Back in Delhi and the shopping is fine. Not to mention Kalimpong (rug), Darjeeling (tea, silk embroidered Kashmiri coat, Pashmina shawl, wool embroidered jacket). Gifts back in Agra at Kohinoor, a world famous store where I got a lapis lazuli ring on our first trip to India. They have expanded to a new location, and the same masterworks of embroidery grace their walls. But I digress.
Margaret buys sets of faux jewelry, and bangles and individual pieces at every turn. Her habit when traveling to India is to bring very few cooties and have salwar cameez sets made up. She bought five or six three piece sets. Dupatta always included. A dupatta is the scarf Indian women always wear that is difficult for us Western women to keep in place. Or at least for this western woman to keep in place. Today, at Dilli Haat, I got a two piece set in Afghani style with tight legging like pants, very much in style, I am told. It is cotton and casual and may be fun to wear at home. I can certainly bring it next time I come. And I got a set of four wooden bangles to go with, following Margaret's excellent example. Dilli Haat is a very nice market with goods from all around the country. it is laid out well with brick stalls for the vendors and places to eat regional foods. At last Lois and I got to have moms, Tibetan type dumplings which are either steamed or fried. We had order of each in chicken. Very yummy served with hot sauce.
Yesterday we went to the Red Fort. Wouldn't you know, the original plan of 1639 included a covered bazaar which still operates today. another chance to stock upon bangles for Margaret and I got a pair of fake gold earrings for Rs100.
Delhi has many famous shopping areas, and we did not get to many. It is a Mission trip, after all. We did go to Connaught Road twice. The first time was pretty disappointing to me and the second time last night to find a jewelry store that had been recommended. A friend had given me some money to get her a pair of earrings. We didn't find the one we were looking for,but did find a lovely pair of earrings in her price range. I hope she likes them. We also happened upon a cheap luggage store to get duffel bags to haul the loot home in. Besides the rug, we all have mountains of literature that shouldn't be thrown out before we can read it. Or not.
I like to do my Christmas shopping on vacation and there is no better place than India.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Compassion Sunday
Compassion Sunday was the day before we left Darjeeling. We were picked up for services at the CNI church, a very modest building, nothing at all like the beautiful and imposing St. Andrews up on the hill. We were met by the Elder whose history with the church goes back to before CNI was formed. There was a split in Darjeeling as many members objected to the adoption of a church hierarchy which included Bishops. Most members left, taking church property with them. He and about 8 members remained to build up a tiny congregation.
The church is bursting at the seams and plans for expansion are in the works. The service was focused on youth and they led by singing, reading the gospel, and singing some more. It was a treat to see women and men, boys and girls up on the dais and using the pulpit. As Pastor Roshan was away our Elder friend preached. He told stories that contained a lesson related to youth and sprinkled his sermon with humor. Since the service was in Nepali, we were pretty much on our own. We did enjoy singing "How Great Thou Art" with the congregation. It is a favorite everywhere. I was moved by lines in one of the children's songs "we are the children, we are the present."
At the end of the service we greeted everyone and were introduced to sons and daughters, in laws and grandchildren, brothers and sisters. It seemed he had single handedly filled the church himself. or, as he said, he shot many straight arrows.
Later that day we visited a Buddhistt Monastery, very new and dedicated by the Dalai Lama. The outside looked a bit Disneyesque, but inside was the same peaceful feeling and incredible art. We came upon a group of people in a room with giant prayer wheels. they were sitting in boxes on the floor and rotating the prayer wheels by means of a sash like cloth which they pulled on rhythmically. Try it? Of course we did. Not easy work until you let your body become one with the exercise.
Hoping that shorter posts will alleviate the WiFi blues.
The church is bursting at the seams and plans for expansion are in the works. The service was focused on youth and they led by singing, reading the gospel, and singing some more. It was a treat to see women and men, boys and girls up on the dais and using the pulpit. As Pastor Roshan was away our Elder friend preached. He told stories that contained a lesson related to youth and sprinkled his sermon with humor. Since the service was in Nepali, we were pretty much on our own. We did enjoy singing "How Great Thou Art" with the congregation. It is a favorite everywhere. I was moved by lines in one of the children's songs "we are the children, we are the present."
At the end of the service we greeted everyone and were introduced to sons and daughters, in laws and grandchildren, brothers and sisters. It seemed he had single handedly filled the church himself. or, as he said, he shot many straight arrows.
