Delhi to Toronto
I don't know how many of you who are reading this have made the trip from India to Canada ....let me tell you that it is a very long trip. I got on the plane and found my seat. Shortly after, I realized that the two seats between myself and the other fellow were empty. Not often you get to have two seats to yourself in economy class. Anyways the rather big Indian fellow on the other side of the two seats realized the same thing. So he says to me that he's going to use the empty two seats plus his own to lie down. No I said. You get this seat and I get the other. Two each. But I'm tired he says and I want to lie down. Well everyone is tired and would like to lie down too(international flights leave after midnight). Besides what would you have done if economy class had been full. It is not often that we get such a luxury in a class that is usually packed like a sardine can. Anyways the flight takes off. Ten minutes into it, we hit turbulence. Now I consider myself a fairly seasoned flyer, and never have I hit turbulence like that. All of the women screamed at the same time. I started crying; all I wanted was to get home to see Arjun. Besides, I think allof the stress of my last day in India was finally coming out too. I looked out the window and it looked like lightning. Very plausible since it had been raining when we left Delhi. The things that go through your head: those are the lights of the plane not ligthning; more people die in traffic accidents than in airplane crashes; most airplane crashes happen during take off and landing; all I want to do is see my husband. Needless to say, we got through it in what seemed like forever. Once things settled down, my Indian friend lies down with his head next to my thighs. Okay? he asks me. No, you get this seat and I get that seat. Besides, if your mother, wife, daughter, aunt, neice were sitting in my place would you want some strange man putting his head down by her thighs? So he sits up. Then the stewardess comes by and informs me that there are three seats in the back that are not being used. My good good buddy tells me that I should move. No, my stuff is overhead and this is my seat...now he wants all four seats for himself...pig...he says that my stuff doesn't matter. Well maybe not to you, but it does matter to me. He moves....and a young girl takes up those two seats...happy happy happy...Anyways, we landed safely in Toronto, and I had never been happier to step on solid ground. And even happier to see Arjun waiting for me at Vancouver airport.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Last day in India
My last day in India was rather chaotic (actually which day wasn't?). Anyways I got up in the morning to have breakfast with Uncle and Priyanka. Uncle informed me that the driver and the car would be available to take me wherever I wanted...yahoo....So 15 minutes after Uncle and Priyanka left, I was ready to go. I asked Meena (the driver's wife) to get the driver. She came down and said he was taking a bath. Fine 20 minutes and I should be on my way. Well 40 minutes later he still hadn't shown up. Meena went out to see if he was ready to go. She came down and told me that he wasn't going anywhere until the evening. Now considering the driver has Sunday off to drink, I was okay with that. However, I would have appreciated knowing earlier. So I got a autorickshaw to Connaught Place to run my last few errands. I spent two hours getting things done. I caught a rickshaw back so I could have lunch with Ami. I had a bath after lunch getting ready to go that evening and also because I was expecting some people to stop by for a visit. I spent the next few hours hanging out with Ami. Our expected guests never came. At about 5:00, I decided that since the driver is so unreliable, I would be better to hire a cab to take me to the market then on to the airport. I called Priyanka at work to get a number for a taxi company. Well Ami got herself upset about this saying that the family wouldn't leave me to take a taxi. Okay but no one is here to deal with the driver and he isn't going to listen to a foreign woman or an old woman. I called the cab company and asked if they spoke English. No Hindi only. So I hung up. Ami, who can't hear, asked me if the cab was coming. No they don't speak English. She says they don't speak when they answer. No they don't speak English. We went back and forth 4-5 times before she realized that they don't speakEnglish. She got on the phone and ordered the taxi to come. So the servants are helping me take my bags down the stairs and who shows up? The driver of course. I asked him what the hell he was doing and as far as I'm concerned he can spend the rest of the evening upstairs doing nothing. But they took my bags downstairs and put them in the family car. This all happening just as the taxi drives up. The driver seemed a little out of sorts but he got me to my dinner date with Priyanka and to the airport safely and on time. I don't like to drive at all, but having a driver who creates hassles like that....I'll drive myself thank you very much.
