Picture: Cooking Ladies in their finery

Had intended to take the staff out for a meal in the evenng as we did when I was here before, but John decided we would go during the day and go out for lunch. Set off after the kids went to school, 9 to 9.30 he said. This morning Johnson said we would set off at 10am, and in the end it was almost 11, but we never knew why; just sat on the verandah and waited. John's children were coming, the little girl came to tell us before 9, but in the end John himself didn't come, just wife, kids, Johnson and four cooking ladies. The ladies were sensational in their best saris. A small bus, known as a van round here, bounced us merrily to Kanyakamari. It was a good trip with great views from the high vehicle. It has been hazy whilst we've been here with hardly any views of the Western Ghats, but nearer the coast it was clearer and their huge craggy outlines came into view - magnificent.

We got out of the bus near the market and the sea, and first had to visit the 'point' of India and paddle where the three seas meet - Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Felt lovely and warm - there were people swimming but Christy said not good idea, dirty! By the time we'd walked back the few yards to the market our trouser hems were dry again - it's very hot.

Birthday girls

The ladies wished to do 'purchasing' said Johnson, so off we went round the very hot and crowded market. We bought a load of hair ornaments for the girls, and some super-bouncy balls for the younger boys, but drew a blank for the big boys. Perhaps money for them?

Felt a bit sorry for Johnson and the cooking ladies, as the 'purchasing' was very much centred around the kids, and the little girl wanted everything she saw and got it, with Johnson being despatched back to get things for her while everyone else waited. How different from the kids in the hostel. We've never seen them whinge or complain!

Went for lunch in the 'multi-cuisine' restaurant of the Mahindi Hotel, and were delighted that the ladies ordered happily and thoroughly enjoyed a 3-course lunch. The soups were fantastic - must copy! The main courses were also good, and desert was ice cream - or ice cream. We got back about 4pm - a good day.

We were having difficulties booking trains for our next move, as you can only book through main stations, and online booking is an indecipherable maze. Trains are very full too, so you need to keep going to the station to find a 'vacancy'. So, while we were in Kanykamari we booked ourselves into the hotel that owned the restaurant, and will stay there for the weekend, which will be a nice respite and also give us chance to get a train booking and access it easily - we hope!

Played with kids when got back, then went to prayers and Dave tried to record the kids singing without them knowing. It's a very short recording, but the sound is quite good. Three girls, twins and another, had birthdays today. They were gorgeous in pink tunics over flowered pink trousers, with glitter. We sang a rather odd version of Happy Birthday, then the birthday girls handed out sweets to everyone - that is the birthday treat! And they loved it!!

Indoors tonight as outside rather insecty! Sorry, not most exciting blog post!