Andhra Pradesh

Rajamundry

On the way to Rajamundry (14 hours on the road) so much happened. We visited my uncle's grave, my grandparents and my great grandparent's grave. I already had an overwhelming feeling that I had missed out on so much time with them. To top this off poor little Gabby was extremely sick, with no energy to even get up, eat or drink the whole 15 hours. At one of the toilet breaks there was a cute little boy whose mum was the toilet cleaner. I picked him up and gave him some kisses and told the cleaners that my little girl was very sick. To my surprise she and 7 others village people came to the car and started to pray for her. I began to cry as these people who had nothing, (the main lady who prayed only had one eye) came to us to pray for Gabby. they wanted and expected nothing. I knew that Gabby was going to be better, God was showing me that He was always there.

Esther and Joe with Esther's cousin, Aunty and neighbours

Daniel grinding spices Indian Style

 

Esther, Nikki and Leena

Having fun with neighbours

 

We stayed one day in my Granny's house (she passed away last year), I walked around the house, thought, prayed and reminisced. My last memories were of her making pickles, singing, feeding me, laughter. My cousins and I were young but had so much fun together. How things change.

My step grandfather, (still a very difficult man) did not want us to visit the home/orphanage where my dad was born and raised, he did not want us to mix with my dad's Hindu relatives and tried to control every situation. Many thoughts, but none that I can write.

Old age home:
This once upon a time orphanage- now a home, was where I showed my children where their grandfather was born and raised till Australia sponsored him. I felt helpless in the fact that we could not give much to my dad's home family, as the matron in charge misuses everything and these people are too old to go out and do things for themselves. My plans are to go back one day and spend more time there, like my dad often does. I cant even imagine how these beautiful people still smile and enjoy our company even though their lives have been confined to these small grounds.

Something to pray or be challenged by:
When we want to hang out with our friends, we can. When we have a craving for a certain type of food, we can get it. When we are sick and need attention, we get it. These beautiful people may have only received these simple things a handful of times.
Pray for them- they are too valuable to be left out, and if there is a way that we can help them further, please let us know.

Two Esther's sharing a moment. Granny Esther was like my dad, in that she was born in this orphanage. But sadly has not experienced anything else. Her whole life there, and still smiling.

My granny's grave

This was the most horrible part of the trip. I never felt so disgusted and angry. the state in which my beautiful granny's grave was kept was atrocious. I cant even describe what this place looked and smelled like. She and the others buried there, don't deserve to have their remains in that sort of place. But with poverty and greed high, people cant and don't look after the living, so why would we expect them to care for the dead.



Nanny's grave

 

Christmas in India

Christmas was spend Indian style in Kazipet with family. We all wore our new Indian outfits, sang carols, went to a kid's Christmas event, very cute and funny and ate a big Indian banquet of Biryani and lamb curry, prepared by my beautiful cousin Kamala. Daniel loved wearing the Indian outfit and the girls looked like princesses. We later had some fun Bollywood dancing on the rooftop. those with us at Christmas were: Esther's mum, our family, My cousins Ravi, Kamala, Roshni, Rheema and then our kids's cousins Sunny and Shiny.

Pretty Gabby Alisha



Daniel and Alisha



Sarah Anjali

Our Christmas family shot

With our cousins Roshni and Rheema and Aunty Jenny

Preparing the Christmas Meal outside



Sisters

Rooftop dancing- Bolly style



Best dancer award goes to my big cousin Ravi

Things to pray for or be challenged by:

When we go out to eat a meal, it is very hard to watch outside the restaurant window that there are people starving. What can we do to change this stupid situation. I told my cousin Ravi to come out with me so that we could buy one man a proper rice and chicken curry meal. when I gave him the meal with some extra cash for later, I once again felt like this was not going to do much. But the gratitude on this man's face was painful to my heart. If I could have fed him and brought him into the restaurant so that he could sit with a family and experience love I would have, but I didn't. It was an after thought. There is always tomorrow!!

What's Next?

We head off to Chennai for a short visit on the 28th. We are taking the overnight train so this is an adventure filled with some anticipation. From there Joe starts to wind up his journey as he starts planning for the trip back home a week later. He still has a bit of shopping to do now that he's lost some weight and needs new clothes.

