We returned last week from a long 11 days trip. This is probably the first time in 10 years that I have taken such a long break.

We went to chennai on Aug 1st. We stayed in hotel trident as like the last time we went to chennai. On Aug 2nd, I attended the AGM of Manali Petrochemicals. Ever since I started investing I have been wanting to attend an AGM, only this year it became convenient to attend. To my surprise, lot of people had come for the AGM. However most of them were concerned only with getting snacks and gifts. I witnessed shareholders piling up gifts in bags while the meeting was going on. Add to it, one if the suggestions during the Q&A session was to revert back to soaps and cosmetics for gifts rather than the wall-clock that was gifted. Despite this gift-seeking crowd, there was a good gathering in the hall for the meeting. The chairman of the board, Ashwin Muthiah, chaired the meeting. He answered most of the queries from the shareholders, directing some queries to CFO.

In the afternoon, we visited Isaiah's (Rani's relative) house. He has two kids and they had gone to school. We waited until they returned and spent sometime with them.

Later we visited the church at st. Thomas mount. I have a emotional attachment with this serene hill. I had spent hours weeping in this place. But for the past five years or so, I'm returning to this place every year with thanks in my heart – my delhi engagement, two kids, kid for Joy and this year, increase in my engagement fee. It has been so consistent that even Rani started believing.

After good amount of time, we went back to the hotel at about 7 pm. Then I went for swimming, which of course is highly relaxing.

Later in the evening I met with Deepak and discussed his business plan. He is a committed and skilful guy. He bounces off ideas with me every now and then over phone, so I took some time to meet with him in person.

As you can see it was a full day. Am glad about it.

On Saturday we left to Tuticorin by Spicejet. It is a 50 sweater and what surprises me is that it is full every time we have taken. That much demand exists!

We visited Ganesh & Mary on Sunday. For long Ganesh worked in far away places like Andhra and Bombay. All those times Mary was in his native place taking care if the two young kids. We have prayed often that they should stay together as a family. Recently Ganesh got a job in Nellai and Mary got a teaching job in a near-by school. It was a satisfying and happy occasion to be in their house. Am convinced they will only grow in every aspect from now on.

Aug 5th was the big day for which we went to Tuti. Six adults and three kids had to get ready early in the morning. Despite that inconvenience, we decided to go for the high mass of the golden car festivity. We knew its going be heavily crowded, as like every other time. Yet I wanted to be there and I wanted Piyo to experience the same. To our surprise, the crowd management was well done. We were very close to the golden car and were able to watch the proceedings from near.

Next day we visited churches in Uvari, Udangudi, Periyathai and also the Manal Matha church. As a custom we finish the trip with a visit to Manapad beach. Manapad has a clean serene and safe beach. I couldn't play in the beach as I had to take care of Jerry, nevertheless it was a relaxing time.