My day at Love is Forever

In my past writing, I have mentioned the OWC.  http://www.owcbangalore.org  The OWC likes to have events and occassions that bring women/men - whose spouses are the reason why we are all here - together.  They have weekly meetings at the Leela.  Ah. . the Leela -  http://www.theleela.com/locations/bangalore  Just being able to go to the Leela is pleasure enough - but then to hang out and have coffee and cookies in such a beautiful environment. . yes!  Sign me up!

Not only do they have weekly meeting but they have 'field trips' as well.  They call them 'Road Trips.'  This months road trip was to Love is Forever. http://www.loveisforever.in  Being the new soul here that I am. . .I decided to sign up - just to meet people. (Its the social butterfly in me)  The event was 'advertised' as heading to a jewelry  boutique - playing games and being served lunch.  Yep - you all guessed it . .  .I went for the lunch.  Also in the flyer - they said that ONE person would be picked from the group to make their own piece of jewelry.  Really?  What are the chances that I would be picked.  I went simply for the fellowship and . . . . the food.  (I'm so ashamed!)  So I arrive - and might I add that the place was absolutely beautiful! - and was handed a drink and automatically was shown jewelry and they allowed me to wear some pieces.  How fun!  Now, for those that know me,  I don't always play my girl card.. . but here was different.  So many shiny and pretty things.  The place had AWESOME stuff.  I particularly fell in love with a butterfly ring.  MUST. . . . . .HAVE!

I was really having a glorious time with the ladies and our trance-like-state at looking at the shiny and pretty things.  While we were there, they were having a contest at 'guess the number of diamonds on 'this' ring and total weight in carets.'  The ring that they had was absolutely ridiculous - in a good way.  It was a monstrosity.  In the end, we found out that there were 120 + diamonds and I couldn't tell you how many carets.  It was with these papers, where we wrote our guesses, that they drew from a hat for the lucky person to make their own piece of jewelry.  Guess whose name was drawn?. . . . .Yours truly!  

I was given this tray with three designs that were very raw in nature.  The silver was matted looking and the stone was seperated from the piece.  My job was to put it together and polish it up and make it look like a true piece of jewelry.  OK!  

I head to the 'room.'  We all know the room.  It is the one that you see at all the jewelry stores.  It is the glass room.  The designers and crafters are sitting in the room behind lock and key - amongst the diamonds and other gems.  That is the room that I went in.  Although, there were no diamonds and gems laying around.  Bummer.

They wanted to let the other ladies see what I was doing so they had a camera in there.  

Take a good look at the size of the room.  It was about the size of a powder room and it had a cameraman, the jeweler dude, a translator and me.  Needless to say, there was a lot of dancing going on.  

The man instructed me how to place and close the prongs to the gem.  With everything I did, he went directly behind me to make it correct.  I had to polish, clean, steam and dry my piece.  It was a great experience.

Don't I look like I know what I am doing?

Such concentration!!

The execusion is flawless!

Who wants to hire me?

Maybe I am not so good. . . he is fixing my mistakes.  :)

Polishing. . .how can I mess this up?

Focussed!

Yeah. . . . I had to let the pro do it.

This is a serious jewlery cleaner

Fancy dandy jewelry holder. . . 

Drum role. . . . . . 

The final product.

Thankful for:
Jacob - friends
Karen - our car that was just delivered yesterday`

Deccan Herald interview

I sometimes laugh at myself.  I have moved to a foreign land. . . and get interviewed by the Deccan Herald.

The population of Bangalore, as of 2015, is about 10.8 million (http://www.indiaonlinepages.com/population/bangalore-population.html)  and of all people. . . .we get interviewed.

Here is the piece. . . .enjoy.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/471263/city-pleasant-surprise.html

'The City is a pleasant surprise'

Tini Sara Anien, Bengaluru, April 13, 2015, DHNS:

When Jacob and Karen Molnar with children Olivia and Paz, moved from Valparaiso, Indiana, USA to Bengaluru, they had no clue that their journey through the City would be such a colourful experience. While Jacob, who works with EY as a senior manager, has come to Bengaluru earlier, for the family it’s the first time here.

