Amanda on the scene

---

Last night when Rangu invited me to a "cocktail party" he said it's just for the younger people, wear whatever you want... So I wasn't expecting what is normally a full on wedding reception in a mock anciet indian village! Complete with catered food, bar, dj, laser lights and FOG MACHINE!! The only drawback was that it was incredibly hot and then started raining, almost unbearable at times. This lasted for about 6 hours. After which Rangu and I drove to the airport to pick up Amanda.

When she walked out she said wow there are a lot of people here. I said this is not a lot of people, it's 1am, wait until the daytime. Rangu said when you have a billion people they all have to be somewhere. We went from the airport to the Shereton hotel which has a 24hr cafe. Amanda went straight for the onion Uthape (ooh tah pay). Afterwards we came back to the cricket club and crashed.

Today was her first real day in India. We came down to the porch area which is called the pavillion and had some tea and a masala dosa for breakfast (vegetable pancake sort of thing). Then got ready and went on a tour of the city with our driver, then over to Rangu's house for lunch. Amanda was playing it cool at first, just taking it all in. I watched and waited for the inevitable...then at one point in mid sentence she stopped and her jaw fell open in amazement at some unspeakable sight. Truly a priceless moment but I'm sorry I didn't get a picture. Then over to Rangu's house for lunch where we had some great food with the family.

The big trek of the day was when we went out with Rangu's sister and cousin who helped us find some indian clothes for the wedding. We picked up a few things which I think you'll see later, and Amanda tried on a Sari (spelling?) looking very beautiful, photo attached. So now we're back at the club, exhausted. So sorry the entry is not per usual. Tomorrow Amanda's doing the henna and then we're driving to Pondicherry, a colonial french beach town. More later!

---

Photos

Amanda looking beautiful in blue Sari
.

Comments

[Atul]

You seem to be having fun.
Amanda looks comfortable in a sari - Pondy should be fun, are you attempting the backwaters in kerela? When do you go to Delhi? more my territory(I would be as much an alien as you in chenni!!) Are you still interested in visiting the himalayas? My mom postponed her trip and is now coming on 3rd Sept. (my dad's colleague recently took over as the CEO of AirIndia so she waited to get an upgrade to 1st class) You can stay with her - she is at a place called Dehradun - 150 miles north of Delhi at the base of the mountains)

[Linda and Frank]

glad you are there Amanda!
Frank and I are glad you are there safe and sound!! We want to know what made your jaw fall open!!! I know you are enjoying all the new things! Love you, Dad and Linda

[Sarah and Phil]

Hey Y'all!
Glad that you all found one another and look to be having a great time. I've loved reading the blog. Aren't you used to hot and humid weather? I think it is time for you to infuse some of your southern ways into the Chennai culture. Fried Chicken anyone? Tell the Goo and Anu we send our love. Have a great time this weekend!!!

[Jay and Amanda]

Thanks
Hey Atul, thanks for the offer but unfortunately our schedule was pretty packed....then Amanda wasn't feeling well for a little while but she's better now. We're in Udaipur now and so far it's great! I just posted an update to the blog so check it out if you get a chance. Jay