The monsoon season should have come early to mid-July but we aren’t having a proper monsoon. During the monsoon it doesn’t necessarily rain all the time but it should rain for several hours just about every day. This, of course, causes havoc in the city. Streets are flooded and the sewers back up into the streets. It’s quite messy and adventurous. It does make it difficult to get around, but it is necessary for the crops (and it cools the temperature down, yeah!). If we don’t have a good monsoon the crops will not do well. In some years this has led to farmers killing themselves. The season should extend into September, so please pray that we get the heavy monsoon we need. In this case, it truly is better late than never.
06 August 2009
Monsoon Season
Shifting Houses
Shifting houses here makes moving in the States seem like a vacation. Finding the right place is worse than trying to find a needle in a hay stack. It starts with finding a property dealer which one usually does through word of mouth. Then one must be very specific in describing what one wants and does not want. The tricking thing at the beginning of this process is one does not know the things that need to be considered.
Who knew I would need to specify that I wanted a flat with all the rooms contained together without having to walk outside to go to a different room? Who knew I needed to specify that I wanted the kitchen inside or the bathroom inside? One also needs to specify if they want all the rooms adjoining (meaning you have to walk through one bedroom to get to the next, etc) or separate (which they refer to as side-by-side) and private. I must also specify what type of toilet, western or squatty (I knew that one). One should also clarify that one does not want the kitchen to be connected to the bedroom. I have seen so many strange layouts which I’m not sure I can’t even describe. One must see it to believe it.
Then there’s the budget. The property dealer needs to know the budget. There’s a debate on whether you tell him your minimum or your maximum. My experience says you tell him your mid-range.
Then you go and look for hours at places. The first several are always crap. Places you would never consider. Then they take you to places out of your budget. Along the way you say what you like and don’t like about the places. You have to ask the right questions…does the place have enough voltage to run an A/C? Inverter (like a generator)? Who pumps the water and when? How often are the water tanks cleaned? Do you share a tank or does each flat have their own? Does the landlord live on property or where? Is the water and electricity included? Is the water and/or electricity on a separate meter? Is it government water and/or electricity or private? If there is no water, will the landlord arrange for water to be brought in? If possible, you want to try to speak to other tenants to see how often they go without electricity and/or water. One needs to know how much water they need to store just in case. One should also ask about security and the gate and who has keys, etc. Can one get receipts for payments made (not always possible here). Those are the basic questions. Not things I asked back home for sure. I had helpful people make me a list of these things.
Once you do this with several property dealers there might be one or two places you might consider. One must act quick because places go really fast. To secure a flat, one must pay equal to one month’s rent. Before or upon moving in one must pay the first month’s rent and pay the property dealer one month’s rent for finding the place. Your first month you have to pay three months rent. The security deposit will be returned if one month notice is given before moving out.
I think the hardest part is being rejected because the assumptions people make about me because I’m a single woman. Some people won’t rent to me because they don’t want my clients on their property. That means exactly what you think it means. It is assumed by some that I am a prostitute. Why else would a single woman being living without her family? In the process of seeing houses I always either take a man friend with me or call one and have the man friend talk to the landlord and/or property dealer. It helps for them to know that I have a man who can vouch for my character.
This takes a lot of time and energy. If you are working around your work schedule and language lessons it will take a while. Alas, I’m still in the midst of this process. I saw 10 or 12 places Monday. Only 2 were worth looking at. One is for rent until it sales which means if I took it I would have one month to move whenever it eventually sells. That could be in a month, 3 months, 6 months, who knows. The other place is ok. It’s got one western toilet and one squatty. It wouldn’t be easy to find someone to room with me with a squatty. Probably won’t take it. Tuesday I didn’t get to see many places because the landlords didn’t want to rent to a single woman. Of the few I did get to see only one was livable but it is above a men’s salon. It’s wouldn’t be appropriate or safe for me to stay there. Saturday I have another appointment. I have a male friend coming with me. I will also carry my work contract with me if they have any questions about my employment.
The good part (sort of) is it has given me lots of Hindi practice. Of course, there’s the frustration of not always being able to communicate well. A little English and some very poor and broken Hindi can go a long way. It also hinders the process some.