My last day in India was rather chaotic (actually which day wasn't?). Anyways I got up in the morning to have breakfast with Uncle and Priyanka. Uncle informed me that the driver and the car would be available to take me wherever I wanted...yahoo....So 15 minutes after Uncle and Priyanka left, I was ready to go. I asked Meena (the driver's wife) to get the driver. She came down and said he was taking a bath. Fine 20 minutes and I should be on my way. Well 40 minutes later he still hadn't shown up. Meena went out to see if he was ready to go. She came down and told me that he wasn't going anywhere until the evening. Now considering the driver has Sunday off to drink, I was okay with that. However, I would have appreciated knowing earlier. So I got a autorickshaw to Connaught Place to run my last few errands. I spent two hours getting things done. I caught a rickshaw back so I could have lunch with Ami. I had a bath after lunch getting ready to go that evening and also because I was expecting some people to stop by for a visit. I spent the next few hours hanging out with Ami. Our expected guests never came. At about 5:00, I decided that since the driver is so unreliable, I would be better to hire a cab to take me to the market then on to the airport. I called Priyanka at work to get a number for a taxi company. Well Ami got herself upset about this saying that the family wouldn't leave me to take a taxi. Okay but no one is here to deal with the driver and he isn't going to listen to a foreign woman or an old woman. I called the cab company and asked if they spoke English. No Hindi only. So I hung up. Ami, who can't hear, asked me if the cab was coming. No they don't speak English. She says they don't speak when they answer. No they don't speak English. We went back and forth 4-5 times before she realized that they don't speakEnglish. She got on the phone and ordered the taxi to come. So the servants are helping me take my bags down the stairs and who shows up? The driver of course. I asked him what the hell he was doing and as far as I'm concerned he can spend the rest of the evening upstairs doing nothing. But they took my bags downstairs and put them in the family car. This all happening just as the taxi drives up. The driver seemed a little out of sorts but he got me to my dinner date with Priyanka and to the airport safely and on time. I don't like to drive at all, but having a driver who creates hassles like that....I'll drive myself thank you very much.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Servants
As those of you have kept tabs on my stay in India, you will know that I've spent most of my time in Delhi with Arjun's Uncle, Aunt and cousin. This household is well-equipped with servants. There is a person who cleans, one who cooks, one who supposedly oversees the day-to-day operations of the house. One of the joys of this is that I have my tea served to me whenever and whereever I want. Now before you run out and get a servant there is downside to all of this. The person who seems to oversee the day-to-day running of the house is rude and just doesn't listen. When I ask her a question, she walks behind me and natters away...sometimes she does this even when I don't ask her a question. Usually her natterings are followed by a questioning okay. I think I've actually promised my first born to her. The worst part of this is that I don't feel like I've had any privacy. While I like being served tea in bed, I've decided that it would be easier to do the work myself rather than to worry if it has been done or to scold someone if it isn't done. Besides, I think keeping my privacy is worth doing the work myself.
As those of you have kept tabs on my stay in India, you will know that I've spent most of my time in Delhi with Arjun's Uncle, Aunt and cousin. This household is well-equipped with servants. There is a person who cleans, one who cooks, one who supposedly oversees the day-to-day operations of the house. One of the joys of this is that I have my tea served to me whenever and whereever I want. Now before you run out and get a servant there is downside to all of this. The person who seems to oversee the day-to-day running of the house is rude and just doesn't listen. When I ask her a question, she walks behind me and natters away...sometimes she does this even when I don't ask her a question. Usually her natterings are followed by a questioning okay. I think I've actually promised my first born to her. The worst part of this is that I don't feel like I've had any privacy. While I like being served tea in bed, I've decided that it would be easier to do the work myself rather than to worry if it has been done or to scold someone if it isn't done. Besides, I think keeping my privacy is worth doing the work myself.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Air Canada
Because I've decided to stay in Delhi, I've also decided to shorten my stay here. This involves changing my ticket through the Air Canada office here in Delhi. One free change to be made directly through the airline...pretty standard right? Standard but not easy. After two visits to the AC office and numerous phone calls, I realized my efforts were going to go unrewarded. The people in the office here can't really do anything...they have to send a message to the AC office in Toronto and wait for a reply. In this case, the reply was always no. So at the suggestion of my husband, I went through my travel agent in Canada. Three e-mails and a phone call and oh yeah another trip to that annoying AC office here in Delhi and it was done. I realize that AC flies here so they have to have an office here. But why so many staff who can't actually make any changes to tickets? No wonder AC has had so much money trouble.
