Plumeria Rubra

Within the small garden we have here, there are very few flowering plants. However, the striking structural flora with large luscious and colourful variegated foliage certainly make up for it. We are lucky to have two plumeria or Frangipani plants. The dark pink below and a white obtusa which is considered the 'pride of Hawaii'. As you walk into our house the wonderful  fragrance of the simple waxy petals envelops you and the chaos of the Indian streets is immediately left behind.

Plumeria rubra - Kim Klassen Textures

The Local Doorman

This weekend we drove out of the main city of Bangalore to visit an Angsana Spa. I had the best massage I've ever had. It was just a shame some parts of our stay were not as relaxing. But I'll have my rant on Tripadvisor! I think the phase 'live and learn' comes to mind.

People here keep telling me just focus on the good parts of India. One of those good parts is that I love the scenes you see whilst driving around India. It never ceases to amaze me what you can carry on the back of a bike. It made us laugh the fact he has his pencil behind his ear!

Nandi Hills

Is 60km from the city of Bangalore and 1478 meters above sea level. Steeped in history it is said it acquired its name from the famous temple atop the hill. A large stone bull guards the outside of the Yoga Nandeeshwara temple and people regularly place offerings around the trees and bushes. Prior to the British capturing it in 1791 it was a stunning Mysorean fort. Now its a tourist attraction and home to a number of birds and animals.

These monkey's are quite the experts at pinching food and drink when you're not looking. I thought they were rather cute until one turned and came towards me looking very angry as I was taking photographs. Perhaps he was expecting to be paid!

The Short Rains

Finally the temperature has dropped due to the rain we have had over the last week. It's still slightly humid but about 10 degrees lower. I was so grateful for the rain that I actually just stood on our decking letting it cool me down. Something I haven't done since I was at school (we used to get soaking wet so school would send us home).

The only problem with the rain is that there is no proper drainage. Road become rivers and driving can be treacherous as you can't see the pot holes and the traffic jams are even worse.

Whilst out in the car I spotted this street dog curled up sheltering from the rain. I noticed how he had found a spot that was just a few inches from the wet pavement.

India's People

A few weeks ago I was asked to stand in for a photographer to cover a assignment for a local charity. I was incredibly nervous having never done anything like this before. It turned out to be very relax and I was asked to capture some images they could use on their website. proVISIONASIA was founded by two Americans back in 1986. It is a non profitable charity based in Bangalore which focuses on helping the physically challenged generally from poorer areas. Facilities they offer include medical treatment, rehabilitation, work placement, training and play groups. It's a very worthy charity and has been life changing to a number of people who would have been seen as outcasts in India. Their goal is to empower people and give them the future they deserve.

This little girl was always playing up to the camera. Her large eyes draw you in.

His Furrowed Brow

A life time of outdoors manual work shows in his face. This hard working gardener very kindly let me photograph him whilst we were walking around the Garden of Five Senses  in Delhi.

Colours of Delhi

We had to fly up to Delhi for a business dinner at the weekend. It was a fleeting trip but we managed to visit the India Gate.  Built in 1931 by Sir Edwin Lutyens and inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. We also visited a wonderful garden called the 'Garden of Five Senses'. Its spread over 20 acres and has many themed areas show casing amazing stone and bronze sculptures. It's built over a rocky terrain. The many types of flowering trees and shrubs supported by hard landscaping, creating private spaces for the young courting couples.

Courting Couples