Specialty Shops!

Are the stores in the States doing us a service or disservice by being so diversified and not specialized? While street shopping in Old Delhi, I was contemplating the answer to this question. Yes, I could shop at Target in the U.S. and buy most of what I need....but what about that one unique item that they do not stock? In Old Delhi each shop seemed to specialize. There were sew machine shops,a button shop, book shops, a map shop, sari shops, brass shops, and many more. Each with an abundant quantity of one item. Judging from the pictures above, you would think that the merchants are clueless about their inventory. Not so ! It was remarkable that they knew, not only the variation of the item in question, but also right where to find it in stock!

Let There Be Light !

Thought this would be ENLIGHTENING!
Need not explain- as the pictures are WATT I see everywhere Delhi!

Picture Please!

" Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?"...... ME!

My appearance screams American mostly because of my fair skin. It is comical to walk the markets or the streets and be gawked at. But what is even more fun is to be asked if they can take MY picture.

"Picture please?" is not only coming from my mouth, but theirs. I am not quite sure if there is any custom behind the request or just novelty. Either way, what an ego booster! I feel like a movie star.

Being respectful, I have been asking permission to take pictures. I have only been declined once. The people of India love being photographed. So much so, that most of the time they will try to get your attention with a pose or a prop. Mothers use their babies dressed in their best. Young girls use puppies. Children just run up and ask, " picture please?" After taking any of their pictures, they enjoy seeing the photo on your camera. They laugh and giggle and want their friends to see. It is such a menial task that provides much happiness to them. Their smiles are endearing,and their gratitude profound.

I can not refuse "picture please " from whatever angle it was being asked!

Opportunities

There are some very creative and some very sad opportunities for the people of India to capitalize on foreigners. There is the begging at traffic stops. Children in dirty clothes asking for food or money. Overjoyed to receive trial size samples of shampoo from Naomi. So much so, that they called friends over to be awarded such treasures as well. What was surprising is that these children remember you, or the car you drive! These children happened to be treated by Naomi just days before when she promised them shampoo next time she saw them. They recognized her, on our visit to Gurgaon. The photo shows the boy in the middle, with his friends, thrilled to get the shampoo as promised. Often enough the children from the Embassy School will give the poor children snacks that were left over from their packed lunches. Sharing and helping the less fortunate is a daily lesson learned. Sometimes the beggars approaching the cars are selling something. Magazines (sometimes outdated), Peacock feathers,tour books and small souvenirs. Even small hand held glass blown bongs! I was tempted!��

In Old Delhi, a few very young mothers holding their small babies ( a vey effective technique using their children for effect ), were asking us to exchange some foreign currency they received from tourists. Euros and Francs in exchange for rupees. We helped a few,but left before we became the world bank!

Also in Old Delhi, many bicycle Rickshaws that offer their service.... price negotiable! Photo above is Naomi bartering our ride. While shopping in the market, natives are walking around with laundry baskets offering to carry our purchases to our car...for rupees!

When I visited the Memorial Site of Gandhi, I witnessed a small business in operation. A clever set up of a mobile wireless printer, with a native of India offering to take your picture in front of the memorial and print the souvenir photo right away for purchase! How clever is that? Not sure how many Rupees he was asking. He did get chased away several times, only to return. A very persistent and common character trait when it comes to money!

Whether one chooses to be charitable or ignore and say no, both choices are difficult. There is never enough to go the distance. No, comes at some point in the transaction. We give the little bit we can and move on.....they accept the little bit we give, and move on!

Delivered !

I am fortunate, during my stay in India, that I can be in a home with an Expat family and see how a normal day operates. Really quite different than one would expect. Yes, we share the same rituals of morning, noon and evening regiments. What is so totally different and convenient is that ANYTHING can be delivered!

Need another ink cartridge....call ...delivered! Need more chairs for a party...delivered! Went to market and did not want to carry groceries....delivered! No extra charges for that service makes it even more laughable! I live in the USA and I can not even get most pizza shops to deliver to my home, and if they do, I usually pay a delivery fee. As you see from the picture, not true in New Delhi.

I have not yet experienced anything that could not be delivered here. No,is not a common reply in the Hindi vocabulary. Yet, if something could not be delivered, Expats have a driver that could run the errand! Could you imagine how much valuable time could be saved from not having to go get things you need or have forgotten. Less stressful? Not necessarily...longer days because of more things you've filled it with.

