Update

It's been a couple of weeks since we posted an update, which begs the question - what have we been up to? Getting ready to go home, that's what. May 29 is getting awfully close, and we're definitely ready to hit the road.

Last week I had to go to Bangalore for work, so Luanne and the boys tagged along. It was a good week for us all - I got a lot accomplished at the office, and everyone else got a lot accomplished lounging around the hotel pool and generally getting a break from Chennai. Bangalore is much more western than Chennai, and the climate is much milder as well. Sadly, it was in the 90's all week and it felt downright cool out of the sun at times. Summer back in Michigan is going to feel quite cool, I'm afraid.

The trip to Bangalore was fun (with a few exceptions). I must admit, the train station at Chennai was a bit intimidating. It was wall-to-wall people with very little signage, and keeping track of four bags and two kids while we're bumping our way towards the tracks was quite an experience. Luckily, Prem was able to come with us and helped with the bags, directions, and translation. That guy's a lifesaver.

Also a first for me, I got pick-pocketed. Someone lifted my cell phone right off my belt and I didn't even feel it. Thankfully the ever-vigilant Luanne saw it happen, quickly told me, and while the guy was trying to slink away I grabbed it back from him. Keeping with the tenets of small unit tactics, we didn't pursue it it any further in favor of not over-extending our perimeter around the luggage and kids. Fun!

The train ride itself was nice, and took about five hours. It was an air-conditioned car that had power outlets and reclining seats. They fed us a surprisingly good meal, complete with appetizers, coffee, soup, main course, and desert. Not bad at $120 for four round trip tickets.

We did a little sight-seeing on Saturday before going back to the train station for our return trip. Not surprisingly, our driver wanted nothing more than to take us to any of the seemingly endless string of "handicraft" shops that pay him commissions for bringing in customers. We eventually couldn't take it any more (after asking for a shopping mall nearly 10 times) and had him drop us off at the train station about two hours early. On the upside, Micah got a nap. On the downside, once again, I had someone grab my shirt and camera bag (which was on me) when I told them we didn't have any money. I shoved him back and yelled, and fortunately there was a decent guy near us that hustled over when he heard the commotion. All in all it was a minor incident, but it would have been much worse if Micah woke up.

Prem was waiting for us at the Chennai station, and found our car before the train actually came to a stop. The boys were very excited to see him, and Noah held his hand the entire way to the car.

All in all, it was a pretty good trip.