Well I’m on my own here in Tirunelvelli again, C olin, Ali and I had a great time touring around the north, but they’ve gone home now. We didn’t manage much internet access over that period which is why the blog was abandoned a bit. I thought I might even have found a nearby wi-fi connection which I could have used here but it has disappeared, so I’ll write up sections and post when I get access which may mean a few instalments appear at once.
I’m staying in a very nice flat belonging to Prem’s cousin near to teh bus stand in Palayamkottai so very central. I’ve a bedroom, kitchen and sitting room as well as a shower room. It’s a modern house, next door to Prem’s brother and mother. It’s very up-market, however it is also much hotter then the house last year so I am finding that a bit tough at times.
Prem’s mum who is in her 80’s, has offered me breakfast while I’m here which is very kind, so , so far, I’ve had iddiappam, (she called them string hoppers which is the Sri Lankan name apparently) you have them with coconut milk and sugar, a bit like soft cereal, they are made of steamed rice flour and look a bit like spaghetti. Next day was dosai, with coconut chutney and ‘greens’, today was idli, which are made in the same recipe as dosai but steamed rather than griddled, they are made with a fermented dough and anyone who knows me, knows that I am not fond of either of these two, so eating them is a labour of love.
Today is Saturday, a fairly lazy day so far, not helped by a 3.5 hour power cut, which means no fans and as the temp is a steady 32 degrees, in the shade, it means that I am hot! I’m off to junction shortly to pick up the shirts Ali left to be made, hope they look good. Later this evening I’m off to Carrie’s to use the internet and post this piece.
I’ve enjoyed being out and about and have been stopped by lots of folks who recognise me. I start school on Monday but will have a late start on Tuesday as I shall be going back to the dentist as my sensitive tooth had hit crisis level, she says there is nothing for it but root canal and a crown, so it’s a bit of déjà vu here. At least I know that her work is good, the bridge she made last year has been fine.
Looking forward to going to church tomorrow as well I’ll be going to evening service though, the 7.00am start is really not my best time for the Eucharist!
BTW thanks very much to Ali who left me her notebook PC to work on while I’m here, very small and lightweight especially as I only have a 20kg checked baggage allowance and 7kg hand baggage allowance. It’s a bit like cutting off her right hand to leave it with me so is much appreciated honey!
Tomorrow is Colin’s and my 34th wedding anniversary, sorry not to be with you love, we’ll celebrate when I am back and btw Happy anniversary to Caroline and Colin on their 1st anniversary tomorrow too.