India gets it when it comes to customer service, and every day in different ways, it gets delivered!

Quality Control

Last week, when visiting the Gurudwaray Bangla Sahib Temple, we were invited in to the Langar Hall Kitchen. Langar Hall is what I would compare to one of the U.S. soup kitchens. A place where the hungry gather to be fed a hot meal. It was humbling, to see so many sitting with legs crossed on the floor, eating what appeared to be a most welcomed offering.

When we went into the kitchen, I could not believe the quantity of food being prepared. The photo above is a pot of rice. Just imagine how many people that feeds? What made me chuckle, was that the men of the kitchen were picking through it, to rid of the clumps that over cooked and stuck to the pan! What was I thinking about that? If someone is that hungry and appreciative of any food given by a charity, do they really care about a few clumps of rice in their meal?

Regardless of what I think, the operation of Langar Hall is quite impressive. They feed 500 people every 15-20 minutes. They never serve meat so that anyone can eat regardless of their religion. Langar Hall is open everyday from 12:00 noon - 4:00pm and they will never turn anyone away. All food (or money to purchase food/ingredients) comes from donations.

What a lesson in humanity!

Transportation

There are several modes of transportation here. Cars of all make and model, buses (packed), train, motorcycles, rickshaw taxis ( pictured ), rickshaw bicycles, bicycles,and by foot. The rickshaw bicycle pictured is a bit " tricked out". Most are green and yellow with a layer of rust or dirt. Sometimes a curtain sheilding the passengers view. The motorcycles weave their magic between the cars and buses, very effortlessly, as traffic merges down the road. What amazes me is the number of passengers on one motorcycle. In the picture above, a family of four,(the front passenger hopped off before I captured the picture) on one motorcycle. None of them holding on!

I am visiting the Capital of India, so the traffic is abundant and consistent no matter what time of day. No laws govern the movement of traffic except for traffic lights and designated sides of the road that traffic travels ( opposite sides than USA). There are no lanes of traffic to speak of. Vehicles just move and weave and merge, hoping each other will yield when necessary. Honking accompanies every sudden change or annoyance. It was quite unnerving at first, but I have already adjusted.

The license plates of the cars are significant and interesting. A yellow colored plate signifies a taxi. White plate signifies a resident of New Delhi. A blue plate, a diplomat! Not only the blue color of the plate but the license number will designate what country one is representing. Example: 77 CD 1 (77 being the US ),( CD= country diplomat), ( 1 = your status, the number 1 being a higher status than 20). Most likely the Embassador himself! Nothing safer than driving around in a third world country in a vehicle that reveals your importance!

Most foreigners living here employ a driver. A native to India that knows better how to navigate New Dehli and who is very familiar with the symantecs. Kushal is one of the 2 drivers for the Hattaways. One driver for Sir and one driver for Ma'am. He lives in a room above them while his family lives 12 hours away by bus! He goes home only for an occasional weekend or Holiday when he is off. He is at the beckon call of the Hattaways and fills 2/3 of his day behind the wheel. School drop off, pick up, errands, deliveries, outside activities for the children, not to mention any evening activities for Naomi and husband, Todd.

The beggars, that wonder from car to car when at a stop light, is a whole topic of its own!

It's all in the cards

Has anyone had their cards read by a tarot reader? I attended a party where the entertainment was a tarot card reader. What did I think about that? Uncertainty. First: Did I really believe in it. Second: If I did believe in it, did I want to really know what was in the cards for me?

After a few glasses of wine I decided to participate. I was thinking, as I sat at the table, that I would not openly feed or offer her any information to test her intuitions. I also was making a conscious effort to look for generalities in her findings. Ones that could pertain to a general public.

Eerily , the cards were right on target!

Though I am not comfortable sharing openly all that the cards revealed, I will share some.
After telling her my date of birth and time of birth, I was instructed to pick out eleven cards. Seems from those cards, the reader felt a lot of positive energy. I sat silent as she proclaimed me to be a healer and encouraged me to do more with that gift. She told me that I do not consider money a key to success or happiness. And finally, I am healthy. There is nothing wrong with my health even though I have been preoccupied with concerns about some symptoms. Her advice, " Do not worry."

