Back in Baroda

Day four in Baroda and as I’m finally feeling at home it’s almost time to leave. I love this city, absolutely love it. It’s mum’s home town and though its the same frantic mass of population and pollution as Mumbai, it’s familiar. Navigable. Manageable. It's a bite-size chunk. I’ve grown up watching the city grow with me, visiting year after year to witness it’s transformation from dust cloud to jewel in the crown. I know it like the back of my hand - where to find the prettiest dresses, the tastiest pau bhajis and the wackiest ice-creams. Now that I’ve gotten over that initial “tourist’s shock”, I’m beginning to find respite in the smaller joys; like the late night breeze when I sit out on the balcony swing, and the lolling-laziness of the afternoon siesta; the tireless hospitality of those around me and the mouth-wateringly delicious food on offer. It’s been a good few days, what with a house constantly filled with family and visitors. I’ve been warming up my washing water on the stove, whiling away my evenings playing cards and scouring the city in search of one phone that can make an international call. It’s a very simple existence; probably just what I needed to remind myself that the life I have back home is filled with luxury. I will probably be back on Sunday with lots of pictures and of course loads more ramblings. Until then, wishing you all a good weekend. Happy Friday.

xxx