Tastes like chicken

 

The Naga tribes eat frogs. We saw several baskets of frogs for sale in Kohima. It’s difficult to make out on this picture, but the frogs’ legs were tied together to prevent escape. A passer-by told me that the Nagas think of frog meat as medicinal.

Inclusive language

 

Inclusive language has a little way to go in Manipur. Taken in central Imphal.

Strawberries in Mahabaleshwar

 

The fruit and vegetables available in Mumbai are generally fine, but after I had a particularly bizarre reaction (involving fever) to some strawberries I was wary of buying them again in the city. My parents and I drove to the hill station village of Mahabaleshwar (about 300km south east of Mumbai) in early May for the weekend. Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of Bombay province during the British Raj. My great-great-grandparents were married there in 1867.

Mahabaleshwar is very pleasant, although super touristy. I think it would be nice in the winter when it’s a little emptier – although not so enjoyable during the monsoon when it’s apparently spectacular but sodden. These strawberries, at Rs 80 per kilo, were delicious – so much so I bought 5 kilos!

Colaba graffiti

 

Taken May 2013, near the Taj hotel in Colaba.

Absence

I could have sworn it was only yesterday that I last posted, but apparently ‘yesterday’ is over two months ago. I’ve been completely involved in finishing one of my chapters, which ultimately topped out at 60,000 words. I wouldn’t exactly describe it as enjoyable, but I am pleased with myself for persevering. I’ve just returned from a 10-day trip around India, so many pictures to come.