Sunday, May 31, 2009--Day 18
I only have bits and pieces to share today. Sundays are normally slow as there is no yoga. Today is especially slow because the internet has been fickle and because I was told either no walking or I could walk up and down in front of the palace. That consists of about 1 city block of the same scenery, no people, and just boredom in general. Don't think so. The reason for no walking has to do with me having a weak spell on Saturday after breakfast. Dr. Baji didn't want me doing any hills today. Guess it wouldn't be a terrific thing if I fainted on one of the paths or on the road. Today, I've felt fine so I fully intend to walk in the morning.
Lots of people here have cell phones. The palace has a landline, but there is no indication that anyone else has one. Amazing the number of people who do have cell phones.
Real Estate values in Dubai decreased 40% the first three months of 2009 and most construction has now stopped.
Dr. Baji and the Colonel did stop by for a bit yesterday but not long so no stories to tell you there. Heavens! I may be forced to turn on the TV; something I haven't done since I got here. Colonel Babu told David there were 200 channels available. From the newspaper, it looks like a lot of it would be reruns from the 60s like The Rookies although there is a channel for the BBC.
WalMart opened their first Indian store (6000 items) in New Delhi. 15 more to come throughout the country. It appears that any entity wanting to bring in industry or retail must have an Indian partner.
Amelia says she feels a lot better since Dr. Baji told her to stop taking the medication. She currently plans to use this as a home base so she can see other parts of northern India. She's fearless, I tell you.
Adam is Adam. We only see him at meals and when he comes back from treatment. He says his skin is clearing up nicely, and he seems a lot happier. He plans to fly to Bombei from Kocki (Cochin) and then take the train (express, but it still takes 4 hours) to where his extended family is before returning to England. I think Bombei is also called Mumbai which is where the bombing of the train took place. Pakistinian terrorists apparently. India and Pakistan are not best friends. Pakistan apparently has 50 nuclear bombs in its arsenal. The US is crazy for allowing that. Pakistan is probably the least stable country around here.
Have to go while the internet is still cooperating.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/ etc.
Why is it people don't email on weekends?????????????????????????
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday, May 29-2009--Day 17
17 days without chocolate!--AND I have even had access to chocolate every single one of those days!
I was basted like a turkey this morning in Treatment. I make this sound easy, but it has resulted in a lot of consternation on my part and a great deal of mirth on the part of the technicians when they want me to turn over or sit up. Rather difficult to get a grip on anything.
And it makes me sweat during and afterward because the oil is hot. I guess that's good as it probably means the toxins are leaving my body.
This morning on my walk I actually found a piece of FLAT land. On either side of the road were rice fields after rice fields. Some aren't doing so well--hasn't rained enough. Others have water in them (For those of you who don't know rice fields, they are probably 20 feet by 20 feet and have earthen boundaries. It doesn't look like they are tilled by hand anymore as I could see furrows like tractors make for corn.). Even though there is standing water, the earth beneath still has huge cracks in it from lack of water.
Thought we were going to get a nice storm earlier, but it must have gone around us. The humidity last night and today was really high, and at least that has lessened.
The baby next door to us has been crying A Lot today. Normally, we only hear him once or twice, but he is crying like he is sick. Our Yoga Master, Anil, told us that high humidity might cause the baby to be sick and then brought up the happy thought of cholera. There is cholera due to flooding where the last storm hit in the area near Bangladesh and in Bangladesh itself.
BTW: the student from Indiana University did NOT have swine flu. They have reported several incidences of taking people to the hospital from the airport to be tested. They also report when they test negative. So far I've only seen the negative results. Maybe they don't follow up in the newspaper on the ones who test positive. Regardless, I feel certain that Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu are keeping us as safe as possible. That is one reason why we haven't been allowed to go anywhere without Francis or Colonel Babu with us. I suspect that if we were to go alone that people would gather closely around us, and they don't want that.
