Another end to an activity filled day in the land of culture and family. I have met so many relatives of relatives here! Extended family connections to fill villages. It is always nice to meet new people though! 

Let me start with what I have encountered thus far!

#1) Avoiding mosquitos- It seems like mosquitos like to bite selective few people. I went to Ganesh Viserchan (last day of Ganesh festival) where we take murti to lake or pond after doing puja. I had 5 mosquito bites. That Odomos is a hero no doubt, but with the extreme heat and sweat, the protection is only temporary. I enjoyed being able to celebrate viserchan though! My first time in so many years. There was so much bheed (crowd) in the city! One tampo was blocking this road. Theater surrounding sound horns from all around us! Nothing new. 

#2) Pani puri at lahri. It was still mineral water, but 100 times better than the other mineral water shop. This was an actual road side cart for pani puri-so worth it! I loved it, but I was still full from my afternoon "taste of India" meeting with Bombay sandwich! Street food for lunch and dinner! hmm... day successful! (disclaimer: do not eat street food utilizing water from unfiltered sources. I used RO (reverse osmosis) system mineral water pani puri lahri) SERIOUSLY: do not risk getting Typhoid, Dengue, Chikengunya, etc. from mosquito infested water or food

pani puri lahri at night (made with RO mineral water)

Bombay Sandwich (I only had 1 dish yet it filled me up for whole day!)

I've heard of so many cases of family's friends, neighbors and family who have Chickengunya, Dengue, Malaria. Prevention is the key. 

#3) I revisited Crosswords bookstore after 5 yrs! It was really nice- Indian version of Barnes and Nobel, but with an additional Desi collection of books and media. I got some books for now, but I will definitely be making more trips to it. 

Enough with the list. Tonight is poonam (full moon). See photo below.

Aaj no chandaliyo mune laage bhav vahlo kahido suraj ne ke uthe nahi kala... 

Well I am super tired and fatigued. I wake up at 6 AM every morning thanks to my internal clock that functions on healthy living. I get sleepy at 9pm, can't eat large portion sizes, drink filtered water, and wake up at 6. It is a good thing. Trying to hold onto these habits in India is important when everyone is trying to feed you multiple overlapping meals and the environment is polluted. Nonetheless, it is my beautiful India. Mere desh ki dharti sona ukle ukle heere moti! Listening to garba playing on the streets while passing by on a scooty during viserchan day! I love garba- I felt like getting off of the scooty and joining the mini crowd to do garba! I wish I can go this year-afterall, it is the only time I will ever get to celebrate Navratri in India. Garba vibrates in my blood-my erythrocytes jam to it! [side note: Mission-keep erythrocytes free of Plasmosium parasites.]

Anyone travelling to India should try to familiarize themselves with common symptoms of the most prominent illnesses they may encounter. Malaria: cyclic fever, chills, muscle aches- may almost feel like the flu. Even flu and H1N1 is common here. Wash your hands! Local antiseptic soap- Dettol! Most places have it! 

Heads up-if dust is flying in your face. Don't be shy-get a veil (dupatta) and tie it around your face to cover head, ears, nose, and mouth. You can wear goggles too! Both, men and women employ this method of dust protection.