North India and a taste of paradise

North India

Delhi

Now this was a nightmare and even as I am writing this whilst waiting for our delayed flight from Kerala, it is still due to Delhi. After driving for 7-8 hours from Agra to Delhi we finally thought that we could keep our feet up, get dinner and then sleep in our hotel beds. However we soon found out that our accommodation was given to someone else as they thought we were not coming. Do they know their own chaotic traffic? After many hours, of waiting children getting very hungry and tired, we forced them to find another accommodation place and organise the travel arrangements.
 

Bad choice too. This was a so called 5 star hotel, however the service, food, communication skills were of no stars! On the only positive note, we spend a couple of hours with my cousin Ramesh and his wife Marie, and may have even tempted them to spend Christmas with us in the South.

Kerala, known as God’s own country

This is definitely a must see and the most beautiful place that I have seen. I wish we could have stayed here longer. People seem so caring, the area is organised, cleaner and they take pride in their land. It is green with gorgeous mountains, where we stayed the first two nights. The views are amazing. We went to a tea planting museum and learnt so much about how this amazing area came to be. We also visited an spice garden where we learnt the healing properties of many plant extracts. We saw coconut trees, tea plants, coca trees, coffee bean trees and so on everywhere we looked. We also rode on elephants in the forest, which was so beautiful.  People work together here so well and it really feels at peace. Christians, Muslims, Hindus and the native people of Kerala all work and respect one another. We were amazed how many churches and how many people were on fire for Jesus in the place... nothing we have encountered to this scale anywhere else.

Now down to the biggest fresh water lake in Asia. After leaving beautiful Munnar, we travelled to the lakes and rivers of Alleppey where we stayed one night in a beautiful boat house that reminded us of Noah’s ark. This was unbelievable beautiful to  where we travelled and saw the locals, swimming, bathing and washing  close to the shore, fishermen with their nets out and we tasted the biggest and yummiest prawns and crab. Unfortunately Joe and Nikki were sick for one evening, however it was restful and peaceful (Until they got sick... for them anyway)

Agra- Home of the Taj Mahal

We left Hyderabad for Delhi on route to Agra. A 10 hour journey which included a flight from Hyderabad to Delhi followed by a 6 hour drive to Agra; It’s a 200 km trek. We’ll never complain about Melbourne traffic ever again.

The things we’ve seen while driving.

Throughout our trip to keep ourselves entertained Esther started several counting competitions of what we see outside our car windows. This has so far included:

1. Wild dogs roaming the streets
2. Amount of men freely peeing by the street
3. People on mobile phone while walking, on Autos, driving, on motorbikes. This country is obsessed with their mobile phones. Penetration of smart phones (iPhones, Android) is not as deep as Australia though
4. How many Cows and Buffalos, monkeys, and other wild animals
5. How many weddings we’ve driven past. (It’s currently peak wedding season).
6. How many spot fires by the side of the road lit to keep people warm or just to burn rubbish
7. How many graves by the side of the road
8. People sleeping on the roadside
9. How many people can fit on a truck or a car. ( we ourselves had 12 in a 7 seater, and so I put the window down and was calling out to others to come and join the ride- Esther)

Kids slept and had plenty to be entertained during our long drive. We all got to meet Ramesh   (Esther’s cousin) and then Daniel, Joe and Esther experienced their first elephant ride. Sarah and Gabriella too scared to climb up on the elephant, Joe hesitated but finally came on board. It was so so cool. Need to do it again.
 

 

Daniel also experienced driving in a mini car at a small road stop.  Joe like usual enjoyed his Mc Donald’s feast the Maharaja Mac burger. I tell you the burgers are better at hungry Jacks!

Finally with my sister Nikki

First time travelling with Nikki overseas. Overwhelming, fun, the best! We miss you Albert. Gabby still thinks that my brother Albert is crying because he is not with us. We all know Erin is still crying.

 

Taj Mahal

All we can say is wow!  The beauty of this place can only be experienced by seeing it in person. The photos, the documentaries seen in the past do not do this place justice. Large parts of its beauty is inside the Taj where photos/videos are prohibited. For instance a stone that glows stronger that Gold when struck with light. You can only imagine it’s beauty when it is struck by the light of a full moon.

 

The Taj Mahal is not painted at all, its patterns, Islamic writings and designs are mosaic style, various stones brought from all over the world, carved and amazingly placed with precision (that’s why it remains so strong still in its colours)

Challenging and prayerful moments

The poverty still gets to us. The rich are so rich, and the poor are barely surviving.
We are left wondering what this government is doing, and therefore I see little change since I came here last ( 17 years ago)

Many middle class families don’t see their children as they are raised by nannys or grandparents so that they can earn enough if this highly populated country. I cannot imagine being without my children and therefore feel extremely blessed.