Later that day we visited a Buddhistt Monastery, very new and dedicated by the Dalai Lama. The outside looked a bit Disneyesque, but inside was the same peaceful feeling and incredible art. We came upon a group of people in a room with giant prayer wheels. they were sitting in boxes on the floor and rotating the prayer wheels by means of a sash like cloth which they pulled on rhythmically. Try it? Of course we did. Not easy work until you let your body become one with the exercise.
Hoping that shorter posts will alleviate the WiFi blues.
Goodbye to the Hills
The ride to the airport through miles of tea gardens was fairly smooth until we hit the inevitable mega traffic jam. This one even had a police officer involved. Our driver was the most nonagressive we had come across in all of our travels, adding to the sense of urgency to get to the airport in time. And we were just in time, going through all the ticketing and security steps and immediately on line for boarding.It was a plane trip never to be forgotten; the pilot banked slightly, and there it was below in all it's glory: Kangchendzonga. I was sorry Gerard missed it.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Drinks at Seven,Dinner at Eight
Deliberations were held this morning out on the veranda about how to proceed with all we have seen and learned. We developed a set of questions for each of the organizations we visited and each of us has an assignment for contact purposes. My job is the Etah schools.
Before lunch I walked to the zoo with Jimmy, a totally downhill 2.5 kilometers. We saw snow leopards, tigers and black bear, among others. the zoo was much better than I had anticipated. The animals are magnificent and obviously well cared for. There was no way we could have made the uphill trek back to the Windamere and were relieved to find a taxi to take us back. Lunch was followed by a trip to a Buddhist temple, very new and dedicated by the Dalai Lama. this afternoon was a round of shopping with Margaret. The supply of fabulous tea I bought should last for a decade of drinking and gifting.
At dinner Elizabeth Clark, the Manager, brought me a lump of Himalayan salt which I had asked about at lunch. It looks like a chunk of dirt, but at only 40Rs, I am glad to have it. I know it can be attractively packaged for gifting. Now I am hoping she comes up with my other request, curry leaves. we had a grand old time with her at the bar this evening. She is an actress and chanteuse at heart and endlessly entertaining. She runs this place with vigor, maintaining high standards for all staff.
Yesterday was our travel day from Kalimpong. It rained like crazy all night and well into the morning, but the trip to Darjeeling was uneventful except for the scenery. The hillsides were glistening from the rain and the rice paddies and tea gardens provided contrasting greens against the forest. We arrived at the Windamere in time for lunch and then tea. No meals were missed, although we did skip tea today. And probably won't be here for lunch tomorrow.
We were met at Badogra Airport after our flight from Delhi by young men from Kalimpong sent by Enos. Two vehicles were used for us and them and all our luggage.The trip was not an easy one as there was a landslide on the road which held up traffic for a long time. On their way down there was an accident with 11people dying in a vehicle that went off the road and down a hillside. We were taken to the Komfort Inn where Enos and a couple of men from the church met us. It was good to see him again and we were garlanded with white scarves, in Bengali fashion. The hotel proprieters were very helpful and welcoming. They do all the work themselves with the help of just one girl. Marketing, meal preparation, serving, cleaning of the establishment, repairs, etc. They are planning to add on a few rooms as the hotel is frequented routinely by various church people that come to Kalimpong.
The next day we were taken to downtown Kalimpong for a little shopping and then on to Enos' new house for lunch with church/school leaders. The house is very large for two people, with generously sized rooms and plenty of balconies. We went from there to the site of a vocational training center they are building. Students will be people who have dropped out of school and have no skills. One of the issues in the area is that young women and girls who leave home seeking employment are often caught up in the sex trade. By providing a path to employment the hope is that they will not be easy prey for traffickers. I loved the site visit and looking at the plans for the center. We also looked at other property the church has and talked about plans for expansion of the school programs. We had some free time after that meeting and were able to make a short run into town to look for a couple of things we didn't get to in the morning. I found a beautiful rug that I hope will fit in my kitchen with great colors and a Tibetan style dragon design. Kalimpong and Darjeeling are Gorkha land, where there has been a move for independence from India two years ago. People are ethnically and culturally different from the Indian population at large and the general feeling is that the government ignores their needs. We got back in time to meet with a group of church elders and leaders (all men) to talk about their hopes and dreams for improving outreach to youth and populations in need in their area. our discussion ranged to issues we all face such as how to encourage the participation of the youth. Dinner was then served and once again we got to bed late.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Dalit Theology
After breakfast we were invited to meet with Alwen Masih, General Secretary. We discussed some things like communication and working together, etc. he arranged for a car for us for the day and for our laundry to be picked up and delivered this evening. a car will be waiting door us tomorrow morning to take us to the airport. Later we met with Dr. James Massey, a noted scholar of religions and the main developer of the theory of Dalit Theology. This is very different from Liberation Theology which posits Christ as a champion of the poor and oppressed. Dalit Theology posits Christ as a Dalit, a person outside his community in every way. The discussion ranged over several hours and lunch, giving us new perspectives on some of what we have already seen and felt. It will provide a backdrop to our talks while we are in Darjeeling, debriefing.