Because I've decided to stay in Delhi, I've also decided to shorten my stay here. This involves changing my ticket through the Air Canada office here in Delhi. One free change to be made directly through the airline...pretty standard right? Standard but not easy. After two visits to the AC office and numerous phone calls, I realized my efforts were going to go unrewarded. The people in the office here can't really do anything...they have to send a message to the AC office in Toronto and wait for a reply. In this case, the reply was always no. So at the suggestion of my husband, I went through my travel agent in Canada. Three e-mails and a phone call and oh yeah another trip to that annoying AC office here in Delhi and it was done. I realize that AC flies here so they have to have an office here. But why so many staff who can't actually make any changes to tickets? No wonder AC has had so much money trouble.
travelling
It has been a while since I've posted....I've chosen to spend the rest of my time in Delhi. After getting sick in Jaipur, I felt a little gun shy about going off on my own again. Lots of people do it I know...It really isn't just that...I felt so lonely on the road without Arjun. He really took a lot of the pressure and hassle on himself. More than that, it was a great feeling to have someone to hang with. Besides my main purpose was to come and see Arjun's grandmother, and that's what I have done. Next time, Arjun and I will come here together and explore more of India. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the company of his family and of course the shopping.
It has been a while since I've posted....I've chosen to spend the rest of my time in Delhi. After getting sick in Jaipur, I felt a little gun shy about going off on my own again. Lots of people do it I know...It really isn't just that...I felt so lonely on the road without Arjun. He really took a lot of the pressure and hassle on himself. More than that, it was a great feeling to have someone to hang with. Besides my main purpose was to come and see Arjun's grandmother, and that's what I have done. Next time, Arjun and I will come here together and explore more of India. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the company of his family and of course the shopping.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Recovery
As I'm on the way to recovering from a bout of food poisoning and a crappy experience in general, I feel quite grateful to Arjun's cousin, Priyanka, for taking such good care of me....making sure I get the correct medications, ensuring I eat nothing more than kicheri....and just taking me in....
As I'm on the way to recovering from a bout of food poisoning and a crappy experience in general, I feel quite grateful to Arjun's cousin, Priyanka, for taking such good care of me....making sure I get the correct medications, ensuring I eat nothing more than kicheri....and just taking me in....
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Jaipur
I came to Jaipur because Arjun and I had been here before and I thought this would be a gentle want to get acclimatized to travelling on my own. However, I forgot that Jaipur is the dirtiest city that I have seen in Rajasthan; it also seems to have more hassles than anywhere I've been in India. The first time I came to Jaipur I had the same annoying conversation three times. Well it happened again yesterday. A young Indian man walked up to me and said he wanted to know something: Why won't foreign talk to Indians? Typically this conversation has taken place in a market place. So why do you think I don't want to talk to you? Because I also don't want to go to your shop...There are variations on how this conversation begins: Why don't westerners like Indians?...Whatever!!! Why would we be here if we didn't like Indians? Please!!!! Anyways, yesterday I told this young man that I didn't want to talk because he was ugly. I explained ugly and kept walking...Really what else is there to say to that? (Thanks Arjun...seems you've rubbed off)
I came to Jaipur because Arjun and I had been here before and I thought this would be a gentle want to get acclimatized to travelling on my own. However, I forgot that Jaipur is the dirtiest city that I have seen in Rajasthan; it also seems to have more hassles than anywhere I've been in India. The first time I came to Jaipur I had the same annoying conversation three times. Well it happened again yesterday. A young Indian man walked up to me and said he wanted to know something: Why won't foreign talk to Indians? Typically this conversation has taken place in a market place. So why do you think I don't want to talk to you? Because I also don't want to go to your shop...There are variations on how this conversation begins: Why don't westerners like Indians?...Whatever!!! Why would we be here if we didn't like Indians? Please!!!! Anyways, yesterday I told this young man that I didn't want to talk because he was ugly. I explained ugly and kept walking...Really what else is there to say to that? (Thanks Arjun...seems you've rubbed off)
Eating
One of the most interesting things about travelling is eating. I try to eat things that are not readily available at home. However, in India I find I have to be super careful. The first time I was here I got food poisoning 3 times. I'm determined to stay healthy this time and still be adventurous. I'm fortunate because my husband's family is in Delhi. his cousin introduced me to the joys of eating sweet potatoes from the street vendor. This guy can mix up just the right amount of spicy and sweet. mmmm...My last night in Delhi was the night of Lohri, a Hindu celebration. On our way home we stopped at Nathus sweet shop. Outside they have a vendor selling pani puri. As Arjun's cousin, Priyanka, explained, it is the bubble that you (she gestures) poke a hole in and fill with potato/channa, chutney and this water mixture. You pop the whole thing in your mouth at once. That is also the right amount of sweet, spicy and crunchy. Another mmmmmmmmoment....Hesitant to try it? Yes I was, but not hesitant enough to stop from eating six of them!!! Now I'm on my own travelling around. No family to guide me in the right direction for food. I miss the home cooked meals and the companionship eating with family creates. Doesn't companion mean breaking bread together? Anyways I appreciate all that they have done for me, and their hospitality. I look forward to their companionship when I get back to Delhi.
