It is getting closer

Can you feel my excitement? Just a few more sleeps and I leave for India.Most of the packing is done and much of the planning is as well. Ready for some changes and surprises too.
 I will be sending the next message after I get to Ahmedabad and the Arts Reverie Hotel.

Devi in front and Mohan rear

Devi in turban modelling for me

Apparently the boys-Devi- the manager and Mohan- the houseboy have been getting ready for me and my group. They were very helpful last year.
 Better get back to packing and working on Janet's to-be-done-before-you-go list.
 Take care of each other.
 Russ

Merry Christmas one and all!

Just wanted to wish all a very Merry Christmas

and a safe and prosperous New Year!

Janet ,Seth and Russ

Now the counting is serious!

2 weeks today and I leave SSM. I hope that by then the weather in the rest of the world is on a holiday so all can travel as planned.Sure has been strange in Europe and in the south of the province.
My suitcase is starting to fill so I will have to follow my advise and remember that this is not a fashion parade.
I have been monitoring the weather in Ahmedabad and it has been in the low 30's C during the day but down to 8-9 overnight.
Another dinner invitation came today for the group.I can't say enough about the generous nature of the group that I have met. How to return the hospitality?

Want to get on?

Gate to Bhuj just a few steps from the Hotel Gangaram

Time to scrub the landing floor.
Take care of each other.

Only 21 days until I leave !

Who else is counting ?
With the time slipping by it has been very hectic here. A complete bathroom renovation and volunteering at the Christmas Cheer Depot Janet and I have found it hard to catch our collective breaths. Things will be calmer next season!
I am envious about one of the group . She will be leaving for India on Friday and will join us rested and refreshed in Ahmedabad on Jan 9. The rest of us will still be 'jet' lagged.

Sweeping up and getting ready for us.

Checking to make sure all is ready!

Take care of each other.

A hint about Kala Raksha Design School

We are expecting another snow storm tonight with up to 15 cm. Hmmmmmm.
Today was -22 C when I went to the YMCA at 6am. - it was +25 in Ahemedabad! Big difference.
One of the places we will be visiting in Bhuj is a design school called Kala Raksha. I was there last year with one of their graduates -Chaman - as my guide and presented a colour and design talk to the students who were there.
We - the group- will be visiting there on Jan 18 for  tour and interaction with the students and staff. We will visit their museum and have opportunites to talk to their mentor/director Judy Frater.
I encourage you to visit their web site and follow the links they have developed. http://www.kala-raksha.org/ for full details about them and the area.

Interior court yard at Kala Raksha

Staff- facing camera teacher,Chaman, walking away, and the Cook

Enjoying chai and conversation

Questions with students with much helpful translation

Take care of each other.

Tick tic tic the time is flying by!

With about 30 days to go the lists of things to do seems to be growing and the time to get them done is shrinking. Janet,Seth and I have now been over 2 weeks with no shower at home. Thankfully the Y is part of our routine. Hopefully this week the job will be done!
Where to stay in India - in Ahmedabad we will be staying in a charming out of the way hotel. It is set WAY back from the main road in a winding alley and as a result is much quieter than some other locations. Safe and clean. See the first of the blog for a view of the area.

Main locations for our stay will be the following. Yes they all have 'Western' toilets!!

Khamir Residence,Bhuj

Khamir rooms

Shaam e Sarhad resort Hodka

Shaam e Sarhad Resort, Hodka

The Palace Beaches at Mandvi

On the shore of the Arabian Ocean at dawn

View from the Palace roof top ,Mandvi

Mr Jehti of the Hotel Gangaram, Bhuj.

 Note the visitor in the doorway.

A few more entries for those of you who are following this adventure. I just wish that the 'lurkers' would become followers as well.



Next posting later this week - time to get some other stuff done.

Take care of each other.