“Six years ago, I was in India for a few weeks for work. Bengaluru is very different from what it was then. Infrastructure has come up and things have changed a lot. It’s been a pleasant surprise,” says Jacob. He has been working with EY for a while and says that working in Bengaluru branch is a different experience. “The biggest difference is, in the US, I was the one who used to deal with clients. But here my role is different.”

“I start work early in the morning. I do this for two reasons — one to avoid the morning traffic and secondly it allows to get additional work done. My co-workers come in later and leave later.” He says that his co-workers are of a more relaxed nature. “Back in the US, things were stressed and we had tight deadlines to meet. But here people are more relaxed.” Jacob points out that though they stop for “tea breaks”, they work really hard. “I’m hoping that will rub off on me.”

Jacob is trying to assimilate into the culture here. “The cultural differences have been really eye-opening.” On the personal front, he says that the transition would have been much easier if it was just him and his partner. “But as a family, we have to figure out things like an appropriate school for the kids. Also, in the US, if we had to go anywhere, we just went. But here things have to be planned in advance. We are working around such specifics and learning to adjust accordingly,” he says.

The adjustments that the family had to make include — depending on the driver to move around the City and figuring things out. “I have never shied away from asking questions. So whenever I can, I so ask  where we can get something like the groceries,” he says.

The family has tried Indian food and is slowly embracing the flavours. Karen, whose family is from Mexico, says that the spices in the cuisines are similar. “But the quantity is different here,” she says with a smile. “Back in the US, when we went for grocery shopping, we would get everything in one store. Here, one has to go to six stores to get enough supplies,” adds Jacob.

Though the family hasn’t been a part of many festivities here, after seeing the festive spirit of Holi, Jacob says that “people take their holidays very seriously”. 

“This is in stark contrast to what happens in the US. We would separate the major holidays. But here, many travel out of the City and visit families.”

Before Karen moved to Bengaluru, she had researched online about the place. “I had heard that it was a young and cosmopolitan city. My doctors in the US, who are Indians, told me that it is a beautiful city. But Jacob told me that it was a bit crazy, after his last visit.” When she got here, she found “the City a pleasant surprise”. “There are some places which is very green. There is a definite beauty here. There is also the crazy traffic,” she says.

She says that it has been fun blending into the City’s ethos. “I’m a friendly person and I love meeting new people. The people here are friendly and helpful and it’s been a smooth ride,” she says. She adds that due to her roots, she was raised “very conservatively”. “It hasn’t been difficult to settle in because of that,” she says.

Their daughters, Olivia and Paz like their stay in the City. Olivia, a nine-year-old, says that she loves her school and the swimming pools in it. “The campus is great and is big. The teachers are nice and they don’t give a lot of homework,” she says. Paz, who is  six-year-old, says that she loves the friends she has made at school and the City. “I like Bengaluru because there are lots of pretty flowers here,” she sums up.

Desires:

Jacob- World Peace

Karen - my sea shipment 

Movies in India

Today the girls were off from school.  In India, we are celebrating Ambedkar Jayanti day.  Who is this person, you ask?  Learn with me:

http://www.mapsofindia.com/events/india/ambedkar-jayanti.html

Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated on 14 April to observe the birthday of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. He was born on the same day in 1891 to Ramji Ambadvekar and Bhimabai.

Baba Saheb greatly contributed to the nation as a jurist, philosopher, politician, anthropologist, economist and historian.

He was appointed as the first law minister of the independent India. He also contributed to drafting the Constitution of India, serving as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee from 29 August 1947 to 24 January 1950. 

Baba Saheb held a strong notion against the social divisions prevailing in the country at that time. He organised campaigns to spread words of equality and annihilate the Indian caste system.

Due to deteriorating health, Baba Saheb died on 6 December 1956. 

Mass celebrations are held across the country on this day to pay homage to B. R. Ambedkar for his splendid contribution in preparing the Constitution of India. Every year a special event is organised in his honour at the Parliament of India. At the event, prominent leaders pay homage to his statue. The celebrations include activities like dance, painting, debate, dramatics, essay writing, as well as sports.


So for this day, the girls (and it seems all of Bangalore) decided to go to the movies.  Here, Cinderella (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1661199/), has just been released.  

It appears that all movies are delayed here.  That is ok.  You all can watch them and then facebook me as to what is worth the watch.  So to all the movie critics out there. . .recommend away.