Afterward we walked around Connaught Place, one of the reknown shopping areas in Delhi. Construction all around which should have been completed before the Commonwealth Games and dust everywhere, including the goods in every shop we entered. The only thing I bought was a bottle of organic triphala; a combination of herbs good for cleansing the system, to put it euphemistically. My search for the Apple Store was in vain, so no 3G network for me. Which is why I am staying up so late again to bring this up to date. The Bhavan has WiFi and I managed to get on tonight before dinner after initial frustrations. Dinner was provided by the Bhavan, as was the car today and tomorrow. Every day brings new surprises.
Afterward we walked around Connaught Place, one of the reknown shopping areas in Delhi. Construction all around which should have been completed before the Commonwealth Games and dust everywhere, including the goods in every shop we entered. The only thing I bought was a bottle of organic triphala; a combination of herbs good for cleansing the system, to put it euphemistically. My search for the Apple Store was in vain, so no 3G network for me. Which is why I am staying up so late again to bring this up to date. The Bhavan has WiFi and I managed to get on tonight before dinner after initial frustrations. Dinner was provided by the Bhavan, as was the car today and tomorrow. Every day brings new surprises.
School Visits, Etah
Lunch was served in the auditorium, which was very nice. (The lunch, not the auditorium which was pretty dirty.) After lunch we met with Sheela Prasad, Mr. Lall, and Dr. Lyall, the superintendent of the Christian Schools and the Hospital at Kasganj, in addition to many other boards and duties. We met at Sheela's home, which gave us the chance to talk frankly about the communication difficulties we have experienced. the trip itself was a perfect example, with no confirmation that we were expected or welcome until a week or so before we left. Even that was a source of confusion as Dr. Lyall thought we were staying several days and Dr. Sheela referred only to 10/17. We also discussed ideas we had talked about with Bishop Cutting the previous day in Agra of providing transportation to Dalit girls in outlying villages who cannot afford transportation to school. Dr. Lyall and Sheela advocated for the expansion of our current program by extending scholarship opportunities to girls upon graduation so that they could receive vocational training such as nursing programs which would lead to employment. The Girls' hostel has been closed for five years. The children we have been supporting are not Dalits from outlying villages, but Christian girls who are day students. They advocated for a continuance of this as there is no government support or funding for the Christian girls, while the Dalits do receive support. The Christian girls come from very poor families and would not be able to attend without our help.
After discussion, we agreed to alter our schedule to include a return to Etah the following day to visit Asha's school, the Agricultural Inter College and the hospital in Kasgang, and to visit the newly opened eye clinic in Etah. The plan was to go to Delhi directly from Kasganj the following afternoon. We got back to the hotel that evening around 10:00, got something to eat and fell into bed, although not necessarily to sleep.
We left the next morning at 9:00, feeling very thankful that we had the same car and driver for our whole stay in Agra and that Jagedesh was
such a good driver.
Around 11:00 we arrived at the intersection of the "main" road and the very muddy dirt road to the Ashram. We have no idea how the driver recognized the place or how he managed to get the van through without getting stuck in the mud.
Of course we were late in leaving and late in arriving at the Agricultural College where we received garlands again and had a tour. Mr. Lall made sure to tell us all the many ways we could be of help to the College. Of all the institutions we visited his was remarkably well cared for and clean. He gave me some pictures to share with folks at home, hoping for support.
Lateness built up so that we arrived at the Christian Hospital at Kasganj quite late. We ate lunch immediately and then went to see the program the staff had prepared for us. We were all moved by their efforts and by the five garlands we each received; these with roses and jasmine in addition to the marigolds and one beaded one to keep with us. Nursing students danced, Dr. Lyall's son sang and played the guitar and accompanied the dentist who also sang. Dr. Lyall had prepared that morning a history of the hospital which he shared with us
and we each had opportunity to speak...two times. Thenwe toured the hospital, which is quite large on a 6 acre campus. There are separate wards for OB/GYN, men, women, Dalits. A special eye hospital, and many other services. Dr. Lyall is justifiably proud of the work they are doing and the growth of the hospital in terms of services, patients served, training programs for nurses and doctors, etc. the need for updated equipment is obvious; the autoclave is older than he is. India is a dusty place, but again we wished things were cleaner.