Colonel Babu usually comes between 4 and 5, and we talk. He shares a great deal of Indian culture with us. It's great. Dr. Baji may come any time during the day for medical stuff and usually spends time with us in the late afternoon--sometimes staying through dinner although he hasn't eaten with us. Last night's major topic of discussion was marriage in India. I keep hearing the same thing, "Marriage in India is forever". So, no matter how bad it may be, you are stuck. They have set up hotlines for abused women and abused children. However, I am sure that when the women or children return home, they are beaten or worse. It happens in the States. I am sure India is no different. There is a lot of pride here. And a lot of concern about what the neighbors think. Also, this is not to say that these arranged marriages are necessarily happy on the men's side either. Dr. Baji doesn't think there is really happy marriage. He feels like he has raised his wife and is raising his children now. His wife was shipped off to boarding school (Catholic, although I believe they are Hindu) at a very young age and her parents would visit once or twice a year. So she didn't know how to parent (at least we saw how our parents parented.), didn't know how to make a cup of tea or clean or cook. He spent 14 years in Chennai going to school so he had to learn a lot of things that most Indian men don't have to deal with. His mother-in-law was in contact with his wife every day for four years after the marriage telling her she had to stay with him. He told us previously that he couldn't tolerate the mother-in-law. He hasn't had contact with his in-laws for ten years as a result. Trust me when I say that the Dr. Baji who presents himself to us would be a catch for any woman. He is a doctor in medicine and an Ayurvedic doctor. He is very well-read, very articulate, very bright, and has a good sense of humor not to mention tall and very good-looking. I guess those things might not appeal to some people, but they would appeal to me.
On the time zone thing: If you go east, there is a 14 1/2 hour different between here and the east coast. If, however, you go west, which is what I was doing with Raechel, it is 10 1/2 hours. I have no idea where the extra hour came from. Even with only 10 1/2 hours different, it took David about 36 hours to get to Raleigh.
I'm going to start reading David's blog now to see if there's anything to add. I'm also going to have to start making a list of things I want to tell you--my mind goes over things during the day, and then, when I am typing, I forget them. Such is life.
Take care.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/ friend/ relative/ stranger
17 days without chocolate!--AND I have even had access to chocolate every single one of those days!
I was basted like a turkey this morning in Treatment. I make this sound easy, but it has resulted in a lot of consternation on my part and a great deal of mirth on the part of the technicians when they want me to turn over or sit up. Rather difficult to get a grip on anything.
And it makes me sweat during and afterward because the oil is hot. I guess that's good as it probably means the toxins are leaving my body.
This morning on my walk I actually found a piece of FLAT land. On either side of the road were rice fields after rice fields. Some aren't doing so well--hasn't rained enough. Others have water in them (For those of you who don't know rice fields, they are probably 20 feet by 20 feet and have earthen boundaries. It doesn't look like they are tilled by hand anymore as I could see furrows like tractors make for corn.). Even though there is standing water, the earth beneath still has huge cracks in it from lack of water.
Thought we were going to get a nice storm earlier, but it must have gone around us. The humidity last night and today was really high, and at least that has lessened.
The baby next door to us has been crying A Lot today. Normally, we only hear him once or twice, but he is crying like he is sick. Our Yoga Master, Anil, told us that high humidity might cause the baby to be sick and then brought up the happy thought of cholera. There is cholera due to flooding where the last storm hit in the area near Bangladesh and in Bangladesh itself.
BTW: the student from Indiana University did NOT have swine flu. They have reported several incidences of taking people to the hospital from the airport to be tested. They also report when they test negative. So far I've only seen the negative results. Maybe they don't follow up in the newspaper on the ones who test positive. Regardless, I feel certain that Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu are keeping us as safe as possible. That is one reason why we haven't been allowed to go anywhere without Francis or Colonel Babu with us. I suspect that if we were to go alone that people would gather closely around us, and they don't want that.
