Ahmedabad 2009: The half-way mark

As I write this, Kate is giving a talk at Darpana. Kate mentioned the idea of presenting some of her work in Melbourne to Mallika on Monday and two days later it's all happening - complete with movies and photos - at the outdoor cafe at Darpana. I wondered how they would publicise the event and it seems that's about all the notice you need. There was a press release - check the "Hip and Happening" section in today's Ahmedabad Mirror.

We said goodbye yesterday to Ali and John as they headed off on further adventures in Rajasthan. Their week in Ahmedabad flew by. We did some great shopping. We took a car with our favourite driver, M. "Johnny" Sheik, to one of India's two sun temples in Modhera and an impressive 11th century step well in Patan. We hesitantly ate lunch at a random hotel on the way back to Ahmedabad, but we all emerged unscathed, much to Johnny's relief when he asked the next day. We enjoyed the wonderful House of MG (http://houseofmg.com/) - the pool, the restaurant and the ice cream - and charged it all to Room 9 (as we did when Mum and Dad were in town - thanks parents and parents-in-law).

Our effervescent friend-cum-translator-cum-tour-guide, Niana.

Naina takes Dianne's friend, Shaun, Josh, Mitali, Kate and I to the Adalaj Vav step well. There are a number of these amazing water structures in Gujurat, with intricate stone carvings. This one from 1499.

Naina also takes us to Kankaria Lake - a giant man-made lake (1451) complete with children's rides, aquarium and lots of people who wanted their picture take with us.

Getting the phone recharged....

Mallika Saribhai in action with her dancers.

The beautiful baratinatim dancers from Darpana.

We practise eating with our hands at Vishala restaurant, once again Naina is our host.

Ali, John, Mitali and I explore a beautiful mosque in Ahmedabad.

Abhay Mangaldas, the charming owner of the the House of MG, got to know first Mum and Dad Reilly and then Mum and Dad Sulan. His hospitality extended from his hotel to his personal mansion.

Ramkumari gives me a chappati lesson.

Johnny took us out to Patan to see the Ranki Vav, built in 1061, but only recently excavated in the 1980's. We also saw the Patan Patola, a famous type of silk sari. There are 3 families left who make them. It takes 3 months to make one sari.