December 31st, Last day of 2023

Today we went to a breakfast of hard-boiled eggs in a curry; chickpeas in a curry; breads of parotta, and tortilla-type roti; and another version of bananas. There were a couple of young ladies, I think Indian, just finishing when we sat. They were served their tea and left. We did not interact except the polite 'hello' and 'have a good day'. Deeja was not feeling well again, and drinking some of her “coffee”. Francis was not here.

As we were readying to go out, I went down and filled our water pitcher, and “Sky”, their son- his Indian name means Sky, and I can not remember it – said hello. We conversed. He wanted to make sure we remembered the New Year's Eve Celebration on the beach. He also said where it was. (I later asked him what time.) Then we went out on our walkabout. We did have a couple of things to find, so an agenda. This meant not walking on the beach, but on the streets! It is just not as pleasant, so noisy and being on guard of traffic – all the time. Anyway, as we were walking, I saw a man waving… it was our waiter from the restaurant (I need to ask him his name)!!! It was so nice to see him. Coincidence… hmmm. He waved us over to his house and invited us in. In a front bedroom, where he directed us, was His mom! She laid all curled up on the bed, not aware on anything. A lady – his wife? –  said she has Alzheimer's. She was so little and frail, but she was at his home, not in the hospital. I was just thinking God what do I say, and I just reached to hug him. He offered us tea or coffee, but we declined (felt awkward, like we were intruding). Leaving we said bye. He asked if we would be at his restaurant later. (I did not realize it was his? Or is it translation issue? Questions??)

Anyway, we continued on. We went ahead and got more money at an ATM. Jeff had researched a State run Liquor store. We found it – they are usually in a back room or on the second floor. They had a selection of wine!! We found two different Indian wines that we might like, and bought them. It was a hopping, busy place. Now we just headed back to our homestay. Time for cool down rinse, and siesta.

Around five we went out for supper and sunset. We went to our restaurant. We were served by the lady, our waiter was not there. She told us he came in and said we would be by. He is taking a leave. Finally found out his name is Thasleem. So we probably won't see him again, but he and his family will continue in our hearts and prayers. We ordered Chicken Steak Sizzler, which lived up to its name, coming out sizzling and smoking. It had sides of pasta in a seasoned tomato sauce, and french fries. The chicken was covered in a savory, black pepper gravy – so good. Also had ordered a Green Salad – which was long shreds of pickled veggies all mixed in a mound topped with sesame seeds, on a bed of cabbage leaves. They used cabbage leaves also as 'bowls' for the sizzling items. It made for a festive meal and probably our last one here. Sunset – last of this year – was a nice display.

We walked back to our place by way of the beach. Cooled off and started some connections back home. Will catch up with our church back home and then go out and partake of year end festivities.

WISHING Y'ALL A BLESSED AND WONDERFUL  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!