Colonel Babu usually comes between 4 and 5, and we talk. He shares a great deal of Indian culture with us. It's great. Dr. Baji may come any time during the day for medical stuff and usually spends time with us in the late afternoon--sometimes staying through dinner although he hasn't eaten with us. Last night's major topic of discussion was marriage in India. I keep hearing the same thing, "Marriage in India is forever". So, no matter how bad it may be, you are stuck. They have set up hotlines for abused women and abused children. However, I am sure that when the women or children return home, they are beaten or worse. It happens in the States. I am sure India is no different. There is a lot of pride here. And a lot of concern about what the neighbors think. Also, this is not to say that these arranged marriages are necessarily happy on the men's side either. Dr. Baji doesn't think there is really happy marriage. He feels like he has raised his wife and is raising his children now. His wife was shipped off to boarding school (Catholic, although I believe they are Hindu) at a very young age and her parents would visit once or twice a year. So she didn't know how to parent (at least we saw how our parents parented.), didn't know how to make a cup of tea or clean or cook. He spent 14 years in Chennai going to school so he had to learn a lot of things that most Indian men don't have to deal with. His mother-in-law was in contact with his wife every day for four years after the marriage telling her she had to stay with him. He told us previously that he couldn't tolerate the mother-in-law. He hasn't had contact with his in-laws for ten years as a result. Trust me when I say that the Dr. Baji who presents himself to us would be a catch for any woman. He is a doctor in medicine and an Ayurvedic doctor. He is very well-read, very articulate, very bright, and has a good sense of humor not to mention tall and very good-looking. I guess those things might not appeal to some people, but they would appeal to me.
On the time zone thing: If you go east, there is a 14 1/2 hour different between here and the east coast. If, however, you go west, which is what I was doing with Raechel, it is 10 1/2 hours. I have no idea where the extra hour came from. Even with only 10 1/2 hours different, it took David about 36 hours to get to Raleigh.
I'm going to start reading David's blog now to see if there's anything to add. I'm also going to have to start making a list of things I want to tell you--my mind goes over things during the day, and then, when I am typing, I forget them. Such is life.
Take care.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/ friend/ relative/ stranger
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009--Day 16
I received my first flowers yesterday. Sometimes the children will give us flowers as we walk along. They love to speak with us and practice their English. They always have a smile and are very friendly. Mom usually is in the background and often pushes the children to communicate. Usually that is no problem however.
On our return from the elephant farm, we saw an elephant being taken for a walk down the street where the shops of that village are. Still in chains, but at least getting some exercise. They can be very dangerous. The elephant had one man riding him and another walking beside him. The townspeople seemed to be perfectly ok with it so it apparently isn't a rare occasion.
Today the treatment changed. This morning, instead of oil being poured on my forehead, I was given something akin to a hot oil bath without being immersed like being in a bathtub. Oil poured over me for nearly an hour. I think I could grow to like it. David missed this part.
I was talking by instant messenger with Raechel at 8:30 this morning, and it was 11 PM in Raleigh. So, instead of it being 10 1/2 hours different, it is 14 1/2 hours different on the east coast. Poor David hasn't reached home yet. He may be in Washington, D.C. He left at 4:30 AM yesterday morning, and I don't think he gets to Raleigh until 6:30 PM tonight. It's possible I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong because I have a longer trek in two weeks.
I have made contact with Jeff's sister in Dubai, asking her for just a few hours--not the whole layover. She agreed to show me the sights via car (air-conditioned, I hope) and will be bringing her son who looks to be around 12 along. If I had to spend 11 1/2 hours in the airport, you would find me behaving like an Indian, sleeping on the floor.
Mrs. Babu rides a scooter!!!!!!!!!!! Not an easy thing to do in a sari. She had lunch with us today.
She also refers to him as Babu--which is supposed to be a no-no. Things are changing. This country is only 62 years old--they became an independent country in my honor, don't you think? Think about where the US was at the end of it's first 50 years!!!!
Almost forgot my topic: the newspaper.
