From universities, palaces and Indian households

Tuesday, 30.09.2016: After a 3-hour taxi ride, we arrive at Tamil University in Thanjavur. Jasmin wants to meet the chancellor of the university and a Tamil historian from Liverpool here. First, we are taken to a car and brought to the nearby building 500m away. When we arrive there, we find ourselves in a fully occupied classroom. Jasmin is allowed to give a short speech about her project. Afterwards, as a sign of honor, a cloth is placed on her shoulders. I am also called forward and receive the same honor. After more speeches, we are driven back to the main building.

After a somewhat lengthy negotiation in the chancellor's office, we are given access to Tamil writings that have been hand-carved on palm leaves. Most of them are so small that you need a magnifying glass to read them. Afterwards, the chancellor invites us to have lunch together at a nearby hotel. Oh dear, the first time eating proper Indian food - without cutlery, of course. I think I did quite well, considering my white shirt was still white afterwards :D

Afterwards, we went to the King's Palace. It was quite impressive. The grand reception hall is simple yet splendid, with columns and many decorations. It's definitely worth a visit. (I spent hours in the three museums, while Anni looked annoyed at the clock [Editor's note]).

Wednesday, 30.08.2016: Finally, a slightly calmer day. In the morning, I diligently write on my blog while Jasmin goes shopping for the meal that Vasantha will cook for us for lunch. It's another chance to practice eating with our fingers. It's getting easier. And here I am teaching my kids not to eat with their hands at work. In the afternoon, surprise surprise, it rains. So we decide to take a walk in the rain, attracting the attention of all the villagers. Still, it was loads of fun.

Thursday, 01.09.2016: We have a date with one of Jasmin's acquaintances. We are invited to have a meal at his house. Wow, getting a glimpse into the life of an Indian family is simply amazing, and the best part is, Raja speaks German. Finally, a conversation where Jasmin doesn't have to translate half of it. The sweet South Indian mixed-breed dog Julie was also happy to see us.

In the afternoon, Jasmin has a surprise for me. We go out to sea on a small fishing boat. We should be able to see dolphins here. Unfortunately, we have bad luck and only a very small one briefly shows its dorsal fin. However, the view from the sea to the mainland is still beautiful.

In the next blog, we will already be in Pondicherry and Auroville. We will be staying in a luxury hotel and have a meeting with a solar cell expert.