Dear Manaia: Wow and wow again! How did you happen on this list? Not that there's a password for entering this (mostly) benign list, but definitely a love and cherishment of things British and Indian during the Raj era, however pro or con your views. Which brings me to Arvind's note "As to loving ayahs let me state my take quite frankly. Ayahs were loved no more and no less than Uncle Toms were loved in plantations in the Southern States of the US. She was loved so long as she knew that she was an Ayah and kept to her station . . . . . . I might be kicked off the list for this but, Arvind, it was well-known that 'ayahs' thought employment by white memsahibs a big step up in the employment world. India is STILL known as a country in which even servants can have servants, and do. The Indians are/were far tougher in payment and care for their servants. Had an office mate who hadn't been 'home' in years and was told off by her family for giving her ayah a pair of socks during the cold weather! There aren't any British memsahibs left in India, of course, but the past love of their ayahs by English children is undeniable. I myself recall seeking refuge behind Ayah's sari when Mum came after me -- probably with good reason. But here is where Arvind's warning breaks down: During a visit 15 years after leaving Poona, dear old Ayah showed up with GIFTS for Clairesy Baba. And I wish I could express the depth of both my love and sorrow at being unable to respond as I should have. This may wind up in the dustbin, but I had to say it. Claire