The newspaper is called "The Hindu", is written in English, and is recognized by the "London Times", I think, as a good newspaper. In today's paper, it says that Tim Roemer, the former Congressman from our voting district, has been nominated Ambassador to India! I'm not sure he or his wife will appreciate that honor as the capitol is up north where it is not unusual for the temperature to hit 110F or over. That really was an aside. I just happened to notice a blip on the front page of the paper. Anyway, the stories are all completed on the same page they start!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They write in a way that people talk. There are some interesting terms, however. 'Miscreant' is often used when referring to the bad guys. A train was robbed, and the woman was 'relieved' of 65 grams of jewelry she had been wearing. They have many of the same problems we have. There was a ganga bust (marijuana), a spirit bust (I think it's like moonshine used to be--illegal) (There are state shops where you can buy liquor.), two girls committed suicide because they got in trouble for coming home late and were angry with their parents. There is the wild side in other states, of course. Gunfights, kidnappings, mudslides burying people etc. There are articles everyday about the US--not a lot, but some. Also, there have been editorials about Obama and about Guantanimo (not very flattering). Cuba keeps getting their licks in about the 'imperialist power'.
They also report testing scores and when examinations for schools will take place. There are many, many ads for schooling: MBAs, Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering and other professional schooling. I have seen ads recruiting doctors to go to Saudia Arabia and England.
What I am trying to show you is that all parts of India are not backward. There are 50 medical schools in Kerala along--I don't know how big. India is in partnership with some American medical schools to send Americans here for internships, etc. and vice versa. If the Americans come here, they will learn how to diagnose without all the expensive tests they now rely on. Some places have the very latest in modern medicine technology. Although medical care is not expensive for Americans--an MRI is $150--it is totally out of reach for most of the people. Now I know why people are coming here from the States for surgery, etc. Even factoring in the airfare, etc., it is considerably cheaper. Colonel Babu said that medical tests of the kind we get--but cheaper here--would put a man's family in debt for 3 generations. So sad. And so unlike we Americans who just file bankruptcy. I have seen some really old people here so they must know something I don't know.
One last thing for today. The two Indian child stars in 'Slumdog Millionaire' had their shantys torn down and nowhere to live. In yesterday's paper there was an article saying that a trust fund has been setup for the children. It has bought an apartment for the boy and his family. They are still looking for something for the little girl. I cannot believe that these two kids weren't provided for before this publicity started coming out.
Take care, be happy, and be safe.
Love,
Mom/Granny/Peggy/Aunt/Sister/friend/stranger whatever.
I received my first flowers yesterday. Sometimes the children will give us flowers as we walk along. They love to speak with us and practice their English. They always have a smile and are very friendly. Mom usually is in the background and often pushes the children to communicate. Usually that is no problem however.
On our return from the elephant farm, we saw an elephant being taken for a walk down the street where the shops of that village are. Still in chains, but at least getting some exercise. They can be very dangerous. The elephant had one man riding him and another walking beside him. The townspeople seemed to be perfectly ok with it so it apparently isn't a rare occasion.
Today the treatment changed. This morning, instead of oil being poured on my forehead, I was given something akin to a hot oil bath without being immersed like being in a bathtub. Oil poured over me for nearly an hour. I think I could grow to like it. David missed this part.
I was talking by instant messenger with Raechel at 8:30 this morning, and it was 11 PM in Raleigh. So, instead of it being 10 1/2 hours different, it is 14 1/2 hours different on the east coast. Poor David hasn't reached home yet. He may be in Washington, D.C. He left at 4:30 AM yesterday morning, and I don't think he gets to Raleigh until 6:30 PM tonight. It's possible I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong because I have a longer trek in two weeks.
I have made contact with Jeff's sister in Dubai, asking her for just a few hours--not the whole layover. She agreed to show me the sights via car (air-conditioned, I hope) and will be bringing her son who looks to be around 12 along. If I had to spend 11 1/2 hours in the airport, you would find me behaving like an Indian, sleeping on the floor.