So let me tell you about my movie day.  We arrive.  This place is buzzing with SO MANY PEOPLE!!!  We get in line to buy the tickets.  Purchase the tickets. .but wait. . .I need to choose where to sit.  Huh. . .it is like a Chicago Theatre moment.  The man behind the counter turns the screen to me so that I can pick.  I was not mentally prepared for that. . .so row H it was.  The girls automatically equated this with their Chicago experiences
of going to the theatre. . .'its so fancy.'  We order our popcorn and pop (they put my purchase in this handy dandy tray that has cup holders - so only one hand is needed to carry your things)  and wait until the doors to the correct screen open.  The movie started at 1:30.  Doors open at 1:20.  There is no - getting to the movies early for a good seat.  You pick out the seat and viola. . . no need to rush the door.  (I later learn that I can do this online/apps - this obviously changes the game.)  The girls and I get inside.  Looks just like it does at Cinemark. .  .except. .  .the top two rows have larger lazy boy type seats.  I am told that these are premium seat and they recline.  I will HAVE to remember that next time!  (our driver told us later that they have VIP rooms so that you can watch the movie and if you must be on your phone to conduct business - it can be possible without disturbing everyone else!)  Mamma needs her comfort!  While we are waiting for the movie to start. . .this guy comes up to Olivia (she is the one closest to the aisle) and hands her a pamphlet. . .instinctively she hands it back.  I think - "Good Job kid". . until. . .we realize that you can order hot food in your seat and they will deliver it to you as you are watching the movie.  WHAT?!?!?!  Olivia swears she saw waffle and fries on that paper.  She looks at me, shaking her head and smiling from her 'mistake',  . . ."Next time mom."  Darn skippy next time.  If I can sit in a lazy boy and eat waffles and fries. . . sign me up!!!

I forgot to mention - they have intermission during the movie.  

I did witness a sweet moment from Olivia during the movie.  In front of us sat two moms with two small kids.  You can tell that these ladies needed to get out and this movie was their sanity.  In the middle of the movie - the little girl that was with her mom was placed over her moms shoulder where she was now facing Olivia, who was sitting behind.  Olivia just looked at this girl in the darkness and was so sweet to her.  She was just smiling and making silly faces and at one point was holding her hand so that she could be still for the mom.  That just pulled on my heart strings.  It was so sweet.  

Paz and Olivia swear the that seats are more 'plushy' and the movie seemed a bit louder.  They are anxious to go back.  I am not entirely sure if it is a movie they want to watch or the food delivery that they are looking forward to.

Thankful for
Jacob: Starbucks in India
Karen: Pinterest

First day at StoneHill

During our stay in the glorious country of India, the girls will be enrolled at Stonehill International School.  http://stonehill.in

Today was the 'dreaded' first day.  Prior to today, the girls were excited one minute and nervously sick the next.  The night prior, Olivia was 'suddenly sick.'  We knew that it was her nerves and she needed to overcome them.  (Toughen up kid!)  She has been so nervous as to what her peers would think of her and her orthotics that she wears daily.  (as a reminder - our Olivia has cerebral palsy)  We kept telling her that she would be 'fine.'  We kept telling her that if she shows kindness - kindness would be returned.  This was something that was hard for a 9 year old, with CP, to accept.  After all the hum drum of talking to her and easing her nerves. . .we finally told her. .'if you are so worried what people are going to think - talk about it and answer their questions.'  So, brave Olivia faced her giant.  She cautiously arrived at school and while the nurse and her teacher met her - Olivia said. . .'Can we talk about my braces with the class so if they have any questions - they can ask.  That way I can get it all over with!'  WOW!  The teacher was impressed.  This 9 yr old wanted to have open dialogue. . . 
I saw her walk in the classroom after that. . .and all of her 10 classmates were so welcoming!  (I think that it helps that all these kids are in the same shoe. . .they have moved to India for a parents work.)  I can only hope that when the next new kids comes to Stonehill - that Olivia will be just as welcoming.