Listening to various house helper’s life stories (cooks, nanny’s, laundry helpers, cleaners etc) There are broken marriages, horrible abuse, lack of money, education, and the heartbreaks go on and on.

What’s next?

Kerala, through the tea plantations in Munnar to the backwaters on a house boat.

Bangalore Experience

Well this was an experience!!

Firstly we have been used to luxury staying at the Novotel therefore when we went to the Zoo safari, it was a bit of a shock. Hold on tight kids, there are monkeys even before we get into the zoo!

We never heard Gabby scream so high and loud. Monkey snatcher everywhere. we had to hide our fruit, as those cheeky monkeys kept on coming towards us.

Phew we are safe on the bus at last!

Really....
This was another adventure. The people tried to squeeze as many people on the bus as they could, the windows were so dirty, we could see a thing, no air conditioning and the bus has no suspension what so ever so we literally leap out of our seats every couple of seconds. I (Esther) could not contain my laughter as I held on tight to Gabby and watched Daniel and Sarah fly.

There were some good times. I loved seeing the white tiger. It came right next to Daniel and my window. It was bigger than I thought tigers would be. It The bus felt like it was going to fall of the edge of the mountain as the driver was going so fast and we were on the edge and there were bumps everywhere. that part was scary. (Sarah)

This was not like my school bus.  We saw tigers, lions and bears.. Oh my!! ( Daniel)

Gabby hated the zoo, the monkeys and the wild dogs. she would scream when they would approach her, but still wanted to grab her water bottle. She was not going to let them have that!! She loved the bus ride and felt like Katy Perry in 'Roar', so we played the song for her later that night.

Wonderla

A water resort and theme park (we thought similar to Queensland's WET 'n' WILD. according to the promotional brochure). Not too crowded. But how wrong we were.

Quite good for an Indian park, huge rides, waterslides, two wave pools, calypso relaxing river ride etc.

It was just there were people everywhere. Most of them didn't know how to swim and would just grab onto the nearest person to help them get up from the water. So mum held onto us like glue. she would yell at us every 5 minutes not to dare get the disgusting water in our mouths. In the queues, the people all stank, as the girls had coconut oil in their hair (As it is good for cooling and moisturising hair) but when it gets wet, it really stinks. I felt like throwing up. the water was so dirty, even when we up to our ankles in water, we couldn't see our feet.

Being in water on a hot day though, Daniel and Esther still had fun.

Joe @ Work

We were in Bangalore as I (Joe) was working out of the Accenture office. I would leave the hotel at around 8:00am and return around 7:00pm. So really no change from Melbourne. He gained a new level appreciation of the dedication and intelligence of the people here out of Bangalore. 

Working remotely and talking to Melbourne colleagues was easy enough but the overlap in working hours was only 3.5 hours; so mornings was a frantic to get anything done. No wonder we all work so late in Melbourne (Especially You Kaushal and Nagendra). 

Shagin Accenture .Net Team Lead and Good Bloke :) 

Everyone was awesome and so welcoming. Some of these team members I have been conversing over email, IM and phone for almost 4 years and to finally meet them was awesome. Having been on the team to select Accenture it was something that I had been wanting to do for sometime. As much as I loved my Bangalore team I still miss my Melbourne team and they miss me too.

Bangalore life

Bangalore is such an organised city. We are staying in the high-tech area, so there are very little houses, more I.T buildings and therefore hotels.  The shopping centres here are massive and very different to Australia. Security is high and you need to have your receipts checked at every level. I am amazed how much it has changed, but it has been 17 years.  The fast food chains are more like massive restaurants and seem to be the place to be to go on dates for many young loves.

Duma Duma mustard hair
We have spent a good time resting in our hotel, visiting the pool and watching the Disney channel or Bollywood songs. We have had fun dancing on the bed to a song which sounded like they said 'dum dum, mustard hair.' Daniel has learnt the pelvic thrust move and Gabby has learn the tunes to Hindi songs. They are both practicing there moves wherever we go now. Sarah pretends she does not know them!

Hotel friends
We have made many friends here from all parts of India, down stairs in the dining area (all of the waiters). I think I will get them to all write something to us in their own language tomorrow morning.
The food, like usual is outstanding and the hospitality is exceptional.

