Happy Teachers' Day!

"Teacher, write about us in your blog." This was a request made by my students two years ago. I tried many times but failed in writing something interesting. They were a pleasant, lovable and energetic lot. So are all my students.

When I get a new batch every year I talk to them for some time about my expectations from them. I make it clear to them that their marks and behaviour are the greatest gifts that they give me and I don't need anything else. If they strongly feel the need to give something then I prefer a hand made card.So every year I get ample cards with words expressing gratitude written on it.

But when I got a huge  card this year on Teachers' Day with signs of all thirty two students of my class on it, I was really surprised. It is not about the size of the card, it is the pain that they took to make it and bring it to school without my notice. It was really moving and I felt rewarded. 

They signed off with the note 'Always keep smiling teacher.' I know at some point of my life I forgot to smile heartily. It is the company of children that keeps me ticking. I am thankful to God for this. 

In the Lap of Hazy Hills

Kuttikanam, a village in the district of Idukki in Kerala is located at 3,500 feet (1,100m) above sea level. It is surrounded by tea plantations. This summer vacation my family decided to stay away from the hectic schedules for two days and escape to the mountains of Kuttikanam. It was just one hour, 45 mnts journey from my home town Puthupally. The journey was exciting, as we approached the place the mountains looked alluring with mist arising from among them.

There are many tourist spots nearby Kuttikanam. Panchalimedu, Parunthumpara and pine forest are major attractions here. We came to know that there is a beautiful water body named madammamukku nearby but one can reach there only by jeep because of the rough terrain. Thekkady is 34 kms from here.

 















Parunthumpara hills. (Parunth in Malayalam means Eagle and para means rock.)

View from Parunthumpara

















Parunthumpara

Barbecue at the resort

The day we landed here it was drizzling and my children said it looked more or less like their grandmother's home. In the morning, to their amusement there was mist all around and they were thrilled to see fog covered hills and surroundings. 

Rhapsody Fusion-our cottage

A Long Awaited Journey

Medak, a place I wanted to visit when I came to this city after my marriage nineteen years back. Finally it was materialised last week. The destination was the Medak Cathedral which is one of the largest churches in Asia. Here is what I saw en route and there.

Mama with her baby

A nosy buffalo

A peacock running away. In fact there was an ostentation of them. On seeing the camera they scurried for cover like celebrities fleeing away from the paparazzi. 

The Cathedral

In a pensive mood, seems he too has problems to solve

These two were in good fellowship

Our next stop was the Medak fort. A mute spectator to many historical events, the formidable fort evoked fear and my young one clasped his big brother's hand. 

A parting shot from the fort. 

I love travelling, especially long drives. All through the journey I offered to drive but my hubby refused to give me the vehicle. While coming back on the highway he asked me to drive for some time. My children grumbled about my slow driving, but the vehicles were rushing past at an intimidating speed that I drove slower than usual. Ten minutes into driving we smelt burning rubber and clanging sound. It was the front right wheel. It was torn into many parts. We were rattled by the thought that had it been my hubby who was driving at a great speed anything could have happened. Amazing are the ways that God takes care of us.