Debbie and Heather Visit

My two friends Debbie (SLC) and Heather (Korea) came to visit India for 10 days and we travelled to Agra (Taj Mahal), went to Rathanborne on Safari to see Tigers, visited the Pink City of Jaipur and went North to the Amritsar (India / Pakistan border) to see the famous Sikh Golden Temple and the changing of the guards between India and Pakistan!!

We travelled by SUV around India, with Balwant as a driver, and tour guides in every place. My friend Monica set-up the trip and we stayed in some of the most wonderful hotels I have ever experienced!!!

Debbie and Heather also got to experience my life India - came to work, stayed in my home and saw the sights of Delhi.  It was a wonderful trip with two lovely and dear friends.

3 Princesses in front of the majestic Taj.............still my favorite site in India

Local visitors at the Taj......Indian people do like getting their photo taken.

Debbie and Heather refused to travel by bus...not sure why?

Typical local market that we saw on our travels...............

These were the tents that we stayed in............in Rathonborne National Park...and saw the Tiger!

Kerry relaxing on the deck in Safari camp. We were greeted with a cold drink and powder for our heads, which is a typical India blessing!

Early morning jeep drive on Safari...........

Beautiful views..........

I appreciate that this is not a great photo of the Tiger...but Heather had the better camera and I am yet to get her photos!! He was about 100 yards away....and it was reallly cool to see!

Decorated camel on the road.......

Deb and I went for a walk to the local village........

This photo is for my Brother inlaw - the below are the famous "Cowdong patties"....which they use to heat in the winter when it is cold! I had a "CDC" cough for about a month over Christmas...here is the evidence Chris!

The Mughal Palace, in Jaipur, is where we stayed. The rooms were so nice that we ordered room service and watched the Olympics instead of dining out. A bit of luxury after 5 hours driving through the hot and challening terrain.

In the hotel lobby...before our adventure to the palaces and forts!

The famous pink city in Jaipur!

The summer palace for the King..you need a boat to get out there!

The 3 of us in front of the Red Fort in Jaipur...it was a long drive up! The moat behind us is dry, just an indication of the drout India is experiencing.

The girls at the fort.........

The car...this was mid-way through the trip, between the food, diet cokes, Heather and Debbie's shopping and girls who travel "lightly" we had to put some of our bags on top! Balwants was wonderfully patient with us!

Jaipur is known for it shoes.........and it goats!

;-)

Our visit to Punjabi..aka turbon land!

Our visit to the India / Pakistan border.......

The "changing of the guard" ceremony...........

The Pakistan and Indian flags....at the border they have concurrent changing of the guards and thousands gather on each side of the border for the ceremony...cheering their country. It was a spectacular event that  can not be understood by photos or words. Debbie, Heather and I were humbled.

The Parade..........

Visit to the Sikh temple...no shoes and heads had to be covered!

Deb in front of the Golden Temple...the centre of the Sikh religion. We were all so impressed with the Sikhs...known for their turbons and hair,  their love for their fellow being, attitude towards service as well as their disregard for the caste system!

The man made lake is also use for "cleansing" purposes, kind of like the Ganges is used for other Hindis

Right next to the temple is a "free" cafeteria, which serves up to 10,000 people a day. Volunteers come every day - prepare the food, serve the food and clean up thereafter. It is an amazing site - the organisation, service, love and charity that is shown to anyone who requires food.

Men making the dough for the "naan" bread - Kerry's major weakness in India!

I do not think I have ever seen so many carrots......

The man handing out the spoons........just fyi...nope we did not eat here...it was not an option as the girls did experience "India sickness" in their first few days so I did not take the chance with it!

A Holy Man......

Our last photo together...on what was a wonderful trip! Thanks Debbie and Heather for making the trip.

Christmas - New York and London

I had the opportunity to go home for 3.5 weeks to New York and London.  It was a wonderful time away from India, and I so appreciated the hospitality of my sister Kelly and her husband Chris. Although I know my visit to the Overbeck's was short, I found great joy in my nieces and nephews and felt so blessed for being part of the Miller family traditions and laughter.

Christmas morning...........the traditional family photo on the step...did Santa Claus come? 

I think he came............ ;-) 

 Holden received a signed autograph picture from his favorite wide receiver from the San Diego Chargers (name excapes this bad aunt). Mommy was so so thrilled that Santa got this for him!

Miller wanted a white owl like in Harry Potter...she settled for the beautiful ceramic version.

Mabel just loved helping everyone open their gifts!! She got her first American doll so it was a special Christmas for her.