Who knew I would need to specify that I wanted a flat with all the rooms contained together without having to walk outside to go to a different room? Who knew I needed to specify that I wanted the kitchen inside or the bathroom inside? One also needs to specify if they want all the rooms adjoining (meaning you have to walk through one bedroom to get to the next, etc) or separate (which they refer to as side-by-side) and private. I must also specify what type of toilet, western or squatty (I knew that one). One should also clarify that one does not want the kitchen to be connected to the bedroom. I have seen so many strange layouts which I’m not sure I can’t even describe. One must see it to believe it.
Then there’s the budget. The property dealer needs to know the budget. There’s a debate on whether you tell him your minimum or your maximum. My experience says you tell him your mid-range.
Then you go and look for hours at places. The first several are always crap. Places you would never consider. Then they take you to places out of your budget. Along the way you say what you like and don’t like about the places. You have to ask the right questions…does the place have enough voltage to run an A/C? Inverter (like a generator)? Who pumps the water and when? How often are the water tanks cleaned? Do you share a tank or does each flat have their own? Does the landlord live on property or where? Is the water and electricity included? Is the water and/or electricity on a separate meter? Is it government water and/or electricity or private? If there is no water, will the landlord arrange for water to be brought in? If possible, you want to try to speak to other tenants to see how often they go without electricity and/or water. One needs to know how much water they need to store just in case. One should also ask about security and the gate and who has keys, etc. Can one get receipts for payments made (not always possible here). Those are the basic questions. Not things I asked back home for sure. I had helpful people make me a list of these things.
Once you do this with several property dealers there might be one or two places you might consider. One must act quick because places go really fast. To secure a flat, one must pay equal to one month’s rent. Before or upon moving in one must pay the first month’s rent and pay the property dealer one month’s rent for finding the place. Your first month you have to pay three months rent. The security deposit will be returned if one month notice is given before moving out.
I think the hardest part is being rejected because the assumptions people make about me because I’m a single woman. Some people won’t rent to me because they don’t want my clients on their property. That means exactly what you think it means. It is assumed by some that I am a prostitute. Why else would a single woman being living without her family? In the process of seeing houses I always either take a man friend with me or call one and have the man friend talk to the landlord and/or property dealer. It helps for them to know that I have a man who can vouch for my character.
This takes a lot of time and energy. If you are working around your work schedule and language lessons it will take a while. Alas, I’m still in the midst of this process. I saw 10 or 12 places Monday. Only 2 were worth looking at. One is for rent until it sales which means if I took it I would have one month to move whenever it eventually sells. That could be in a month, 3 months, 6 months, who knows. The other place is ok. It’s got one western toilet and one squatty. It wouldn’t be easy to find someone to room with me with a squatty. Probably won’t take it. Tuesday I didn’t get to see many places because the landlords didn’t want to rent to a single woman. Of the few I did get to see only one was livable but it is above a men’s salon. It’s wouldn’t be appropriate or safe for me to stay there. Saturday I have another appointment. I have a male friend coming with me. I will also carry my work contract with me if they have any questions about my employment.
The good part (sort of) is it has given me lots of Hindi practice. Of course, there’s the frustration of not always being able to communicate well. A little English and some very poor and broken Hindi can go a long way. It also hinders the process some.
Kite Season
I guess it must be kite season. Everywhere I look I see little boys flying homemade kites. It’s so much fun to see the joy in their faces and hear their laughter. It reminds me of the scenes described in Kite Runner. The flurry of colors as they swoop and dive and rise again. The thrill as one kite gets close to another. Suspense fills your soul waiting to see who will cut who. Then the intrigue of the chase of the fallen kite. It’s quite a show.
12 July 2009
Books
My friend Fonda is always posting about the books she is reading and those waiting on her night stand to be read. In honor of her, I've made a list of books that I've been reading or have read since coming here.
May You Be the Mother of a Hundred Sons by Elisabeth Bumiller
I am currently reading this one. I am enjoying the wide perspective it gives on women in India. Bumiller is a journalist who spent three years living and interviewing women here. She encounters all sorts of women from the village to Bollywood. I appreciate the various issues she highlights.
Kite Runner vs. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
I find Hosseini’s writing elegant yet simple. He has a gift for capturing the heart and soul of his characters and expounding on the implications of the characters’ context. Kite Runner was intense and several times I had to take a break in order to properly wrestle with the gravity of the events as they unfolded. I’m glad I returned each time and saw the characters through to the end.
