The kids had a three day weekend for a Hindu holiday of Dussehra which, according to wikipedia, is celebrated with the worship of implements used in daily life such as computers, books, vehicles, or kitchen tools. Buses, trucks and machines in factories are decorated. The effort to see the divine in the tools and objects one uses in daily life is central to this celebration so it includes all the tools that help one earn one's livelihood. Knowledge workers go for books, pen or computers, farmers the plough and other agricultural tools, machinery for industrialists and cars/buses/trucks for the transportation workers - all are decorated with flowers and worshiped on this day invoking God's blessing for success in coming years. Our driver took part in the celebration and decorated our car for our trip home from the airport.
Because of this celebration we were able to go away for a quick getaway to Goa, which is a resort area on the West coast of India. It is known as a Spring Break type of vacation spot for foreigners looking for a fun, coastal vacation. There are quieter areas of Goa that are more relaxing and friendlier for families and that is where we went. We stayed at the Park Hyatt Goa which is only 20 minutes from the airport - something that was important because I didn't want to spend most of a three day trip driving to/from the airport. It also has many pool areas including slides and waterfalls to keep the kids busy. Originally we had intended to do some sightseeing and see how the West of India is similar and/or different from Bangalore. However, on the day before the trip I came down with a minor case of Delhi belly. I don't think I need to explain this to anyone, but suffice it to say that while I wasn't terribly sick, I also wasn't too confident to spend any amount of time in a car stuck in traffic. Therefore, we spent a very relaxing long weekend at the resort doing almost nothing.
Jameson and Mike enjoyed the pool, particularly the slide, and they also enjoyed bodysurfing (with pool tubes) in the Ocean. Neither sport was too kind on their bodies as they are now covered in scrapes and bruises from the sand and the scratchy slide surface. But that didn't stop them!
Mike took an archery lesson and enjoyed it so much he went back each day for a turn to shoot arrows at a target. He managed to get at least one bullseye on each outing and the instructor was amazed that he never missed the board. He also got to play some cricket for a little while, but there weren't too many people interested in playing so it was Kyle and Michael playing with Jameson providing commentary in an English accent - which is somehow immensely more funny to the kids than should be possible.
And what better way to relax from a busy day in the pool than on the lounge chair with a book and a chocolate milkshake!
Because of this celebration we were able to go away for a quick getaway to Goa, which is a resort area on the West coast of India. It is known as a Spring Break type of vacation spot for foreigners looking for a fun, coastal vacation. There are quieter areas of Goa that are more relaxing and friendlier for families and that is where we went. We stayed at the Park Hyatt Goa which is only 20 minutes from the airport - something that was important because I didn't want to spend most of a three day trip driving to/from the airport. It also has many pool areas including slides and waterfalls to keep the kids busy. Originally we had intended to do some sightseeing and see how the West of India is similar and/or different from Bangalore. However, on the day before the trip I came down with a minor case of Delhi belly. I don't think I need to explain this to anyone, but suffice it to say that while I wasn't terribly sick, I also wasn't too confident to spend any amount of time in a car stuck in traffic. Therefore, we spent a very relaxing long weekend at the resort doing almost nothing.
Jameson and Mike enjoyed the pool, particularly the slide, and they also enjoyed bodysurfing (with pool tubes) in the Ocean. Neither sport was too kind on their bodies as they are now covered in scrapes and bruises from the sand and the scratchy slide surface. But that didn't stop them!
Mike took an archery lesson and enjoyed it so much he went back each day for a turn to shoot arrows at a target. He managed to get at least one bullseye on each outing and the instructor was amazed that he never missed the board. He also got to play some cricket for a little while, but there weren't too many people interested in playing so it was Kyle and Michael playing with Jameson providing commentary in an English accent - which is somehow immensely more funny to the kids than should be possible.
And what better way to relax from a busy day in the pool than on the lounge chair with a book and a chocolate milkshake!
The weekend was so relaxing and fun that we almost forgot we were still in a third world country. But, India has a way of reminding you just where you are! On Saturday night as we were walking to dinner the power went out leaving us in pitch darkness on our walk. This was't too scary because we were pretty comfortable with the direction we needed to travel in, but in true India style, the pathways are very uneven and include many stones that are significantly higher than the one next to it resulting in minor trips. This isn't too bad when you can see the rise and fall of the walkway, but in pitch black I was high stepping the entire walk (at least no one could see me.) The lights did return within 3 minutes or so but they continued to go off and on for the remainder of our dinner. Ahh, the joys of India :)
But, when the view every evening looks like ours did in Goa, I think I can manage the minor power issues :)
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