Mrs. Babu rides a scooter!!!!!!!!!!! Not an easy thing to do in a sari. She had lunch with us today.
She also refers to him as Babu--which is supposed to be a no-no. Things are changing. This country is only 62 years old--they became an independent country in my honor, don't you think? Think about where the US was at the end of it's first 50 years!!!!
Almost forgot my topic: the newspaper.
The newspaper is called "The Hindu", is written in English, and is recognized by the "London Times", I think, as a good newspaper. In today's paper, it says that Tim Roemer, the former Congressman from our voting district, has been nominated Ambassador to India! I'm not sure he or his wife will appreciate that honor as the capitol is up north where it is not unusual for the temperature to hit 110F or over. That really was an aside. I just happened to notice a blip on the front page of the paper. Anyway, the stories are all completed on the same page they start!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They write in a way that people talk. There are some interesting terms, however. 'Miscreant' is often used when referring to the bad guys. A train was robbed, and the woman was 'relieved' of 65 grams of jewelry she had been wearing. They have many of the same problems we have. There was a ganga bust (marijuana), a spirit bust (I think it's like moonshine used to be--illegal) (There are state shops where you can buy liquor.), two girls committed suicide because they got in trouble for coming home late and were angry with their parents. There is the wild side in other states, of course. Gunfights, kidnappings, mudslides burying people etc. There are articles everyday about the US--not a lot, but some. Also, there have been editorials about Obama and about Guantanimo (not very flattering). Cuba keeps getting their licks in about the 'imperialist power'.
They also report testing scores and when examinations for schools will take place. There are many, many ads for schooling: MBAs, Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering and other professional schooling. I have seen ads recruiting doctors to go to Saudia Arabia and England.
What I am trying to show you is that all parts of India are not backward. There are 50 medical schools in Kerala along--I don't know how big. India is in partnership with some American medical schools to send Americans here for internships, etc. and vice versa. If the Americans come here, they will learn how to diagnose without all the expensive tests they now rely on. Some places have the very latest in modern medicine technology. Although medical care is not expensive for Americans--an MRI is $150--it is totally out of reach for most of the people. Now I know why people are coming here from the States for surgery, etc. Even factoring in the airfare, etc., it is considerably cheaper. Colonel Babu said that medical tests of the kind we get--but cheaper here--would put a man's family in debt for 3 generations. So sad. And so unlike we Americans who just file bankruptcy. I have seen some really old people here so they must know something I don't know.
One last thing for today. The two Indian child stars in 'Slumdog Millionaire' had their shantys torn down and nowhere to live. In yesterday's paper there was an article saying that a trust fund has been setup for the children. It has bought an apartment for the boy and his family. They are still looking for something for the little girl. I cannot believe that these two kids weren't provided for before this publicity started coming out.
Take care, be happy, and be safe.
Love,
Mom/Granny/Peggy/Aunt/Sister/friend/stranger whatever.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009--Day 15
David left this morning. Colonel Babu, Sibien, and Kirish were here to see him off at 4:30. Fortunately, his taxi was more comfortable than the ones we use around here. He said he had a tee time in Dubai. Colonel Babu actually had on shorts!
Have to take back what I said about the clothing. We went to see the elephants yesterday, and everyone was dressed in traditional garb. However, we did see two girls in western-type dresses and a few men in slacks. I'm sure that as a person gets into larger cities there are more people dressed in western garb. David said he even saw a white man.
