Trip to Coorg-Part 2

The next day we got up late. Since it was raining badly it was dark and windy outside. We even thought we would stay back instead of going sightseeing in the rain. We needed to have breakfast. So we all got ready and went to our favourite Veg restuarant. By then it was only drizzling and we asked the way to TalCauvery. This was one place we missed to visit during our previous visit to Coorg. It was quite far off from where we were staying.

Talacauvery, the birth place of River Cauvery is situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of 4187 ft above sea level. (Origin of river Cauvery) - 45 Kms from Madikeri. This is the source of the holy river cauvery, captured in a small well less than a meter square. The locals told us to visit that place since it is said to be enormously blessed with nature. We can have a panoramic view of Coorg from there. The way that leads to the place and the place itself is photogenic.

We decided to go visit TalCauvery and it was indeed beautiful, tho the drive was tiring. L and G entertained us with the songs they learnt in school. There were fights and outbursts too. On the way we saw a lot of local stalls selling honey,coffee and spices, for which Coorg is famous. When we reached the top of the Mountain , we could see the mists floating with the breeze.Thankfully it had stopped raining by then. It was breathtaking to watch view below from the top. There were large steps leading to the topmost part of the mountain too. We had to remove our slippers outside as the place was considered to a holy . We saw the 1 meter square well which is said to be the origin of the Cauvery. There were some pujaris there doing Pujas for the people who had requested for prayers. There was also a pool just nearby to it, in which we could see coins which visitors had thrown for good luck.

Since it had rained, water was overflowing on the slightly rocky steps throughout. In some places it was dangerously slippery. L was so interested to run over the steps saying she is always careful. We tried to warn her many times of the slippery steps. G was being cautious but she was being tempted to run along with L. PApa went to take the umbrellas from the car in case it rained. Seeing that he had gone L and G wandered away from me. I too was scared to walk on the slippery ground,in between, I was warning my girls again and again. While I was warning, L was not obeying and G was following her. G slipped, bumped her head and started crying aloud. I ran and took hold of G into my arms and started rubbing on her forhead. L looked frightened.

I called L to come to me,U know why!She was so scared to come to me that she went backwards. In that process she too fell. Now they both knew why we were warning them again and again. G got a cut between her toes and it was bleeding. A small lump had appeared on her forhead too. From then on both became very obedient girls. We spent some more time there to watch the mists on the mountain. On the way back we bought some honey too.

We returned and had a late lunch by around 2:30 . G was sleeping while we returned. Heavy rains started and so we decided to go back to the hotel.We took rest and then geared up for the evening. There was Tambola in the Fun Centre at 7 PM. All of us actively participated tho we didn't win anything. After the game, a DJ came and put some loud music. Kids and the Ladies present there had a nice time dancing to the music. L and G joined too. When they got tired we went back to our room..had a nice dinner and went off to sleep. G threw up thrice in her sleep. Probably coz of indigestion. Only after 12 did all of us sleep properly. This was our last night here and the next day we had to check out.

Trip to Coorg -Part 1

We made 3 day trip to Coorg (Kodagu). It was a very good trip for a change as it was raining thruout the 3 days. The best season to visit Coorg is from September to December. Luckily for us it didn't rain heavily when we were travelling during the day time. The night time was windy and rainy but we had a nice time with Indoor activites coz we were staying at the Club Mahindra in Coorg.


Coorg is situated on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats in Karnataka . It is a hilly district. The main capital of this place is Madikeri ,also called Mercara. There r lots of places u can visit here. It is as Beautiful as Ooty and Kodai. We had gone to Coorg 2 years back with our whole family on my Hubby's side. We liked the place then but this time it was even more beautiful tho we were just 4 of us...Papa,Mama,L and G...WE decided to drive all the way from Bangalore. Depending on the traffic it takes 6-7 hrs drive from here to Coorg.

Day 1

To avoid heavy traffic we decided to start out early morning at 5 AM. We prepared the kids in advance bout the trip and so they jumped and got ready, the instant we woke them early morning. It was an easy drive to Coorg. For breakfast we had carried Sandwich Bread and butter along with a few cut cucumber and tomato slices. We stopped by the road and had a good breakfast. It was quite filling. The roads weren't that good as heavy rains had damaged it.

We decided to stop at Kushalnagar where there is a Tibetan Colony. Bylakuppe is one of the several Tibetan settlements in India.There were ordinary Tibetans who lived in idependent houses as well as Tibetan monks (dressed in dark yellow vests and red

robes, can be seen of the roads. Some of them were no older than 10 years of age. They have beautiful monastery built there,also named as the Namdroling Monastery.

We were showing L and G the corn cultivations which could be seen on either sides of the road while driving thru the colony. She had learnt in Science that Corn is a Food grain and I was reminding her of that. L kept asking where we were going and to make her feel excited we
told her we were visiting a Monastery. L was hearing that word for the first time. Througout the Journey she kept asking how many Kilometeres more we had to travel to reach the destination. She was very impatient to sit during the long drive.It was like she was sitting on Pins. Just
before we reached the place she asks us impatiently

" Where is the Cornastery?" We all broke into laughter.

