Back to Nanda Devi

As we've been getting settled in with Annie, there hasn't been a lot of time to blog about recent events. Unbelievably, I received multiple emails today that the blog is getting "old and moldy" to quote one disgruntled reader. Well, no more. As I gear up for some more posts and pics about Annie, which to be honest is probably the only reason any of you check this blog, I'll post some pics from a trip that I never got around to blogging about in May---back to Nanda Devi.



Nanda Devi

Many know that I did my Master's thesis research in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve up in the Garwhal Himalaya. I'll post a little more about that research, and the primary motivation for returning in a subsequent post. But for now, a few pics from a trek I did while up there with two of my friends Laura and Hillary.


Laura and Hillary outside Tolma village

The trek was one I've done several times before; although I'd jump at the opportunity to do it any day of the week.



Beautiful vistas along the hike


Beautiful close up views as well



Cold mornings


Cold mornings




Morning views I missed oh so much


Part of one of the most amazing views I have ever seen


Made only better---as always--- by the banjo


The alpine glow at dusk is like fire on the mountains


Night time views are just as magical

Yes, I'm wearing the exact same outfit as five years ago. Yes, I've changed my clothes since then.

Random moments and photos

Well, for those of you who are starting to have conniptions at not having had an "Annie update" in the last few days, sit yourself down for a moment. Here are some random moments and photos from our last few days of life with Annie....

Our friends have just been amazing, forming a pit crew that caters to our every need: Fresh baked cookie (check); espresso (check); amazing home-cooked meal (check)....baby (CHECK!)


Emilia and Annie multitasking (well, at least Emilia)


We're going to have to pull Annie away from Sarah...


Getting up early and letting Jo sleep in: Annie, laptop, espresso=the trifecta

We knew this one would take to camping early, after she's had her coffee, it's down for a nap in the tent made with Grandma Gail's baby quilt




Shubra came by for a really nice visit



Annie's not so sure about bath time...

But the upshot about bath time is there are soooo many cute clothes to dress her in!






Annie's first Indian top, which doubles as a dress, as it's for a 1 year old (THANKS BETH for thinking ahead!)





We've also been occupying all of our oodles of free time by interpreting Annie's faces...


Perturbed


I need my beauty rest...yes, all 22 hours of it, even if it comes in punctuated bits


Dinosaur face (she also makes dinosaur sounds; don't ask us how we know...we just do


Baby Frog


Baby frog who turns into a cute duckling

oh, and Jo is totally prepared now for a monsoon flood as she has her new life jacket (in red). Actually it's a feeding pillow, but I think it will work when the end of days arrives...

Ear Cleaning in Benares!

As the last post on the extended Meek family trip to India, it seems only appropriate to end with the following post: ear cleaning.



The tools of the trade

Now before you recoil in terror, or disgust, remember that ear cleaning is an important ritual in various cultures, and for good reason, we found out, given what this skilled ear-artisan found in ours!


Getting up close and personal with the musician's ear

I had been wanting to get my ears cleaned ever since we came to Benares with Jo's folks back in March. However, the renowned ear cleaner that was recommended to us was away in his village, and as a result no ear cleaning.

This time, however, it was less than an hour of wandering Benares back gulleys with an ear somewhat open (they were, after all quite filled with gunk), that we came across the ear-cleaning wallah.

Now how do you know, you might be asking yourself, how to spot an ear-cleaning wallah among the throngs plying Benares' back alleys? Easy! He has a piece of gauze behind his ear, and carries what looks like a shoe-shine box.



Jon filled with consternation at what was in his ears

Let's just say it was an "ear-opening" experience! Oh, that was bad! But seriously, it was amazing, albeit somewhat disgusting, to see what was lurking in those ears, and if you ever get the chance, remember what Nike says:
JUST DO IT!

Back in Benares

After our amazing adventures in Ladakh, Jon and I went on one more trip during his June/July Indian Odyssey: Benares.

Benares, or Varanasi, was high on our lists for a variety of reasons. First, it is an amazing place, being a center of religious pilgrimage. Also, it is a musical center, and we have some friends who are professional musicians that live there.

So, on the train to Benares we went!

Upon reaching Benares I was astonished: the monsoon had arrived two days before, and this city, or more importantly the ghats (the steps that form a promenade along the river and are an important part of the Benares tourist experience)were completely flooded. I knew that the monsoons would "eventually" raise the level of the river and flood the steps, but I had no idea it would happen so quickly!



Jon with water buffalo


Jon high stepping


Jon staying high above the water

Although we gave a darn good college try at walking along the ghats, it was just impossible, but we did get a chance to enjoy the river in other ways. One was attending the ganga artri (spelling?) ceremony where each night the river is "put to bed"




Putting the ganges to bed with the Ganga Arti ceremony

While at the ceremony, I decided to buy a candle, say a prayer for our baby-who-was-as-yet-unnamed, and send the prayer and candle down the river.


Me lighting a candle for Annie and setting it alight in the river


Candle floating on river that I lit for Annie

So, with the river flooded and our options somewhat limited, we just enjoyed spending our few days in Benares doing the thing that we had really come to do: Music lessons.

For those who didn't know, Jon used to play a sitar back in the day, until it broke when shipping it to college or somewhere. With the prospect of learning from a sitar master-Goswamiji-Jon jumped at the opportunity for some one on one lessons.



In the spirit of India, we also came across some amazing wedding music being played in the street.




In addition, we took a quick day trip out to Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. IT WAS HOT.


Sarnath


Stupa


Jon playing flute

Week 2 with Annie

Parent's always say they can't believe how fast time flies and their baby has grown up. Well, we might not be quite there yet, but it sure is hard to believe that today is Annie's two week birthday!!! Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, you know the rest.

This week we've been lucky enough to have two other good friends join Sarah at Hostel da Bebe (also known as Chateaux Cry-alot, or Casa Cranky-pants). Emilia and Beth are two friends, who along with Sarah, we got to know while living in Jaipur four years ago. They all did the AIIS Hindi language program together, and so this is somewhat of a reunion!

Yesterday morning Beth arrived, and last night Emilia arrived.


Dave handing off Annie for the first time to "Aunty" Emilia

With six people (well 5 and a baby) in our 2 bedroom apartment we've quite a full apartment--full of fun that is!






Beth holding Annie


Emilia and Annie snuggling up

The ladies are quite smitten with our darling Annie (who can blame them?) and have been introducing her to all sorts of Indian culture:


Sarah putting on Annie's first bindi


Annie with bindi, and proof that she's becoming a "little tub" in the joking words of her Bubby!


Sarah appreciating her handiwork (Annie seems a little nonplussed)


Beth shows Annie her henna artwork (next step: Annie gets a henna tattoo)

And what would a ladies' reunion be without some mega-mall retail therapy?


Off to the mall for the first time!


Oh the places we shall go!