What we learned last weekend - Part 1

Part 1 - What not to do

1. Attend an evening performance (we've actually learned this before but keep trying)

Livi loving the dancing

On Friday we went to see a dance performance by the Thai cultural center. It was held at the Anna Centenary Library, which is the largest public library in South Asia (although I've been told you can't take books out). It was in their huge auditorium with comfy seats and AC, but even that was not enough to keep the kids from grumbling which kept us from totally enjoying it. The costumes were beautiful and Livi did appreciate the sparkles, esp the pink one. Oscar was not as interested, but did like the lollipop I brought him. Because of a few AV difficulties and a 30-minute delayed start, we barely made it through intermission.
I want to post more on the dance and costumes but want to do a little research first... :)

see if you can pick out Livi's fav dancer

 2. Visit a Hindu temple

On Saturday we decided to attempt a tour of the city sponsored through our CLO office. We were highly optimistic heading out, but were quickly aware that no matter how beautiful and interesting tours are not "Grajales children friendly." The first stop on the half day tour was the Kapaleesawrar Temple in Mylapore. Even with a break for a snack and plenty of cloud cover to keep off the sun, we struggled through about 45 minutes. Once Little Oscar was assured we were on our way out and I was carrying him, he did get a little interested in the different Gods, in particular Shiva (Destroyer of Evils) and Ganesha (Lord of Success and remover of obstacles) who has the head of an elephant and the body of a boy (see * below for your Hindu God lesson of the week). When we left the temple, we went out for an indian meal (which was VERY yummy) topped off with ice cream. I took the kids home while Oscar took the rest of the tour to a Basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas. Our kids were much happier at home, and maybe I'll jump in the next newcomers tour to learn more!
Side note on the temple: The temple has statues of all the gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion, including a shrine with an image of the peahen."Mayil" in Tamil means peacock. Pavarthi, the wife of Shiva, is said to have been distracted by a peacock instead of paying attention to Shiva. Shiva cursed her into the form of a peahen and she did penance in the town which is called Mylapore as a result.

Side note on my side note: My information on the temple and Hinduism in general is a combination of info I picked on the tour and clarification through the internet. If I'm wrong about something or you want to elaborate on anything please let me know! There is so much more history and information about the temple alone, not to mention all of the gods and goddesses depicted on the structures... It's really fascinating, and very complicated (to me).

not even inside and the kids we're hiding...should've known

offerings to buy outside the temple. the jasmine flowers smell beautiful and lots of women also wear them in their hair

note the peacocks on top

livi's done

and so is oz

3. Take Oscar for a haircut

After a Saturday evening out with some friends (Oscar and Livi had their first night with Pricilla babysitting and did great!!) I decided to take Oscar for a much needed haircut. We've done haircuts in the past but aside from the usual squirmies, a lollipop usually does the trick. Well, Oscar lasted about 5 minutes before the complaining started. First he was itchy from the hair. Then he was whining that it was taking too long. At the end he was shouting "I can't take it anymore!" The haircut lasted 15 min and I have to give the stylist credit since he did his best to keep the hair off his head and neck and managed to give Oscar a pretty cute haircut even with all the protesting. Next step is to get a picture of it!

Although these activites will probably not be repeated in the near future, they helped remind us of some valuable lessons in how important it is for the kids to enjoy things, so that we can enjoy them! The successes will be the next post...
And for your Indian Studies for this week:

*How Ganesha Got His Head
 http://hinduism.about.com/od/lordganesha/a/ganesha.htm

Once goddess Parvathi, while bathing, created a boy out of the dirt of her body and assigned him the task of guarding the entrance to her bathroom. When Shiva, her husband returned, he was surprised to find a stranger denying him access, and struck off the boy's head in rage. Parvathi broke down in utter grief and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad to fetch the head of any sleeping being who was facing the north. The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy.

Our driver first told us this story, and little Oscar was fascinated. Both by the elephant head and how Ganesha rides a mouse (see in pic)