Twilight was fast decending by the time we left Etah for Delhi. The constant stimulation these car rides provide cannot be adequately described. Suffice it to say there seemed to be a close call almost every minute, and passing through villages
Can't Keep Up
I am back in the wi fi world here at the Church of North India (CNI) Bhavan where we are staying. Connectivity has been problematic. The blog posts but e mail does not get sent. checking in on the blog is the best way to follow the trip. I wish more people would sign on as followers; Margaret has three to my two.
Etah...On Sunday,10/17, we drove to Etah from Agra, leaving at 6:00 AM to be sure of a timely arrival for the 9:00 AM service. Pastor UR Jacob has retired and lives with his son, Pastor Anish Jacob. The little room we met in before the service last time is now occupied by a bearer and his family and there was no effort to plan our participation in the service. Girls sang enthusuastically and performed a sacred dance with lit candles. each holding twio lit candles, turning about in limited space, placing candles on the floor and dancing and then kneeling next to the xandles wearing pretty white polyester dresses. I was in the fron row, figuring the most efficient way to perform a drop, roll and smother. Jimmy was asked to preach, of course, which he did well as always. The two hour service concluded and clergy left the sanctuary. A pause and the three returned and I was asked to get the congregation. So I shared my little remarks and presented framed photographs of Bert and Ella. No one seemed interested or happy about it. Margaret spoke, always warm and compelling.
There were a few people from six years ago, a woman named Grace and Mr. Lall, Principle of the Boys' Agricultural Inter College. Dr. Mrs. Sheela Prasad was there, having come from Agra where her husband is recuperating from heart surgery. She provided translation for us as the service is in Hindi. Afterwards, Asha introduced herself. She had been planning to ask for a picture of Rev. McGaw to hang in her Ashram. She runs a little elementary school for children in the Awagarh area, following in the footsteps of her father who incorporated all the teaching of Mr. McGaw into his life and work. She invited us to visit the school, but it did not appear possible, as we planned to leave from Agra for Delhi the next day. (12/13/10 I have since sent her the pictures.)
At last I got to see the house where my mother grew up, just the outside. It was certainly familiar from the pictures I have seen over the years. There were many apologies for the condition of the house, but still, it is lovely.
To Be Continued
Etah...On Sunday,10/17, we drove to Etah from Agra, leaving at 6:00 AM to be sure of a timely arrival for the 9:00 AM service. Pastor UR Jacob has retired and lives with his son, Pastor Anish Jacob. The little room we met in before the service last time is now occupied by a bearer and his family and there was no effort to plan our participation in the service. Girls sang enthusuastically and performed a sacred dance with lit candles. each holding twio lit candles, turning about in limited space, placing candles on the floor and dancing and then kneeling next to the xandles wearing pretty white polyester dresses. I was in the fron row, figuring the most efficient way to perform a drop, roll and smother. Jimmy was asked to preach, of course, which he did well as always. The two hour service concluded and clergy left the sanctuary. A pause and the three returned and I was asked to get the congregation. So I shared my little remarks and presented framed photographs of Bert and Ella. No one seemed interested or happy about it. Margaret spoke, always warm and compelling.
There were a few people from six years ago, a woman named Grace and Mr. Lall, Principle of the Boys' Agricultural Inter College. Dr. Mrs. Sheela Prasad was there, having come from Agra where her husband is recuperating from heart surgery. She provided translation for us as the service is in Hindi. Afterwards, Asha introduced herself. She had been planning to ask for a picture of Rev. McGaw to hang in her Ashram. She runs a little elementary school for children in the Awagarh area, following in the footsteps of her father who incorporated all the teaching of Mr. McGaw into his life and work. She invited us to visit the school, but it did not appear possible, as we planned to leave from Agra for Delhi the next day. (12/13/10 I have since sent her the pictures.)
At last I got to see the house where my mother grew up, just the outside. It was certainly familiar from the pictures I have seen over the years. There were many apologies for the condition of the house, but still, it is lovely.
To Be Continued
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Humility
I have 20minutes before getting in the van for the ride back to Etah, Kasganj, Delhi from Agra. There is a flood of impressions and happenings to relate, but I want first to go back to thoughts that are now three days old.