Amazing! She has my attention now!

I was then intructed to ask any questions that I may need answers for. Each question required me to pick three cards for clarity and definition. These questions were in regard to my family and will remain in my confidence. Again, without divulging, she spoke most of what I felt to be true. Time will tell how accurate her reading was. The universe holds more travel for me, a successful future for my children, and a happy and healthier future for my husband. Without knowing anything about Bob and his recent injury of his back, she recommended a new career for him. " He will feel better and be much happier," were her exact words!

I am a believer. Not just from my experience, but from what I heard from other participants that evening.

When I self reflect on my life thus far and now know what the cards hold for my future....
I think I got dealt a pretty good hand!

Losing Weight in India - What was I thinking?

Part of my reservations, or better yet my fear, of traveling to India was the food choices I would have while visiting. I do not consider myself a picky eater, but I am not one to explore new cuisine. I had all intentions of packing a jar of peanut butter and big dreams of maybe losing a few pounds while I am abroad. FAT CHANCE! Literally!
The food has been surreal.

Day one: Indian cuisine for lunch at the Golconda Bowl which included Tala Hua Ghost (lamb), Dum Ke Bhutte ( very spicy corn pictured above), Tikka (chicken), Dal ( lentils ), Naan ( garlic bread/pita), and a Kingfisher Beer to help with the heat of the dish! Yes, I did try everything and did enjoy most. The corn dish was unbearably spicy!

Day three: Italian cuisine for lunch at the Italian Embassy Cultural Gardens. A quaint, outdoor courtyard style restaurant that in no way made me believe I was in New Dehli,India! Entres included Capris salad ( tomato, mozzarella , and basil ) and Spaghetti Limone. A deliciously fresh salad that complimented my creamy white sauced pasta bowl, seasoned with a hint of lemon and mint.

Day four: Malaysian cuisine for lunch at Pam's (friend of Naomi) house. A group of Expat friends get together once a month and cook a meal. Each month a new recipe from a different country. The food that adorned the lunch table included Gado Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), and Vindaloo ( very spicy chicken or pork chili) over rice. I am proud of myself for learning to cook this masterpiece! Dessert was fried banana dough with cashews and golden raisins. That same evening, Pam and her husband Bob invited me back to their home for an informal dinner party with Naomi, her husband Todd, and two other couples. On the menu was: a very tender beef made in the crockpot, broccoli, caramelized onions, and mashed potatoes! One of my home town favorite dinners. Finishing with chocolate covered strawberries.

Day five: Brunch at the Crown Plaza's Wildfire Restaurant. This was a five star dining experience. Dining atmosphere - formal, food- remarkable! Buffet style.  Fresh baked breads. Twelve hot dishes of appetizers and sides, some of which included pumpkin risotto, zucchini frittata, and roasted vegetables.  Eight to ten cold salad options, some of which included pancetta, potatoe salad, cold aspparagus and watermelon salad with basil. Deli meats from around the world-Italian salami, and prosciutto with cheese. Baked ham and cappicola.  Fresh sliced fruit , including dragon-fruit.   An Indian food section with a dozen selections.  Seven different meats on rotisserie that were presented table-side on a skewer and shaved off onto your plate.  They included:  duck, prawns, tenderloin, chicken, lamb, chicken sausage and fish, all served with a variety of special sauces to compliment them. No room for the dessert until I saw the grilled pineapple!

I am, by no means, struggling with food choices! I am also not losing weight!
What am I thinking about the food in India.....
Bring It On...I am on vacation!

