This is coming to you from Chennai airport where I await the boarding call for my first ever solo trip.
The ‘solo’ bit seems to have thrown a few people off kilter, including the Italian consulate, that demanded a letter from my husband stating he had no objection to my traveling alone!!! While he couldn’t wipe the grin off his face, I came close to telling them to chuck their visas in less polite lingo. My urge to wander proved stronger than my injured pride though. I was convinced the visa processing officer must have been an MCP Indian male, until my sister – who travels solo quite often – informed me that it was pretty common practice with most countries she had applied to! In this day and age???
The five days since our return from Kabini passed in such a blur, I just couldn’t find time to sort out and process my photos for the Bhuta Kola story as promised. Sincere apologies. Shall do it first thing after my return on the 6th. Until then, here is a teaser:
Have a great week ahead……….I know I will 🙂
yes, have a wonderful week Madhu, bring back your photo essay to share with us all! “Venice will linger in your mind and wherever you go in life you will feel somewhere over your shoulder, a pink, castellated, shimmering presence, the domes and riggings and crooked pinnacles of the Serenissima. There’s romance for you!”
Aah, Jan Morris expresses the allure of Venice so much better than I ever can!!!
🙂 Wish I knew whether you meant teaer (teatime) teaser (yes you are a) or tearer (makes me cry thinking men can still treat women that way, ‘in this day and age’.) Always a pleasure to see your work, Madhu.
Yikes!! Apologies for the many ‘typos’ in the post. I cannot believe I published this with a misspelled title!!! I blame it all on my Ipad 😉 Always a pleasure to see you here as well Witt 🙂
Dear Witt, comments are closed on your blog, but I just had to tell you how much I loved your posts and your breathtaking photographs. It is a privilege to see the beauty of this earth through your eyes!.
Dearest Madhu (honestly, I know no other)
As always, you are most kind; no wonder you have such a large and faithful following. This is an exceptional site, illustrated generously with pictures that would make any photographer appreciative of your talents, and full of lively comments from people around the globe. Seriously, your photos of Venice are dreamlike – wouldn’t it be nice if all out cities looked like that.
Yes, as you say, I bogged down with posting and took some time off. But since I listen to your advice, I will get back to work here when I finish outdoors. Please continue to charm us with your creations. When I finally must leave your site, I always feel like I have taken a journey abroad.
PS. Your customized theme looks terrific.
Have a great trip! Looking forward to seeing your images…. 🙂
Rather belated thanks Sue. Shall catch up with you soon.
You too have a great week, Madhu and have a brilliant solo [or should I say, unchaperoned!] trip! 🙂
Ha, ha, hubby was a bit worried, I could tell 🙂
I can’t believe the Italian consulate! 😦 What year is this? 1814?
Anyway enjoy your “solo” trip. 🙂
Question: the photo you posted is a kathakali dancer?
Bon voyage
Brian
I know….very annoying! No the image is not of a Kathakali dancer. This is a spirit dance and a primitive form of worship in the area bordering Kerala. Shall post about it soon. Thanks Brian.
Thanks to you Madhu. Enjoy your trip and have a lovely week. Month. Year! and so forth!
Brian
Oooooooh, I’m so excited! First off Hotel Flora? Have fun! 🙂
I did! 🙂
That was quite a request from the consulate. My daughters fly all over the world and even my wife sometimes take a break from me. No one ever asked them to get their daddy’s or husband’s permission. I wonder whether it’s because they always carry a Kalashnikov 🙂
Enjoy your trip, Madhu
Could it be because they are citizens of Singapore perhaps and are perceived as having no desire to ‘settle’ in these countries? Can’t think of any other reason. But four passports full of visas should amount to something….have no doubt the terrorists and illegals slip through while they are scrutinising our legitimate papers 🙂 Thanks Eric.
Oops! Should be “your” trip – please amend. Now, where’s my morning tea!
Don’t worry….I published this with a misspelled title!!! 😉
omg … enjoy the complete freedom that comes with traveling alone!!! i travel alone quite a bit … I love the feeling of being unrestrained. it’s also a great way to get some thinking and some deep introspection done.
… not to mention the photography!!! (that’s actually the best part … again, unrestrained)
Everything you say is so true Stephen. And although I missed my husband lots, the freedom felt precious.
They ask for husband’s permission because they know the wives are leaving with all the financial passwords and knowledge as to where all the household accounts are listed and stored! 🙂 It is an amazing echo to years’ past, isn’t it?! Can’t wait for future posts on the solo trip!
It certainly is!!! I still am smarting at that request 🙂