One of the most interesting things about travelling is eating. I try to eat things that are not readily available at home. However, in India I find I have to be super careful. The first time I was here I got food poisoning 3 times. I'm determined to stay healthy this time and still be adventurous. I'm fortunate because my husband's family is in Delhi. his cousin introduced me to the joys of eating sweet potatoes from the street vendor. This guy can mix up just the right amount of spicy and sweet. mmmm...My last night in Delhi was the night of Lohri, a Hindu celebration. On our way home we stopped at Nathus sweet shop. Outside they have a vendor selling pani puri. As Arjun's cousin, Priyanka, explained, it is the bubble that you (she gestures) poke a hole in and fill with potato/channa, chutney and this water mixture. You pop the whole thing in your mouth at once. That is also the right amount of sweet, spicy and crunchy. Another mmmmmmmmoment....Hesitant to try it? Yes I was, but not hesitant enough to stop from eating six of them!!! Now I'm on my own travelling around. No family to guide me in the right direction for food. I miss the home cooked meals and the companionship eating with family creates. Doesn't companion mean breaking bread together? Anyways I appreciate all that they have done for me, and their hospitality. I look forward to their companionship when I get back to Delhi.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Rickshaws
I arrived in Delhi train station the other morning with my suitcase and a daypack. Much to the chagrin of the rickshaw drivers, I walked to Connaught Place. Crazy?!? I know to be in the tourist hub looking like I just got off the train....Anyways I had some errands to run and knew exactly where to go. Deciding that it was time to get to Masi and Uncle's shop, I took on the task of finding and negotiating with a rickshaw driver. The girl on the train figured it would be about 80-100 rupees for me to get to GK1 market. I had it in my head 50-70. And 70 it was...Even though I was later told that I could probably get it down a bit more, I was happy with that. I just wanted to get to where I wanted safely and for a reasonable amount of money. Besides, as a foreign tourist, I expect to pay a little more...fair or unfair as it may seem that's the way it is...Today I decided to go to Khan market from GK1. I asked a woman what I should expect to pay and she said 30 rupees and no more than 40. She then hired a rickshaw for me at 40 rupees. Coming back I was okay to pay the same but wanted to try for a little less. So I walked out into the street and a fellow approached me. he asked me how much I wanted to pay and I said 30. He said ok and told me to go with one fellow...Well that fellow looked at me and said how much? 50? No 30 I told him. I told the original guy that he told me 30 and he would have to get it organized for that amount. Just before he did, a local woman shook her head "it is the same old argument every time." Yeah I answered and the consolation for me is that we all have to argue whether we are foreign tourists or locals...
I arrived in Delhi train station the other morning with my suitcase and a daypack. Much to the chagrin of the rickshaw drivers, I walked to Connaught Place. Crazy?!? I know to be in the tourist hub looking like I just got off the train....Anyways I had some errands to run and knew exactly where to go. Deciding that it was time to get to Masi and Uncle's shop, I took on the task of finding and negotiating with a rickshaw driver. The girl on the train figured it would be about 80-100 rupees for me to get to GK1 market. I had it in my head 50-70. And 70 it was...Even though I was later told that I could probably get it down a bit more, I was happy with that. I just wanted to get to where I wanted safely and for a reasonable amount of money. Besides, as a foreign tourist, I expect to pay a little more...fair or unfair as it may seem that's the way it is...Today I decided to go to Khan market from GK1. I asked a woman what I should expect to pay and she said 30 rupees and no more than 40. She then hired a rickshaw for me at 40 rupees. Coming back I was okay to pay the same but wanted to try for a little less. So I walked out into the street and a fellow approached me. he asked me how much I wanted to pay and I said 30. He said ok and told me to go with one fellow...Well that fellow looked at me and said how much? 50? No 30 I told him. I told the original guy that he told me 30 and he would have to get it organized for that amount. Just before he did, a local woman shook her head "it is the same old argument every time." Yeah I answered and the consolation for me is that we all have to argue whether we are foreign tourists or locals...