From the plane trip from Nagpur to Delhi to the train ride from Delhi to Agra we were treated with exceptional care. On the plane I sat next to a young couple who were returning home to Delhi after visiting her parents in Nagpur. Both are dentists who teach in the AM and operate their private clinic in the afternoons and evenings. She was particularly charming and beautiful and we enjoyed our conversation together. Deepika gave me her card and encouraged me to call her if I had any need, large or small. We were welcome to visit and the sincerity of her offer to help seemed most sincere.
From the airport in Delhi we taxied in two cabs to the home of Santosh George and his wife and son. Santosh met us on the road before we got to his street to avoid confusion in finding his apartment. Snacks were served and we awaited the arrival of the cell phone man that Santosh had arranged for us. He arrived, the phones unpacked and put on chargers. His wife, who works with him in the NGO dedicated to correcting club foot deformities in young children, had taken two days off from work to spend time at home with Santosh as they had not been home together for several weeks and were expecting overnight guests that evening. she was as gracious and relaxed and welcoming as could be. The original plan was that we could spend our time in a spare room they have until we needed to leave for the train to Agra while they went about their business. But they spent the day with us, even ordering takeout food for our lunch together. They are used to entertaining a stream of visitors and see that as an important part of their lives together. We had help getting our bags up and down the three flights of stairs, and taxis were called for the trip to the train station. Santosh spent considerable time trying to reserve tickets for us on the return to Delhi from Agra, but none were available?
On the train (there is now time now to talk aboutthe train station, etc.) we sat across the aisle from a young woman with two small children. She was charming and very interested in us and our trip and shared her excitement with her upcoming move to the Czech Republic for a year. She is an architect and stay at home Mom; her husband is an IT guy.
All these folks showed us extraordinary hospitality and I only wish I could be as giving as the strangers we meet along the way.
From the plane trip from Nagpur to Delhi to the train ride from Delhi to Agra we were treated with exceptional care. On the plane I sat next to a young couple who were returning home to Delhi after visiting her parents in Nagpur. Both are dentists who teach in the AM and operate their private clinic in the afternoons and evenings. She was particularly charming and beautiful and we enjoyed our conversation together. Deepika gave me her card and encouraged me to call her if I had any need, large or small. We were welcome to visit and the sincerity of her offer to help seemed most sincere.
From the airport in Delhi we taxied in two cabs to the home of Santosh George and his wife and son. Santosh met us on the road before we got to his street to avoid confusion in finding his apartment. Snacks were served and we awaited the arrival of the cell phone man that Santosh had arranged for us. He arrived, the phones unpacked and put on chargers. His wife, who works with him in the NGO dedicated to correcting club foot deformities in young children, had taken two days off from work to spend time at home with Santosh as they had not been home together for several weeks and were expecting overnight guests that evening. she was as gracious and relaxed and welcoming as could be. The original plan was that we could spend our time in a spare room they have until we needed to leave for the train to Agra while they went about their business. But they spent the day with us, even ordering takeout food for our lunch together. They are used to entertaining a stream of visitors and see that as an important part of their lives together. We had help getting our bags up and down the three flights of stairs, and taxis were called for the trip to the train station. Santosh spent considerable time trying to reserve tickets for us on the return to Delhi from Agra, but none were available?On the train (there is now time now to talk aboutthe train station, etc.) we sat across the aisle from a young woman with two small children. She was charming and very interested in us and our trip and shared her excitement with her upcoming move to the Czech Republic for a year. She is an architect and stay at home Mom; her husband is an IT guy.
All these folks showed us extraordinary hospitality and I only wish I could be as giving as the strangers we meet along the way.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Church of North India Fortieth Anniversary
Starting with today and the immediate afternoon: We waited an interminable time for a CNI car to take us back to our hotels.Jimmy left first with a CNI staffer, leaving us ladies to continue waiting. While sitting in the hotel lobby where the rest of the foreign guests stayed, the Archbishop of Canterbury came off the elevator. He came over to us, shook hands and chatted most cordially. Shortly after that his main go to person joined us and spoke at length about her work with the Archbishop. A fascinating job and challenging. She needed to make another phone call for a car for him and his staff and kindly included our needs as well. I do credit her intervention with finally getting us a vehicle, even though Alwin Maseh, the General Secretary of the Church of North India had already called for a car for us.
