The Bennett's visit Madurai

I was excited about the Bennett's visit , so when I go one text followed by another telling me of delays in the flight I began to wonder if they would actually make it on the Fri. Evening ! Anyway the final delay was due to the President wanting to land at Chennai airport before their flight which meant them arriving at 11pm. Instead of 6 pm. which was a pity . 

Next morning we did the temple tour and then went over to Anita and Lakshmans for lunch . 

As I was a guest for the day. I wanted to contribute something but wasn't sure about the etiquette so decide to be blunt and just ask. So it was decided that I would provide the alcohol , not widely available and it's kept very quiet if you do drink .

My next task was to source it but as usual the family had a "source "  

This chap on the right arrived with a shopping bag with the bottles all wrapped in newspaper.

It seems since Madurai has become an "international destination " buyers " stand at the arrivals gate and buy duty free from I presume from known travellers.

I plumped for 2 Australian Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon" £12 a bottle , not bad at all I thought .The family don't drink much at all but were excited at the thought of a couple of glasses .

The White was a Californian Chardonnay which is a no no for me .

So back to the lunch which. Lakshman kindly made and was very tasty . We all had garlic bread and nibbles together to start with but the main course we as the guests were served and ate as they watched , quite strange but It's just the way it's done .

Lakshman wasn't sure how to open the wine .

The guests being served their lunch

Anita's sister joined us for lunch.

We were stuffed but out came the homemade chocolate ice cream cake which Lakshman had made for his sons birthday . It was really good but we couldn't move by the time we left. 

It was in the way back that I began to think "hmm " not sure I feel quite right here !. 

The outcome ... We didn't leave the hotel that evening as planned to go and see the evening ceremony at the temple . I wasn't ill ill I  just felt safer being at the hotel close to amenities.

As it happened we had a relaxed evening a  good chat and Lorraine had a couple of cocktails. I actually risked one later on as well !

So having been quite pleased with myself at having escaped the  dreaded lurgy it got me in the end , but fortunately not enough to stop me going on our trip On Sunday . That is the next blog and will be an interesting one so keep reading.