Ticket to Mysore

No member of Alphonse's immediate family had ever traveled by plane. That had to be corrected. So, Alphonse, his wife Alice, daughters Joy and Grace, nephew Albert, and I flew to Mysore in Karnataka for a two-night excurision. We visited the zoo (impressively well-maintained), the wonderful Devaraja bazaar, Mysore Palace, St. Philomena's Cathedral and Chamundi Hill, where I learned that mango slices seasoned with chili pepper should be eaten skin and all. 

We went further afield, as well, to visit the Tipu Sultan's summer palace and Brindavan Gardens, a beautifully landscaped expanse built next to a dam that runs across the Kaveri River. After sauntering on the grounds for an hour, we followed the multitudes across the dam to the main attraction: A fountain programmed to dance to Tamil and Bollywood film songs and the Indian national anthem. , 

We were six on the trip, but many more came to the airport to see us off.  

On board: Alphonse, Joy and Alice 

Grace and Albert. 

At the zoo

Joy and Joy 

Grace 

Roar!  

Looking cool on Chamundi Hill 

Sister, sister 

Kids and big, funny guy

St. Philomena's Cathedral 

Stephanie, Alphonse and Alice at the Mysore Palace 

Ladling out fresh buttermilk at the Sultan's summer palace

Flower girl Grace at the summer palace

Brindavan Gardens by late afternoon 

And by night