WELCOME TO MY PATERNAL GRANDPARENTS' HOME, KODUVAYUR

On July 1^st, we reached Koduvayur after an overnight trip from Trivandrum city.  We were received by my dad’s dad whom I call “Thatha.”  He just turned seventy in early May.  He loves gardening and he has shared a special photo of a flower that blooms only once a year. My dad’s mom, “paati,” waited for us at their grand home, with delicacies along with his uncle, who happens to be one year younger than thatha, Pushpaji Chithappa.  He is so bright, happy, and cheery that he looks and talks like a young guy even though he is of my grandparents’ generation.  In the photos, you will see my thatha gardening in the rain, my paati playing a tea party with my sister and Chithappa reading the newspaper. The house in Koduvayur, “Shree,” is a huge 3 story mansion. It is very up to date, with cable, Wi-Fi, computers, and modern room designs, and a big front courtyard. The backyard… a forest. I like playing on the balconies too. There are two balconies, one with an egg swing, the other a huge platform with as much space as the whole upstairs. In the backyard there’s a well the size of a small house! Best of all is my paati. She treats us like total royalty. My thatha is always cracking jokes. He also has an iPad with a lot of games. Chittapa advises me on cool movies to watch. I read, entertain myself, soak in the cool breezes of the monsoon, eat the most tasty food, pester my sister when given a chance and get pampered by three grandparents. This place is totally MY place.