I was compelled to read his second novel. I found it even more impressive. How did a man capture the soul of these women? It is beautiful and moving. I felt like I gained friends and lost them throughout the story. Somehow these women who are only characters in a book became real and a part of my life.
Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez
Not sure why or how I ended up reading 3 books in a row set in Afghanistan. I am always interested in how and why people go to different parts of the world. It was intriguing to hear this women’s story and how she used her gift of cosmetology to change the lives of women in Kabul. In the process, it was insightful to see how these women changed her life.
Having just moved to another country to practice my vocation, I could relate to much of the beginning of the story as she made the decision to come and the roller coaster ride of entry. It was encouraging to see how things unfolded for her and the good things that came with time.
City of Djinns by William Dalrymple
This book is a travel journey of a writer living and working in Delhi.
I first started this book when I arrived. I was captivated as it opened in the area I was staying. Different chapters interested me more than others. It depended on my experience in the city thus far. It was a slow read. As I finished it, I was amused that the last chapter found the author back in my neighborhood at the time of the pilgrimage which was going on at the same time I finished the book. It was fitting that I could read the book over time and as it followed the seasons.
I was impressed enough with his insights and knowledge of the city and culture that I purchased his other book The Age of Kali.
Holy Cow by Sarah MacDonald
I heard a lot about this book before coming. I appreciate hearing people’s stories. This book is the story of a news reporter living in India. There’s a lot in this book that made me laugh simply because it is so true. But there are other parts which I found insulting to the culture. Everyone encounters India differently depending on where they are coming from. I think this is a great book to read after you have your own encounter with India.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Finally, I am reading Harry Potter. I absolutely love it! Why didn’t I read them in the first place?
The Story of My Experiments with Truth by M.K. Ghandi
After my visit to the Ghandi Smriti I was inspired to pick up this book and start reading it even though I bought it on my second trip to India in 2005. It's about time I read it.
Longing for Love by Michael Frost
Found this on my roommate’s shelf. It looks at the relationship between our spirituality and sexuality. I haven’t read much but I find this topic very intriguing. The society I now live in has very different views on sexuality and gender roles which greatly affect my daily life. It affects the clothes I wear, the people I interact with, and the places I go. It has even made it difficult for me to find a place to live (see post: Shifting Houses). I find myself asking how the spirituality of the different groups here affects the sexuality and gender roles in each group. It makes me question how this issue is lived out and addressed back home and how that has influenced my perspective on this relationship.
May You Be the Mother of a Hundred Sons by Elisabeth Bumiller
I am currently reading this one. I am enjoying the wide perspective it gives on women in India. Bumiller is a journalist who spent three years living and interviewing women here. She encounters all sorts of women from the village to Bollywood. I appreciate the various issues she highlights.
Kite Runner vs. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
I find Hosseini’s writing elegant yet simple. He has a gift for capturing the heart and soul of his characters and expounding on the implications of the characters’ context. Kite Runner was intense and several times I had to take a break in order to properly wrestle with the gravity of the events as they unfolded. I’m glad I returned each time and saw the characters through to the end.
I was compelled to read his second novel. I found it even more impressive. How did a man capture the soul of these women? It is beautiful and moving. I felt like I gained friends and lost them throughout the story. Somehow these women who are only characters in a book became real and a part of my life.
Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez
Not sure why or how I ended up reading 3 books in a row set in Afghanistan. I am always interested in how and why people go to different parts of the world. It was intriguing to hear this women’s story and how she used her gift of cosmetology to change the lives of women in Kabul. In the process, it was insightful to see how these women changed her life.
Having just moved to another country to practice my vocation, I could relate to much of the beginning of the story as she made the decision to come and the roller coaster ride of entry. It was encouraging to see how things unfolded for her and the good things that came with time.
City of Djinns by William Dalrymple
This book is a travel journey of a writer living and working in Delhi.
I first started this book when I arrived. I was captivated as it opened in the area I was staying. Different chapters interested me more than others. It depended on my experience in the city thus far. It was a slow read. As I finished it, I was amused that the last chapter found the author back in my neighborhood at the time of the pilgrimage which was going on at the same time I finished the book. It was fitting that I could read the book over time and as it followed the seasons.
