Food tasting

So, there are some great things about India, and some no so great things...
as with any place- right?!

Let me make a list (disclaimer: highly subjective per my experiences) of positives and negatives:

Positives:

-so many things within walking distance 

     When I lived at Gandhi Ashram area, I had grocery store, Vodafone recharge stop (must recharge those prepaid mobile phones!!), fun, cheap, and tasty eateries, cyber cafe, and of course, the lovely Gandhi Ashram-all within walking distance. I felt very safe, even if I was walking at night or in the dark. That leads me to my second  positive thing---

-friendly family-like neighbors

     It is no exaggeration to say that neighbors can be like family here. Neighborhoods are reffered to as society, and most do feel like a society. I love interacting with the neighbors-be it through the balcony in flats (apartment buildings), in houses that share walls (most houses in middle class Indian societies), or revisiting old societies I have lived in in the past..

-readily available public transportation

   Just got to street smart... literally. Know your roads, intersections, bus stands, major rikshaw stops, police stations, and definitely have few contacts in the city (friends, colleagues, relatives, etc.) Obviously, no one has it all figured out in the first week or so, but you have to be alert at all times, and formulate a mental map/time table that it take such amount of time to get to this place -with traffic, without traffic. All of this may seem like too much to do, but it is all for your safety. Never be oblivious. 
   Public transport consists of: rikshaws-private (can be more expensive, especially because CNG prices keep rising), shuttle/sharing (stuff as many people as you can-but for 5-15 Rs depending on distance-good deal!). Again be wary of your surroundings, and ALWAYS ask for a meter card to pay the right amount. Some people can try to charge you more. After a while, you will probably memorize the prices for common places you have had to take rikshaws to though-I did. 
   Then, there are buses. Larger cities tend to have more buses than smaller ones- at least in the case of Baroda and Ahemdabad-the two main cities I lived in. In Ahemdabad, so many buses are available-just got be very quick to get on and get through that crowd. In Baroda, much harder to find buses, that I mostly had to rely on rikshaws for going across town. 

-Now, for one the best perks of India, at least from someone coming from USA, FOOD>

     Boy did I miss Indian food-pani puri, vada pav, Manchurian (Indo-chinese dish), Indo-chinese found in India is stellar-simplly incomparable in my opinion. The fusion of so many flavors and the aroma is enchanting.. can you tell I love food!?  Moving on, variety of Ice cream in India, tropical fruits, fresh juice (cut the coconut in front of you and then you indulge in mouth watering coconut water...then ask to cut the whole coconut open for some malai (creamy part inside the coconut).. I will miss all of these luxuries-all of which cost 10 times less than restaurant food in the USA, and half the price of USA fast food.. and as far as eating off of street carts go, be wise and know your body. If you just stepped afoot in India, you do not want to come down with a case of traveler's diahhrea, or worse, Hepatitis. Not to frighten anyone, but there is very little sanitation with most food stops- take your own hand sanitizer, water bottle, napkins.. and observe how they prepare the food for other guests if you need to.. then eat! I have lived here for 6 months, and within couple of weeks, I started eating street food, but I am very familiar with the local ingredients  food dishes, and my body is used to a lot of the spices and etcetera. Plus, I was fully immunized, and took proper sanitation precautions as much as possible. I will miss Indo-chinese and cheep Punjabi food (Palak paneer and naan, mango lassi!) masala papad...ok enough with food. In short, food is good!
    okay one more story regarding food.. I went to a mukhwas (mouth freshening mint like snack items-no clue how to describe it otherwise) shop in Alkapuri today-they had all sorts of mukhwas- best part, tasting it! That's right-the store keeper kept giving me more and more to try because he knew I was going to buy a lot. They want to make business, and I wanted to try different flavors! Of course, I ended up buying what I was trying! I got all of it for much cheaper than I would have trying to find it in Indian grocery stores in the USA. 

-get clothes tailored to your size- 

    I have not had to for kurti tops for myself because most standard sizes here fit me, but for dresses that you first buy the fabric for, and then get a whole outfit tailored, it is much cheaper here. Tailors are almost everywhere, but not always punctual. I guess that is the only price you have to pay-never getting anything on time with some tailors, but just imagine the costs of getting something tailored in the USA! 
-much cheaper passport size photos in India..now, you're probably wondering what is this random thing?! but it is very important as most major documents nowadays require passport size photos, and USA over charges for them. I used to go to CVS-come on-$8 for few photos and that too through a digital camera that was not professional by any means! In India, you get professional studio setting/camera and 30 Rs for 8 photos (rates vary place by place) - that is less than a dollar for 8 high quality professional photographs. :)

-With all of that being said, if you invest so much in a plane ticket to come to India, then might as well truly live here! be a part of the culture. Instead of seeing India through tourist lens, see it through the eyes of the people...to be a part of the culture and local community-that is why I love India. The cheap photos, the cheap food, etc-all of those are just perks, but I wash clothes in the morning, mop and sweep the floors, run errands  walk 4 km in mid afternoon heat (with head scarf and water bottle!-be careful) if needed over taking rikshaw..I love the neighbors and I love the sense of community here. I will miss the love and kindness I have received here the most. :)

