Entry # 22 -- June 30, 2009

Did we mention that it was hot? These are the lazy days of summer. They say that the hottest months here in India are March, April and May. The kids even get out of school during those months. But we would like to make an ammendment to that. It is just as hot in June, July and August! We almost welcome the monsoon season. At least when it rains, the temperature drops. If it is about 38 or 39 degrees Celsius it is equal to 100 degrees Farenheit. And that is too hot for us! We do not have central air conditioning. Some days, all windows are open, the ceiling fans are whirling and a very dependable floor fan, with wheels "travels" to wherever we are camped out in the apartment. We are grateful for the split a/c in the bedroom, which we use at night. We keep the freezer stocked with plenty of cold drinks and ice cubes. On occasion, we have been known to open the refrigerator door and "act" like we are looking for something. We are really enjoying a moment of refreshing cool air!

These are all of the air conditioners, lined up in a row, at the Rajahmundry chapel. No wonder it is called the "A/C church".

Araku Valley in Andrah Pradesh.

They have just put down a new road in front of the chapel in Rajahmundry. It has been built up at least 12 inches higher than the previous road. Now, when it rains the water will go to the gutters/sewers and not flood the road. They make temporary rows of thick mud that criss-cross and they keep replenishing the "boxes" with water so that the road doesn't dry too fast. When you want to cross the street, you have to walk on top of the rows.

Now we know where to find our pumpkin for Halloween! This is a vegetable stand. If you want some fruit, you have to search for a fruit stand down the street. Fruits and vegetables are rarely sold together.

This is actually the inside of a house in a small village. On the opposite side of this home are their living quarters and in the center is an opening in the roof and a well for water.

These are mangos. There are many different types of mangos and some of them are used to make pickles.

Flower garden at Kabini Resort and Safari.

A train coming into the train station in Rajahmundry. We marvel at the mechanics that keep these things going!

A very common stand where you can buy water, soda (warm), chips (always with chili seasoning), shampoo in packets, other treats and also make a phone call using that "darling" yellow phone.

The motorcycle parking lot at the Visakhapatnam train station. They even have a section for v.i.p.'s. I don't know how you would find your bike in the dark!

A little oasis in the middle of Visakhapatnam.

Gardeners love to put their flowers and small bushes in pots.

One of my favorite pictures -- try to make it larger. It is "Michael's Body Freezer Box Service". Michael must be a merchant who deals with the rental of body freezer boxes. Here in India, people are not embalmed. You can be cremated or put in a casket and buried at the cemetery. (Which must be done on the same day that you pass away.) The body has to be kept cold while the family and friends come to pay their respects at your home. The "freezer box" looks like a refrigerator lying down, with a clear cover on top of the deceased person. You just have to trust me on this one, because I don't think I'm going to get a picture of that!

ooh...That makes me shiver!