Sumitra Auntie

It is with great sadness, I write that Chotu Uncles older sister and Bila Tatha's elderst daughter, Sumitra Auntie passed away yesterday in Fiji. The extended family gathered at Chotu Uncle's place last night. Sumitra Auntie and Uncle (formally of Lomowai) was scheduled to arrive in New Zealand today for the onward trip to India later this month. The cause is not yet known, Baby Auntie said that the doctors diagnosed a lack of oxygen to her brain and admitted her for some blood transfusion to prepare her for the trip. She already had one transfusion and that went well. The second one had a reaction but she recoverd well and was just about to be discharged for the trip. Sumitra Auntie had been battling Diabetics for a while. As of last night Madhu, the youngest son was not able to be contacted in Canada. Thata and Vani are planning fly to Fiiji today. Chotu Uncle was out of town last night.

Chotu Uncle's Contact:

161 Kaipara Road. Papakura, Auckland, New Zealand

++6492965170.

Please, pass this sad news to family and friends

Our thoughts are with them in this sad moment.

Avi's Stag Nite.

12 of us set off to Hamilton on drizzly Saturday morning on a 12 Seater Van with me on the Drivers Seat. The party at my place night before was pretty civil(ie. no hang-overs) and tasty with Amma and Rohini dishing out fresh Dosai to a mixed crowd which went down really well. The last pick-up was at Mama place. Chotu unlce looked liked he had not stooped celebrating his 50th dinner party from the night before.

The Van was full of Lomowai and Qeleloa Gumpu with one visitor from India, Navin's friend and our official Photographer. Appa went with 2 of Bunny's friend in a car following us. He was in the Van with us in the return trip.

From Jays 40th From Jays 40th From Jays 40th From Avi's Stag From Avi's Stag

Gopal in his usual wisdom set out the rules for the weekend. Everyone was to have a nick name and real names was penalised. 4 offences cost a round of Amrit Jal to everyone at the temple stops on the way to Hamilton. The stops became the plan as golf was canceled due to bad weather. I cant really repeat the names in this blog, maybe one. The most decent one was given to the only European. His nick name was Black Bitch. This game kept everyone entertained on the trip down.

From Avi's Stag From Avi's Stag From Avi's Stag

We checked-in in the Inn and made our way to Moon Kaka's place 10 minutes away. I gave the drivers seat to Avneet in Hamilton. Aveent is Moon Kaka's son who does not drink (must take after his father). After cutting a surprise cake for Chotu uncle's 50th, and a surprise kiss from Rajan for my 40th, in the garage, we sifted to the backyard. Moon Kaka's new house is a lovely three bedroom house in a good area. The paved backyard boasted a Fiji style wash tub, mainly used for culling live animals. Munni Kaki's lamb chaser was top's and the BBQ was sizzling with fresh pork, courtesy to Moon's new Samdhi. Soon the meat was flowing alongside Bunny's Blue Label and a 20 year old Chivas...like honey.Gopal did not waste time inciting some Qeleloa/Lomawai camaraderie and soon the songs were flowing. Gyan even challenged him with a Tirkuttu song. Moon Kaka's amd Munni Kaki's hospitality will never be forgotten. (Moon Kaka obviously takes after his father)

From Avi's Stag From Avi's Stag From Avi's Stag

We headed to the City with Bunny in Ball and chains, courtesy of his friend Anand. It was supposed to be a penance for him but he soon turned it to his advantage, making most of the guys envious. He was gently persuaded to take it off by the police, maybe he looked too much of a terrorist.

From Avi's Stag From Avi's Stag From Avi's Stag

Some went home some stayed and ended up in the casino, and bed at 5am, only to wake up 8.30am to watch All Blacks in the hotel bar. And yes, the lady was serving beer alongside orange juice at 8.30 am. Since Bunny get away too easy we decided to push him in the cold swimming pool.

On the way back the Sahitaans were still thirsty for the Amrit Jal. We stopped at Chotu uncle, slaughtered a few ducks, took it to Amma's. But by the time it was ready some just could not make it.

From Avi's Stag From Avi's Stag From Avi's Stag

On the whole a very memorable weekend. Next stop, the wedding.

My Recent 3 Day Trip to Fiji

Just a little recap on my recent 3 day visit to Fiji. This trip was after 12 years and for a sad occasion on the passing of Mami. I am really glad that I made the trip to represent all the brothers and sisters. It dawned on me after a while after hearing the news, that she happens to be a lot in my memory bank as a child growing up in Fiji.

From Fiji Trip 06

I spent a lot of school holidays in Lomowai where she cooked the most delicious meals. In fact that's what I probably missed the most as I sat on the Kitchen floor having the food that the neighbours brought for the funeral. It was not her that was serving it. It did bring back some fond memories. The funeral went really smoothly and I caught up with lots of the Lomowai Village residents. Some growing and looking older, some no changes. Mama was the usual under the circumstances but I think he did a good job putting up with the show. He offered me a Bathak (Duck) to sneak away and cook at Baba Mama’s. The sons relaxed a bit after the cremation and there were some reminiscing conversation over Kava. Funny, enough a lot of conversation was on Danger Tata and there were some funny moments.

From Fiji Trip 06

From Fiji Trip 06

Babba Mama and Mami were really hospitable and they have a very comfortable house. It’s a really home away from home with all the mod-con’s. I think he only called me by Jayant twice, the rest of the time it was Navin. He said it was my fault for being away for so long. Kamlesh Mama and him slaughtered a goat on the last day at Babba Mama’s place and all his family came over. Good to catch up with all the cousins and yes, they all are keeping the family tradition of being good-looking.
Nadi has changed a lot in 12 years for good. The town is looking modern and clean, but the old road to Nadi town is pretty bad. The new back road is good and the Nadi-Lomowai road is good. Could not believe the tar-sealed toad to Qeleloa. Had a short visit at Qeleloa with some beers with Mukund Kaka. Lali Aunty brought some left over chicken chaser and Mukund Kaka had to cook something so he quickly fried some free range eggs. 2 hours at Qeleloa after 12 years, sharing 3 bottles of beer with Mukund Kaka was the best stress relieve I had in 12 years. I really hope we never loose that place. There are so many memories. The same goes for Mama’s place in Lomowai.

From Fiji Trip 06

Intro

Hi all,

I have been thinking about starting a blog for sometime so finally I have started. What's a blog? Blog is short for weblog. A weblog is a journal (or newsletter) that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or the Web site. More info on blogs here..
I have started The Qeleloa-Lomawai Connection Blog, as a place for us to easily catch up with whats happening around us and discuss stuff. I am hoping that it will propagate to involve all our connections around the world so feel free to pass it on.

I will be gradually covering the technical aspects of it so that anyone interested can easily start their own.

For now, please fell free to subscribe to the "The Qeleloa-Lomowai Connection Group" mailing list. It's powered by Google groups and can be used for discussions and mailing lists. Also have a look at the "The Qeleloa-Lomowai Connection Calendar". You will see Avi's Stag Nite Event published in here. Have a play.You all have access to organize events or post comments in this calendar.

Chow for now. Please keep checking this site as I have some interesting stuff and photo's coming up and do leave a comment.