Shopping for books
One of the things that I was most looking forward to before I came to India was shopping. And it hasn't disappointed...particularly for books. I bought three books today for about a total of $25. Now some of you might say that that is not such a great deal. However, consider that in a used bookstore in Kamloops I would have paid about the same...Also, I bought "The Davinci Code" in paperback for about $8. I was told at Chapters that that wasn't going to happen for a long time due to how well it was selling in hardcover...at $35...books will certainly be something I stock up on before I return to Canada...By the way, for those who are travelling to India for the first time, "India Today" always has great recommendations for books...The last time I was here I picked up two that were reviewed and gave them as gifts...Anyways I always manage to find the time and if you can believe it the peace and quiet to read here in India...
One of the things that I was most looking forward to before I came to India was shopping. And it hasn't disappointed...particularly for books. I bought three books today for about a total of $25. Now some of you might say that that is not such a great deal. However, consider that in a used bookstore in Kamloops I would have paid about the same...Also, I bought "The Davinci Code" in paperback for about $8. I was told at Chapters that that wasn't going to happen for a long time due to how well it was selling in hardcover...at $35...books will certainly be something I stock up on before I return to Canada...By the way, for those who are travelling to India for the first time, "India Today" always has great recommendations for books...The last time I was here I picked up two that were reviewed and gave them as gifts...Anyways I always manage to find the time and if you can believe it the peace and quiet to read here in India...
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
India and me
I'm so happy to be back in India. I love this country. Sure I have frustrations in dealing with the crowds, traffic, touts and just general chaos. But, just when I feel I'm about to explode, things just work out. In India, things always just seem to work out. I don't know how or why, but they do. Perhaps it is as a friend said to me that in North America people are ruled by rules; whereas in India, people rule the rules. I'm not sure that I put it as eloquently as he did but that's the gist of it. There are a number of people who know that I'm not a patient person and that would probably be the gentle way to say that. However, in India, I have all the patience in the world. I guess because I know that it is going to work out. Predeep, a designer from Germany, asked me the other night how I survive in this country. The only word I had was surrender. Surrendering to India is the only way to get by here. I'm sure that certain things have changed due to tourism and the money it brings. But fundamentally, India is and does what it is and does despite the almighty dollar. I wish more countries were like this. My Dad asked me today if India is as exciting as it was when I came here the first time. This trip so far has just firmed up what I felt when I left India in Dec 2003. I know that this will not be my last time to visit this country of crowds, cows and chaos. So far I am enjoying my second and hopefully lifetime love affair. (I promise Arjun you are the first!!!)
I'm so happy to be back in India. I love this country. Sure I have frustrations in dealing with the crowds, traffic, touts and just general chaos. But, just when I feel I'm about to explode, things just work out. In India, things always just seem to work out. I don't know how or why, but they do. Perhaps it is as a friend said to me that in North America people are ruled by rules; whereas in India, people rule the rules. I'm not sure that I put it as eloquently as he did but that's the gist of it. There are a number of people who know that I'm not a patient person and that would probably be the gentle way to say that. However, in India, I have all the patience in the world. I guess because I know that it is going to work out. Predeep, a designer from Germany, asked me the other night how I survive in this country. The only word I had was surrender. Surrendering to India is the only way to get by here. I'm sure that certain things have changed due to tourism and the money it brings. But fundamentally, India is and does what it is and does despite the almighty dollar. I wish more countries were like this. My Dad asked me today if India is as exciting as it was when I came here the first time. This trip so far has just firmed up what I felt when I left India in Dec 2003. I know that this will not be my last time to visit this country of crowds, cows and chaos. So far I am enjoying my second and hopefully lifetime love affair. (I promise Arjun you are the first!!!)
