Summer Travels to India
July 27th, 2009 by Meena ViswanathanWhen I learned calendar editor Meena Viswanathan was going to spend time with her family in India this summer, I suggested she share a few blog entries about family life there. What follows are Meena’s favorite experiences of life in her hometown of Karaikudi, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
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Over two months have passed since me and my children Gita (10) and Anand (6) landed in India. While we continue to look for ways to beat the heat — by drinking coconut juice, munching mini cucumbers, and eating a jelly-like fruit from the palm tree — I have discovered a few things my kids find fascinating in this country we call home.
• Riding in the yellow, three-wheeled vehicle they call an “auto.” Just as Yellow Cabs are so common in New York City, autos are one of the most convenient modes of transportation here in India, and can take you through any kind of traffic. The auto comfortably seats three people, with a driver up front. Anand likes to sit on my lap and enjoys the bumpy ride while watching through its open sides.
• Watching people draw water from a well. Although Karaikudi is a township and its houses come with the latest facilities, many people still have wells, including my mother-in-law. Whenever my 6-year-old hears the screeching sound of the wheel rubbing against the rope, he comes running to watch water being drawn. I guess he’s curious to know the mechanism behind this old way of getting water.
• My dad’s place is located in a high traffic area. In fact, ours is the only home in an area filled with shops. The kids cannot play outdoors. But a big swing adorns the main hall of our house. My mother (who I lost three years ago during my last trip to India) thoughtfully put the swing there in hopes of her grandchildren enjoying it. Thus far, my kids have been the luckiest of her six grandchildren, and they have made my mom’s dream come true.
Tags: Travel