TRIP TO CHENNAI/JULY 2010

I have just returned from a wonderful trip to Chennai,where I went to attend the wedding of Ria, a lovely girl,with whom I have developed a beautiful friendship.We have spent lovely times together,when they were living in an apartment downstairs,and that friendship has just grown, with love for each other.Ria is a very warm,caring, loving person,and at her own wedding,constantly took personal care of me,to see that I was comfortable,and well looked after.Not too many people can do that.And I must say, I enjoyed every moment of the wedding.She looked lovely,and her parents looked after every angle to perfection.

Chennai holds a very special place in my life,because we'ev spent 10 beautiful years there.From 1964 to 1974.So at every step, every turn,every nook and corner,memories kept flooding my mind,and it was a beautiful feeling,nostalgic,but happy.Ashis was born in Salem,and at that time,there were no good schools there.So, if we stayed on,he would have to be put into a boarding school in Yercaud,a little hill station nearby.But his father decided he would never do that,and so he started looking for a change in his job, so he could allocate to a big city.And that is how,and why ,we landed in Chennai,Madras,at that time.

And from then on, we had a very happy life there.Ashis started with Presentation Convent,my alma mater,and then went to Don Bosco.Four years later Manna was born,and joined him there,when it was time for his schooling.They were good students, and did well for themselves.And we had a wonderful social life.Lots of friends, lots of activities,picnics,travelling,and enjoyed everything.My husband was very happy in his job,I was happy leading my own life,and things were great.

So my visit to Chennai was very exciting, from the time I landed.Friends welcomed me with so much happiness,that it was truly touching.Invitations kept pouring in,and I was constantly shuttling, between one family,and another,and enjoying the love,and care, from all quarters.I visited many of my favourite places, loaded with happy memories,ate at famous joints like Buhari,which are now more than 50 yrs. old,and was a great favourite with us.Enjoyed authentic Tamilian cuisine,and the pongal,and feather lite iddlis were to die for.The people are simple,and kind,and I received very nice treatment even from taxi drivers.

So, my trip to Chennai has been a lovely experience,very enjoyable, very loving,and fun.And I'm so glad I went.Every moment will be treasured forever,and be fresh in my mind, to be savoured,and enjoyed.Thats what relationships give to life,great joy,and loads of smiles.