The last week was definitely a good time to be at Native Place. Where else would you be able to say cheers in 3 different languages? Yamas in Greek, Skal in Swedish, and Sante in French (we’re yet to figure out the Hindi version for it). The Swedes and the French (from the Reunion Islands) made sure the house and Tower Hill were buzzing with energy.

A lot more was done other than just making merry. The pilots all paid a visit to the Golden Glades school in Govitri, whom they have previously helped by providing educational and other material. The trip to the school had the pilots and the kids grinning ear to ear. “They were all so polite and pleasant, the whole experience really touched me”, said Haken, one of the Swedes. He is also amazed at how happy everyone in India is (although that I would attribute to the Native Place effect!)

Conversations ranged from schools in India to the ones in Sweden, eventually drifting to religion, customs and the ever-present confusion about the bindi. However, although their size might say differently, the Swedes were dwarfed by the French in making their presence felt around the guesthouse. After spending a whole day at the paragliding site, their laughter and singing (yes, singing) continued till pretty late in the night. Some of them needed to catch up on their sleep in the daytime, and found incredibly comfy spots!

Other than the great laundry fiasco (ask Angeliki when you see her), the staff also survived through the week despite the major language barriers (sign language does work). It is going to be quiet around here for a while, unless some of you are planning to visit. Now is the time to get to Kamshet as the weather is changing. There is a nip in the air (which we are sure of since we say the Swedes putting on Jackets), and the days a sunny and clear with visibility for miles. So hurry and get here since, hopefully, winter is coming.