My beautiful Australian friend Debbie married her best friend, the handsome, French Xavier in the South of France a few weeks ago. Here’s the proof…
Warmest congratulations to the both of you. See you in Tokyo!
It only took three years, but I’ve become an Indian. I take my shoes off before entering a home; I eat spicy food; I bow and place my hands in front of my face to greet people; I waggle my head and eat a lot of rice; I wear pants and long sleeve shirts on sweltering summer days; I speak kilos/meters/centigrade; I prefer tea to coffee; I wear long loose tunics and gold bangles; and I don’t cringe at the smell of fish markets. Busses, horns, goats, cows, scrap dealers, flute wallas, chaiwallas, shoe makers, funeral processions, goddess parades, rich pigmented celebrations, human pyramids, church bells, calls to prayer, Ghanpati drumlines, and rickshaws don’t phase me. I didn’t think it was possible for me to adjust to this way of life, but somehow it’s become my normal.
Not for long though, in August, I will trade meandering lanes for straight lined streets. Colorful spices for white rice and fish. Rickshaws for bullet-trains. And 24 hour noise for almost deafening silence after dark. I’m moving to another vibrant Asian city, one whose description couldn’t be more opposite than the one I’ve just called home for three years. It’s exciting to think that, in a few short months I’ll be turning Japanese. Tokyo or bust!
Two things say Sri Lanka: Elephants and tea. I happen to love both things. Although the trip was very short, I came away with an enhanced appreciation for both. Here’s the proof:
Took a trip to the majestic island of Bali a few months ago. Here’s some of what I stumbled upon.
There’s a little village close to me called Mahim. There’s nothing really remarkable about this typical middle-class neighborhood except for the few days before the Hindu celebration of Diwali. As if from nowhere, shining shops pop on the streets and lanes enticing onlookers to walk amongst the glow of hundreds of colorful paper lanterns. It’s magical. Diwali, my favorite time of year in Bombay. Light the lights!
