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Having just returned from Delhi, I thought it about time I updated this lil ol' blog o' mine, so all my wonderful friends can catch up with what I've been up to… which, incidentally, has been quite a lot!
I returned home and my flat mates all left 5 minutes later - going home for Diwalli and family trips etc.I'm now home alone for a week before I join Richa in Jhansi for the Indian equivalent of our festive season and, far from feeling lonely, I am revelling in closing my windows, cranking up my music and singing and dancing around in a strappy top!Oof, maybe I'll get my own place in time?!
I'll get to a Delhi in a mo - first things first and all!
In the days that immediately followed my last post, I was taken to an engagement party, where I got to see the traditional dress and the exchanging of gifts (including dowry) between the boy's and girl's families; was treated to a trip to Khajaraho (famous for the Karma Sutra carvings that decorate the numerous temples there), and was invited to a dinner in one of the villages that I work in, which, to my delight, turned out to be a traditional feast held in honour of the birth of a new baby.Being female I was confided to eating in the house rather than at the main ceremony, but I was quite happy to talk amongst the womenfolk anyway.
In addition to these outings, I've been delving further into the delights of Indian cuisine and even managed to (albeit badly) make sabje and roti all on my lonesome!I have been sampling new fruits that I've never seen before but cannot for the life of me remember their names - I have the memory of a Alzheimer's afflicted goldfish at the mo, but I guess I am trying to remember a lot of new sounds!
Work has been good.My boss organised a competition for the farmers to design a market that incorporated all the amenities that they would need to sell their produce, with the plan of building one based on their specifications.It was held at a … well actually I don't really know what it was, but it was perhaps one of the most serene places I've ever had the pleasure of visiting - until 100 farmers turned up of course.The delight on the winning team's village chief was a sight for sore eyes as he jumped up (as much as he could at his age) and was congratulated.He even laughed when some staff members nicked his prize money (Rs 5000) and was smiling as he drove away, even though I wasn't sure it'd been returned to him ; ).I hope I can sleek off to this little sanctuary again, but since the guru (teacher - of the religious persuasion in this instance) seemed a little suspicious of me, and it is really her home, to which people go to ask her questions (a service that I don't think I'll take advantage of, despite my recent, inevitable ,heightened sense of spirituality - more due to the books I've been reading than actually being in India), coupled with the fact that I'm not allowed anywhere on my own, and going accompanied would slightly defeat the point, I probably won't.
I've also been to a one-year old's birthday party (lots of fun and frolics) and to other people's houses quiet a lot for dinner.The staff and their families, and the community as a whole, have been very welcoming and my relationships are only improving as my Hindi does.
One experience that will probably stay with me for years to come was to sit on the roof of a colleague's (Mahendra) apartment block with him, his wife, son, my flat mates and about 30 Hindu's, a number of whom were dressed as what we in Britain know as Hare Krishnas (orange robes, red and white tika).The men leading the prayer session sang songs, danced, and played instruments, directed toward a shrine to Ram and Sita.It was kind of intoxicating and I started clapping along.I doubt I was thinking the same things as the majority of the people on that roof but I did feel very relaxed and let my mind drift onto all sorts of things.God, I think a lot out here - and read.It's perhaps a bad combination for someone of my disposition (Turnock, that comment is made with your voice ringing in my ears!)
I have also become a willing participant in the conversion of my hands and arms into a mehendi (henna to you lesser beings) doodle pad. It's beautiful and I get to enjoy the temporary tattoos for a good few days before it starts to look like I've got scabies!
Furthermore, it would appear that I have a penchant for riding things out here.First motorbikes, and now horses (and nothing else before the sarccy comments ensue)!On my way to Jhansi (nearest train-station - which is a good 3 hour drive away for your reference) to get the train to Delhi, we stopped at Raheesh Ji's home village, where most of his family still live.His brother, to my joy, has a horse - and I was allowed to have a quick ride on it!I was slightly hesitant at first - getting on this great beast, ears back, without stirrups or helmet was a bit of a worry but, never one to let simple practicalities hold me back, I jumped on and was very pleased when it responded to me pulling its reigns left and right.Next time I'm taking it for a canter in the fields.Susan - he's not quite Josh, but a good Indian substitute for now.