I was impressed enough with his insights and knowledge of the city and culture that I purchased his other book The Age of Kali.
Holy Cow by Sarah MacDonald
I heard a lot about this book before coming. I appreciate hearing people’s stories. This book is the story of a news reporter living in India. There’s a lot in this book that made me laugh simply because it is so true. But there are other parts which I found insulting to the culture. Everyone encounters India differently depending on where they are coming from. I think this is a great book to read after you have your own encounter with India.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Finally, I am reading Harry Potter. I absolutely love it! Why didn’t I read them in the first place?
The Story of My Experiments with Truth by M.K. Ghandi
After my visit to the Ghandi Smriti I was inspired to pick up this book and start reading it even though I bought it on my second trip to India in 2005. It's about time I read it.
Longing for Love by Michael Frost
Found this on my roommate’s shelf. It looks at the relationship between our spirituality and sexuality. I haven’t read much but I find this topic very intriguing. The society I now live in has very different views on sexuality and gender roles which greatly affect my daily life. It affects the clothes I wear, the people I interact with, and the places I go. It has even made it difficult for me to find a place to live (see post: Shifting Houses). I find myself asking how the spirituality of the different groups here affects the sexuality and gender roles in each group. It makes me question how this issue is lived out and addressed back home and how that has influenced my perspective on this relationship.
Second Trip to the Taj
I think I could visit the Taj Mahl everyday and it would never lose its majesty. It is one of the most beautiful structures I have ever seen. I love the story of the love that inspired it. For the whole story please check out this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shah_Jahan
Here are some up close images of the intricate work of the Taj Mahl...
It is all done by hand. After our tour we went to a marble shop to see how it all was done...
The men and the materials they use...
They stain the white marble red in order to trace the design in which they will inlay to the marble after the pieces are cut from the stone. The marble isn't porous so the red color will wash off later.
Each piece is meticulously cut from the different stones.
Holes/space for the pieces are carved into the marble and placed inside and cemented in place. Then the entire stone is sanded down to the surface of the inlaid stones. Pretty amazing!
What intrigues me more is the Red Fort in Agra. It intrigues me because of its history and design. It also has the best view of the Taj Mahl. For more info please see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akbar_the_Great
Here are some pics from the Red Fort in Agra (not to be confused with the Red Fort in Delhi...same family, very similar but this one is the better place to visit). The main structure is made of red sandstone while other parts are marble or brick overlaid with cement.
And of course, the view of the Taj Mahl...
Here's the classic shot of me at the Taj...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shah_Jahan
Here are some up close images of the intricate work of the Taj Mahl...
It is all done by hand. After our tour we went to a marble shop to see how it all was done...
The men and the materials they use...
They stain the white marble red in order to trace the design in which they will inlay to the marble after the pieces are cut from the stone. The marble isn't porous so the red color will wash off later.
Each piece is meticulously cut from the different stones.
Holes/space for the pieces are carved into the marble and placed inside and cemented in place. Then the entire stone is sanded down to the surface of the inlaid stones. Pretty amazing!What intrigues me more is the Red Fort in Agra. It intrigues me because of its history and design. It also has the best view of the Taj Mahl. For more info please see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akbar_the_Great
Here are some pics from the Red Fort in Agra (not to be confused with the Red Fort in Delhi...same family, very similar but this one is the better place to visit). The main structure is made of red sandstone while other parts are marble or brick overlaid with cement.
And of course, the view of the Taj Mahl...
Here's the classic shot of me at the Taj...
Ghandi Smirti
One place where I took my friend while she was here was where Mahatma Ghandi was assassinated.
It was interesting to visit the place where MG was killed. They had various things to engage the visitor. You can first walk into the house where he was staying and see his few earthly possessions. As you walk through the hallways one can read his life story and see pictures. There is a multi-media videos which artistically recounts the last hour of MG's life. They also have clay dioramas depicting his life which I enjoyed. There's a place upstairs to engage children and hands -on learners. It fascinated me as a teacher. Then one can walk the path which MG took to the garden which is marked by footprints to the point where he was shot.
It's always beyond ourselves when we visit places with such historical significance. It's a place I would recommend to anyone visiting.
This is where he slept and studied.
The path to his death....