My Pazzie was also shy.  (who are these kids?!)  She was doing the small stride walk. . .you know the walk. . .the one where they hold your hand and are walking with the smallest gate/stride.  She had the grip of death on my hand!
We arrived to her class.  It helped that the previous weeks, the teachers were gearing up the class for Paz's arrival.  There was also an email from the 'room mom' to all the parents in welcoming our arrival.  How cute was that!  By the time Paz was in the vacinity of the classroom - all the kids stood behind the teacher waving their sweet 5/6 yr old hands and welcomed her into their fold.  

Nervous and excited!

Nervous and excited!!

Argh!!!!

It was so sweet to pick them up after school.  I first saw Paz.  She was walking with her two assigned buddies for the day.  Or, as she called them. .  .'My body guards.'  She quickly told me that she made 5 new friends that day and one of them was her 'body guard' from Sweden.  I was thinking in my head. .'There are only 10 kids in your class. .half way there kiddo!'  She had a great day.  She told me all about it!  Snack/breakfast was good.  Lunch was good.  She played and made new friends.  In 6 yr old language that equates to a pretty awesome day.

I was waiting on the side line for Olivia.  Everyone at the school was so nervous and excited for her.  Stonehill has never had a student with her abilities. . .so it was great when I arrived on campus that she was doing great.  I knew she would be.  I knew they would be really watching her today and I know that they were impressed and their apprehensions were eased.  
I then saw Olivia walking down the stairs . . in full conversation with the teacher (I like to call Olivia an old soul). . . .eating a doughnut.  The Stonehill moons have aligned!  She was so happy.  She gave me a hug (for those that know her - she hates PDA's) and told me that she had a great day.  She made new friends. . . .and a friend from Japan.  I personally think that it is awesome that they are meeting people from all over the world.  I would have died to have this opportunity as a child!!!

Their days are longer for them than in the States.  School starts at 7:40.  Bus pick up is at 6:20.  It isn't like my 5 minute commute back at Washington Township.  They have an hour commute in the morning and 1.5 hours in the evening.  School gets out Mon, Weds and Friday at 3 pm.  Tuesday and Thursday they get out at 4:30.  There is no such thing as after school activities, they incorporate them in the day - resulting in the two long day.  So my kids won't be home until 4:30pm and 6pm.  This is a change of pace in my life.  Before, I was the car pool van.  I would pick up the neighbor kids after school and any other kid when parents needed help.  Now I am just waiting for them at a bus stop.  I am told, that while I am here, I should find a hobby to do - since I will bored.  Taking suggestions. . . . 

Done. . .Tired . . .zzzz

zzzzzz

Desires
Hubby: missing Calvary Church
Karen: My front door have a normal door knob/lock
Girls:  they are sleeping already . . .

Easter In India

Happy Easter everyone!

Easter here in India was a hard holiday to celebrate for us.  Typically in the States, we would have family over.  Family would consist of my mom and granny - maybe a sibling and their family. Either way - family was involved.  Growing up, I never got Easter baskets as most did.  Although, I am quick to say that the Hubby's side always received them.  So this year, it was a forced compromise between the two ways that mommy and daddy grew up.  The girls did receive an Easter 'present' - but only one.  One is all they need - isn't the holiday about Jesus and his resurrection and not the need for an Easter basket?  If anything, maybe India will teach us what is truly important in our lives.

We happen to be at the Marriot the other day and happen to find chocolate minions.  What a perfect Easter 'thing'!  What says Christ resurrection better than a minnion?. . . . .ok. . . .please know that I am joking.  Nevertheless, they are adorable!

So my friends - I hope you all have a fabulous Easter and truly celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the wonderful Savior that he is.

Things we are thankful for:
Me - meeting new friends and making plans with them.
Hubby - Palm Meadows Club house
Olivia - StoneHill School
Paz - Family

Two weeks in Palm Meadows

It has been two weeks since we moved into this neighborhood called Palm Meadows.  Lots has happened in this short time.  Lets see. . . 

1.  We finally have some furniture in our house.  

While our things are still trutting their way across the ocean - we have managed to purchase some things that we did not 'pack' with us.  We purchased a couch with two single chairs and a dining room table.  The couch we purchased from Home Center - a department store in Bangalore.  The furniture here is not HUGE like it is in the States - but in retrospect - that is kinda nice.  Our living room isn't that big and should we move to the city after all of this, well . . . I am couch ready!

