A Taste of the South

After getting the older kids off to school one morning, we packed up Samuel and headed down to DakshinaChitra (and here), a south Indian heritage center about 45 minutes from our house. We missed the film last time we were there, and Ashok has been berating me ever since. How could I let Sarah miss out on the film?!?! I ask you. (Well, Ashok asks you. He also calls it the flim, instead of the film.)

 

So this time, the first thing I did was ask about this incredible film. We got pointed in the right direction and learned all kinds of fascinating stuff about south Indian homes. Then we walked around the grounds and toured some of the houses. I liked this "tree of life" artwork that was hanging in one of the art galleries.

 

 

Here's Samuel in the textile hall. He's trying to hold a water bottle, Lightning McQueen and Finn McMissile all at the same time. Do not dare to offer your help! He's fine, I tell you! (He tells you.) He can handle it!

We stopped to watch this weaver work a handloom to weave a Kanchipuram-style silk sari. Kesavan has been working around handlooms all his life. He started by winding silk thread, and made his first sari at age 13.

Samuel was fascinated. Here he is with Aunt Kathy, watching Kesavan work.

All the ladies had mehendi done. It was beautiful, but if I do it again at DakshinaChitra I'll do it earlier so it's dry before I try to buy anything at the crafts bazaar. Trying to negotiate vendors, stalls, craft options and money with one hand was not so easy. Also, Samuel kept diving into my lap while the woman was drawing my design, which made for many unintended squiggles. Oh well. Perfection would not have reflected what's going on in my life these days.

DakshinaChitra has a little crafts bazaar. I like shopping there because I'm buying directly from the artists, and also because the place is relatively calm. Shopping in India can be really fun, but it can also be overwhelming, so this is a nice break from the chaos. Kathy found some great bangles at this stall.

We stopped for a late lunch at Kipling Cafe, and made it home in time to greet Johnny and Evie at the bus stop. A nice day.