Precious Time with the Desai Family

The greatest thing ever. I checked in at my hotel the other night around midnight and the receptionist hands me a business card and said "Your friend stopped by". I look and it was Gamer's card with his new phone number. OMG, I was soooooo happy! I had sent him a letter telling him I was coming to visit and the dates and the hotel I was staying at.

The tall boy on the right is Gamer's brother's son. Gamer's brother died 4 years ago in a driving accident, so now his son lives with Gamer's family.So - since I arrived in Ahmedabad, I've been spending a lot of time with Gamer and his family. We fell in love with them all. And my gosh, they are so sweet. They're sooooo happy I am here visiting. It's crazy.

I've been cruising around town both days and nights with Gamer on his motorcycle. Which actually I can hardly believe myself. I haaaate motorcycles. But Gamer is a good safe driver, and he is very proud of his motorcycle and city and wants to make sure I have the best time while I'm here, so I'm happy to go with him:)

Shailesh & Gamer. (I swear guys have a thing here about specifically trying NOT to smile - because trust me - they were both super happy earlier today.)

Today Shailesh calls me also. I was sooooo happy! Gamer said he did not believe I was in India again - so he had him call. Then Shailesh says "Me pick up, Pride Hotel?" I said "ok" and went outside to see them both standing there waving and smiling. It was the best ever :)

Of course now I must mention... both of these guys adore Sean. And they both were slightly confused as to why he isn't here with me. And I think mad - lol. They both have so much respect for him..., "Hi, Sir!" And me, I think they just think I'm funny and like to shop a lot. :) Both true though. Gamer was interested in the pictures I brought of me teaching in America though. And Amesha particularly liked these pictures too.

Today Gamer drove me all around town looking for purses, even though I told him it's fine, I can get in Delhi on Wed. Then we stopped for 2 cold drinks.

Tomorrow night we are taking the city bus (scary & hot!) to Old Ahmedabad because I want to get henna stamping done. I'm super psyched. Gamer knows all the best places to go. I wouldn't get half my stuff done without him:)

OH (side bar) - Babe he took me to the "map" store and I got a really nice fold up India map and book for 50 rupees. Also, when we stopped for the first drink he pointed to the menu at "vegetable burger" and said "you & Sean, Old City- Mc Donalds?" I laughed and said, "Yes, Janelle & Sean = no money, Gamer money!" and he laughed and said "Yeah!". He seriously remembers everything. It's so cute.

Amesha, JDeep & Gamer. OMG :) Amesha was wearing the outfit we bought and had tailored for her 2 years ago. It was big then, but fits perfect now. I was so happy to see her wearing this :) Isn't she cute?

Gamer & his wife Gunga.Gunga & Me. Gujarati meal last night. Gamer's house. The whole family sleeps outside on beds. They have 1 indoor room, but it's too hot for sleeping. You can see in this picture a little to the right are the other beds.

This will sound awful, but I am still not sure if this is Gamer's mom or Gunga's mom. Anyway, she's super nice and here she is making citcheri - I know I spelled that wrong, but it's a mixture of rice and dal and you eat it with butter and/milk. We had some last night with our meal - this is what it looks like prepared.

This one is inside his house. They have a ton of cooking utensils/supplies, a couple cabinets, this bed, a black and white tv and that's pretty much it.I'm soooooo enjoying Ahmedabad and seeing our friends again. Life is good... and I am happy. (I do wish you were here though, Sean. I miss you and so do they. Immensely.)

Love, Janelle