The dining room table is one that I am excited to have purchased.  We went to a place called THAR. (http://www.tharhandicraft.biz/aboutus.htm) Thar is a place that was suggested by the OWC (http://www.owcbangalore.org) as a place to purchase furniture if you wanted 'something' to remind one of India in the future.

The men that run this business are very kind and they were all about making me happy - and lets face it - shouldn't that be EVERYONE's job?  Making me happy.  I digress  . . .  They not only have several pieces already made, they stain to your liking.  If you haven't seen anything there that catches your eye, they do make custom pieces.  Simply provide them a picture.  This is a dangerous thing. . .especially in the age of Pinterest.  We are actually thinking of doing this for Paz's bedroom.  Poor kid always gets the hand me downs.  I think she would love furniture from this place.  I think it would be great to hear her say 10 years from now. . . .'I got this dresser in India'. . .

Our table from THAR

If you are looking for more Indian - -it can happen

Girls snapped a pic in the showroom (warehouse)

The delivery truck.  They are so cute!

2.  Expect everything not to work

No matter how many times people move in and out of Palm Meadows - the 2 (yes, only 2) realtors that work in here are CLUELESS.  You would think that they would have a check list for us and for their own self of things that need to be done and explained.  Nope. . .I think they like to see me suffer. . . or, as I like to better explain. . I think it is my charming personality that makes them keep coming back!

In the two weeks that I have been here:
 I have had my stove replaced.  I think hubby was really getting tired of it spitting out flames in the back of the stove whenever he used it.  Yeah. . .I get that.  This type of thing happened twice - only to him.  After calling and complaining, they sent a 'dude' to come fix it.  He had the stove taken ENTIRELY apart in my kitchen and proceeded to tell me what was wrong. Hmmm . . just make it stop exploding in my face!  Said 'dude' proceeeded to tell me that he will be back with the part. . . .hmm. . .NO!  Get me a new stove!  After he left, the emails went out to our moving company, Sante Fe, and the mobility person at my husbands work place.  I can not speak high enough of Swathi, mobility person at the hubby's work . .she is a mover and shaker.  I am now the owner of a new and bigger stove!  Praise Jesus!

There are 5 air conditioners in our house.  They are the kinds that are over the door way.  Here in India, we can not run all of them at the same time because we would lose power.  Only 3 at time.  We keep the two upstairs running at all times - since hot air rises - and have one in the main floor running.  Ceiling fans are always on!  Since we have moved, we thought that the girls AC was not cooling enough.  The first call that we made,  the AC men came out and looked at me like I was crazy that it wasn't cooling.  Hmm. . .I placed another call.  Swathi to save the day.  Same men came out and proceeded to tear apart the AC.  Imagine that.  They proceeded to tell me that it was 'broken' and need to give it a freon refill and a new compressor.  Imagine that. .the crazy Mexican lady was correct!

We have had numerous fuses (is that what they are called?) replaced in this house.  It isn't our doing - it is as if they are waiting for us to complain before they do anything.  So I do.  It has gotten so bad that the supervisor knows who I am.  I have had a visit to the house by him  - they think I have no clue what I am speaking about.  Argh. . .  

3. Help
The 'help' here is incredibly affordable.  I have a gardener, a part-time maid (she comes Mon-Fri for 4 hours a day), and a driver.  (Sagam story to come later)  These wonderful people work for a monthly payment.  What they request for payment in one month is LESS than what people in the States charge me to do the same thing - for ONE DAY.  Sign me up!

My gardener is Shankner -he is very jovial.  Every morning that I see him, I always get a 'Good Morning Madam!'  He and Paz split the guava fruit with each other.  He climbs the tree - or - hangs off the patio and hands the fruit to Paz.  Afterwards they smile at each other and split their booty.  It is cute.  I can't wait to get some pots to put on our patio and some herbs to grow.  He said that if I get, he will take care of.  I also am thinking of getting a lemon/lime tree - that way the next couple of expats can enjoy it as I am enjoying this guava that someone else has planted.  

Gotta look for him.  Hanging right outside Paz's room

My maid is Vijji.  She is a single mom - her husband deceased.  You can tell she loves kids.  She calls the girls - 'The babies'.  She seems nice.  I just hired her so I really have nothing to say yet.

