Dressing up in her Sunday finest . . .

. . . For the hoisting of the flag!

It's Republic Day, one of India's approx. 38,754 annual national holidays.

The city streets.

Awaiting the festivities.

A wee photographer takes this gem of Mike, Allie, and Punitha.

The children choreographed a dance.

It was very cute.

Love this photo.

Allie and Clara.

The short stay home and staff.

Allie and her ladies.

The kids showing off their gifts from Sam's 6th grade class.

Traffic Signs

These are all self-explanatory, and represent a good sampler of quotidian things that we as Westerners found hilarious.

Pongal

Rachel and Allie looking on.

Angel and Kasthuri.

Mike and the ladies.

Arthur, the world's biggest goofball.

Mike's attempt at artsy, take 53.

James and George, the cutest brothers in India.

Mary Ann, Sheeba, and a chubby baby.

Pinching salt powder . . .

. . . to make momentary masterpieces.

MCCSS staff getting ready.

Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble....

The Pongal mixture boils over! Much rejoicing.

Setting up the sugarcane.

Getting the accoutrements just right.

Painting the protection home

Lucinda showing the ropes.

The best sander in the East.

Mary Ann and Julia, taking a breather.

Subhashini.

Das wincing with effort.

Angel doing the trim.

Playing the flicky game. This is big.

Das being a stud.

Plucat

Allie and Rachel, blending in.

Stirring the Pongal pots.

Downtown Plucat.

A street scene.

Hungry?

Allie, Lucinda, and Jess at the fishing port.

Water buffalo earning its stripes.

Room for one more?

Bedeck'd!

An example of the amazing (transient) street art.

Rachel and Jess stirring the Pongal pots.

Allie, Rachel, and the other volunteers enjoying the festivities.