A Day Off

Last night as I was walking home, I came across three of the cutest little puppies you have ever seen!  They were nipping at my toes and pant legs, had these cute little "ruffs",  and just wanted to play!  I think I have to bring them home.  Julie and Hugh, Stevie and Marco would love some little playmates!

As you know, as much as I love to travel and read the guide books, I did not purchase any for this trip.  I wanted to learn from the locals and travelers I meet along the way.  Last night we were discussing the poverty in Kolkata and it was shared that many Indians have a fundamental belief in the continuity of life, in karma (fate) and in reincarnation.  They went on to say that the beggars existing everywhere are not a national scandal, it is just karma.  Success is karma, failure is karma.  If you are a beggar today, maybe the next time, perhaps in another life, you will not be a beggar.  And with the extremes between the rich and the poor, the caste systems, this just means accepting one's place, and everyone else accepting all the beggars. 

I was thinking I would do a bit of sight seeing on my last day off however when I woke up, I felt more like just exploring so off I went.  I walked down Free School Road towards Park Street.  After some time, I noticed no one had put a hand out to me, no one had slipped their hand into mine, and no one motioned to their mouth for food.  No one was sleeping on the sidewalks, the cars were all moving in the same direction, and all of a sudden, there was a green walk sign!  Wow!!  I had to stand on the corner and take this street sign in!  I am definitely out of my slum hood! 

As I walked down Park Street, I had heard about Flurrys so walked on in.  What a treat!  There was a huge dessert selection and a terrific menu.  It felt like I could be sitting in a restaurant in Chicago or Scottsdale.  I planned on taking my time there today.  I ordered one classic English triangle tea sandwich - with whole wheat toast and cucumber and tomato!  Yummy!  An ice lemon tea and a brownie.  Guess what they brought first?  The brownie!  But I am saving it.  My tea sandwich was delivered by a young man with a plastic shower cap on his head.  Oh my sandwich was so good.  I had to take a picture of it and savored every bite.  I felt really extravagant today.  And the brownie was way fudgie, warm, had nuts and was really sweet.   Mmmmm.  It is amazing how the smallest things  - whole wheat toast and a brownie - can bring such pleasure and comfort.  Maybe it's the familiarity, the memories, a renewed appreciation, whatever.... I so enjoyed!  I would have licked my plate clean if their weren't people sitting right next to me.  I think I was in a food coma!  And I didn't want to leave. 

After a very leisure lunch, writing post cards, journaling, and people watching, I needed to use the ladies room, which was marked "Female."  When I entered, there were no lights on so I asked for assistance.  After a short period of time, a gentleman showed up with four little colored birthday candles.  He proceeded to light the bottom of the candle to melt it just a bit, then placed two candles on the floor by the toilet, one candle near the sink, and one candle near the mirror.  He lit all four and left the ladies room.  Can you imagine?  It was quite charming.

I continued on stopping at the post office, at Music World, into a Sony store, browsed through used books on the street, and came across a newly opened (April '07) McDonalds.  Chad and Lauren, you could survive over here!  I had to check it out and was greeted by very polite young Indian men and women.  I ordered a vanilla soft serve ice cream cone and enjoyed it while being seated near a window, watching the people go bye. 

Indians are very curious people and often I am asked where I am from, what do I do, am I married, they just want to know how to place you.  Today a young man walked with me for quite some time, asking his questions of me, sharing his troubles with me, and eventually asking for some help.  I explained he could get food at Shishu Bhavan and then he just stopped, thanked me, and wished me well.  That happens often so I have to find out more about that.  I explored all day - it was so enjoyable and relaxing.  As I neared my hood, it was a matter of seconds before I was approached.... Auntie, Auntie, milk for the baby.  Madame, ride?  Water bottle.  Sister, please.  Auntie, Auntie......

Comments

[Yui Chan]

Mon amie! Glad to hear you had a wonderful day off. Love the story with the four candles in the bathroom! Whatta way to be practical as well as set the mood! Ha! Much love sweetie :)

[Carole Barnum]

Miss Rita...already completing your first tour of duty!! Miss you. We loved Ireland..again. Real luxury compared to your environment. Safe travels. C & T

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