This morning we arrived on time at St. Ursula's Girls' School where a double row of girls stood waiting to greet every guest. There were at least 200 in their school uniforms standing proudly with balloons and flower petals. We foreign delegates were ushered into a room together and led out behind the Archbishop and Bishops of CNI for the procession through the streets of Nagpur to the Episcopal Cathedral grounds where an immense tent had been set up for the occasion for 2,000 people. We were seated on the dias with the Bishops and other foreign delegates, most of whom were Moderators or leaders from their various denominations from England, Scotland, Canada and the US. The church service itself lasted about an hour and a half, with communion served to all. Hyms, some of them very familiar, were sung with repeats of many verses and refrains. And it was hot. Sweat poured from the faces of the group on stage, we were higher and there were no fans as there were for the audience. That was ameliorated with a few fans on stage. According to our driver this evening the temperature today was 40 degrees centigrade. The sermon by the Archbishop was moving and perfect for the occasion. He is a good speaker with a great voice and presence.
After the service representatives of the visiting denominations were invited to speak. Margaret was called on behalf of PCUSA and her words of greeting and love were well received. After that gifts were given out, one by one, and recognition of various people for their contributions to the Anniversary Celebration. It was past 12:30 when the service concluded.
We noticed the huge signs announcing the anniversary celebration of CNI placed at many places around the city on our way to Hissop College where the conference was held. The first day we attended was devoted to presentations of papers written by various theologians. Habil Massey, who we are going to visit in Delhi was among the presenters. I made a new friend; 10 year old Yashika Daniel took a liking to me and sought me out each day of the conference. She must have a library of 50 pictures of me. I gave her my card and she gave me her e mail address. I am hoping she and Natalie, my 10 year old grandaughter might get in touch with one another. I also met Bishop Cutting of Agra Diocese and we agreed to meet on Saturday, 10/16. I do hope that goes well and that he can help arrange a car and driver for our trip to Etah the following day.
The second day we were broken up into groups to talk about ways to address the challenges facing CNI. Groups were Bishops, Clergy, Lay Men and all the Women wether they fit into any of the other categories or not. The prefact to the announcement of the groups was a statement that no gender discrimination was involved in grouping the women separately. I did speak out about that, perhaps inappropriately. It may have helped women in the group Margaret was assigned to discuss gender inequality in the church and bring it to the attention of the whole group in their report. We were invited to lunch at the Tulli Hotel by the General Secretary along with the other foreign representatives. It was a good time to meet Alwin Maseh and to talk about concerns we may have as partners of CNI.
Tomorrow is a travel day. We leave early for the flight to Delhi and will go to the home of Rev. Santosh George who has graciously arranged for cell phones for us and has promised to make train reservations for us to Agra the same day. It will be the end of the Commonwealth Games and there is concern about traffic and availability of space. His work provides for treatment of infants born with club feet. The treatment, routine in the US, is not readily available in India. He coordinates services in a number of hospitals in the Delhi area.
And now my Internet Session must end. I tried earlier to log on to my Verizon Account, to no avail. Best love to my faithful readers.
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Daba Wallahs
Back to the Y to collect our bags and off to the domestic airport for the short flight to Nagpur. We were met by two groups; one from the Pride hotel and the other from CNI. They had flowers to welcome us. Jimmy went off with the CNI van and the ladies took the van to the hotel, just outside the airport. Our room is very nice and the hotel lovely, but the pool is closed on Mondays. Who ever heard of such a thing?
Ready for dinner, waiting for Jimmy to come in from town to join us.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Mumbai Impressions
A telling (?) omission from my previous post.
We did not go immediately to roam the streets of Mumbai: We went to church. The. Methodist church was within easy walking distance, with an English service starting at 10:00AM. We arrived around 10:20; just in time for the start of the service. Indeed, we were among the first people to arrive. The service and hymns were strongly similar to services at home. Differences: The Prelude to the service was a series of hymns led by an a cappella vocalist member of the congregation. There was a guest preacher, an Evangelistic Baptist who suggested more emphasis on Evangelism and salvation and less on the social aspects of poverty and the like. His words, not mine.
Fellowship afterwords was a chance for introductions all around. There were as many visitors as members present. The congregation consists of 35 families and they are struggling to bring their young people back to the church. The organist, a woman in her 80s, told me about her two adult children; her son with autism and daughter who is "slow.". They are both living at home and are independent in taking care of themselves and household tasks in her absence and go to their programs. It was a good feeling to be welcomed so warmly and to feel so at home in the company of strangers.
During our walk I was struck again by the sense of style and beauty of the Indian women. This was as true of the beggars as of their wealthy sisters at the Taj. on one street I witnessed a circle of women sitting in the dust of the street. They were engaged in discussion, one with a babe cradled in her arms. I think they were a group of beggars, but they held themselves with such dignity and assurance and were so nicely dressed that the only clue was their comfort on the dusty street.
