Hello everyone!
I know it has been a while since I have written but I have been laid down with a terrible cold, from which I and Mama are only now just recovering. My big news is that my first tooth has made an appearance! It is really sharp which means that I love putting everything in my mouth! I have managed to decimate magazine covers, luggage tags, and I have given Mama hiccies on her arms, cheek and nose!! He he he! We have just come back from a short holiday to Ahmedabad which is in the north western state of Gujarat which means that I have now taken my second flight. Papa had a conference there on the Global Earth Charter and he had to give three presentations to lots of people - I am so proud of him. Whilst Papa was working Mama took me sightseeing in my sling. Gandhi was born in Gujarat so on our first day we visited his Ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River from where he launched his non-violent resistance movement which led to the exodus of the British. We learnt so much about this amazing leader, but unfortunately most people there seemed more interested in us as we were photographed, videoed and followed around - poor Gandhiji was left in the shadows! From here Mama took me to the best restaurant in town for a traditional "thali" which is where you have several dishes, including desert, in small bowls on a brass plate. It was a beautiful restaurant with gorgeous fabrics hanging from the ceiling. I was happily kicking away on the sofa, playing with my feet, whilst Mama tucked in. Needless to say, I was the star attraction again so lots of people came over to pinch my cheeks. The next day we tried to visit the Textile Museum which apparently has saris which are over a thousand years old which Mama was very excited about seeing, but when we tried to go in they said babies weren't allowed! Mama was very angry and talked to the manager but her logical counter-argument was too much for him and he dug his heels in and wouldn't let us pass! Nevermind, we went shopping instead! The photos you can see here are of me on my new tribal hand-embroidered wall hanging which I am using temporarily as a playmat. Mama also found me a hand-painted wooden mobile of five Hindu gods and goddesses for my bedroom, I am fascinated by it. We finished off our trip by going to a wonderful shop which is run by tribal ladies where almost 70% of the proceeds go back to the tribal women. Gujarat is famous for its beautiful hand-embroidered distinctive textiles so Mama was in her element here chatting to the ladies and learning about their unique craft. Whilst I was snoozing away in my sling Mama bought me an elephant wall hanging, a present for my beautiful cousin Ava Jo, and a present for herself. Papa was a bit cross when he couldn't close the case yesterday! But as Mama said we may not return to Gujarat again so we had to make the most of it! I am really excited as Granny and Grandpa Ashby are coming to visit next week, it will be so lovely to show them our new home. Only a week after that we are coming back to England - yipppeee. I can't wait for the flight, Papa seems to think he will spend that time watching films but I plan to keep him busy!
