Gam and Aunt Anne's Visit Days 1 and 2

First, I want to thank Gam and Anne for bringing Mac and Cheese and chocolates from home. Two things that you can not get here that easily without paying a fortune for it. Well, chocolate you can get here but it does not taste the same. It is made differently because of how hot it is here in India. Very thoughtful. I really did not realise how much I missed it, until they brought it for us. JJ wanted Mac and Cheese again for dinner tonight. Now onto their visit in Bangalore.  They have completed 2 Airbnb experiences.



Day 1: Cooking Class (same class John and I took but catered to their interests)
Here is the description on Airbnb Experiences:
We will begin our experience with tasting of 3-4 popular street snacks and local beverages which are home-made. Then, together we'll discover age old recipes, starting from local raw materials, spices and you will prepare it with your OWN HANDS! Plunge yourself completely in the Indian atmosphere and learn how to prepare an entire traditional Indian meal in a family, friendly and relaxing atmosphere! Discover culinary customs and traditions of the Rajasthanis. And of course, we'll have dinner all together eating all our Indian creations! Our location proposes a calm and serene atmosphere at the outskirts of the city: a home with a small courtyard garden in a friendly atmosphere with hammock and cushions. We’re looking at the greenery everywhere! You will spend unconventional time in a place far from mass tourism and beaten paths!

 Originally, we were planning this for Monday, March 18th but she is away for Holi. I emailed her on Tuesday night and she graciously accommodated them for Wednesday evening.  She is truly amazing! Here is the menu that Gam and Aunt Anne helped to prepare:

Starters: Pani puri (golgappe) , Dahi Puri and Mirchi bhajjis( chilli pakodas).These are not spicy.

Beverages: Lassi , masala tea/coffee, Aam panna (sour mango beverage), Ragi sattu

Main course(dishes we will make together) : 

Butter chicken , Egg curry,  dal fry

Phulkas(Indian bread)

Potato Dum Biryani

Home made Indian Sweets

Regional Chutneys and pickles

They raved about it as soon as they got back. It was really cool to feel the same way as they did when we took the class. I am glad it all worked out.

Day 2: Eat, Pray and Relax in an Old Suburb (Funny thing is that it is the same host as the cooking class, Geeta. I did not realise it when I booked it)

John and Aunt Anne went on this tour and it was equally as amazing as the cooking class. They are just such cool people. So much so that we are planning a Utopian Eating Society, India with them.

Here is the description from Airbnb Experiences:
We will walk the streets to enjoy local breakfast and famous filter coffee or tea at old local food joints. We will stop at at least 3 different places to try out local authentic dishes and some more depending upon your interest . Then we will walk through the old charming places talking about the history, Indian traditions and culture of the place. We will visit Dravidian style architecture temples. Immerse yourselves in the local spirit and watch the locals pay their respects to the Gods. After this if you are interested in shopping, I will drop you in the shopping street .

 John and Aunt Anne were full of energy when they got back. They had so many stories to tell us. They went to about 5-6 eateries that were the original places that fist sold a certain food and 5-6 temples all in the same area. John and Aunt Anne got to see Bangalore for all the small unique qualities it has that even my local friends do not talk about. John had a task to absorb as much in as possible so he can replicate it when other guests come in. 














We are off to Mysore this weekend. Mysore is 140 kms from Bangalore in Southern Indian State of Karnataka. The way the  travel books describe is "the abode of untold grandeur and glory. Mysore has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid out gardens, imposing buildings, road shady avenues and sacred temples." 

 Let's us see if this lives up to the description...And yes we are staying in an Airbnb. Stay tuned...

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