Christmas is something which both Simmy and I look forward to every year, because it's the only time when then entire family gets together. Our children Tonya and Unni, along with their spouses Jatin and Ankita and the grandchildren Nevan and now Theia, the newest addition to the family (Unni's daughter) were all here in Kottayam. It was wonderful having them all at home.
This year was quite unique, because after many years all of us managed to spend one day at Mavady, at the ancestral house, now renamed 'Vanilla County' and converted into a plantation homestay resort by my youngest brother Babychan, who as per tradition, inherits the family home. Vanilla County is doing exceedingly well in terms of occupancy and guests, and has truly found its niche on the international tourist map. Babychan and his wife Rani are dedicated professionals in their field and we had the opportunity of watching them at work. It was quite an experience.
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Jatin and Tonya with Nevan and Theia on a hammock in Mavady
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| Jatin entertains a delighted Theia on the hammock |
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| Simmy with Theia at the 'padipura' |
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| Nevan outside one of the tents |
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| Nevan inside a tent |
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The front of the gracious old house
After spending a day at Mavady, we moved onto Edakkara, on the other side of the hill, where another brother George and his wife Pushpa live (my share of the property is also in Edakkara, adjacent to George's). George is a foodie and it was a literal food fest in his house, the table groaning under the weight of all the delicacies. My nephew Mathen and his wife Anu from Goa were also there and the children went for jeep rides as well as a swim in Irukanni, a place which finds mention in another part of this blog. In the night we were entertained right royally by Mathen in his outhouse-cum-bar with a fabulous barbecue dinner.
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