Sands of time..

I was born in a desert and my family is from the coast so I'd like to believe I have some connection with both the desert and the ocean. Watching the sun set in the sand dunes of Rajasthan I began to wonder which of the two I liked better. I've always loved the ocean, its beaches and the calming sound of the waves but the wide expanse of the golden sand was therapeutic as well. Both the desert and the ocean tell stories of survival. Both have stood the tests of time. Vast and endless...both can be unforgiving. However I think there is an element of sadness attached to the desert,the barrenness can be depressing while the water shows some hope. For this reason alone I pick the ocean, it is a pity though that I have to live far away from both in this concrete jungle!

From Paris to Pondicherry

Wedding in June means Honeymooning in July. Paris beautiful Paris! A city by design that is charming. Sipping coffee and watching the world go by. Drinking wine by the river Seine. Singing along with other Parisians. Drinking champagne in Champagne!

August is when we turn old. A Cousin's wedding, a quick visit to Srirangam temple and the Brihadeshwara temple in Tanjore. Our combined birthday celebrations in Redhills. Breathtaking views of the hills, tea gardens and the emerald lake. A mischievous dog for company who doubles up as a shoe thief. People so warm in contrast to the cold weather. Good food and good times.

September was a quiet month. A sad month. Unexpected trips to Chennai.

October dictated that a long pending trip be taken off the list - Hampi. Enchanting and mysterious Hampi. Hiring a moped to discover a lost empire. Falling asleep by the banks of Tungabhadra where Purandaradasa once drew inspiration from. Mirchi bajji, girmit and hot chai - hot food in hot hot Hampi.

Come November, a friend's wedding and a weekend in Pondicherry. Moonlit beach, should I say anything more?

December is here. Where are we to go?

How is married life?

How is one to answer that? Also when does one stop being 'newly' wed? Important questions. It feels like I have been on one long holiday this whole year giving 'marriage' as an excuse. Time to pull out the To-Do list and start doing things, which also includes blogging more often. Maybe starting next year?