Incidentally we happened to land in the Tibetan Colony on the same day of the Beijing Olympics Opening ceremony. SInce China and Tibet r not in good terms the ,sHopping centre there was closed for 2 days in protest. It was drizzling throut but we had a walk though that area. They were Quarters where monks were staying, a nice garden maintained well by them. Few monks were doing their traditional prayer chanting with drums,sort of long trumpets and few other musical instruments in a Chanting room. They didn't seem to be distracted by the tourists thronging to get a sight of them.

I guess they must be used to it. There were slogans near the Shopping Area telling not to buy Chinese goods.

Since we still had to drive a long distance to reach Kodagu, we decided to leave and go forward. By 12 noon, we reached Madikeri just in time for lunch. We enquired on a good Veg restuarant so that we could have food from there all through our stay in Kodagu also inorder to avoid stomach upsets..hehe.We found a very good one , easy on the pocket too. We wanted to finish some sightseeing before we retired to our room,so we decided to visit Raja Seat. They have beautiful well maintained garden and a beautiful view from the top of the mountain. There would be slight mists wandering over the thick green vegetation on and off. It would look like smoke drifting away which was confusing L and G.

It was so beautiful inspite of the rain. It was chilly coz of a cold breeze. There was a Toy Train there and the kids were jsut longing to hop on. the problem was there wan't enuff people to start the train. So we waited till there were 20 people. WE had carried a video and so were shooting scenes of L and G. A couple of perky,noisy college students hopped on to the train and then the ride started. L and G enjoyed it so much, even tho the ride was only for 4 minutes. Seeing their excitement Papa decided to go for 1 more ride. So again we went on it ..this time we sat in different places.

It was getting more misty and chilly and so we decided to have some tea and then went to our place of stay, Club Mahindra which was around 7 Km from madikeri. We got a nice room with a kitchen cabinet and a nice view. All of us went of to sleep as we were very tired and got up in the evening as there were indoor activities in the Fun Centre at the Club. All of us freshened up. There were some fun games which were organised for all who were there specially for children. L and G had loads fo fun Also we could play Carroms ,TT and board games. We spent some time there and went back to the room just in time to watch the Olympics Opening ceremony in Beijing on Television. It was feast to our eyes. What a Show put up by China?? WE watched it and went off to sleep. We needed some energy for the next day.

Olympics 2008

Its the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics on 8th August at 8:08 PM. I feel excited for all those who r going to participate and try to win a medal for which they have been working for years and years together. For that medal which will bring honour to their country as well. I always used to daydream when I was small, that if I were to participate and win an Olympic medal, it would be an "Out of this world" feeling for me. And I also guess its going to be the same feeling for all those who r going to be a part of all the events. My Prayers and All the Best for all the Participants in this Years Olympic Event. Hats off to all of them for their competitive Spirit and Hardwork.

Gimme a Break!

Past few days we were all busy with guests and travel. Days just fly when these 2 things r clubbed. Donno how fast the last 5 days passed. But am glad to take a break after it. All the cooking and arranging home etc. On top of all this ,I am down with a nasty cold and body ache. A BIG RELEIF! that my kids have gone to school today. Again we have planned a 3 day trip this weekend. Tommorow we have the "Lunch klatsch" in our Apartment. So according to the menu I have to prepare a dish. Most probably its a "Vegetable Stew"(kerala style) which has to accompany the "Appam". The last time I prepared the stew for a gathering it was a partial disaster so I have my fingers crossed this time. But I am bold enough the take on the Mission again. ;)

So many things happening so fast. Today also happens to be the First time L is doing Bible Reading in her school Assembly. I hope it turns out to go fine as she had mentioned that she wanted to do something like that for a long time. When i met her Ma'm for the Open House I spoke about L's interest. And so she got her chance today. She didn't want to make it perfect tho when I wanted her to rehearse well yesterday. I wonder how it went today?

Dressing Time

Many moms go through difficult times when selecting a dress for their child(specially girls) . Usually I allow them to wear according their own tastes but when the child wants to wear the same dress all the time then we have to find a solution. Me and G argue a lot, when the time comes to select a dress after G's bath. For a very long time(about a year now) she likes this one particular dress every day after her bath. It is a beautiful Shiny flowery dress that I got stitched a year back. I stitched with the same cloth for both my girls. With the remaining cloth, I made 2 duppatas(shawls) out of it for them. G never gets fedup of wearing that frock with the additional setup(Duppatta) everyday. Even though her shelf is full of pretty dresses, she insists on wearing the same dress. Tho I liked it when i bought the cloth the first time, now i don't like the sight of it. Sometimes I hide it from the shelf and make excuses for the missing dress. For about a month i had to tell her that i left it in our native. Just recently I put it back on the shelf but i misplaced G's duppatta..So now the trend is, sharing L's duppatta. When L came to know that G's duppatta is missing ,she wants to wear it the same day G wears it. Now I have to make sure that L and G wear their dress on different days so that they get the duppata to themselves on the days either of them wear it. This is the biggest disadvanatage when they both have the same dress.

