The skies have cleared!

Last week was our 50th blog. Thanks so much to everyone who reads all these and for your comments - they mean so much - we are loving being here but missing you all.

Today as we arrived at the language school there was a definite buzz of excitement as our (female) teachers photographed each other in their beautiful new clothes and waited for the henna to dry on their hands!   

Tomorrow is the Hariyali Teej Festival - Teej is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals observed in India. It is observed in different parts of the country by the womenfolk to seek blessings for marital happiness and long life for their husbands. Teej honours the devotion of Ma Parvati who underwent penance for years to become the consort of Shiva. Women seek her blessings for a happy married life and unmarried girls fast to attain an exemplary husband like Shiva.

There are many customs but usually the women apply ‘mehendi’ (floral patterns made with henna paste) on their hands and feet and wear beautiful saris with matching bangles and ornaments.

Usually, green is the more favoured colour especially during ‘Hariyali Teej’. Those observing Teej get cosmetic items and jewellery for ‘Shringara’ by their parents. Women offer decorated coconut to their relatives. They visit their maternal homes and seek the blessings of the elderly and enjoy a get together with friends and family members.

We've had more of a sunny week so far (photos reflect this) - and as the mist and clouds have disappeared we've been surprised at the vistas that have opened up of distant plains and mountains.  The trees have been full of singing birds and mischievous monkeys - some of the tiny ones were enjoying a swing on the branches and then found our towels to sit on - thanks, just when you think you can hang things out to get them dry!!!

It's Friday!! Hooray - time to unscramble our 'Hindi' brains!

Have a great weekend.

Love Heather and Ken xx

Proof that we are at school

Our lovely teachers looking gorgeous in their festival clothes

The early morning mehendi workshop as hands are decorated

Jaswinder's hands

Heather's hands

It's so lovely to see into the villages in the hills

More monkey pics...they can be so cute

Rascals waiting for someone to pass with shopping or a rubbish bag to put in the bin - they ransack the bins...

One monkey jumped out at us as we were carrying some food shopping - they know a white bag when they see one. Made us jump and even run. I expect the others just sat and laughed.

Clear skies and mountains appear

Sadly there has been a huge landslide which has blocked the road

Our view from 7,000 feet up

Walking home today we met the andawalla on his way up to the village - had to buy some eggs (and take his picture)

Some say, "The writing's on the wall",... Ken said, 'It's in moss code' - ha ha - oh dear it must be Friday!