The short weekend of 21 Days : Part 2

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home... (J.H.Payne)

Our flight landed in Bangalore. Appa booked a cab, so that we could save some money, instead of booking a cab at the airport. Without stopping by at any of our relatives’ houses in Bangalore, we sped from the airport to inhale the cool air of Mysore.


Gift-shopping: Little black dress found in Katong Mall at a great price

                Although less energetic now, amma had prepared my favourite holige (sweet dish of lentils and jaggery). I cannot stop devouring even the simplest rasa (spicy soup) prepared by her. I again remember how much she and the house I grew up in, mean to me, how much Mysore means to me.

               I notice every time, that the youngsters I grew up with have left their homes to set up new lives in prosperous new countries.  Was glad to meet their parents though. My neighbouring Aunty had us over for tea. We shared fond memories of yesteryears, over the snacks she endlessly served at the table.

               One of the first visitors we had were my cousins from Bangalore. Our childhood days were remembered, and guffawed at, while we devoured idlis and sweets bought from the neighbouring Green Leaf restaurant. Distance had made the hearts fonder. Many photographs were clicked with the mobile phones each of us had. I marvelled at the change in times, when we had photos clicked at the Photo-Studios and printed…times they are a-changin’…

               The mornings were usually spent in preparing breakfast and by afternoon, it was time to hit the Malls that have mushroomed in Mysore. I was so proud to see some of the top shops like Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons and Westside in my hitherto sleepy old town!!! I went berserk when I saw all the pretty frocks for little girls in Shoppers Stop. Indian clothes were also bought for both the kids at smaller shops. A new VIP suitcase had to be purchased just to fit in all the garments we purchased. Not to mention the dozens of hairbands and hair-clips I bought, maybe to last me a year…

The reception at the Resort Hotel

               Two days were spent in Wonder La, the much-touted amusement Park in Bangalore, which did live up to our expectations. Must laud the staff for tirelessly working to keep the place spic and span, in spite of the mad rush at Christmas time! Had a lovely stay in their resort Hotel, with a calm ambience and lovely spread of Indian food.

               Next we drove to the verdant Wayanad in Kerala, albeit for a night, with cousins. Having grown up together, we laughed ourselves silly teasing each other, and in no time we crossed the border into Kerala.

             Oh what a serene resort that was, booked at the last moment, and not a penny paid in advance! Do see my review in tripadvisor.com, on Meenmutty Heights, the simple and clean resort with friendly staff. We ate, played, laughed some more, took photographs and waded in the shallow waters right next to the resort.

Wonders of Wayanad, Kerala.

 

Back in Mysore, time flew with the ride in the horse-carriage around the Amba-Vilas palace of Mysore, a walk in the park by the once thriving Kukkanahalli lake and near the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, taking in the calm sunset, with my extended family...
The very same things we had with us many years back, but never valued then,  are now etched forever in my mind. A feeling all of us have when we visit our roots?



Sunset. Chamundi Hills. Walk with loved ones. 

Clip-clopping in the buggy

 

Amma said to stay for an entire month the next time. With all the trouble I feel we cause her when we visit, I tease her non-stop about how happy she must be, now that our departure was nearing...
Do join in on the last part of this journey dear friends!