Our trip to see the elephants was awesome. There are 60-70 elephants in an area set aside for them in 1975. There was one baby who was 'dancing' holding a palm branch in his trunk. I would like to think he was dancing instead of being highly anxious. We got within spitting distance of him. (No, we didn't spit at him.) The sad thing is that all the elephants are chained to at least one tree. However, we did get within ten feet of one just by walking on the path. Two were being given baths--one in a smallish pond; the other was being hosed down and getting his nails done (That one was rather small.) It's incredible. You pay to drive in, and there are the elephants right next to the parking lot. Then there were a ton more further in. We also had to pay a camera fee. Just think about how much food has to be brought in to feed 60-70 elephants!!!!! What we saw them eating was leaves from palm trees. I sincerely doubt that they get any other kind of food. They were all separated from each other so I'm not sure how the baby came about, but... Lots of pictures. After I put the pictures on Picasa, I will make a list of what each picture is about and send that to you so you have some idea of what's going on. If you specifically want the pictures and I don't have your e-mail, please send it to me via Bob, Kevin, or David. I was going to put my email address on here, but anyone in the world can read this.
David has pictures with his blog.
I should tell you that the sun was out when we went on our little excursion so it was rather hot.
Next we went to the market for shopping. The only place we stopped was at a clothing store (a smaller version of something like Lord & Taylor) where David got me two of the outfits Michelle mentioned. There is a long tunic, pants, and a scarf to each one. Very attractive, I think. If we had not had Francis with us, we would still be trying to effect the sale in December. Francis' comprehension of English isn't great, but there apparently was only one sales person who spoke English. (David made the comment at the elephant farm that he didn't know if the elephants or the Americans were the attraction. But no one stopped to ask us for a picture. The adults are pretty reserved.) Anyway, the store was full of people--many, many salespeople, but also customers. I scared a little kid by saying, 'hi' to him. Older children came to look at us after we got in the 'lift'. These are little people so I asked them for the largest size they had. Not quite, but I'm sure they will fit in two weeks. There was some kind of detector and a guard at the front door. Everyone was very nice and tried to be helpful. And it worked as I came away with two Indian outfits.
We elected not to go anywhere else due to the heat, but also these excursions wear me out. This has to do with the treatment. Ordinarily they don't let you go on excursions until the end of your treatment, but because David was leaving they let me go as well. Three excursions in one week!
The treatment has a definite effect on your body, otherwise there would be no improvement in your disease. I think it temporarily weakens the immune system and the muscles in the beginning. There is a woman here with lung cancer who is doing Ayurveda for six weeks. The Dr. has said that Ayurveda can cure cancer. I hope so as Amelia is a wonderful lady. Since meeting her her color has gotten better and she seems to have more energy. Chemotherapy and radiation destroy parts of the body according to Dr. Baji. I have no reason to disbelieve him. However, it is out of the realm of what we have grown up with all our lives. If he can cure psoriasis, he can cure cancer. Amazing.
Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu wanted to know if there were any special instructions from David in regard to me. Now I wouldn't have anyone to take care of things for me. Oh, please.
They said this in front of me so I am thinking at least part of it was joking. I assured them that I am very competent. I didn't say in what.
Tomorrow I will tell you about the newspaper. It's great.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009--Day 14
14 days without chocolate.
Words of Wisdom from Dr. Baji: A long belt means a short life.
We went to Dr. Baji's house and factory yesterday. His home is modest by our standards, especially by the standards of the doctors in Granger. We met his father, mother, wife, and two daughters. The adults wore Indian clothing while the daughters and Dr. Baji were in western-style dress. ( I have never seen an Indian woman in anything but a Sari. There have been one or two men besides Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu in western-style clothing. Even in the towns we have been through, everyone is dressed in traditional garb.) Dr.Baji's father is an Ayurveda toxicologist and is 80 years old. He used to teach primary school, but has been retired for 25 years. Very kind and friendly man. The women and children do not speak if there is company. We didn't go in the house, but Dr. Baji showed us his factory, his office, and many of the herbs, leaves of trees, and trees whose roots are used in Ayureda medicine. We smelled the leaves of several of his trees (broken open to allow the aroma out), including a cinnamon tree. We were served lemonade, dried rice, I think, and some other kind of rice, and coconut and sugarcane (and probably some other things) wrapped in a leaf and closed with something like a toothpick. You don't eat the leaf. It is for presentation. Figured it was okay to eat and drink since we were at the doctor's house. The food was very palatable as was the lemonade.
