India's Independence Day (August 15, 2023)

Tuesday, August 15 is India's Independence Day.  

The Genpro office was closed and Craig McIlloy was here from the Edinburgh office.  He was staying at the Leela so we decided to spend the day there.

Flower petals are used to decorate all over.  The Leela had a few displays with the Indian flag colors.  This was one in the middle of the lobby with a sunken seating area.  The boys were seated here while we waited on Craig.

We had lunch at the Leela restaurant and had the Indian buffet.  This gave John a chance to try most of the traditional dishes.

The desserts were incredible.  I had to get a little of many of them so I could taste it.  I ended up eating all of the desserts.  The white piece with the flag on top of the trifle was white chocolate.  One of the desserts had caramel in it.  They were delicious.

Craig and Marshall needed to work on a presentation for the Catalyst officers so they booked a conference room and spent many hours in there working.  While they worked, John and I played.

We sat by the infinity pool and enjoyed the breeze and the view.  They bring you a cushion and a towel and even an umbrella if you want it.  We chose the umbrella because the sun was so bright and hot.

We also spent time at the Leela's private beach.  Again, we were set up with a cushion, towel and umbrella.  John hates being waited on.  It makes him feel very uncomfortable. The breeze was fabulous and we stayed here for quite a while.

I made John walk down to the water so he could put his feet in the Arabian Sea.   A guy told him to come back and not go into the water and I made him do it anyway.  He was very mad at me and the man came over and told us that the beach is closed to the public due to monsoon season so we aren't allowed in the water.  I just don't understand why it was a big deal to dip his toes in the water.  No arrests were made so we are good.

Here is another view of the worship area of one of the gods/goddesses and the flower display.

The music that is playing is different and reminds me of White Lotus.  I have mentioned this before and I had John agree with me.

No one in India has heard of the White Lotus show and neither had Craig who lives in Edinburgh.

This floral arrangement is in the lobby and many people were having their picture made with the flowers.

The Leela was very crowded with many families.   I'm not sure if some people were just eating there for the holiday or if they were all staying there.  Craig couldn't even get a table for breakfast.  

At 4:30, we changed clothes and went to the temple that Marshall passed on his way to work.  He wanted to see what it looked like.  It was much smaller that he imagined but they are always deceiving.  It's actually much bigger once you step through the door.  We were not allowed to take pictures inside.

Shaji and Craig went with us.  Again, no shoes.  We left our shoes in the car and our feet were burning on the pavement as we waited for the temple to open.

The men had to wear long pants or a dhoti and take their shirts off.  Marshall was happy to be able to wear his dhoti.

We paid for an offering and all left with sandalwood on our forehead.

Marshall, John and I then went to Kovalam and ate seafood at Johnny's restaurant on the Lighthouse beach boardwalk.