The Week

Mysterious forces have helped me in dealing with my journey over the last few months. 

Each day of the week had something to offer. As soon as I came out of the airport, tempted by India's food, I went to get tea. The airport rate was Rs 200, I bought two of them (one for the driver). On my way to the pick-up point, an elderly person in the elevator observed my trolley and said in typical Bangalore uncle accent - " Oh!, you have coffee also aa!" - quite different from any US airport where it seems like people are trained to be in a hurry. 

Day 1: After the usual bits of unpacking, my cousins came over to my place. It started raining, we were confined to my room. Imagine, what three minds without any immediate work can do!, we created artwork - scary doctor artwork :)  - the most unusual one yet.

Day 2: I was at very serious risk of dozing off at 11:00 am, when suddenly, I got an invite to attend my school librarian's retirement function. Of-course, it was not arbitrary, my mother and he were colleagues, but no-one including myself expected my presence. I did not even know such an event existed until 5 minutes prior.

The person retiring was the library master  when I was in school - From 1994 to 2004!, And now I could meet him! The teachers were giving their speeches, and it was getting boring. I was again going to doze off, but new company found me. A 9th standard student (the librarian's daughter) was somewhat feeling out of place because she was made to sit in the first row, facing all her teachers. 

Sometimes, you are just able to connect to your own nature so authentically that you are also able to connect externally with similar wavelength folks with the same innocence, and compassion irrespective of age. This was one of those occasions, we had plenty to share, and talk about even though it was the first time meeting. I never imagined I'd learn so much from a 9th standard girl. 

Post that, lunch was served. I had missed a rumaali roti dinner with my friends the previous week, now the roti came searching for me and it came with something extra! - I'd not had a banana leaf lunch for a while before this lunch.

Day 3: This was a relaxed day, with my morning run, and breakfast. My dad and myself went out for breakfast, on the way, my eyes fell at mangoes on a roadside cart. It felt like the mangoes were asking me to buy them. I am glad I did - (on my way back). The shopkeeper said they were of Neelam variety and it was the last he had of this season. I questioned him if they were good, and he stared at me as if mentally murmuring "how could you ? " :D ... When I tasted them, they were the best mangoes in terms of texture, juiciness and sweetness.

  

In the evening, my cousins and I went out for a walk, in a beautiful park. The parks in Bangalore have just been improving constantly. We had an amazing night walk before retiring for the day.

Day 4 : This was the first day where not a lot happened! It was all routine, but I did realize there were a few weak spots for Bangalore to improve. I saw street dogs, some dogs that maybe were abandoned, they seemed clueless on where to do, and some owners not cleaning after their dogs. We seem to have a street dog problem, which we can hope will be resolved. 

Day 5 : It poured the previous day, and I saw something that is typical jugaad in India, to cross the puddle. It was just amazing to see people spread out and walk, but line up to walk on three stones! 

Had an amazing breakfast, of Idli and Rava Idli. Add to that chai from a Darshini type hotel. Simple joys that cannot be replicated. 

Met my cousins family in the evening, at a get together. Some of them, I have not seen grow up, some of them I did not even know! - And yes, I have a large group of cousins, with a surprisingly smooth set of relatives, especially on dad's side, in terms of not being as annoying :D 

Overall, I felt that people are generally happier in India in the current environment. Growth is evident. The spiritual vibe is stronger in India. The material capacity has increased, digital payments is a level apart. 

Cleanliness and general habits of people have improved but needs further improvement. Especially, in discarding trash on the roadside, and in being considerate of others.  The material efficiency is stronger in America, but the material capacity is slowly decreasing. 

Access to nature, tasty fruits, and good roads with traffic sense is superior in America. The footpaths in India are non existent or used by dog owners who don't pick up after their dogs, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road. The result - two wheelers drive next to your ear when you walk!  

Digital infrastructure has made tremendous progress and not to forget, it is refreshing to see neighboring aunties not watching their TV dramas with loud sounds. 

But then, this is a one week snapshot! - the longer-bigger picture is still a surprise.