The Ghandi Smirti
It was interesting to visit the place where MG was killed. They had various things to engage the visitor. You can first walk into the house where he was staying and see his few earthly possessions. As you walk through the hallways one can read his life story and see pictures. There is a multi-media videos which artistically recounts the last hour of MG's life. They also have clay dioramas depicting his life which I enjoyed. There's a place upstairs to engage children and hands -on learners. It fascinated me as a teacher. Then one can walk the path which MG took to the garden which is marked by footprints to the point where he was shot.
It's always beyond ourselves when we visit places with such historical significance. It's a place I would recommend to anyone visiting.
This is where he slept and studied.
The path to his death....
The Ghandi Smirti
Banjara Wedding
Weddings here are days long. There are a lot of formalities just to get the couple engaged. The engagement is more like a wedding in the States. Between the engagement and the wedding there are several other ceremonies that happen.
One is the Haldi. The Haldi is a time of cleansing the bride and groom and blessing them. It includes lots of prayers, some music, a chance to place seed on the groom's (or bride's) head and bless them. Afterwards, the groom/bride is scrubbed down with turmeric paste. The paste is good for the skin and gives it a nice glow. It also cleanses it and cools the body. There are either 3, 5, 7, or 9 of these ceremonies. My friend's family does 5 of them. We participated in the 5th and final Haldi the morning of the wedding.
The wedding ceremony is very formal and much like ours back home. One significant difference is instead of exchanging rings (which is done at the engagement) a necklace is tied around the bride's neck by the groom. This act seals the deal. Another difference is all important people taking part in the service sit on stage. There aren't any traditional bride's maids or groom's men. It is a very long service with several readings, songs, speakers, and messages. The end signing of the marriage certificate is part of the service. Unfortunately, the camera men were in the way most of the time so I didn't get any good pics.
If you are on Facebook, you can look up the group: Sagar's Big Phat Banjara Wedding. There are pictures posted from various people who attended. If you are friends on Facebook with Robbi or Sagar's brother, Vijay, then you can also check out even more pictures.
The wedding ceremony isn't the end of the event. The next day was a huge reception thrown by the groom's family. The bride's family held one immediately after the ceremony. The day after the groom's reception there is a ceremony where the groom officially goes and takes the bride from her home and brings her into his family's home. After some other final visits and formalities the happy couple will be off to their honeymoon.
One key thing to remember about weddings here is that it is more about two families joining than two people. Yes, this was an arranged marriage but they did meet before their engagement. Please feel free to email any questions.
Another note: Banjara is the tribal group my friend belongs to. They are the origin of all gypsies.
One is the Haldi. The Haldi is a time of cleansing the bride and groom and blessing them. It includes lots of prayers, some music, a chance to place seed on the groom's (or bride's) head and bless them. Afterwards, the groom/bride is scrubbed down with turmeric paste. The paste is good for the skin and gives it a nice glow. It also cleanses it and cools the body. There are either 3, 5, 7, or 9 of these ceremonies. My friend's family does 5 of them. We participated in the 5th and final Haldi the morning of the wedding.
The wedding ceremony is very formal and much like ours back home. One significant difference is instead of exchanging rings (which is done at the engagement) a necklace is tied around the bride's neck by the groom. This act seals the deal. Another difference is all important people taking part in the service sit on stage. There aren't any traditional bride's maids or groom's men. It is a very long service with several readings, songs, speakers, and messages. The end signing of the marriage certificate is part of the service. Unfortunately, the camera men were in the way most of the time so I didn't get any good pics.
If you are on Facebook, you can look up the group: Sagar's Big Phat Banjara Wedding. There are pictures posted from various people who attended. If you are friends on Facebook with Robbi or Sagar's brother, Vijay, then you can also check out even more pictures.
The wedding ceremony isn't the end of the event. The next day was a huge reception thrown by the groom's family. The bride's family held one immediately after the ceremony. The day after the groom's reception there is a ceremony where the groom officially goes and takes the bride from her home and brings her into his family's home. After some other final visits and formalities the happy couple will be off to their honeymoon.
One key thing to remember about weddings here is that it is more about two families joining than two people. Yes, this was an arranged marriage but they did meet before their engagement. Please feel free to email any questions.
Another note: Banjara is the tribal group my friend belongs to. They are the origin of all gypsies.