A few days ago my yunger one starting wearing her clothes by herself.Wearing the T-shirt and her skirt by herself really made me a proud mommy.

Tip of the Day

Do some exercise. You need not spend a fortune joining the XYZ gym next door. A brisk walking for 30 minutes daily can have the same effect. Or go for a yoga course and practise it at home daily. Its economic, can be done in your own room, anywhere in the world. Remember, the key is doing it daily.

Toy Animals

It was supposed to be a Science exhibiton for L on Friday. The topic was Animals and their homes. It was on short notice and so we were not able to prepare anything as a model. Instead L told that we could take toy animals (as suggested by her teacher) and put it on any of the exhibits. So finally the toy animals (bought some 6 years back) which were lying in the depths of the toy bucket, would see light after being invisible to my kids for months together. Few of them were missing as we were searching for the whole set of toy animals. Few of them were missing but Hey!, something is better than nothing ! And so she had packed whatever was there on wednesday itself and took it to school on thurday. Thursday evening my kids come back from school saying that they have a holiday on Friday on account of the Solar Eclipse. Holiday for a Solar Eclipse?? haven't heard of holiday like that for a long time. My Friday free time's gone for a toss due to this Eclipse.

And so what happened to the Science Exhibiton? It is posptoned to Saturday ,I guess. Also it is L's Open House on Saturday and so we parents get to see the exhibiton too.

The Tagger

Passed from my sis is this tagger

Last movie seen in a theatre?
I saw "Innathe Chintha Vishayam" 2 months back...not bad but loved to watch Meera JAsmine

What book are you reading?
I read the "Diary of a Young Girl" courtesy my sister...beautiful book.

Favorite board game
Scrabble,Monopoly

Favorite magazine
Don't have any tho i have a suscribed to Week, Outlook and Outlook Money

Favorite smells
I love the smell of Aroma candles.The smell of a deliciuos food specially Biriyani makes me go crazy.

Favorite sound
Sound of my children singing, or when they call "mama"when they come home

What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
what is the time??

Favorite fast food place
Calcutta Chaat

Future child’s name
Have 2 kids already

Finish this statement, “If I had a lot of money I’d…
I'd buy lots and lots of clothes specially for my girls.

Do you drive fast?
No,coz i don't

Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?
Never...L sleeps with a green Beanie bear close to her.

Favourite drink
Any kind of fruit Juice

Do you eat the stem of broccoli?
Depends

Storms - Cool or Scary?
Cool and Scary

If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?
Me a little more older and it'll be brown black

Name all the different cities/towns you have lived in
Heistrestrasse,Eulengasse,Concorde street...and the list goes on

Favourite sports
I Love Sports ...waiting for Olympics. to be specific i like athletics swimming, tennis, iceskating, gymnastics.

One nice thing about the person who sent this to you
Nice and Kindhearted

What’s under your bed?
Nothing

Morning person or night owl?
Night Owl

Over easy or sunny side up?
Over Easy ...sometimes the other way round also.

Favorite place to relax
MY bed or infront of my PC

Favorite pie
Mariebiscuit Pie

Favorite ice cream flavor
Vanilla

You pass this tag to
Somebody please take this tag from me... ;)

Of all the people you tagged this to, who’s most likely to respond first?
Somebody Will

Fancy Dress

G had fancy dress on Monday . They have this every month to make the child familiar with the themes they r trying to teach in school . The theme this time was Fruits and Vegetables. It isn't compulsory . Since she is too small to understand what' s going on, I thot of making it very simple for her. She loves mangoes. So I Poster Painted a big yellow mango with a green leaf, made her wear a yellow dress and pinned the picture on to her. I even made her rehearse a line saying that she was a mango....hehe. She had to a wear a jacket that day since it was raining. She was also having small cold. So I had pinned a Hanky too.

So there she was with the mango pinned on one side and the hanky on the other side. Even before she got into the bus , the picture came off ...then we somehow pinned it up once again. When she came home from school I asked her about the picture. She told she gave it to the teacher. I had told her earlier that if it came off that she should hand it over to the teacher. She also told me that she told the teacher that she was a mango. That was enuff to make me feel happy.

Gloomy days

After swimming i have started playing basketball from just yesterday. Today i really feel worn out and my mind feels numb. I guess there r days like these in ebody's lives. Probably I overexerted while playing the game. On top of it there was also a BD party which ended by 9:00PM. The climate here in Bangalore these days is cloudy and windy(don't like it this way) plus the bomb scares everywhere these days, makes me feel down. I am also having a slight cold and body ache...WHERE R THE SUNNY DAYS?? I am just longing to see a little sun? I decided not to go to the pool td and instead did some Cuboard cleaning which i always put off for the following week and it gets postponed for days(me really a lazee mom sometimes).

Ah! So there...finally I did some cleaning! Even the sun has come out now....Good!!..am feeling a little better.

Moral of the Story....If u feel down ,do a little cleaning! ;)

Tip of the Day

Cut short your eating outs. Eating at home is more healthy and economical.