Author Archives: annetbell

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About annetbell

I am a retired elementary teacher, well seasoned world traveler,new blogger, grandmother, and a new enthusiastic discoverer of the wonderfully complex country of India. Anne

Believe Your Eyes!

Posted on June 10, 2013 by annetbell

In this ancient city of  Varanasi, (Benaras, Kashi) sacred bulls can be seen walking up  and down the stairs (ghats) to access the Gangi for drinking water and bathing. Namaste. . . . .T I I image from Google Public … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, India, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

T J , My Favorite Old Dead White Guy

Posted on June 8, 2013 by annetbell

Growing up just thirty-five miles from Charlottesville in Virginia, spending graduate school years with my husband, and having my son graduate,  I hardly had a choice.  Everything was Mr. Jefferson this or that.  Don’t get me wrong, I love Charlottesville … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Dreamers and Doers

Posted on June 6, 2013 by annetbell

India is full of entrepreneurs…they are everywhere. People here are bursting the edges of society and living on the streets, eating on the streets, working on the streets,  and must work to survive on the streets. All over India there … Continue reading →

Posted in India, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Pondicherry Blessing

Posted on June 4, 2013 by annetbell

The opening scenes of Life of Pi were shot in Pondicherry; the Indian city that is forever a piece of France. You will see it in the lush gardens, French mansions, elegant walkways, and in the nickname Indian Cote d’Azur.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in India, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Poha for Breakfast

Posted on June 1, 2013 by annetbell

These special rice flakes make the most amazing breakfast with the unassuming name of poha.  I can tell you that it is tasty with just a bit of hot  peppers,  nuts (peanuts, I think),   and crunchy cereal on top … Continue reading →

Posted in India, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Made in India

Posted on June 1, 2013 by annetbell

Khadi Gramudyog is a movement to support local production as a  sustainable solution to environmental, economical and social concerns. This all sounds very topical and  now, but this idea of “village industry” was at the heart of Gandhi’s  vision for … Continue reading →

Posted in India, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things

Posted on May 31, 2013 by annetbell

  These were times to try men’s souls, just prior to the Civil War in our country. This is probably one of many such stories of men and women rising to the occasion to do the right thing. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Holy Cow

Posted on May 30, 2013 by annetbell

Mother Cow is the queen in the pantheon of sacred Indian animals. In fact, she stands head and shoulders above the rest. There are group all over Indian demanding the government name the cow as the national animal to replace … Continue reading →

Posted in India, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 44 Comments

Washington Park Troy , New York

Posted on May 25, 2013 by annetbell

Forest gardening is the world’s oldest form  of gardening, and dates back to 10,000 BC! Enough history. .. . This lovely garden is  in the center of the block on which I live. As you can see from the sign, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized, USA | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

The Most Exotic Marigold. . . . . .

Posted on May 23, 2013 by annetbell

Giant flat bowls of marigolds greet you at the entrance to the House of MG, Ahmedabad’s Urban Heritage Hotel, found in the chaotic heart of the old city.  After all, these perky golden blossoms mean good luck and happiness. Because … Continue reading →

Posted in India, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 26 Comments