So… my trip to this wonderful nations capital.It had me longing for London, I'll say that, but I have come back to Nowgong with a smile on my face.I stayed with Meri didi (my friend Menka's sister-in-law), who is by far my best friend in India.She's just so lovely and good to talk to.I spent three days in Delhi with her, her husband (who is also very kind) and their two kids.Jija Ji (didi's husband) is a civil engineer and his English is really good so we spoke about Indian politics, the economic crisis etc - not that I know much about such issues but it was good to have a chat! Having said that, my opinions on class consciousness and private schools in Britain did earn me the title of 'opinionated' - I really fricking hope not in a bad way!I relaxed mostly and enjoyed the AC and hot shower and did a bit of shopping in Feridabad (the district they live in) which was fricking awesome for bargains!We took Jija Ji's car, with driver, around Delhi on Saturday and visited Akshardham (a cultural centre with a stunning Hindu temple), Qutub Minar (a big tower from 1100 built by Muslim rulers), and the Lotus temple.We also went shopping at Connaught Place (apologise for any miss-spellings, I'm bad enough in English!)There's loads more to see but there's also loads of time and Didi and Jija Ji have said they'll have me back!I was also introduced to some of their friends and the friends of their kids who loved my English accent, stilted Hindi, mehendi and Chori's (thin bangles that a lot of Indian women wear).In fact, I'm now looked at oddly, not because of my pale complexion, but because (or so I'm told) I dress more Indian than some of the girls that were born here!Necessary in Nowgong but a bit embarrassing on the train, where I feel like a wannabe traveller!At one point, a gaggle of school girls surrounded me, finding my attempts at Hindi very funny, and asked if I'd fasted the day before (it was Karwa Chort - I think that's how its spelt - which is a Punjabi festival where married women decorate their palms with mehendi, fast and perform puja - like a prayer - to praise their husbands).I had to inform their disappointed faces that no I wasn't married, the mehendi was just for fun.I did look at myself through the eyes of the ageing white couples that were also perusing the same tourist spot and thought of myself as one of those independent travellers that you sometimes see and either envy or judge to be arrogant, because their on their own and mingling.Still, I've been getting in for Indian rates everywhere I go (i.e. Rs 10 as opposed to Rs 500), so my attempts to fit in are working in my favour!
Anyway, I'm home, equipped with a very good 'Learn Hindi' book, complete with CDs, bought at a third of the RRP pound price, a nice new jewellery box (so I can chuck the shoe box I'm currently utilizing), some cool new 'traveller clothes' a couple more books including 'Orientalism' (I'm finally gonna read it Holsy), sunglasses etc etc.I had a great time and am looking forward to seeing Didi and Menka at the end of Nov for Menka's brothers wedding reception.
Been reading some good, thought provoking books!Anna, that rom com you sent me (Love rules) was fricking ace!!Got me thinking a lot about London and other stuff ; ) but a good un defo!The Alchemist is also a must for anyone thinking about life and such things!I don't know if it's the books I'm reading, or the fact that everyone I meet wants to marry me off, but questions of career, relationships, future etc seem like a favourite pastime for those little brain cells of mine at the mo.Blooming too much time on my hands - that's what it is!
How are you all doing?
Missing you all so much.VISIT!
Lil me xxxxx
P.S. Congrats for the ace win today girls - thanks for the text Helen.And well done to you 10kers (I would've given you a run for your money!)Thanks so much for ringing Anna - you're a legend.You guys can't keep making me cry by singing down the phone to me!!
P.S.S. Chloe, Poppy, Helen, Rachel - can't wait to see you!Get booking ladies!
xx
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