12th January 2019

12th January 2019 
In which the serious over-feeding begins....

I began the day today with my now daily visit to the IT support man, who reckoned to have sorted me out so that my iPad could access wifi. The fact that I'm writing this on Pam's device alas, gives the lie to that. Still, he's a nice chap and very smiley. Then I had a cardomom tea for the first time, from very friendly barista Anandan at Grabb a coffee, whilst I waited for the rest of the team to arrive. 

Time then for the rattle-trap death-defying auto ride to Pachaikili, where we found half of the elderly had arrived and Sarida was beginning food preps. The centre isn't usually open on a Saturday but it will be closed for several days for Pongal festival next week so extra days are being fitted in so that the elders don't miss out on what they are due. We were introduced to everyone and I made a stab at remembering all their names. Since my last visit three years ago, most of the members of this group have changed, primarily due to death. One elderly (55?!) lady, Alemelu, regularly helps Sarida out with food preparation. 

Here she is using a lethally sharp cutter on plantain. 

You might like to see just how much garlic and chilli goes into the dishes they like to eat! 

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We watched the elders play tradition games, which they do sitting on the floor. The smell of the food being cooked was very tempting; but tidal we are invited to the home of an old friend, Santhi, for lunch, and we know we will need plenty of space for her feast! 

Our Sarida is so tiny!