The negatives, well I could make a list, but I am choosing to focus on the positive. Remember, adjust and be flexible. You can overcome many challenges with personal development. I've had my share of challenges in India- from cultural beliefs towards girls/women to many other issues I've noticed, but I learned to find positive ways to manage different situations... If you don't like something, simple-change your attitude about it. but always be who you are.. don't lose the essence of your own self and individuality, but in a place like India, one needs to adjust and be very very flexible. :) 

Until next time, take care... time to fold clothes :) 

Kutchh

I just got back from my trip to Kutchh. Kutchh is an area on the north west side of Gujarat. We went to Mata ni math, Ambe dhaam, Mandvi beach, and Bhuj. I finally got to go to a beach in India in day time!! I rode a camel on the beach with my little niece! Dream come true to ride a camel-finally! Drank coconut water at the beach! I love Indian fast food- masala corn (baked corn with masala-hmm hmm good!), nariyel nu pani (coconut water) after a long walk in mid afternoon heat!, Bombay sandwich, pani puri (my absolute favorite-ate plenty of that in Kutchh!), baraf na gola (snow cone) with ice cream and dry fruits!!- everything is so much cheaper than USA prices! I shall enjoy it all while I am here! I will miss the food here. I will try to make it in USA, but the taste is never the same as in India! My favorite part about my 5 day stay in Kutchh has to me playing with my nieces and going to the beach!! Spending time with my cousin sister after ages felt so amazing. I missed out on so much being oceans away, but I wanted to make up for that time with family while I am here. My 2 yr old niece was the highlight of my days there. She never failed to entertain me with her cuteness. The things she says and does are adorable beyond words! Whereever I go, I always have little kids to play with here!! I love that-kids teach me so much about life! They make life seem so easy and sweet. I forget all worries or troubles when I play with them. I am so thankful to have been able to come to India for this long and see my family here, gain eternal life lessons and happiness from my time with ngos. The experiences I have had here have changed me so much. Sometimes, I feel like it is worthless to buy things to take back because I do not want objects to be symbol of India. I want my memories to remain pure without any materialistic attachment. It is a given though that I have to take things back for family there and all. The love I have received here can only be stored in my heart. No dress or fancy expensive jewelary can make me happy when compared to the memories I have with the children here-playing at the community center, the random garba at Gandhi ashram, morning prayer everyday, trip to Aadarsh Ahemdabad with Aanganwadi teachers, bonding with all the wonderful people that made me smile. It has been a blessing to meet them all. It is time for me to wrap up my trip-so much paperwork, so much packing, errends, meeting all relatives and family friends. That takes up most time. I would rather travel than pack, but I guess this trip to Kutchh was the only real traveling in India that was in my destiny for this India stay. Next time, I will expand my horizons more. Other people keep closing gates for me in the name of having to run errends for everyone else, and I feel obligated to do those things for them, but at the same time, I want to live my life and travel and make the most of my days here. It is a sensitive approach that I have to take at times, but I have to try my best to please everybody else and keep faces smiling. I am thankful for the little traveling I got to do, but even more thankful for everything else that I only got to experience thanks to God and my parents finally letting me come to India after so much convincing. I know in the future, I  am meant to return to India and serve here. This is where I ultimately belong, and I knew that when I was born. My heart will always be in India. I will return to USA and train myself to grow and become more and more capable just so I can come back to India and serve others here. That is my dream. It always has been. Interestingly enough though, last couple days, I have been missing USA. It is as much as my home as India is. I have two home countries. I am very lucky to have been raised in different cultures, different languages, and customs. Somewhere, somehow, it has shaped me to be who I am today. The challenges, the set backs, the hardships of growing up in a diaspora has only made me more open minded and be able to see through different perspectives easily-A trait I value so much as I learn so many life lessons through that.

windmills aka pawan chakki (in Gujarati) in Kutchh, my little niece calls it chawan paki!! 2 yr olds-and their  pronunciations!!  :) 

Maa tujhe salam! 

Mandvi beach in Kutchh

camel ride -1st actual camel ride, and that too on a beach :) 

serdi no ras (sugar cane) making machine at the beach

the lady with a bright smile- who made the masala corn for us at the park 

masala corn-my favorite! 

dabeli (a type of sandwich) popular snack in India; apparently Kutchh is famous for Dabeli

Rann of Kutchh- salt 

salt 

In life, one must keep on the path of virtue. Do as your heart says-try at least. Happiness is a product of your thoughts rather than external circumstances.

