Showing posts with label Gurgaon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gurgaon. Show all posts

Thursday, 14 February 2019

Our Weekdays

During the week while M is at work we follow a fairly regular pattern. Mj and lj spend the mornings doing Maths, French, English, Indian History and spellings each day, with Science, Letters to their classes back home, learning the catechism, writing diary entries and drawing what they have seen dispersed through the week. Most mornings Ez and Cal have had a nap which has been a real blessing, giving the older two a chance to focus on learning.
At noon we clear away our books and prepare lunch so that we are ready to head out shortly after.
The first couple of weeks we tried out lots of different activities and places but as the weeks have gone on we have started to return to the places we enjoy most or are most useful.
Each week Mj and lj have been ice skating at Ambience Mall, which also gives me a chance to do some food and general shopping in Big Bazaar. We enjoy South Point Mall with it’s Bricks Cafe, a space to build Lego while I have lunch or a coffee and we DID enjoy ‘going bananas’ which is a soft play with a cafe attached...that was until today when they told us that Lj was to old to play in it...even though there were no children playing and at least 5 staff doing nothing. Anyway, it forced us to try ‘Monkey business’ for the first time which is a very clever business idea. It provides childcare per hour for parents who need an hour here or there to work. It was a lovely space and as is fairly normal there was no one else using it.
This week we have found two spots where we can go for a walk and have a run around which is nice although these are quite dependant on the air quality that day.
After our little outing we come back for a rest, then head outside to play tennis, play in the park or some basketball before it is dinner time, bath time and bed time.
I’m so thankful that we have made some friends. So on the days we catch up with them our schedule is rearranged but i’m just glad we have company and can deal with the routine getting knocked.













Tuesday, 5 February 2019

A weekend in Agra.

As I type we are on our way back to Gurgaon after a weekend in Agra. The journey should take approx. 4 hrs. Mj and lj are watching a film on my ipad, Ezra is colouring with his water pen and Calvin is fighting with some stickers. Let's hope the peace remains.
Yesterday we made the journey down early in the morning.
Our first sight to see was of course the Taj Mahal. It didn't dissapoint. It really is majestic as it sits elegantly on the skyline. As I said on my IG, it feels surreal now to be able to say that we have seen it. We spent the late afternoon at our hotel, the Radisson Blu East Gate which boasts a view of the Taj from its rooftop... although disappointingly, not when it is foggy! It also has a rooftop pool which it describes as 'refreshing'. Lj and Ezra can testify to the 'freshness' of the non heated, outdoor pool on a not - particularly - hot day.
This morning we visited the Agra Red Fort which was surprisingly special. Beautiful open spaces surrounded by highly decorated but not gaudy red stone buildings. A great place for kids to run off some energy.

2 days later...
We made it home although I did wonder, as our driver drove like a mad man through the really busy roads of Delhi. My nerves were rather frayed but we survived!








Wednesday, 23 January 2019

Shopping for books

Our mission today was to find a book shop, Kool Skool, which had been recommended by our new American friend. It was in another shopping mall which pushed us out of our comfort zones. But I feel we are gaining confidence in dodging stray dogs and not being put off by dusty, run down looking stalls. After going down to the basement, up to second floor and back down to ground and asking four different people for directions we finally found what we were looking for.
What amazes me is that although from the outside the shops look tired and out of date, inside they carry all the well known brands and latest items.
We purchased a few books to keep us going and I particularly liked these two. One has an audio cd which I thought would be useful on our long car journeys. I was also drawn to the watercolour illustrations as Lj and I are trying to improve our watercolor skills on this trip. Perhaps, I'll post a few of our watercolor efforts one day.



Sunday, 20 January 2019

Friends


It seems that in order for us to make new friends we need to stay out later in the evening. There was a hive of activity around the parks this evening. Mj and Lj had great fun playing 'tag' with some kids their age and plan to meet up tomorrow! 

Friday, 18 January 2019

A real Indian takeaway



Tonight we had our first real Indian takeaway. It was delicious. The kids were v brave and tucked in too... Adding a mouthful of mango lassi with every bite of korma!! Calvin was the funniest. The spiciness didn't put him off his love of food but oh the facial expressions as he persevered on. 
I also loved the packaging that the take away arrived in. V cool illustration. 

Spotty Cal

Calvin has chicken pox and has it pretty bad. He didn't get much sleep last night and was feeling pretty miserable this morning  .. Until we took him outside to the park and now he seems 'happy as Larry'!


Thursday, 17 January 2019

MJ and Ljs guide to eating out




The kids have decided to rate the places we stop to eat while here in Gurgaon. Yesterday's surprise spice in a 'non spicy' pizza and being double charged left Pizza Hut with zero stars. Today's eatery, IHOP fared much better with 5 stars. 

Wednesday, 16 January 2019

Ice skating




Ice-skating today at Ambience Mall, Gurgaon. Ezra was disappointed that he couldn't skate but MJ and Lj loved it and want to go everyday. While we watched, I tucked into a coffee and chocolate brownie without considering the cleanliness of the outlet that serve it. Please stay away Delhi Belly!


Sunday, 13 January 2019

We made it!




The view from our apartment! Floor 15 of 27. We also found the play park.