Sagam. . .ah. . .Sagum.  Where do I even start?  He was the first person that my husband has ever fired.  He was always late and always slow.. . .r.e.a.l.l.y s.l.o.w!  On top of that, he was never sociable - this is bad karma for me.  I need someone to talk to me and educate me about India.  He failed in this category.  A couple days prior to firing him, I do believe he showed up to work intoxicated.  I mentioned it to Hubby and after seeing him drive that day - he concured that the man had 'issues.'  He had to go!
Our new driver, Bhaskaran, is simply amazing!  What a breath of fresh air for this social butterfly.  He talks when we are in a talkative mood.  He informs us of all things Bangalore and gives us his opinion when asked.  I do like him.  He is our temporary driver until we find a vehicle to purchase.  Hubby has asked him repeatedly if he would want to be our driver.  (I think he hates us) :)  He has said 'no' for numerous reasons.  He has job security working for a driving firm - if he were to leave - he would be out on his own.  We are only here for two years - what would he do after we leave?  It is too far away from his home.  Have I mentioned that I think he hates us?  No, he really likes us.  .but all the reasons he gives not to take our offer is understandable.  He is on a mission to find us someone like him.  Lets hope he is successful!  PRAY PEOPLE, PRAY!

4. Food
While much of the things in India are affordable, one thing that isn't as much is the food we eat.  Or. . .it isn't around.  I will give some examples:

Picture all the canned tomatoes at the grocery store - gone
All the canned vegies - gone
But wait!  You found ONE can of peaches. . .$4.00
The aisle of pasta - what aisle?  It is only a choice of 4 bags.  
Salad dressing - Hah!
Canned soup - There is no such thing as a soup aisle
Regular potatoe chips - good luck trying to find!  That is not always around
Vegi's - pesticide central.  Talk about Vegi Wash!!
Cheeses - if you are a cheese conosor - you better just get on your knees and thank the good Lord that you live in the States and have access to all kinds of glorious cheese.  I want to cry just saying that word. . .cheese. . . .(say it again). . . .cheese.
Lentils/Beans/flours of all kinds (except the ones that I want) - aisles and aisles of this stuff!
Milk - non refrigerated.  Please don't ask - I don't understand myself.
Picture 3-5 employee's in every aisle asking you if you need help.  Ugh.  This gets old . . until I need something and NO ONE is around.  (yes, I know.  I am hard to satisfy)
Garbage bags - they just suck!!!  (to all future expats - bring your own!)  No wonder there is a trash problem in this country.  You can barely have trash in your trash bag and they rip.  I just need to crack open a bottle of wine to talk about this subject. . . . 

But - They do have the best yogurt!  It is so tasty!

If we are wanting chicken or ground beef (aka water buffalo - remember  - the cow thing over here), special cheese, arugala, American pastries - we have to order from the Marriott.  Yes, the Marriott as in the hotel.  We text the order and driver will go pick up.  This is just the tip of the iceburg.  I am new to India and I am learning from other expats.  Live and learn, kids. . .live and learn.

Traffic here is always comical.  Enjoy some pics of our everyday traffic scenes.

Why tie things down when you can just have someone stand in the back to hold?

Multi Tasking - reading and driving

Yep. . .its a ladder

Most I have seen is 5 people on a scooter.. . here only three

Need to transport a door. . .why of course!

Things that we are thankful for:
Karen - my new stove
Hubby - furniture
Olivia - neighbors letting us borrow Harry Potter movie
Paz - our house in Palm Meadows







 

The big move. . .GoodBye Mercure . .Hello Palm Meadow

The much anticipated day came on Friday.  We finally left hotel living and moved into a house.  Finally, I have the space that I so desire and the kids have room to stretch their legs.  We all have our own space without being on top of each other  - or getting sick of each other.  (Did I just say that?)  

The down side is that I am going to miss my free breakfast from the Mercure.  I am going to miss housekeeping cleaning my room. I will miss my new friend that I made while being there.  (No worries, plan on having them over!)  I am also going to miss Kormangala - it is a locality of Bangalore.  This is where the Mercure was and I was just starting to know my way around it - fairly certain of not getting lost.  Now I need to know a whole new locality - Whitefield.  

Up side. . .Let me explain Palm Meadow.  

