great pride
and joy showed us rooms which were very tiny and crowded with
things. Nothing looked finished but clearly this was home
and many slept in the small spaces shown to us.
Food and water was brought out to welcome the visitors to
this neighbourhood- generosity beyond anything which felt
necessary or appropriate and thus heartwarming and humbling.
We then we shown as special guests into the temple and upon
exiting my forehead was marked with a line of red spice.
The queue outside for biryani and fruit salad was made by
a few who had had a collection and shared by all. My understanding
was the celebration was linked to something about the temple
expanding.
We then went back to MF and set off for our day trip- Mamallapuran
- the artisans shops, coconut milk and the rock carvings
The Five Rathas
The Shore temple
Krishnas butter ball - huge boulder. Immovable but looks like
its balancing precariously.
We had a picnic of biryani and red onion side dish- the food
was delicious and lovingly prepared.
After we went to the beach - where the fisherman were hacking
up the days catch.
Then home - freshening up and getting ready to eat the fish.
My highlights were all about the people. Reena's smile and
joy with her new pink outfit.
The ease of kindness and story sharing. And the non-stop attempts
to feed us.
Must go to dinner now
Liz x
Day Two
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