William and Oliver had been planning their 8th birthday since being in the UK at Christmas. They had decided that they fancied a trip to Legoland while we were home for the summer. Unfortunately, due to the length of time it is taking to get Emily a passport, we found ourselves residing in Chennai for the long, extremely hot summer. After a moments disappointment, they took the news on the chin and defaulted to their usual birthday destination, a beach!
After opening presents and breakfasting on masala dosa we headed off to Ideal Beach Resort, a mere 30 minute drive from our house.
Having spent the previous three birthdays in a five star resort in Sanya we warned the boys that the Indian beach may be a little different. However, our worries were unfounded. Although the resort was a little less polished, the pool was fantastic and deep, therefore actually cool! The actual beach was much better in that although it was a little rough to actually swim, the sand gently sloped making it much more accessible. It also had much more character with fishing boats and locals selling their wares.
Having spent the previous three birthdays in a five star resort in Sanya we warned the boys that the Indian beach may be a little different. However, our worries were unfounded. Although the resort was a little less polished, the pool was fantastic and deep, therefore actually cool! The actual beach was much better in that although it was a little rough to actually swim, the sand gently sloped making it much more accessible. It also had much more character with fishing boats and locals selling their wares.
We arrived and set up on the beach Sam went off to order coffees. While he was gone I was approached by several local men and women asking me to come to their shop along the beach. They showed me some glorious fabrics and I instantly promised to pop along! I then set about decorating the cup cakes. I had had to freeze the icing and transport it in a cool bag in order for it to be just right by the time we wanted it! Our coffees arrived and we sang happy birthday and ate cake.
Oliver and William then spent the rest of the morning in the sea and playing in the sand.
Emily enjoyed the scenery too and the sea breeze meant that it wasn't too hot.
Oliver and William then spent the rest of the morning in the sea and playing in the sand.
Emily enjoyed the scenery too and the sea breeze meant that it wasn't too hot.
Periodically during the morning the men and women from the shop popped along to remind me that I had promised to come.
Eventually I went to look and was sorely tempted by some wonderful bed spreads. The boys ended up buying a couple of shells but it was hard as there were 4 or 5 shops (goods laid out on the sand!) all selling similar things and all desperate for the sale. In the end I sent Sam along to buy what I'd seen, as I was too weak and would have bought loads!
We are also finding it hard to barter here as the poverty is so much greater than in Shanghai and as little as £1 can feed a family for a day. I was pleased with my purchase and we will definitely go back, especially as I have promised!
Eventually I went to look and was sorely tempted by some wonderful bed spreads. The boys ended up buying a couple of shells but it was hard as there were 4 or 5 shops (goods laid out on the sand!) all selling similar things and all desperate for the sale. In the end I sent Sam along to buy what I'd seen, as I was too weak and would have bought loads!
We are also finding it hard to barter here as the poverty is so much greater than in Shanghai and as little as £1 can feed a family for a day. I was pleased with my purchase and we will definitely go back, especially as I have promised!
At lunchtime we got out of the sun and went to the beachside restaurant. Whilst ordering lunch it became clear that William and Oliver truly are third culture kids. They ended up eating fish and chips with a paratha and noodles! Quite the fusion food.
After lunch we headed to the pool, which Oliver and William were really excited by as it was 9 feet deep in one part. In fact the shallowest section was 4 feet which meant that the water was pretty cool and refreshing. This time of year most pools are like a warm bath.
The afternoon was spent swimming and spotting wildlife after which we headed home to watch Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
As we arrived home the boys spotted that Indumati had made a rangoli outside our house for their birthday. Rangoli is a form of Indian art in which patterns are created on the floor in living rooms or outside using materials such as coloured rice, dry flour, coloured sand or flower petals.
The afternoon was spent swimming and spotting wildlife after which we headed home to watch Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
As we arrived home the boys spotted that Indumati had made a rangoli outside our house for their birthday. Rangoli is a form of Indian art in which patterns are created on the floor in living rooms or outside using materials such as coloured rice, dry flour, coloured sand or flower petals.
Arun, our driver, made a huge fuss of the boys. He even stayed up until midnight to text Sam to tell them Happy Birthday as is the tradition out here! When he arrived at our house he bought them a lowly birthday cake which we sang over, in English and Chinese!
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