As she bids goodbye, Lizeth Herrera, wife of the British Deputy High Commissioner Chandigarh, reminisces about the city, her new found friends and giving back to the community
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These days it’s the perfect weather to spend time outdoors in Chandigarh. And making the most of it is Lizeth Herrera. We caught up with her after a picnic in the park with her two daughters – Ana (6) and Isabelle (4). “This is one of the things I will miss about Chandigarh. The beautiful green spaces and the warmth of its people,” says Herrera who will be off next week to London for an annual holiday before heading to Sudan, her husband’s new posting.
Though well-known as the wife of the outgoing British deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh David Lelliott, the last four years has seen Lizeth carve out a special place for herself in Chandigarh. Her affable nature, an outgoing personality coupled with the brightest of smiles made her a warm member of a large group of friends and acquaintances. A prominent face in the city’s social scene, Lizeth also made her presence felt with her work in the community. Be it help raise funds and awareness for breast cancer, promoting tree plantation or supporting the under privileged, Lizeth has been a front runner.
“Giving back to the community, no matter where you are is something that I learnt from my family. Each one of us can make a difference if we do our bit,” says Lizeth who is a qualified accountant. “I was working with KPMG earlier and while my specialisation is in taxes, I have held managerial positions,” informs Lizeth who has taken a career break to bring up her two daughters.
“My daughters are more Indians as they were so young when we came here four years ago from Gibraltar,” says Lizeth who is from Mexico herself. Settling in Chandigarh, she admits, was easy. “I found trust in my new friends and I think Chandigarh will always be a second home for me,” says Lizeth who visited a record number of places in India. “We did all the tourist places and with both my kids. In fact, David and I often joke that we can write a book about travelling in India with kids and how it can be hassle-free,” says Lizeth.
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Speaking of visiting new places, Lizeth lists her travel to villages like Bassi Pathana as memorable.“I got to interact with young women working for the NGO Phulkari Makers,” says Lizeth who has got her own Phulkari collection and a wardrobe full of Indian-wear including an enviable selection of sarees. But her favourite are Punjabi juttis which she has been flaunting on many occasions. “They not just look pretty but are so comfortable too,” says Lizeth who tried everything in Indian food as well. That “aloo-puri, chaat and golgappas” are now her favourites comes as little surprise. Here’s wishing her the very best for the future!
