Tickets booked

So my tickets are finally confirmed for my visit to Australia and New Zealand. For all my friends and family in the Gold Coast, be prepared, Ishaan and I are rocking the city for seven whole days! And then we fly to Auckland for Jen and Damian's wedding... and finally back to QuakeChurch city by March 26th. Watch out, the John-Ta'ala duo are back in town (almost).

Photoshoot

Last week, someone from the tourism department here in Mayapur called me up and asked if Mandakini and I could be in a tourism advertising campaign to get people visiting Mayapur. It was organised through the tourism department of the whole of West Bengal, so it was kind of a big deal, and it basically involved us meeting the head minister of the West Bengal Tourism department, as well as his daughter, and then put on our best saris for a quick photoshoot. The photos would be used for advertising on billboards, magazines, posters, etc, and encourage people in West Bengal to visit wonderful Mayapur.

The ministers daughter Priya came to be in the photoshoot with us too, and we had fun dressing her up, doing hair and makeup etc, and putting on her sari. We even managed to swap phone numbers so when I go to Kolkata next, we can meet up and she can take us to some good shopping spots.

We probably won't see the final advertisement for a little while, but here are some shots of the day.

Priya, me and Manda

Syamalika is heeeeere!

She arrived early this morning, about 5am, along with Abhi (her finace), Radhanga (Abhi's mum) and Vrindi and Vani (Abhi's brothers). SO happy to have my sister back. And then when Pita gets here in 3 weeks, the whole family will be in the same place at the same time. Its a miracle I say.

Happy New Year!

With love from our cosy set-up on the balcony of our apartment, complete with fairy lights, candles, a bonfire and a wonderful group of friends.

Bring on 2012.