Internet down

Sorry, Internet has been down for several days! To be brief, I have had many eventful experiences thus far. No jet lag to speak of, (which is unusual for most) has aloud me to jump right into exploring India.
First and foremost, traffic is crazy! Cars,buses,taxis,and bikes all trying to get somewhere...fast! No format - just weaving and converging into one flow of traffic, each vehicle having no regard for the next. You must just trust your driver!
I have been to proper shops. Stores that have actual price tags on their merchandise. No bargaining at a proper shop. The fabrics are beautiful! The scarf shop,unbelievably loaded with unique options. Sari shopping was fun. Women buy saris much like we buy new dresses. All shops are operated by Indian men. So to have these men wait on you and wrap you in a sari is quite awkward. But the finished product is quite magical. So yes, I got sucked in, a purchased a sari. It is being stitched for me so that I will be able to wrap it a bit easier than most traditional ones.
The food is not what I expected. Actually very good. I have eaten at authentic Indian restaurants, some dishes spicy and some not so much. I had lunch one day at the Italian Embassy Cultural Gardens. Pasta to die for! Today I joined a group of Naomi's friends and cooked a Malaysian lunch. Mee Goreng, Gado Gado with peanut sauce, and Vindaloo.
I visited the INA Market. This is a one stop shopping experience. Anything from groceries to tupperware, shoes, fabric,and accessories. Also fresh meat and fish, butchered or cleaned while you wait! Shelves were stacked to the ceiling. Bags full of spices and rice. Fresh produce.
Yesterday I visited the Gurudwaray Bangla Sahib - Sikh Temple - Langar hall kitchen
 Indian temple of worship.  Must cover head ,take off shoes, and wash feet upon entrance .  Langar hall kitchen feeds the poor much like our soup kitchens.  Got to see the kitchen at work. Even received an invite to stay for lunch, but we didn't. India has a very welcoming people.
Just a few highlights in a weeks time. Days are passing quickly. I have not crossed paths with any elephants yet,but have seen monkeys in the trees. Many stray dogs roaming the streets! Would love to pack them up and bring them home.
The climate is perfect. Not too hot and not too cool. No rain and plenty of sunshine....when the fog breaks! Hope I am missing lots of snow!

Safe and Sound!

Arrived in New Delhi safe, sound , and totally exhausted. After a glass of wine, catch up session with my friend Naomi, and quick birthday celebration for her son Terran, I am off to bed to try and adjust. Will post more later on flight over. Good night / or is it good day?

Bags are packed!

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go......... Not!
The baggage I am carrying, is a cake that was made by my good friend Liz for a Bon Voyage/ Birthday Party at Dentistry at Winbury! The cake was both incredible and delicious! Thanks Liz, you are amazing.
One more day until departure!

What was I thinking?

My goal giving this blog site the title " What was I thinking" was to share with you.. exactly that...What was I thinking! With each experience worth sharing, you will be able to understand both the experience itself along with my initial thoughts about it.

Let's start with the whole idea of visiting India. What was I thinking?

I miss my dear friend Naomi and her family. We became close friends through our sons, who met in fourth grade. She moved to India a few years ago because her husband's job took them there. We vowed to stay in touch through email and Skype , but honestly, because of the 9.5 hour difference and my lifestyle, I have been negligent.

I hoped I would have the opportunity to visit Naomi in India, at some point. After watching Slumdog Millionaire I changed my mind! Was it out of my comfort level to visit such a poverish country? Would it be too much of a culture shock for me? Especially after viewing some of the pictures Naomi has shared. Holes in the ground for toilets, families living curb side, children begging, and mass chaos on the roads. Nevertheless , an opportunity of a lifetime for me ...especially with a friend there to stay with and guide me.

A few months ago, my husband read a desperate email I wrote Naomi, wishing to take time out from my current lifestyle, and longing to visit her. He said "Go, I will send you!" That was all it took. Before I could change my mind, I applied for a visa and started things in motion. Several shots later and granted time off from my employers, has me on my way.

India, what was I thinking?

A much needed visit with my good friend, Naomi.
Exploring a country I never would have considered.
A personal challenge traveling abroad.
Getting OUT of my comfort zone!
Getting away from Cleveland winter!

Starting to get excited!

The holidays are over and as I clear all evidence of Christmas, I start getting a little excited for my trip to India. Twenty two days before take off! I am mentally and physically preparing a to-do list of things that need accomplished both for my trip and my family's survival. I started loading my iPad with books, games, music, and movies for my 17+ hours across the ocean. Extra battery pack is being charged with the camera. Passport, visa, itinarary, shot records, all being copied to secure my existence as an American citizen. I have yet to notify the embassy in India of my visit. I have weeks to prepare, but I want to stay on task with readying myself daily. My departure will be here before I know it! So thankful of my husband who encouraged and gifted me this wonderful opportunity to visit my dear friends and experience India!