Poor Joe has been working from 8- 6:30pm each day whilst here, but the night life is bigger here, so he doesn't really miss out.

Daniel- "We have watched Disney movies and they are all my favourite and there's pretty stuff outside our window. There is also lots of Indian dancing on tv"

Expression of Love

Love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12
What a beautiful family day, although travelling in a car with 12 people for 2 hours one way, is not comfortable, the time spent was precious. Off to celebrate the opening of an 'old people's home' in memory of my grandparents. My beautiful Aunty bought a small house where a few elderly people can stay if they have no one to care for them.

This was amazing, as she herself doesn't have much, but felt the need to buy a small house to help others. Here I also caught up with some people I hadn't seen for well over 20 years.

 

Sarah and Daniel loved meeting their cousins for the first time and playing up on the flat roof of the house. Gabby was intrigued by all the stray animals roaming around. ( goats, cows, dogs, cats, buffaloes, and enjoyed her little cousins company.

Real life GPS navigation experience. 
This would have to be the funniest moment so far!
 After an exhausting day travelling on Indian roads, we decided to stay at a friend's house near the airport to reduce the stress of the next morning flight. Of course, my cousin had no idea where this place was, and there are no real directions or proper addresses. E.g house  43, near large supermarket, level 2, left near music park.

We stopped at least 10 times every km to ask directions from anyone on the side of the road. They were hopeless GPS navigators and we were all in hysterics at their directs and the way we were getting around. Watching Daniel's face was the best, he could not stop laughing!

 

Beautiful Bangalore 
Arrived to a much cleaner and organised city and relaxed in a beautiful hotel, we we make it our home till Saturday.

Can someone guess what Joe ordered last night for dinner? (It wasn't pizza, so that is still to come). Poor Joe, it was totally different, way too spicy and he couldn't eat it....

The view from our room is once again amazing and challenging. Watching the neighbouring people walk to work on the dusty road and little children playing, showering, brushing their teeth in front of small sheds, they call home.

Charminar

Charminar - Hyderabad
History- An old fortress with 4 towers ('char' = '4' in Hindi), where soldiers once climbed the top to gain first sights of their enemies. Now an over populated market place, with record breaking numbers of soldiers, army tanks, police etc. waiting religious and political riots.

Charminar

Why go there? Because it is a popular landmark, with the old Mogul style markets and handicrafts. Although saying that, I would never want to go there again!

Unbelievable seeing an ancient Muslim monument in a Muslim city have a small  Hindu temple built in the middle of it. Now considering these two religions don't see eye to eye, no wonder there is so much tension in this area! We also found out that there was a bombing last week where many were killed. As you could imagine, I held onto my children, prayed and hated the experience. Thanks to God and all praying for our safety.

Hyderabad biryani
They are meant to make the best Biryani, and all I can say is "Yumm, the BEST!"

 

Biryani

Something to pray for or be challenged by
Daniel got a glimpse of true poverty and it was difficult for him to take in.We crossed a busy street, where Daniel saw a young Boy, around (10-12yrs) carrying a little child (we assumed his sister). This boy was crying and walking and had worn out clothes. He was not begging, just walking the opposite path to us. Daniel straight away felt for this boy and his sister. Perhaps he was putting himself in his shoes, since Daniel often cares for his younger sister, Gabby.

He began to ask questions, and I gave some possible scenarios, such as he is poor, lost, homeless, no parents, "I just don't know Daniel." That wasn't good enough for him, yet because we were on a very scary part of Hyderabad, we walked by before we could help these children.

Once in a shop, waiting for my cousin to buy shoes, Daniel kept on telling me to ask Dad to find him, or my cousin to find him. He began to tear, so I prayed with Him, "God I am sorry we didn't give anything to those children, look after them, help them in their life and painful situation and if we pass them by, don't let us miss the opportunity to give them something, Amen"

We left the shop, and hopped in an 'auto'. My cousin gave money in my hand and told me to pay the auto driver, yet as we approached the corner, that young boy was there, with the young girl. I couldn't believe it, and shared with Daniel and Sarah about our answered prayer, and the money I had in my hand had to go to him.

Daniel's answered prayer, was for Daniel, that boy and all of us. Yes there was a possibility that the boy was begging was being forced into begging by a higher predator, BUT nevertheless, God wanted Daniel to know that his compassionate heart, doesn't go unnoticed.

Joe is snoring away, so I'll upload the photos tomorrow. xxx

Finally Here!!!