Kamati Baug - Memories of a childhood in Baroda

Janmabhumi hai hamari shaan se kahenge hum

(this is the land of my birth I will say with pride)

...was playing, from the movie Roja, at Kamati Baug gardens in Baroda yesterday evening. I sat there mesmerized by the the patriotic songs the green square speakers overhead were enchanting the park visitors with. From my experiences in India so far, I have noticed that most public places play new songs on the radio which are nowadays very "trashy" (in my opinion). Even on big occasions.  Then, yesterday, there I was, sitting in the park I used to visit all the time as a child, no special occasion, but just another Sunday evening. The songs were very well chosen, clean, and most touching quality-patriotic. For a city that is known as the cultural capital of Gujarat informally, the parks' theme of songs seemed very appropriate to me. I really appreciated the music. I really do not see that in other places nowadays. 

father and daughter -reminds me of my childhood  

Planetarium-I saw the show for 5 Rs in Gujarati

My cheap old 1/4 functioning camera, but it allowed me to capture few good photos! Those fancy new cameras, that I didn't have the luxury of having during my time in India,  well their picture quality and camera life is something I always miss when I go to places like this or even want to capture the smiles of my nieces and nephews. I truly feel like I have lost a thousand moments I wanted to capture on camera because of my old non-functioning moody camera. The batteries I buy here in India last only 20 some photos max, and then have to buy new AA batteries. Old school. Thank goodness for sketch pads and drawing pencils when lens let you down, get those fingers moving.

"What you think of yourself is much more important than what people think of you."

"Fear can keep us up all night long, but faith makes one fine pillow. -unknown"

 From all the quotes I enjoy analyzing-this one particular quote has hit home the most recently:
To sacrifice what you are & to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying. -Joan of Arc

Don't give up on who you are, who you are meant to be, who you know you will be no matter how much the world around you expects you to be something else, do something else, and be someone else. Don't be someone else. Be yourself. 

Aisa des hai mera

mere desh mein mehmaano ko bhagvan kaha jaataa hai
woh yahi kaha jaata hai woh kahi se bhi aataa hai
(In my country, guests are treated as God, no matter where they come from)
 Aisa des hai mera (this is what my country is like)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkBz2k0b-9k

so many feelings..so many thoughts.. I am trying to think of all that I will keep with me my whole life rather than what I am leaving behind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkBz2k0b-9k

The precious memories with Manav Sadhna, and all the other NGOs.. The kids at Community center and communities...the preschool kids..the families I met..the volunteers I became close to...the people at MS that inspired me and made me smile :) they are all so giving and sweet- I cannot thank God enough for giving me the priviledge to be in India for this long. I though 4.5 months would be enough initially, but now, even the maximum allowance of 6 months per govt rules seems too little. I know I have gained wisdom, refined the clarity of the lens I look at life through adding many views to the kaleidoscope, knowledge, experience, and everything else in the last few months I have been here.

Each day, each experience, each person, and each moment thought me something new. I learned to bargain, wash clothes by hand, teach and project my voice in front of large crowds of people, find my way around new city, and above all, I learned to cherish the moments that took my breath away- simplest things such as playing with my niece, eating with group of people and talking about our days, eating pani puri with friends, talking to the grandma front door every morning as if she is my own grandmother, etc...things that are rarely seen and felt elsewhere- at least rarely in the USA.. there no time to even decently eat a meal let alone spend quality time with communities and families in the community. I am trying to make a list of all the things I have to look forward to in the USA though-like my parents. I know being away from them for so long might have been rough for them.. I get to see family here on their behalf..I wish my parents could be here enjoying the family time and India with me. That is the one thing I miss the most-people - my family in the USA.. my family here makes me feel so loved and cared for too though that I will miss them too much when I return to USA. You can never forget how someone makes you feel, and the people here have filled me heart with joy and love. Be it my blood relatives or the people who have become like family.

A funny incident- after my formal last day at Manav Sadhna, I went back the next day. I had kept extending my stay with them. If it were not for the Visa issue, I would be there longer still. I said goodbye to everyone in prayer, and then later that day, we went out for a friend's birthday to Law Garden-best Indochinese food in town!! anyway, hung out at Chocolate room-heaven on Earth- afterwards. Then, shoved into a rikshaw back to the Gandhi Ashram. I ended up staying at the ashram since it was too late to go to my aunt's home.. The next morning, I tagged along with my friends to the volunteer meeting since it was Friday. I was technically done volunteering there, but in my heart, I can never separate myself from MS. I sat there in the big circle full of amazing gem like individuals and drank tea and shared my thoughts while learning about everyone's experiences. I realized that people will come and go, and I too had to finally leave. I know if I go back to Gandhi Ashram, it will be harder and harder each time to say bye. I love it there too much. I ended up going to Anganwadi for health class and hanging out with the Earn n learn kids later on in the day for dinner at the ashram. It was great! The kids gave gifts to us, and every time I see it, I will remember how blessed I was to meet them. They are God's angels on Earth. I will miss them, but their memories with always make me smile :)

Smile because it happened :)