Back in the USA

Now that I'm officially back on American soil, I can begin to reflect on my Indian adventure.  Living in a different culture for over a month taught me great patience.  But living amongst Indians also taught me to have greater appreciation for the people in my life, including my family, friends, and students.

I am happy to be back in my own home, sleeping in my very fluffy bed and using my washing machine.  I am baking cookies, brownies, and other goodies for my loved ones.  I am enjoying my morning 5 mile runs again, thanks to the clean air here in Virginia.

What was the best part of my journey?  That is too difficult a question for me to answer, because there were so many challenging and enlightening moments throughout the weeks I spent in India.  As I was telling a friend, India is full of surprises.  Just when you think you know what's going on...something crazy happens.  Cows wander in front of cars, monkeys leap from buildings, music blares from a nearby temple, a group of pilgrims march by on their religious quest...India is overwhelming and yet so peaceful at the same time.  

Welcoming 2009 BEFORE You!

As I am in Asia this year for New Year's, I have the distinct privilege of welcoming 2009 10 hours and 30 minutes before my friends in Washington DC.  Let me say, 2009 is going to be a great year!  Here is how I spent the final day of 2008...

I'm So SARI!

Who are these amazing Christmas carolers in their Kerala saris?!  Hope you enjoy these pictures of us performing at the meeting of the Rotary Club of Alleppey East last week.

I am officially the ONLY member of my team that enjoys wearing a sari.  I wore it again last night to the District Conference.  It is so much more comfortable than the formal wear we have in the USA!

Thanks to these impromptu performances, my teammates and I have perfected our versions of the National Anthem and Jingle Bells.  Good thing I have had lots of singing practice in church:)

A quick update:

I am sitting here in Trivadrum, back at my wonderful host mother's house, amazed that it has been nearly one month since I arrived in Kerala.  Tomorrow, we are off to the north for cooler weather and some sightseeing in the Golden Triangle of New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra.  The mosquito bite count is around 20 now, which is a bit better but I now carry Calamine lotion in my purse:)  Winter is sounding better each day!

Shark for Dinner?

Fort Kochi is an interesting place that was settled by Jews from Eastern Europe hundreds of years ago. They chose this location because Kochi is located on an estuary -- where salt water and fresh water meet. Consequently, the town of Kochi is ideal for trading by river and sea -- and known for its seafood resources.

Here I am photographed with the shark I caught while fishing with my Chinese net. (Okay, so perhaps I didn't catch this shark. But still, isn't it a great picture!)

The Weary Traveler's Beverage of Choice

There are no 7-11 convenience stores here in Kerala! Fortunately, the most refreshing drink comes in its own natural packaging! For about .20 cents, you can have a talented local man climb the tree, find a coconut, slice open the top with a machete, and enjoy the cool coconut water. Bonus: It's healthy too!

What a cute baby!

This may be the cutest baby I've "held" in 2008! Here I am at the Konni Elephant Training Center in rural Kerala.

Farewell to Alleppey

It's Monday morning here in India and we are preparing for another journey to the town of Kottayam. I am sad to leave this town (Alleppey) because I have had the MOST wonderful time with my host family. I have been staying with Chandran and Subha, plus their three children Vishnu (23), Sandra (18) and Sagar (15) and servant Chinama.

My host family helped me experience the thrills of Alleppey (the major temple festival is here right now, complete with elephants and carnival rides). We enjoyed the most marvelous houseboat ride nearby, exploring the backwaters and tropical environment. I did some shopping and even have beautiful artwork on my hands (it's vegetable dye, lasting for 3 days).

Now that I've been in India for 22 days, I've grown accustomed to a couple Indian ways:
1) Bathing with cold water: good thing it's hot here.
2) Bathing with a BUCKET of cold water: this is the common way to bathe, as I've seen in Ecuador and Peru as well.
3) Eating with your right hand: I'm nervous that when I return, forks will be so bothersome!
4) Eating VERY spicy food (by American standards): The meal isn't good unless your lips are tingling at the end!
5) Being so friendly...Indians are extremely welcoming. This is pleasant for me and finally, I've found a place where people greet me as I run in the morning (Ms. Luxmoore, you would love it here:)
6) Mosquitos...It's a tropical wet and dry climate here in Kerala, so mosquitos are everywhere! Current bite count: 30. (That's while using repellent!)
7) And finally...here are some Indian English words and their translations:
"take classes" means to "teach classes"
"toilet" = "restroom"
"take exercise" = "go for a run"
"take tea" = midafternoon snack
"maths" = mathematics class
"lift" = elevator

You may notice that some of these phrases sound very British! Remember, India was a colony of Great Britain until 1947. Now it is the largest democracy in the world!

I will hopefully get an opportunity to post some pictures AND talk with my classes on Skype early this week! I am doing my best to organize internet access. I miss all of you!
Happy Christmas!