Tourist Day Part 3: Family Night at the Paris International

About an hour after we got back, the Rotarians had arranged an evening for us to meet their families. Up on the rooftop of the hotel, we arrived to find some of them already there standing in line waiting to receive us. So many beautiful children and wives/mothers dressed in gorgeous saris. I need to get me one of those before I fly out.

After a number of greetings, the pictures started again and I found myself surrounded by friendly faces posing for pictures including one chipper and chunky two-year old perched on my hip, the grandson of one of the Rotarians. This little guy was a massive flirt, blowing kisses and fluttering his eye lashes on command. But…he was heavy so I couldn’t carry him around for long even though I enjoyed his little personality thoroughly.

Once all assembled and seated, the second Rotary meeting of the day was opened by the club president, Pasupathi, who invited several people to be seated on the stage. Upon opening the meeting, the club presented Frank and Allen with two beautiful birthday cakes in honor of their birthdays celebrated earlier in the week. Candles were lit and blown out and a confetti popper was set off with a loud pop and confetti spraying overhead. Then they cut their cakes.

Then we did a round of introductions by all of the Rotaplast team and Rotarians followed by a few more presentations. Another flag exchange ceremony was held and then we closed with the US national anthem followed by the Indian national anthem.

The team then said its good-byes to the families and returned to our dinner room for another meal. At this point I was not feeling well. So I went back to my room, sat on my bed, and grabbed my garbage can just in time. Thirty minutes and a lot of dry heaves later, I felt much better and finally had a good night’s rest.

All in all it was a great day being a tourist and not having to go to the hospital. The Rotarians worked very hard to make it nice day and it truly was great to meet their lovely families. After what we’ve seen all week, healthy wives and children are a welcomed sight.

A moment with three of Sanjay's four daughters and the grandson
of another Rotarian (my chunky little friend on my hip). Mary
Gadeken, our PACU assistant, is on the left/back.

Allen, our transporter, and Frank do surgery on their
birthday cakes.

Arlan, our sterilizer, and I exchange flags with the Karaikal club president.