First, about the traffic. We’ve all seen the driving scenes in movies - to us, a chaotic mixture cars, motorcycles, tuk tucks, all dodging about to a cacophony of horns. The actual did not disappoint. I found myself smiling away as I experienced first hand what I’d only seen in movies before.
Somewhere along the way came the realization that there is a method to the madness! It dawned on me that the horn blowing wasn’t the same as in North America - i.e. most of the time, its a “toot” of the horn, rather than the aggressive leaning on the horn. And as I watched, I realized that its done to alert presence - that driving is done more by sound if you will. We drive watching all venues - front, sides and rear. Here, the looking is straight ahead, the hearing is what’s coming beside or behind you.
And with that realization, the sounds have become almost - almost - harmonious.
I’m living in an apartment shared with my co-volunteer, colleague and home-away-from home son, Alex. On the main floor are the offices of Tushita Travel and we are on the second floor. I have a lovely, large bedroom and private bath and we share an outside sitting room. You can have outside sitting rooms here of course….
Part of the culture of India is one of servitude - there is a large segment of the population gainfully employed in household service. And, when they are treated well, they will be with the household for life.
So, there is a driver who delivers us to and from the Foundation daily, a person who takes care of the building and, last but not least, - and I almost don’t know how to write this because its such a mixture of “I can hardly believe it”, “I’m so lucky”, “I SO love this” and “how will I cope when its over”!!! - there is BimSingh who prepares all of our meals. OMG, previously only experienced on cruises or ‘all-inclusives' for a short spurt- I’m enjoying the unadulterated luxury of not having to grocery shop or prepare meals. I’m still almost giddy with happiness after 5 days!
The meals are delicious - its not a curry area here, but the heat comes more from peppers - meals are primarily vegetarian on rice served with chapati. The spices make vegetarian meals take on a whole new experience. Alex will ask me what I think I’m eating and then blow me away be saying - its eggplant or some other vegetable I never made much use of at home.
Oh and I discover that I somehow landed in the one area of India known for its love of sweets. Biscuits (cookies) are everywhere as are bakeries, the wonderful kind that seem, by and large, to be disappearing at home.
I probably don’t have to tell you that India is famous for its fabrics - they are incredible, cotton, silks, chiffons, pashminas in the most stunning array of colours and patterns. There are innumerable tailor shops here and for the first time in my life, I was measured on Friday to have some clothes made and today, Veena will take me shopping to choose fabric. I’m so excited.
Alex and I went to a market on Saturday morning and I watched and learned while he bargained the price of a scarf. The longer the interchange the more enjoyable it seems both for the shopkeeper and the buyer.
I leave you to get ready to go to the Foundation. This week India has its annual International Kite Festival on Wednesday. I have never seen so many kites before - not the ornate ones we buy in kite stores, these are about 16” x 16”, made of paper or, from the plastic from a grocery bag. More amazing is the proficiency with which the children fly these kites. On Friday afternoon, Alex was on the rooftop of the school with some boys - they were flying kites and there was literally no breeze. It was a day we would never entertain the thought of flying a kite and yet these kids have the technique.
Speaking of being on the roof top - the rooftops are an extension of the house - you can do that in a climate like this! And, while we are accustomed to seeing squirrels running along fence tops etc., here its monkeys I see.
There’s so much more, but have to run. Miss you all even while I’m on this amazing adventure.
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