Chennai

A city filled with friends, family and memories.

From previous memories, Chennai to me was a rough place, exhaustingly hot and tiring, although, my friend Jaykumar and my cousins made it more than worthwhile.

I hadn't seen my cousins for 19 years, so much had changed. We are now at the same stage of our lives (as I haven't aged!!), married, kids and settled. It was nice to spend the little time we had together with them, dancing, eating watching our children enjoy each others company and playing with their dog, Harley. I think Joe missed 'Cuddles' our Golden Retriever as he played with Harley, a beautiful 3 yr old Golden Retriever. Joe said that he must be 'Cuddle's' cousin.

  

Joe with 'Cuddle's cousin 'Harley'

My beautiful cousin with our kids

New Year's Eve
This was a beautiful experience (rooftop terrace experience!). What I loved was that we were invited to a beautiful small family event, and although we were outsiders, Jaykumar's family made sure that we were looked after and made comfortable. The food... well what can I say? I could live here!!!What was even more beautiful, was witnessing how much Jay loves his sisters and how much they love him in return. They came together with all their families, we shared the meal, we watched the kids enjoy entertaining us with their dance programs and we watched the endless fireworks from all angles of the terrace.

Something to pray for or to be challenged by:
Sometimes in our western culture, we are used to doing things our own way, not interfering with the extended family matters and having our own space. That the children had security and love and that they could stay so close to one another without thinking about their own personal space. So refreshingly wonderful to watch. We are all here to love and support one another, and God gave us our family to do just that!

soaking wet- The best

  

My cousin Ravi and Joe having fun

the next gen of cousins

Oh No Triple Trouble
It is quite scary to see how similar the Zacharias sisters are. How did my grandma and grandpa cope with such strong willed, overly confident and headstrong women, I have no idea!!
Really funny to hear them sing and dance. They make up their own words to the same nursery rhymes and dance exactly the same. Oh no I think I am turning out to be like them, according to Sarah


My mum's sisters and brother-in law