Happier New Year

Here's hoping that you and me will have a year ahead that is more prosperous and happier than 2007. The previous year had not started right for us, what with V's accident and half a year of misfortunes. But I hope 2007 treated you well.
We heralded 2008 at the Koyambedu church during a midnight mass. And just the previous night, the church had held its first belated Christmas carol service - it turned out to be a fun night with a high tea followed by lots of singing, skits, Christmas tree and Santa Claus competitions, and fireworks.

My brother and wife who came down on 31st left for Pondicherry the same day. We, including our brood, followed them the next day evening after a breakfast and lunch sponsored by V's cousin's family. V says it probably points to what is in store for him - no cooking efforts from me, a closed kitchen and eat-outs!
Pondicherry is the place most Chennaites head out to when they want to have fun - booze (and petrol) at cheaper rates since it is a Union Territory. I simply love the ride on the ECR with thesea on one side and fabulous roads that make driving a pleasure. The kids slept for a good while. We stopped at a quiet stretch with a canopy of trees and green fields that stood in contrast to the orange-red sun. V took some pictures while the kids attended the calls of nature. When I turned back again to the sun, it was no more there. Ash wanted to know where the sun went and I told him it had gone to sleep - an information he remembered on our ride back yesterday.

(The kids outside a shop selling antique stuff near Pondy. Ash was all excited about some mosquito larvae he saw in a vase outside)

My brother had booked a 2-bed apartment with a kitchen, drawing and a big balcony, so we had a room to ourselves. The beach was too crowded for our liking, so we went off to have a dinner of continental cuisine. Our plans to quickly see Auroville before heading for Mahabs and Dakshinchitra didnt fructify since the road to the ashram was bad. We had to go back to Pondy again for refuelling and lunch and some wine to take home. We also got talking to an Englishman at Le Cafe on the beach, who is blogging about his Indian adventure.
In the end, we actually got to Auroville around 4 p.m. when they had closed entry to the Matrimandir there. Tulika bought some nice cups from the boutique there. Some snacks and coffee at an Auroville restaurant en route, we reached Chennai a little after 9 p.m. - but a minor car trouble meant that we couldnt reach home until 12 midnight.

pondy & new yr

Anyway, I hope the year is starting just as well for all of you out there giving my poor blog a cursory glance amidst your busy schedules.