Not much progress with our planning for yatra 3 yet. In the meantime, let me just mention the following:
During the last trip, I saw the most Banyan trees along the road in parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. I found the link to banyan tree from Google search, but the photos are unlimited. Since it is in Google, I assumed that I could show it in blog.
In my high school, there was a huge tree at the back end of the 22 acre school compound. We used to tie the sturdy hanging roots tightly, make it into a swing and take turns in sitting on it pushing one another. The red ants would be crawling and sometimes biting us. As I watched each banyan tree on the road, I went back to my school days.
We had no TVs to watch. Every evening, we would go to the local Temple, after the regular pradakshinams and all, we would play outside until dusk, bring home some Vibhuti and Kumkumam (given by the priest) as a proof to show my grandmother that we really went inside the Temple. Then, after supper, finish the home work, sing some songs and doze off on the beds. The beds were cots with a light mattresses. We enjoyed sleeping outdoors on them, looking at the sky, the Moon and the stars. We could smell the jasmine and other flower fragrances from the yard whenever there was a breeze. If it rained, we all would run indoors with our cots and beds. Each of those events were very exciting. Now, we always sleep indoors, with closed doors and ceiling fans going at full blast.
Everywhere, people are very busy these days. All the luxuries of those times have become neccessities of the present. So,we are busy making money and working hard to fulfil all those needs. Not much time left to spend with family and friends, unless you are retired. I am so happy that I have friends and family who are looking forward to spending their precious time with us when we visit India. Not everyone is so lucky. Save some time each day for your close family and friends.