Ami
One of the reasons I returned to India is to see Ami. For those of you who don't know, Ami is Arjun's grandmother. She was wonderful and welcoming when I came to India the first time. This time we had our meals together and she told me stories. I never knew my grandmother that well and I figured that I should get to see her while the getting is good. I'm glad that I came to see her. Like the first time, she sent out for snacks at tea time - samosas, katchoris, gulab jaman, ras gullah....I had promised myself that I would tell her not to do this. However, it is a small thing that gives both of us a lot of pleasure. Besides when I get out travelling on my own, I probably won't eat quite so well. Anyways I look forward to seeing Ami again in February and sharing these sweet treats.
One of the reasons I returned to India is to see Ami. For those of you who don't know, Ami is Arjun's grandmother. She was wonderful and welcoming when I came to India the first time. This time we had our meals together and she told me stories. I never knew my grandmother that well and I figured that I should get to see her while the getting is good. I'm glad that I came to see her. Like the first time, she sent out for snacks at tea time - samosas, katchoris, gulab jaman, ras gullah....I had promised myself that I would tell her not to do this. However, it is a small thing that gives both of us a lot of pleasure. Besides when I get out travelling on my own, I probably won't eat quite so well. Anyways I look forward to seeing Ami again in February and sharing these sweet treats.
Taking the train
This morning I went to Ludhiana train station at 6:45. Shortly after I got there, it was announced that the train was 20 minutes late. Behind me there was a lady standing with her baby. We had a brief conversation. On my previous trip, I realized that I wasn't going to be included in Arjun's conversation with other men. The best thing for me to do is talk to other women or children. And the ideal is to talk to women with children. Anyways the porter put my bag on the train and I sat down. This same lady a few rows in front had asked the fellow next to her to trade seats with me. So she signalled me and invited me to sit with her. I was happy to oblige since I saw that there was little chance of meeting anyone sitting near me. We had brief conversations in our 4.5 hour train ride, but it was very fulfilling for both of us. I was able to help her with her baby in our limited space, and she was one more person who put me in touch with India. Both of us went our separate ways, but I appreciate her inviting me to share that brief moment in time with her.
This morning I went to Ludhiana train station at 6:45. Shortly after I got there, it was announced that the train was 20 minutes late. Behind me there was a lady standing with her baby. We had a brief conversation. On my previous trip, I realized that I wasn't going to be included in Arjun's conversation with other men. The best thing for me to do is talk to other women or children. And the ideal is to talk to women with children. Anyways the porter put my bag on the train and I sat down. This same lady a few rows in front had asked the fellow next to her to trade seats with me. So she signalled me and invited me to sit with her. I was happy to oblige since I saw that there was little chance of meeting anyone sitting near me. We had brief conversations in our 4.5 hour train ride, but it was very fulfilling for both of us. I was able to help her with her baby in our limited space, and she was one more person who put me in touch with India. Both of us went our separate ways, but I appreciate her inviting me to share that brief moment in time with her.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Chai anyone?
About a year after the first and only post I'm finally writing again...This time from where else but India!!! One of my favourite customs in India is to have chai in the morning. Each morning when I wake up I have chai and biscuits served to me in bed...Nice eh!!!!
The other day I had a different chai experience. Something I had seen but not done.
I went to the Internet cafe in Ludhiana. The owner recognized me from our previous trip. After inquiring how Arjun and I were, the owner invited me to sit down and have tea. He had his employee run out and get some chai. There we sat in the storefront chatting and drinking chai. For no other reason than to sit and chat and have chai.
This might seem insignificant. However, it truly is a very Indian experience. And in a country and a town where I stand out like a sore thumb, this simple act made me feel accepted.
That small experience put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. I really appreciate the owner, Mr. Bajwa, for welcoming me like he did. I hope that this won't be the last time this gesture is exptended to me.
About a year after the first and only post I'm finally writing again...This time from where else but India!!! One of my favourite customs in India is to have chai in the morning. Each morning when I wake up I have chai and biscuits served to me in bed...Nice eh!!!!
The other day I had a different chai experience. Something I had seen but not done.
I went to the Internet cafe in Ludhiana. The owner recognized me from our previous trip. After inquiring how Arjun and I were, the owner invited me to sit down and have tea. He had his employee run out and get some chai. There we sat in the storefront chatting and drinking chai. For no other reason than to sit and chat and have chai.
This might seem insignificant. However, it truly is a very Indian experience. And in a country and a town where I stand out like a sore thumb, this simple act made me feel accepted.
That small experience put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. I really appreciate the owner, Mr. Bajwa, for welcoming me like he did. I hope that this won't be the last time this gesture is exptended to me.
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