March 2013
by Carolyn - 23:01 on 31 March 2013
March 1st saw us arriving at the impressive airport in Dubai, where we had a 3 day stop-over on our way to India, flying Emirates for the first time as Kingfisher no longer fly. The first night we attended a Bahá'í meeting with old friends, the second day we visited a few tourist highlights, using the highly-efficient Metro system, and spent the last day in the Old City, finishing at a lovely Iranian Restaurant as the guest of a young French friend who had spotted on Facebook that we were in Dubai...
On 4th March we arrived back in chaotic, cacophanous Calcutta, just a year after last visit. Another world! Our cousin/nephew who we met several times in Delhi last year found himself a lovely young bride within months of moving back to Calcutta for his post-grad studies, and we had a week of events - Receptions, Blessings and gift-giving between the two families. The actual wedding was in North Calcutta at the bride's ancestral home, whilst the groom's family reception was at an Officers Club in 'our' part of the city.
The following week was spent visiting close relatives and Bahá'í friends - and Bibhas gave a talk at the University to members of the Association of Structural Engineers and students. Then we went to Delhi to see Bibhas' elderly cousin who was visiting from Canada, spending two days with her, and their niece Reshmi who had also been at the wedding with us , as well as visiting the Bahá'í 'lotus' Temple again.
,
We arrived back at Heathrow too late for the Naw Ruz Party we'd hoped to attend - after quite a difficult time observing the Baha'í Fast in India! but in time for International Water Aid Day's street collection in Guildford, and a joint Mothering Sunday/Robindra's Birthday/Naw Ruz celebratory meal...
Add your comment
