India the 2nd time: Well it was quite a day yesterday

We are mostly feeling well- a few coughs, some cramps, lots of imodium...............
Our day started with breakfast of eggs, toast,a cereal dish,fresh strawberries and a smoothy. Picked up by Gaurav at 8 am .This morning we had a security guard at the entrance to the pol- really just local colour but a charmer none the less.
first on the agenda was a struggle through the morning rushhour traffic.- You have no idea of the scope ,volume and noise of the cars,autorickshaws,motor cycles,horns and PEOPLE. All were eager to get to work.All we were doing was driving through the city to a village 30km away tovisit a stepwell that had been constructed in 1498. Stone carvings that surrounded you depicted life,animals,vegetation as you climbed down 74 metres to the cooling level of the water. Joining uson our journey down were several classes of very young children from a local English school. Many photos and a chance to talk to the teachers and some of the students. We were all charmed.
As soon as the young students left we were surrounded by senior students 15-18 again from an English school- more questions,answers and pictures. On the climb back up we took even more pictures. On the way out flute music filled the air so let's see... a charming young girl was just sitting playing while a friend watched. Her English was excellent as was her smile.
We piled back into the van and a short drive to Swaminarayan Temple the site of a seige in 2002. 33 killed and 72 injured.Thakfully our visit was peaceful as we toured the pink sandstone temple-6,000 tons of it imported from Rajastan. Golden idols and calming atmosphere for our visit.
Back in the car for the highlight of our day- lunch at Gaurav's home with Neha and Gaurav's mom. A 'simple' meal was to be prepared- Not so delicious, many courses all lovingly served by Neha,Gaurav and Lati, A tour of the house followed a s we looked at gaurav's collection of vehicles- 3 motor cycles, scooter casr and the van.No wonder he works hard.
While we were resting and digesting Neha and Mrs Parmar dressed Judy in a sari! Huge number of pictures taken of a beaming Judy and Neha.That is what makes memories.
Again back in the car for a drive to finish up the Natural Dye workshop with Ruby. Ruby is an artist who paints with natural dyes in a style reminiscent of Picasso. I will post images in another note.
Back in the car to a dye supply store that Harriet and Bridget found exciting and profitable for their grwing stash collections.
A large mall was just across the street that advertised a food court so off we darted- We held hands like a good Kindergarten class as we ran through the volumnes of cars etc. I guess we thought kill one -best kill all.
Back across the street and back to the hotel
So how long did this day take- just few blinks of an eye and +14 hours!
Tea and conversation as we relived the day, took more photos for the blog and then exhausted off we went to bed.
Kite day will be quieter for us since we have no Gaurav for Friday and Saturday.
Not sure if the group is ready to do the autorickshaw route or not! We will talk after they get up.
Take care of each other.