It's raining, it's pouring

Last night Em and I went up onto the roof to watch the skies. As we stood in the dark the heavens were illuminated by great blasts of light followed seconds later by mighty roars of thunder. Unlike at home where you’re lucky to have four or five flashes of lightning altogether, we had a series of flashes every five seconds or so for about an hour. Before long there was a power cut and we were plunged into an even deeper darkness. Every now and then the world would light up all around us and then plunge us back into solid blackness, confusing our retinas somewhat! After about twenty minutes of gazing in awe at the heavens we became aware of a slight rustling noise approaching. As it got louder we realized it was rain, and suddenly standing on a roof in the middle of a thunder storm didn't seem like such a good idea after all.

We hurried back inside being pelted with pea sized rain drops as the heavens opened in earnests above us. We spent the next half an hour watching the show from our balcony and shouting back at the thunder. I think our hosts thought we were totally barmy. For some reason thunderstorms always transform me into a six year old.

A big, smiley bunch of Yankee chaps

More than anything we’re grateful for the rain. As mentioned before our district is suffering with a water shortage at the moment. The monsoon rains failed last year and with reserves running low and no real rain due until June people of every faith have been praying for rain. This week has been punctuated by several spells of heavy persistent rain much to the relief of the locals. Amongst these locals is our new bunch of friends. They come in the form of a team of 17 Americans who are renting a humongous house in a nearby town where they will be living and working. They will be spending their time looking out for those in need in the area, teaching English and business skills to those who want it.

We went to visit them this week and were shown round their incredible house with its breathtaking views of the Niligiri hills. For us it’s been really refreshing to spend some time with some English speakers and talk at length about the really important things in life (cheese, napoleon dynamite and of course coffee). Strangely one of the things we've enjoyed the most is the conversation. It makes a pleasant change to sit in a discussion, understand the topic and simply listen to what is being said. That said if we ever get asked our opinion we tend to give a much longer answer then what is needed, reveling in the opportunity to fully use our mother tongue!

Having said all that Em and I have both felt that given the choice between living in our current circumstances or living with a team we would choose to live with Sam, Laisha and family every time. We feel so lucky that for this short time we are out here we get to spend it with such a wonderful family. These last months we have been properly invested in the culture and language and find it a real privilege to experience all the mini adventures we have been on. We are so grateful to Sam and Laisha for opening their home to us and welcoming us so lovingly.

Next week we’re going on a little adventure. It’s so easy (and seriously cheap) to get about in India with buses and trains costing pence instead of pounds. So I’m whisking Em off for a mini surprise tour which no doubt we will relate to you lovely readers upon our return!

Speaking of which, we've heard from various sources about how many people are reading this blog but we’re consumed with curiosity to know who you are. Therefore if you’re reading this then please leave us a comment! Go on, say hello!