Tuesday Update

First, Vindya flipped out again, but they seem to be getting shorter and milder, and in between she is funny and giggly.

Second, the political strikers - When we went down for breakfast, all the curtains were closed, but I figured we were a little early, and they just hadn't finished opening yet. While housekeeping was cleaning the room, we went down and sat in the lobby. I noticed that all the windows were covered with shades or curtains, and thought that they must be keeping a low profile, just in case. Then someone checked out, and they took him out through the service door past the kitchens, and I suddenly realized that there was a huge chain and padlock across the front door, and the parking area was roped off.

This freaked me out a little, so when we went back upstairs I called the US Consulate here. I had a nice chat with a young man (with an American accent!!!) who said that things would probably be fine in our neighborhood, but I should use good judgment and avoid crowds. He also said that all the autos and taxis are on strike, so I can't go further than walking distance anyway. I told him about the chains, and he said that they were just trying to make it obvious that they support the strike, as they have a lot to lose if they don't. He wished me luck on the adoption and said that I'm welcome to come down to the consulate to visit.

The TV is back, and the local CNN affiliate is showing what they are calling "mild stone throwing" near one of the universities. I don't think it's near us, but we'll be staying in all day. I can hear banging drums and chanting from here, so I think that's a good decision.

I also checked the blogosphere and found an American family living in our neighborhood. I e-mailed, and we are going to have lunch on Thursday, and possibly attend an ex-pat BBQ on Friday.

Seriously, all this situation needed to tip it over the edge was political unrest. What's next, earthquakes?