October 1, 2014 -- Mohali, Phase 11

Last Saturday, blazing hot as it was, we decided to hop into an auto rickshaw and go to Phase 11 Mohali, where we lived in 2004.  We now live in Phase 3B2 -- a long drive down our main road to Phase 11.

We had our driver let us out at the park in which I walked almost every day while here, and I was sure I could find my way to “our house.”  Bear in mind that the shops have changed, and MUCH building has taken place.  Where there were tons of vacant lots before, of course they are connected houses now, and nothing looked the same.

I insisted we launch out in a different direction from the one Rob wanted, and after walking to where I was sure the house would be, it WASN’T.  So we set off again to where Rob thought it was, and it WAS.  Damn.  I walked in that neighbourhood ALL THE TIME and Rob almost never set foot outside.   How could I get so turned around.

Anyway, we found the house – painted differently with houses in every lot that had once been weeds.  Rob took a picture of the place, and of course drew attention to us in the doing, so that the new owner came out to find out what we were doing.

She actually had heard that Canadians used to live in that house and was pleased to see them with her own eyes.  She invited us in for tea, but we begged off.  (Her English was almost nonexistent, and we know what a painful visit that can be - from our day in Hoshiarpur 10 years ago – the Longest Day of Our Lives.

The man living in the house directly across the street also invited us to tea.  Much better English but how can you say yes to one when you said no to the other .  This house was under construction in 2004.  There was a family with 8 kids under 8 yrs.living and working there on the construction.  The Mother had her 9th there at the site in December of that year.

Our favourite Departmental Store was gone, and the IWay where we went to do internet phoning to family.  Of course, the park was still there, and the big Sikh temple, but where we walked in the scrub with street dogs following us --  to bird watch -- was unrecognizable and all built-up.  Sad in a way, but inevitable, I guess.

Hansi