Thursday, February 7, 2013

Final Thoughts

On the train in Mumbai
Well, I've made it back home to San Diego and my lovely family. Liren is actually at 6th grade camp this week, so I won't be able to see her and give her her presents till Friday. The dogs just about had psychotic breaks when I came in the door - haven't been able to pet any animals for three weeks, it's a nice feeling to be able to cuddle with some animals again. Besides Luis and Maya, I mean.

I haven't had too severe a case of jet lag, although I do feel a bit loopy. My body thinks it missed an entire night of sleep (which I think it did) and isn't sure when to catch up. Doing my best to wake with the sun and get exercise, eat well, and not go to bed before 7:00 PM even if I want to.

Looking back, it feels a bit surreal that I have gone to India and back. At the same time, it feels completely normal that I have seen and done these things and have all of these new friends with which to communicate on facebook. I'm not sure how to explain the convergence of these feelings. If you've traveled, I'm sure you've felt something similar.

What I'll miss about Mumbai:

-- street food (pani puri, bhel puri)
With sweet S at Sharanam
-- all other food (seriously, now. I'll be searching my entire life to eat Indian food that good again)
-- rickshaws!
-- colorful saris and salwar kameez
-- interviewing young women and learning their thoughts about marriage
-- dancing to Bollywood music in a group where everyone knows the songs
-- talking "Hinglish" to taxi drivers
-- being blessed by hijras
-- the feeling of accomplishment every time I cross the street
-- surprises around every corner
-- R, S, Ch, Bh and all of the Sharanam girls, and of course, J, who is not a girl
-- Camille, Karen T., Starlene, Sharda, Ananda, Eva, and all of the volunteers and staff of CORP, Sharanam, and the other NGOs doing so much every day in Mumbai
-- my good friend Karen's generous spirit and kind heart, her anticipation of my needs as a guest and visitor to the city, her smiles - no matter what, sharing laughs, sharing food, sharing new experiences.

I can only wish for anyone reading my blog to have experiences like these in a new place: with someone who loves her city, is knowledgable and curious about it, reflective about cultural patterns, and doesn't mind traipsing all across town for the perfect meal. You're the best, Karen.

Karen and her favorite eggs florentine


Posted by at

3 comments:

  1. Congratulations on all your successes and experiences, Laura. I've enjoyed tremendously the chance to travel along with you. Your writing has been rich and makes me want to travel, do field work even more. I can't wait to hear your stories in person. -Tad

    ReplyDelete

  2. I really enjoyed your blog, Laura - and now I really want to go to India!

    ReplyDelete

  3. It feels both entirely normal and completely surreal that a friendship developed over 2 months in 1987 turned into a 25 year gap and then 2 amazing weeks in India.

    You have left in your wake: 1 boy, a few Eunuchs, a crew of expats from around the world, a team of NGO workers, countless restauranteurs, 25 college students, and 32 girls who are all thrilled to know you, wondering when they'll dance with you again, hoping to catch you on Facebook, and anxiously awaiting your return.

    Plus there's me, still checking your blog every day to read your thoughts and interpretations on my/our experiences in this wacky city of contrasts.

    Let's not let another 25 year gap go by!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)