We had a light dinner at the Y, included with the room, and have agreed to meet at breakfast tomorrow at 8:00.
Followers to the blog have doubled to two. Welcome, Evelyn Mareth.
Adventure to be continued.
We did not go immediately to roam the streets of Mumbai: We went to church. The. Methodist church was within easy walking distance, with an English service starting at 10:00AM. We arrived around 10:20; just in time for the start of the service. Indeed, we were among the first people to arrive. The service and hymns were strongly similar to services at home. Differences: The Prelude to the service was a series of hymns led by an a cappella vocalist member of the congregation. There was a guest preacher, an Evangelistic Baptist who suggested more emphasis on Evangelism and salvation and less on the social aspects of poverty and the like. His words, not mine.
Fellowship afterwords was a chance for introductions all around. There were as many visitors as members present. The congregation consists of 35 families and they are struggling to bring their young people back to the church. The organist, a woman in her 80s, told me about her two adult children; her son with autism and daughter who is "slow.". They are both living at home and are independent in taking care of themselves and household tasks in her absence and go to their programs. It was a good feeling to be welcomed so warmly and to feel so at home in the company of strangers.
During our walk I was struck again by the sense of style and beauty of the Indian women. This was as true of the beggars as of their wealthy sisters at the Taj. on one street I witnessed a circle of women sitting in the dust of the street. They were engaged in discussion, one with a babe cradled in her arms. I think they were a group of beggars, but they held themselves with such dignity and assurance and were so nicely dressed that the only clue was their comfort on the dusty street.
We had a light dinner at the Y, included with the room, and have agreed to meet at breakfast tomorrow at 8:00.
Followers to the blog have doubled to two. Welcome, Evelyn Mareth.
Adventure to be continued.
At the YWCA in Mumbai
New York to Heathrow to Mumbai is quite the undertaking. We left NY at 6:25 PM on 10/8 and arrived at the Y on 10/10/10. We had arranged for transportation from the airport through the YWCA, but none appeared. So we arranged for a prepaid taxi at the airport at a substantial savings over the charges the Y quoted. The airport is quite a distance from Mumbai Central and it took a long time to get into the city. That was with no traffic in the middle of the night. And with ignoring traffic signals like red lights. We, and everyone else just barreled on through. The cab driver, who said he knew where it was stopped to ask for directions several times. Exhausted and happy to have arrived, our luggage was promptly unloaded and the driver left. Well, our reservations were at the YWCA. Another cab was called, this time a car instead of a little van. Luggage was loaded on top and off we went again. Turned out we had passed it during our previous search. Even with two cabs with tips and two sets of porters to tip, it still cost less that the reserved ride. Got to bed at 5:00AM and up at 8:00AM.
The weather, as described by our pilot, is typical Bombay; hazy, hot and humid. It did clear up for chunks of today in time for beautiful views of India Gate on the Bay of Bengal.
Breakfast at the Y was simple and adequate. As long as there is porridge, I am happy. The room is adequate; clean, air conditioned, private bath. There was no top sheet, just a light coverlet thing, and I was glad to have a shaw of Erica's from her first India trip. I am very much looking forward to our next hotel venue at the Pride in Nagpur.
After breakfast we ventured out for some light shopping. Margaret was quickly adopted by a young beggar woman with a child in tow. She spent a good two hours trailing, leading, and beseeching us. Finally, Margaret negotiated a "tip" and we were left in peace.
Lois and I bought 11 silk scarves for the mela we are planning for our church. Negotiating started at 550 rs and ended at 250 rs with one extra scarf thrown in. So we will be able to sell them for $10.00 and make a nice profit. the pashmina price dropped from $150.00 to $40.00,but we didn't want to invest that much in any items that might not sell. I do plan to buy one or two for myself or gifts and now have a good idea of price. Some more walking through crowded streets with hawkers calling out and we were ready for a break.
The cafe we went to turned out to be the first restaurant to reopen after the bombings in MumbAi in 2008. We ladies had mango lahassis and Jimmy a diet coke. then back out for a while until we were all ready to drop. We had planned to go to the Taj for high tea and decided to go there for a drink before tea, which we did to our mutual delight. In addition to the g&t, I ordered a calamari appetizer; the best ever; fresh, hot, lightly crisped and beautifully seasoned. We sat by a window overlooking the India Gate and Bay of Bengal. Throngs of brightly clad folks were enjoying the day with photograph, postcard, peacock feather, drum and balloon salesman touting their wares. It was cool and beautiful. Then on to tea where we sat on an enclosed veranda, again with the view of the Bay. This time we also got to watch a group of florists decorating a doorway in all white roses, orchids, etc. The tea was lovely as one would expect, with a big surprise. there was a lovely presentation of tiramisu in small teacups, light and fluffy and rich like a mousse. I have never liked a tiramisu better than what I make at home, but this was the all out winner. When our waiter learned it was my birthday he said he was so sorry he did not know earlier so that he could be bring me a cake, but it was too late and the kitchen was closed. A while later he came back with a lovely bouquet of roses and orchids for me.