This is "Duffy"...Mabel and I spent many hours putting diapers on Duffy during my time in New York. She did not want his "poop" to get all over. What could Aunt Kerry say to that?

Eventually we all got dressed...and had Christmas with the rest of my family......it was a wonderful time!

This is what Santa Claus brought Kerry in London...a new display cabinet. CAR - how does that tea set from Italy look? ;-)

Fidelity Team Fun

The Fidelity Family Day in India was an amazing day.  During the day families came to the office...checked out where their sons / daughters / wives / sisters etc worked, where they eat lunch (the cafeteria I still have not eaten at..not brave enough yet) and the families also got to meet their friends and bosses.  Remember, that this is the first generation of office workers in India so particularly the parents take such pride in seeing his / her daughter "office".

At night, we had dancing, music, drink and food.  The Indians really do know how to put on a fantastic show. 

This is my colleague Kirsten and I...I am trying to dress as in local dress as much as possible to show my support for my colleagues and friends. It was a rainy night, but we had a fabulous time!

The Indian Management team had an off-site at a lovely Westin Hotel (in the middle of farmland, cows, sheeps and monkey land). It was 3 days of hard work, lovely food, lots of laughs and quality time getting to know each other. We even had two visitors from the UK to support us. My boss is Ajay...the man with the black shirt. He is someone I have come to admire and respect along with all of my other colleagues.  They are a wonderful group of people who I continuously learn from and am inspired by.

These are my beautiful married women on my team!!! On this day, they were all fasting for the health and safety of their husbands and when they saw the moon...they were able to end their fast. They also dressed up in their finest saris and jewlery out of love and respect for their bethrothed. Half of the team have arranged marriages and half love. At this point I will settle for either. ;-)

Weekend away to Goa

I took a half of day on Friday 30th of October and flew down to Goa for a long weekend (2.5 hour flight). Goa is distinct because of its beautiful beaches and colonial past.
It was inhabited by the Portuguese until 1961 and the Portuguese influence in architecture, religion, language, music and even food are still evident.

My colleague's husband booked me into The Kempinski Leela and it was truly an indulgent weekend.

This was the view from my room...I spent allot time reading on the deck and watching the birds, although at night the mosquitos were treacherous!

Elephants, elephants and more elephants!!! KAM in the outdoor hotel lobby before her island tour.

Here is the real thing!!!

Local Indian women doing a traditional dance....

Whilst I was walking through the village streets - local man offered me some fruit.

I had to pass on it (if I want to live another year), although it was tempting!

One of the many Catholic Churches I visited on the hot sunday - this one being a world heritage site.  The body of St. Francis of Xavier (1501-1522) lies in this large Cathedral in Old Goa. After he died, his body was dug out 3 months later with little signs of decay. It was thereafter declared a miracle and he was canonized as a Saint. Every 10 years the body is put on display for all to see (put 2014 in your diary?).

I visited a large temple - The Shri Mahalsa Temple - and on the streets flowers were sold to be placed at the altar. Of course I bought flowers from all of the above old women.  When I placed them on the altar, the local elder told me that I would find love in February. Good news but he did not say February of what year? ;-)

Birthday Celebration In India - an experience!

Although I am far away from friends and family, I felt truly blessed on my birthday. My friend Sian Parry was in Delhi on business, the Indian Management team surprised me with a cake and my own team decorated my cabin and were so so generous.  I also received so many wishes from family and friends via email and calls. Thank you. It was truly humbling!!!

Lovely cake which...........In India............the tradition is for it to ??

Be put it in the face / hair of the birthday girl!

Sian wanted me to get the guys back who did the throwing, which I did!

Sorry Navneet and Sumitro.

Here are some of my team in my cabin - which they decorated with balloons, streamers, flowers and lovely poems. I think they had more fun then me!! My team are truly the best thing about India!

Diwali - A Colourful Celebration

Amongst firecracker, illuminated oil lamps, sweets being exchanged - Diwali - the arrival of Lord Rama's return after 14 years of exile was celebrated on October 17th and as I found out - is a huge fanfare in India. My team celebrated with floor and bay decorations, competitive Bingo, and lovely Indian food.

"Lord Rama" as a floor decoration - this was a true team effort - it took them two hours to do.  Flowers, coloured rice and other spices were used.  Impressive!

The above art was called the "Family" - including food, candles, and symbols which reflect peace, symmetry, birth and death. This was my favorite! I was tempted to eat the fruit, but I did refrain (u proud of me DJW?)

The Jeannie gave me one wish - World Peace? Feeding the Children? Cure for a specific terrible diseases? Or......?? Well let's just say that my wish has not come true yet...but I know it will.  ;-)