Ooty!!
Hey everyone, it's Chantalle!
We've had an amazing trip so far (as Im sure you can gather from the below posts) and Ooty has been another wonderful experience. This morning we went to a lookout point - the highest peak in Tamil Nadu- which offered a stunning view of the hills and the town of Ooty. While we were walking around the look-out we saw a wild monkey, of which we were taking pictures when it started getting feisty. After watching the monkey eat carrots from a man's hand, try to climb onto Ali's backpack (Ive never seen Ali run so fast after he realized what has happening), and try to steal a woman's purse- we went back down the mountain.
Next we went to the Tea factory and museum. Here we learned the history of tea both in the world and in Tamil Nadu, and got to see the five stages of tea production. The leaves are withered for 10 hours, and then ground in various stages into a fine pulp. It is then left to oxidize, and roasted at a hundred and fifty degrees before it is sifted. We even got to taste the tea at the end of the tour. The tea-lovers of the group (everyone) bought teas at the exit of the factory, and may have even bought a few presents. The visit to the tea factory was both interesting and very tasty.
Then, we finally got to experience the amazing Ooty shopping that the last India trip told us so much about! Preena is officially the best bargainer in the world; I dont know if Ill be able to shop without her ever again ;). I wont say much about the shopping because I dont want to give anything away, but I think a few of you at home will appreciate our shopping today in a few weeks!
Now we're back at the hotel, enjoying the scenery and the slightly cold weather. We've been practicing our non-skills at hackey-sack, and playing the habitual cards. Id also like to add that the guys had a very manly night last night, watching 'Maid in Manhattan' until 11.. haha.
Anyway, hope you are all enjoying march break back at home. To those who have commented, thanks!! We miss you, comment again!
~Chantalle
(ps: hugs and misses to the girls and to my Gaik =) )
posted by Justin Medved @ 4:28 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Preena, I think I speak on behalf of the whole family when I say that we're proud of your bargaining skills! Mom misses you SOOOO much...it's really funny. You may need to call home more often so she feels better. Dad says hi, and be sure to bring us back something nice! ;)
Glad to hear everyone's having a great time. We miss you all tonnes and can't wait to hear stories when you return! I'm sure the weather in Ooty is much better than it is here (although it hasn't been too bad). Thanks for keeping us updated - we love reading your stories!!
-Meesha
Hey Chantalle, Erin and Nicole here. We were very pleased that you described in such detail the process of making tea. I think we are going to go try and make some right now since you gave us such good instructions! jks! Hope the rest of your stay is as good as the last few days! p.s. Gaik is coming over tonight (for real)...hehe! Have fun!
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