3 naps and The Babbling Parrots

When we lived in Greece I adopted the magnificent local custom of having a  - lets call it power nap. A relaxing time out in the middle of those hot summer days, when the sun is at it's highest and the heat seems unbearable. I must admit that the nap comes kind of natural, after those looong lunches filled with Greek yummies in various forms. What joy then to locate a cool place in the shade of an olive tree, and just doze off to the sound of the waves and cicadas while a soft breeze caresses you. 

In Norway, I did not use to nap, and here in India, I must say my power naps has been less about a caressing breeze, (unless it is from the car's AC), and more about dozing-off-in-the-car (stuck in traffic anyway). But sometimes, my long-lost nap-routine is awoken by naps I see around me: 

1. Sleeping dogs is not an unfamiliar sight in the streets of Mumbai. And they sleep on the most noisy spots, by roads and in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Then, it was more peaceful to watch this guy, occupying one of the nicely painted benches in idyllic Hanging Gardens. He was stretching out there in the sun - making me sleepy just looking at him. -Car! 

2. And nothing like a relaxed cat, right? Lying there, blinking her eyes at you. This majestic lady had found her spot on a top of a box, pretending of course that she had no interest whatsoever in the smelling piles of fish lying around at the market... Ah, those smart cats. She reminds me of some of the Greek cats that use to hang out in the fish harbor, stretching out in the shade, on lazy warm summer days.. -Car! 

3. And don't you just love this little guy? Pretending to nap at the tourist's towel. Ye ye... Who are you fooling? Because can squirrels really nap? If they can, they must be the most active nappers ever. This fellow was up with his head all the time, looking around, watching.. He sure found himself a soft place for his express nap though:-) -Nah - don't need the car after this one 

- Oops! Tourist-Return Alarm: better hit the road, guys! 

So, some relaxing nap moments, a welcomed break from the busy city life. But what a contrast then to my domestic atmosphere. Because did I show you our new alarm clock?

Oh yes! Every morning, this gang have their morning assembly  -- where? Well, conveniently enough (!) - just outside our bedroom! They are always a group of 4-6 together, fly together, hang out together and talk together. And they can really talk. Loud and clear, I tell you. They are babbling and babbling. It goes on forever. Non stop.

So, I take their picture and they stare back at me, nodding their head, but only for a little bit, until they have enough of this paparazzi lady. Their colors are so beautiful, and what an effective alarm clock they are! And an exotic one, I think?!

Only wish I could teach them the difference between weekdays and weekends...

- Hi there, strange lady! We're on to you and your camera!

And while speaking of parrots, I read in The Hindustan Times, that a Green Parrot assisted the police in solving a murder case. Can you believe that? You can read it for yourself here. Amazing:-)

Babble babble from Mumbai! All the best to you, dear reader, and thank you for following.