Meeting Ravi's Grandad in Surat

Mahesh mama s stall

View more photos 

Surat is a city which is poor in historical places and natural sights, but rich in industries. The city is famous for exports of Diamonds and Sarees . It has a patchy reputation as it held the most recent plague outbreak 8 years ago. After major efforts by the people Surat was recently selected amongst the cleanest cities in India. (cant see how!!)

We stayed with Ravis Grandad and his family in Katargam, Surat. The welcome was flawless as always and almost slightly embarrassing. Flower garlands were put around our neck and puja perfomed before we entered the house. It seemed like the whole street was expecting us and all had come out on the smaller narrow alleys to meet the foreigners.

 It was so very hot so we all slept on the roof watching the night sky and listening to the fading sounds of the railway. Every morning the children went to school at 7:00 and were back before 10:00 meanwhile the three aunts were busy cooking lunch which consisted of Dahl bhat, One sabji and roti. Dada (Grandad) always ate first with Ravi, and we sat with the kids.

Mahesh Mama, mami, Neha, Divya and Jinal

View more photos 

Dada is  in his  80's and came across with a loving and caring personality. At this age he is still the King of the family house and is loved and respected by everyone, both younger and older.

Last year Surat was hits by floods with of over 15ft in some places. Dada's house was also flooded and for two weeks the family had to live on the roof of the house, along with another 2 families from the street that had their houses flooded. The neighborhood network was so strong that no one in the street had to go without. The children all had their own experiences to share with us.

A week in Surat taught us a lot about how such a large family has to live and work together in harmony. Their hospitality was flawless and we enjoyed every minute of it.