Dr. Baji's factory is quite a set-up. It takes up several small areas and two larger rooms. He has what looked like an autoclave, a pill-former, a container sealer, a mechanism which crushes the stuff to whatever size, a grinder to grind stuff down to whatever size, and humongous stone fireplace with huge cauldrons for boiling/simmering (vented to the outside)(He says boiling stuff down is far preferable to heating stuff at 600+ degrees like they do with our medicines.), a mechanism with the same idea as the apple cider maker at Amish Acres, and large room with tree bark, herbs, different kinds of salt and other things that are used in the medications. The factory is run by muscle power although the machines are much easier to use than in the olden days when you would have to use stone against stone to grind wheat or corn. Very interesting. He also has a huge well, very deep where he has fish for eating. They literally fish in it for the fish they want to eat. What an idea! A large part of his property has rare and not so rare medicinal plants/trees growing. Dr. Baji's father said to remember him always so we took a picture of all of us.
Today I saw a satellite dish. David says that he has seen others, but I haven't. This was not a rich house. Most of the people seem to have wells. If you don't, there are spigots here and there where you can draw water. I have seen men carrying buckets of water. Oh, and the noise I was hearing and told you it was the women using a bunch of reeds or whatever to beat on the clothing to get it clean. They also sling the piece of clothing from over their shoulders onto a rock probably for the same purpose. What a great way to get out your anger!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Somehow, I don't think the women of America are going to go for that method of anger management.
There is now sewer locally that I know of. The ground soaks up water pretty fast.
14 days without chocolate.
Words of Wisdom from Dr. Baji: A long belt means a short life.
We went to Dr. Baji's house and factory yesterday. His home is modest by our standards, especially by the standards of the doctors in Granger. We met his father, mother, wife, and two daughters. The adults wore Indian clothing while the daughters and Dr. Baji were in western-style dress. ( I have never seen an Indian woman in anything but a Sari. There have been one or two men besides Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu in western-style clothing. Even in the towns we have been through, everyone is dressed in traditional garb.) Dr.Baji's father is an Ayurveda toxicologist and is 80 years old. He used to teach primary school, but has been retired for 25 years. Very kind and friendly man. The women and children do not speak if there is company. We didn't go in the house, but Dr. Baji showed us his factory, his office, and many of the herbs, leaves of trees, and trees whose roots are used in Ayureda medicine. We smelled the leaves of several of his trees (broken open to allow the aroma out), including a cinnamon tree. We were served lemonade, dried rice, I think, and some other kind of rice, and coconut and sugarcane (and probably some other things) wrapped in a leaf and closed with something like a toothpick. You don't eat the leaf. It is for presentation. Figured it was okay to eat and drink since we were at the doctor's house. The food was very palatable as was the lemonade.
Dr. Baji's factory is quite a set-up. It takes up several small areas and two larger rooms. He has what looked like an autoclave, a pill-former, a container sealer, a mechanism which crushes the stuff to whatever size, a grinder to grind stuff down to whatever size, and humongous stone fireplace with huge cauldrons for boiling/simmering (vented to the outside)(He says boiling stuff down is far preferable to heating stuff at 600+ degrees like they do with our medicines.), a mechanism with the same idea as the apple cider maker at Amish Acres, and large room with tree bark, herbs, different kinds of salt and other things that are used in the medications. The factory is run by muscle power although the machines are much easier to use than in the olden days when you would have to use stone against stone to grind wheat or corn. Very interesting. He also has a huge well, very deep where he has fish for eating. They literally fish in it for the fish they want to eat. What an idea! A large part of his property has rare and not so rare medicinal plants/trees growing. Dr. Baji's father said to remember him always so we took a picture of all of us.