A Visit From a Friend and a Wedding
I was so excited to have my first guest. I never knew how exhausting it would be to host someone here. I learned a lot of lessons and will be better prepared for the next guest. I'm so glad my friend was so laid back about everything. She was the best person to be my first trial run. Thanks a lot for being the sacrificial guinea pig, my dear=)
Funny story....I was without power the evening that my friend was to arrive so I couldn't check my email to verify her arrival info or flight info. I guessed and went to the airport. When I arrived I had thought her had been delayed about 3 hours. I waited...and waited...and waited. The flight I thought she was on came and went. I got worried. I called my friend in the States (it was 4am my time) to check my email and get the correct info. That's when I found out I switched the times. I had reversed her arrival and departure times. I spent the night waiting in the airport for her to arrive at 8:30am. All I could do was laugh.
Anyways, we were both exhausted. When we got to the house I made some chocolate chip pancakes and we devoured them. Then we promptly went to bed. Her first day here was spent lounging at my place.
I really can't remember exactly what we did the next few days...some shopping I know for sure. We had to get her clothes and we both needed saris for the wedding. I took her into the office to meet my co-workers and have lunch with them. We spent one night out at my boss and his wife's house. Then the unexpected happened.
I had been experiencing some stomach pains the past few weeks. I thought it was related to my IBS. I was starting to notice a distinct difference in the pain and the location of the pain compared to the pain I experience with my IBS. I talked to my boss's wife who also has IBS and she thought what I was describing sounded like ulcers and urged me to go to the doctor before we left for the wedding.
The next day we ditched our plans and went to the doctor. Low and behold he thought the same. He wanted to do an endoscopy that day before I left for the wedding. He assured me that I would be fine and the sedation would only last about 30 minutes. I knew better. I knew that it would take a good day for it to wear off and that I would be either a very happy drunk/stoned person or a very mean one. Luckily, I was a funny drunk who didn't do anything really inappropriate. I was so embarrassed for my friend and my boss who graciously came and gave us a ride home. Glad I still have a job=)
Some of you know that I hate hospitals. It is linked to childhood experiences. It was very nerve wracking for me. To take some of the edge off before the procedure we went to the mall. There is a place there very similar to "Practically Picasso" where you can paint a piece of pottery and then they glaze and fire it. It was very therapeutic. Now we both have lovely salad bowls.
The sedation didn't take full effect until after the procedure. I felt everything and was awake. As predicted, I threw up after the procedure and then past out for several hours. When I woke up it took about an hour before I could even sit up. It's just not what you want to happen ever but especially when hosting someone. In the end I did have ulcers...two of them and a hiatal hernia. I can't eat anything spicy, oily, fatty, acidic, or drink anything carbonated. Not what you want to hear before going to a wedding here. If you know the food here, then you know it rules everything out but the bread and rice.
The next morning we were on the plane as planned. The wedding was great. I will post more about the details in another entry.
We returned home and I had to go back to work. My friend got to see the ABC book as we did some editing of rough copy they printed while I was at the wedding. She also attended my English classes at the Japanese School. I took her to the busti to visit my language helper. We did some sight-seeing and more shopping. Before we knew it she was in a taxi heading to the airport. It went so quickly.
It was great to catch up with her and how life is for her.It was nice to be with someone I know and who knows me. Hosting someone in another country is a new experience. It exposes how much I have learned and take for granted as common knowledge, but also how much more I still need to know and my blind spots to the culture.
I already miss my friend. Her absence is more real now than it was before she came.
Funny story....I was without power the evening that my friend was to arrive so I couldn't check my email to verify her arrival info or flight info. I guessed and went to the airport. When I arrived I had thought her had been delayed about 3 hours. I waited...and waited...and waited. The flight I thought she was on came and went. I got worried. I called my friend in the States (it was 4am my time) to check my email and get the correct info. That's when I found out I switched the times. I had reversed her arrival and departure times. I spent the night waiting in the airport for her to arrive at 8:30am. All I could do was laugh.
Anyways, we were both exhausted. When we got to the house I made some chocolate chip pancakes and we devoured them. Then we promptly went to bed. Her first day here was spent lounging at my place.
I really can't remember exactly what we did the next few days...some shopping I know for sure. We had to get her clothes and we both needed saris for the wedding. I took her into the office to meet my co-workers and have lunch with them. We spent one night out at my boss and his wife's house. Then the unexpected happened.