The weather, as described by our pilot, is typical Bombay; hazy, hot and humid. It did clear up for chunks of today in time for beautiful views of India Gate on the Bay of Bengal.
Breakfast at the Y was simple and adequate. As long as there is porridge, I am happy. The room is adequate; clean, air conditioned, private bath. There was no top sheet, just a light coverlet thing, and I was glad to have a shaw of Erica's from her first India trip. I am very much looking forward to our next hotel venue at the Pride in Nagpur.
After breakfast we ventured out for some light shopping. Margaret was quickly adopted by a young beggar woman with a child in tow. She spent a good two hours trailing, leading, and beseeching us. Finally, Margaret negotiated a "tip" and we were left in peace.
Lois and I bought 11 silk scarves for the mela we are planning for our church. Negotiating started at 550 rs and ended at 250 rs with one extra scarf thrown in. So we will be able to sell them for $10.00 and make a nice profit. the pashmina price dropped from $150.00 to $40.00,but we didn't want to invest that much in any items that might not sell. I do plan to buy one or two for myself or gifts and now have a good idea of price. Some more walking through crowded streets with hawkers calling out and we were ready for a break.
The cafe we went to turned out to be the first restaurant to reopen after the bombings in MumbAi in 2008. We ladies had mango lahassis and Jimmy a diet coke. then back out for a while until we were all ready to drop. We had planned to go to the Taj for high tea and decided to go there for a drink before tea, which we did to our mutual delight. In addition to the g&t, I ordered a calamari appetizer; the best ever; fresh, hot, lightly crisped and beautifully seasoned. We sat by a window overlooking the India Gate and Bay of Bengal. Throngs of brightly clad folks were enjoying the day with photograph, postcard, peacock feather, drum and balloon salesman touting their wares. It was cool and beautiful. Then on to tea where we sat on an enclosed veranda, again with the view of the Bay. This time we also got to watch a group of florists decorating a doorway in all white roses, orchids, etc. The tea was lovely as one would expect, with a big surprise. there was a lovely presentation of tiramisu in small teacups, light and fluffy and rich like a mousse. I have never liked a tiramisu better than what I make at home, but this was the all out winner. When our waiter learned it was my birthday he said he was so sorry he did not know earlier so that he could be bring me a cake, but it was too late and the kitchen was closed. A while later he came back with a lovely bouquet of roses and orchids for me.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Departure Looming
Time to get packing. Yesterday our group of four met over mulligatawny soup, served and assisted by Erica and Gerard. Lois is making last minute arrangements for airport pick up, transfers, etc.
Everyone is so knowledgeable, and all are reading up on Indian history. I can be the official ignoramus. I will finish reading Richard Young's article and downloaded Kiran Desai's book which Lois speaks of so enthusiastically. AND will finish A G McGaw's letterrs.
We have had definite confirmation that Bishopn Cutting of Agra knows of our plans. He has not received word from Etah either? We do have an outline of the Nagpur Conference which has sessions for Clergy, Bishops, Lay Leaders and Women.
Work on Share the Harvest for the Long Island Council of Churches keeps me very occupied; things are getting exciting now with money and ticket purchases coming in. Tomorrow a meeting with Edgar Goodale of Riverhead Building Supply, our Corporate Honoree.
Everyone is so knowledgeable, and all are reading up on Indian history. I can be the official ignoramus. I will finish reading Richard Young's article and downloaded Kiran Desai's book which Lois speaks of so enthusiastically. AND will finish A G McGaw's letterrs.
We have had definite confirmation that Bishopn Cutting of Agra knows of our plans. He has not received word from Etah either? We do have an outline of the Nagpur Conference which has sessions for Clergy, Bishops, Lay Leaders and Women.
Work on Share the Harvest for the Long Island Council of Churches keeps me very occupied; things are getting exciting now with money and ticket purchases coming in. Tomorrow a meeting with Edgar Goodale of Riverhead Building Supply, our Corporate Honoree.
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