5 Comments
Mar 29, 2023Liked by Pallavi Aiyar

Enjoyed reading this Pallavi. Glad to hear that you're close to the end of chemo.

As an "Army brat" I grew up in cantonments in various parts of UP, Maharashtra, and Haryana. Since everyone in these cantonments were in or connected with the military, it was like a large village. I was cycling to school, on my own, from age 8 onwards. Also, once. while driving through small villages in Southern Germany, it was pointed out to me that kids of all ages took the regular busses to school (often in a nearby village), entirely on their own.

Get well soon.

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Mar 28, 2023Liked by Pallavi Aiyar

Glad to read this article, also read about this orderliness of Japan in a book of yours too I guess and was impressed about it. Can't imagine sending my 6 YO even in bus alone in Chennai, great to see insights into other global cities from you.

Happy that your chemo sessions are ending soon, wishing you more happy and healthy days ahead

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Sounds wonderful! One of the main reasons that we moved from Goa to Palma was because we wanted our daughters to experience independence in a safer environment. I have started working part-time only because I no longer have to do school runs anymore as the kids walk to school alone. They have taken the bus from home to the shopping mall with friends as it is a short distance and transport is free for residents anyway. They can play alone on the beach without strangers hassling them by taking pictures. What a difference it has made to our lives. I have to remind myself not to worry so much anymore all while keeping the balance of having a healthy amount of vigilance just to be on the safe side.

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Of course, Pali, I did get the pint of your piece.

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