I call it the expat bubble of Bangalore.  I am not sure how many houses are in this community.  I have heard some say 250.  I have heard some say 500.  Not sure what the correct tally is. . .but it's quite a bit of homes.  

The homes here range in size.  Some are just enormous and some are just big.  I am not sure if 'small' is in Palm Meadows vocabulary.  If you were to ask me, I think our house falls in the range of 'the small side of Palm Meadows'.  The house hunting here takes on new meaning.  Some want to use all the 'allowance' that they are given.  Some base decision on location.  Decisions are based on outdoor space.  There are many reasons why expats choose the house that they will rent for the next couple of years.  Our choice was based on the good ole real estate mantra. . .LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.  Trust me when I say, this was hard for me to swallow.  The 'cheap skate/money' person that I am, wanted to spend every last bit of 'allowance' that was given to me.  The houses that were shown to us in our price range were beautiful. . large, spacious and sheer awesomeness. . . . BUT. . .they were along 'the wall.'  The wall?  What is the wall?  How do I explain it?  The 'wall' is the boundary of Palm Meadows.  What is beyond the wall is out of Palm Meadows control.  On one side of the wall, they are building some apartments.  They are not complete, but who wants people looking in?  Who wants to deal with the dust?  

On another side is, well, I am not sure.  Truth, I don't want to live there and find out.  I have also read on some other blogs, that when cobras have been found. . .it is always along the 'wall.'  That is enough for me to say 'No Bueno' to the 'wall.'  

The house we chose is in the first phase of this development - there are two phases.  It is a 5 minute walk to the club house and a five minute walk to the school bus stop.  (Or in the girls words - a 30 second bike ride)  The club house is where the pool, gym, library (yes, you read correctly), hair salon/day spa, dry cleaners and restaurants are.  I could be missing some other things. . as I am learning the lay of the land.

This is our house!

Right now our house is empty.  We are expecting our air shipment to be delivered on Monday.  It has been here, in India, for a week, but they have been so gracious in holding it for us - until we acquired the house.  Our sea shipment will not be here until the end of April.  Sea has all the furniture.  We will resort to sitting on the patio or floor. 

Our house is a 3 bedroom house with 3 1/2 bath.  We have 5 outdoor patios.  Talk about outdoor living space.  Each of the bedroom has their own bathrooms, which I think is pretty awesome!  The girls have their rooms on the second floor and not only do they have their own bathroom, but they also have their own outdoor patio.  Sheesh!  Such a hard life they live.  

Olivia's personal patio

Paz's personal patio

The kitchen isn't anything to write home about but it suffices.  I am happy that I have a dish washer.  That is not a common thing here.  

The dishwasher is the laundry room. . .but I am not complaining!

My cooking gas

All the floors and house columns are made of mable and granite counter tops for everything - baths, kitchen and outdoor seating.  It is amazing here, there are literally 'fields' of this stuff all over India.  I wish I could just ship some back to the States.

The girls wanted me to include - what they call - the 'Chinese Toilet.'  This is a room that is accessible from the outside - heading into the laundry room.  It is used for the help.  Should they need to go. . they have someplace to go.  This is a whole new world to me. It is a future post.

Here are some more house pics

Ahh. . .can't wait until our furniture comes

Looking down into side yard

Looking down from patio

Looking across the street from patio

Side yard

Our block

You know what this is. . .

Windows in living room.

They think the light are funny looking

Another patio

Also, I wanted to add the contrast of the traffic in Palm Meadow.  Take a look at this video and you will understand why we chose to live here.

Side note. . .

Today, I plan on going to the pool. I will need to check out that scene.  Yesterday, while I was at a 2 hour grocery shopping adventure -Hubby and the girls went to the pool. They met a lady that I have been 'following'.  Her blog, India Awaits, is one that I have read from beginning to end. (http://indiaawaits.blogspot.in) I am very happy that he met her and shocked that he went up to her like he did.  (Remember how I wrote about his interaction with the driver)  She is leaving very soon and she shared some India wisdom with him.  I hope to meet her before she leaves!  

I am going to end all my blogs with the one thing that we desire or are thankful for. 
Todays desire:

Hubby: coffee pot
Paz: family and friends
Olivia: being able to use faucet water
Me:  Chicken bouillon

Paz decided to get into the blogging mood - this is what she typed:

I wall [will] love india.