I had been experiencing some stomach pains the past few weeks. I thought it was related to my IBS. I was starting to notice a distinct difference in the pain and the location of the pain compared to the pain I experience with my IBS. I talked to my boss's wife who also has IBS and she thought what I was describing sounded like ulcers and urged me to go to the doctor before we left for the wedding.
The next day we ditched our plans and went to the doctor. Low and behold he thought the same. He wanted to do an endoscopy that day before I left for the wedding. He assured me that I would be fine and the sedation would only last about 30 minutes. I knew better. I knew that it would take a good day for it to wear off and that I would be either a very happy drunk/stoned person or a very mean one. Luckily, I was a funny drunk who didn't do anything really inappropriate. I was so embarrassed for my friend and my boss who graciously came and gave us a ride home. Glad I still have a job=)
Some of you know that I hate hospitals. It is linked to childhood experiences. It was very nerve wracking for me. To take some of the edge off before the procedure we went to the mall. There is a place there very similar to "Practically Picasso" where you can paint a piece of pottery and then they glaze and fire it. It was very therapeutic. Now we both have lovely salad bowls.
The sedation didn't take full effect until after the procedure. I felt everything and was awake. As predicted, I threw up after the procedure and then past out for several hours. When I woke up it took about an hour before I could even sit up. It's just not what you want to happen ever but especially when hosting someone. In the end I did have ulcers...two of them and a hiatal hernia. I can't eat anything spicy, oily, fatty, acidic, or drink anything carbonated. Not what you want to hear before going to a wedding here. If you know the food here, then you know it rules everything out but the bread and rice.
The next morning we were on the plane as planned. The wedding was great. I will post more about the details in another entry.
We returned home and I had to go back to work. My friend got to see the ABC book as we did some editing of rough copy they printed while I was at the wedding. She also attended my English classes at the Japanese School. I took her to the busti to visit my language helper. We did some sight-seeing and more shopping. Before we knew it she was in a taxi heading to the airport. It went so quickly.
It was great to catch up with her and how life is for her.It was nice to be with someone I know and who knows me. Hosting someone in another country is a new experience. It exposes how much I have learned and take for granted as common knowledge, but also how much more I still need to know and my blind spots to the culture.
I already miss my friend. Her absence is more real now than it was before she came.
Catching Up....
I haven't posted anything lately. It's probably due to life being a bit busy and it just keep getting busier. I took this weekend to catch up on my communication with the rest of the world. I decided I should post some blogs to fill in everyone on life here.
June started with time away. I took a personal retreat to relax and enjoy some 27/7 A/C. It was lovely. It also proved to be good for my back. I so need a good western style mattress. I indulged myself on the most recent Grey's Anatomy Season (5, I think). I watched all 24 hours straight through. It was great! Then I enjoyed sleeping a lot, eating some of my favorite foods, and reading some great books. It was just what I needed and was well over due.
After that 3-day retreat I headed off with my company for a weekend of getting to know each other. It was great to do this because not all of us are in the same place and I met several people I had only heard of at this point. We also got to share resources and collaborate on ideas.
After returning, I had to focus on the ABC book I've been working on. It had to be done and formatted into the computer in order for it to be edited and proofed for print by July. I was expecting my first visitor and knew I had to get it done before she arrived. In addition to the book I planned my lessons through Christmas for my English classes. I felt pretty accomplished.
I also fit in a week of language camp. I have officially transitioned from the survival level to the functional level. I'm not quite functioning just yet. This means I start looking at grammar and how all the things I've learned so far fit together and work in hopes of creating my own sentences and not just memorizing phrases.
Then my friend came to visit and we went a friend's wedding. That will be my next blog entry. Now I am recovering from the visit and wedding. I have to go to work and start on a very interesting project...yet another blog entry to come.
I have crashed beautifully into my 6th month. As I listen to my play list entitled "Home" I must agree with the song playing..."Life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride."
June started with time away. I took a personal retreat to relax and enjoy some 27/7 A/C. It was lovely. It also proved to be good for my back. I so need a good western style mattress. I indulged myself on the most recent Grey's Anatomy Season (5, I think). I watched all 24 hours straight through. It was great! Then I enjoyed sleeping a lot, eating some of my favorite foods, and reading some great books. It was just what I needed and was well over due.