18/11- 'What a great way to fly'
What a long long trip. We are in Singapore for another hour waiting to board, and then 4 more hours till we arrive in South India (Hyderabad). The plane was so cool. We had the best food, inflight movies, snuggly blankets and fluffy pillows.
Singapore airport is modern and beautiful. They have two beautiful mosiac gardens which are filled with orchids and a tranquil pond with massive Asian goldfish.

Gabby- Absolutely amazing on the plane and it is wonderful to watch her explore and be excited with this experience.

Daniel- So cute as he became teary saying goodbye to 'Cuddles' (Our dog). On the flight we heard nothing but Daniel talking asking endless amount of questions.
Sarah- Loved the sleep, food and 4 animations she watched.

21/11 - Unbelievable India
From the time the airplane had landed we could smell India, the pollution and dust, nevertheless touchdown was overwhelmingly exciting. Seeing my cousins after 17 years did it to me. The travel in the car was hilarious as the kids could not believe the noise.

This photo does not do reality justice. This bus was packed the rafters

Sarah- "How is everyone going to fit in this car?" When we started driving, I could not believe that there were people on the side of the road just going to the toilet. There are so many motorbikes. This was scary driving in Indian traffic. Every second there was someone beeping at somebody, and dodging cars. No wonder we passed so many hospitals. I can't believe that most people do not follow the road rules.

From the terrace of Cousin Sireesha's house overlooking Hyderabad

Something to pray for or be challenged by:
Driving home from the airport, seeing how many people are homeless, even sleeping next to large hotels with vacant signs.

Oh my Dan the man.
Some funny questions Daniel asked this morning:
How do you sharpen a knife?
Why are there no seat belts in India?

Daniel, No Comment - Joe

India on the balcony- 
Our first day in Hyderabad! Wow the noise pollution!! We woke up earlier than everyone else and I went out to experience India on the balcony with my kids. The could not believe the noises of motorbikes, trucks, scooters, and lorrys. They are fascinated by the amount of people, stray dogs, dust and watching young children and babies on motorbikes with their mums holding on, whilst their dads dodge through the traffic.

Every morning as Gabby wakes up , she asks" can I see the Indian people?" which means, can see go out on the balcony. what will she see today??

Street Sweepers from Gabby's Balcony :)

Oh my Dan the man.
Daniel, not seeing women fully covered in burkas, innocently, yelled to us to come to the balcony as he thought they were kidnappers. I spend the next 10 min explaining, that these people were women covered up because of their faith and that we are in a Muslim city. Daniel asked if God loved them. I said " He sure does!"

What's next?
Joe heads to Bangalore for work to meet the many colleagues and friends he has dealt with over the years. He can't wait to get to Bangalore

Something to pray for or be challenged by:
Last night we went out to a nice restaurant and ate like royalty. Thanks to my cousins. When we arrived home, noticed that there were people sleeping in the underground car park of our apartments. I found out that this family are the 'apartment watchman's. They literally sleep among the cars on the floor on a mat. their toothbrushes and belongings (if any) are there beside them.

We're off and away...

So after much thought, planning and dreaming we are off. The first time we are going to India as a family. All of us having different emotions about India.

• Joe is excited about the unknown and about the opportunities to see a new land. Also happy to meet colleagues and friends he has come to know. He also can not wait to meet the other side of the family
• Esther- My family, my beautiful grandma's memories, spending time with my family, travelling with my sister, meeting all sorts of people and of course the food!!
• Sarah- "I am excited about going to India (overseas) for the first time and learning cartooning and other art from my mum's cousins." (they have animated for 'The Simpsons', Barbie movies and 'The adventures of Peter Pan etc.' (Aunty Sireesha and Uncle Chandu)
• Daniel is quite apprehensive and cautious as he already believes he has been to India having spent 2 weeks in Sydney and meeting 75% of the Sydney Indian population at his Grand father's house. Daniel famously quoting "I don't like Indian Weetbix"... pointing to the Vita Brits. We obviously don't import them to Melbourne.
• Gabby is Gabby. She is going with the flow without any care in the world. She'll be more concerned that we haven't packed most of wardrobe and her blanket. She is limited to one dress change a day!
• Nimmi (Ammama)- P.S; PLEASE READ IN INDIAN ACCENT- "Well, actually you know, my curries are much hotter and tastier!"

Look out for our stories as we embark on many cities and towns across India including Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Kerala and Chennai (Amongst many others)