After that 3-day retreat I headed off with my company for a weekend of getting to know each other. It was great to do this because not all of us are in the same place and I met several people I had only heard of at this point. We also got to share resources and collaborate on ideas.
After returning, I had to focus on the ABC book I've been working on. It had to be done and formatted into the computer in order for it to be edited and proofed for print by July. I was expecting my first visitor and knew I had to get it done before she arrived. In addition to the book I planned my lessons through Christmas for my English classes. I felt pretty accomplished.
I also fit in a week of language camp. I have officially transitioned from the survival level to the functional level. I'm not quite functioning just yet. This means I start looking at grammar and how all the things I've learned so far fit together and work in hopes of creating my own sentences and not just memorizing phrases.
Then my friend came to visit and we went a friend's wedding. That will be my next blog entry. Now I am recovering from the visit and wedding. I have to go to work and start on a very interesting project...yet another blog entry to come.
I have crashed beautifully into my 6th month. As I listen to my play list entitled "Home" I must agree with the song playing..."Life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride."
29 May 2009
Recipe Contest Winners!!!
I’m a little late posting this. I don't have a calendar with the American holidays on it. I just had the last weekend in May stuck in my head as being Memorial Day...oops! I didn't realize that next Monday was June already.
I had several people send me some delicious recipes for the contest. I just couldn’t choose just one winner.
The first winner is.....
Melanie Russell
Her recipe was so simple yet incredibly yummy and versatile. It has already inspired other dishes. Here is her wonderful recipe:
Pan Seared Chicken
Ingredients:
· Chicken Breast(s)
· Garlic
· Salt
· Pepper
· Basil
· Zucchini and Broccoli (or veggies of choice)
· Tomatoes
· Rice
· Cooking Oil
Directions:
1. Cube chicken into bite sized pieces
2. Chop veggies
3. Prepare rice (however that may be)
4. Pour 1 TBS of oil into 2 different pans.
5. In one pan add the chicken, 1 tsp salt, pinch of pepper, 1tsp basil, 1 tsp garlic and cook till chicken is golden brown
6. In the other pan add veggies and 1tsp salt, pinch of pepper, 1tsp basil, 1tsp garlic, and tomatoes and sauté.
7. Serve over rice
The second winner is...
Alisha Barker
I enjoyed the adventure of using local fruit. Her recipe was exotic and very appropriate for my location. Here is her recipe.
Pork (or chicken) w/ Lychees
Ingredients:
- 1 TBSP oil
- 2 lb pork cut in 1" cubes (you could use chicken too)
- 20 oz. of Lychees 1/4 cup soy sauce ( I think it would still be good even if you can't eat or find this)
- 1/4 cup rice wine
- 1 whole star anise
- 1 small dried chili
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and flattened
- 1 slice flattened ginger
- 2 TBSP cornstarch
- 2 TBSP water
Directions:
Heat oil; add pork & brown; Mix soy sauce, wine, and spices simmer covered for 25 minutes. Add lychees and simmer 10 more minutes. Dissolve cornstarch in water. Add to skillet and stir until thick. Serve over rice and/or with a side of veggies.
The third winner is...
Gale Langley
She gave me two excellent recipes (one is actually from her mom). I loved them both and made them on Election Day. Here they are:
Chunky Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 tbsp flour
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Directions:
1. In large saucepan combine potatoes and water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered 10 to 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Set potatoes and reserved liquid aside.
2. In the same pan cook onion in butter until tender, stirring often. Stir in flour, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir over medium-low heat 1 minute.
3. Gradually stir in milk and reserved cooking liquid. Cook and stir over medium heat until boiling. Boil 1 minute.
4. Stir in potatoes and cheese. Cook and stir over low heat until heated through and cheese melts.
5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
- a small splash of vanilla extract
- 1 large coffee mug
Directions:
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
There are two honorable mentions. They are....
Phyllis Merritt
and
Lydia Tate
Each of these ladies will soon be receiving a special gift from the Motherland. Thank you all who participated. I enjoyed trying your recipes. Just because the contest is over doesn’t mean the recipe exchange has to stop. I hope to post recipes from here from time to time. If you come across a good recipe, please don’t hesitate to send it my way.
Happy Cooking!
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