Today I saw a satellite dish. David says that he has seen others, but I haven't. This was not a rich house. Most of the people seem to have wells. If you don't, there are spigots here and there where you can draw water. I have seen men carrying buckets of water. Oh, and the noise I was hearing and told you it was the women using a bunch of reeds or whatever to beat on the clothing to get it clean. They also sling the piece of clothing from over their shoulders onto a rock probably for the same purpose. What a great way to get out your anger!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Somehow, I don't think the women of America are going to go for that method of anger management.
There is now sewer locally that I know of. The ground soaks up water pretty fast.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 Day 13
This morning we had beet juice for breakfast. Wasn't bad. Definitely sweeter than what we usually get. I'm thinking these are all acquired tastes as the cucumber juice yesterday wasn't half bad. The cook seemed unaware that you could slice and cook beets.
It seems that Tumeric is added to everything and that is what upsets my stomach. They say there are no other spices in what they give me so I'm going to ask for them to eliminate that. For breakfast every morning I have steamed carrots, cauliflower, and green beans mixed together. And juice. So far the menu has included carrot juice, cucumber juice, banana stem juice (can't have bananas because they have starch--news to me), and beet juice. There is also some indescribable dish, probably something to do with beans. Haven't gotten that brave yet. For lunch there is always rice and then an assortment of fruits and vegetables. We generally have tomatoes and cucumbers (thank heaven) for lunch and dinner. Today there were tangerine pieces in with the papaya. Can't eat the papaya here because it talks back to me. Perhaps in the states, it will have a milder taste. For dinner there is rice or a wrap, tomatoes and cucumbers and onions, cut fruit, and then an assortment of other fruits/vegetables. These other fruits/vegetables are always mixed with other stuff and have a spicy taste. Those of you who know me knowthat I don't like to mix my foods. Yes, I know that they are all mixed in my stomach, but I generally don't like to mix them prior to that.
We had yoga today. The Yoga Master gets Sundays off, and he had a wedding yesterday so we had two days minus yoga. Yoga probably will not be on my list of things to do when I get back, but I will continue Qigong and try to do some every day.
Yesterday's weather alternated rain with sun. The sun is really hot. In rain or sun, we are always escorted to the treatment rooms with an umbrella over our heads. Therefore, I will not have a suntan. Maybe in Dubai. I did bring lotion, but I think even Dubai is going to be way too hot to be out in the sun.
The people here are so laid back. I haven't heard a single argument or anyone yelling at the children or anything more than an occasional baby cry. The children around here are very quiet. It's not that the children aren't around. If they go to school, school starts June 1. 46% of the adults in this country are illiterate.
Kerala is considering a pension for the elderly living in below poverty level homes. Keep in mind that many people live in each dwelling. Colonel Babu had 22 people living in his house growing up. He still lives in the same house, but he says it is too big for him. His mother died 4 years ago and his father just passed 6 weeks ago.
Sorry there's nothing wild and exciting today. Later we go to Dr.Baji's, and tomorrow we are going to the market and to see the elephant preserve where there are 60-70 elephants. There is also a tiger preserve, but I don't know how far that is. We have to fit all excursions around meals and treatment so we don't have an extended period available to us to go far distances.
I would like to be able to put pictures with this, but I am just not technicologically advanced enough to do that. Guess you'll just have to come visit when I get back!
Take care.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
This morning we had beet juice for breakfast. Wasn't bad. Definitely sweeter than what we usually get. I'm thinking these are all acquired tastes as the cucumber juice yesterday wasn't half bad. The cook seemed unaware that you could slice and cook beets.
It seems that Tumeric is added to everything and that is what upsets my stomach. They say there are no other spices in what they give me so I'm going to ask for them to eliminate that. For breakfast every morning I have steamed carrots, cauliflower, and green beans mixed together. And juice. So far the menu has included carrot juice, cucumber juice, banana stem juice (can't have bananas because they have starch--news to me), and beet juice. There is also some indescribable dish, probably something to do with beans. Haven't gotten that brave yet. For lunch there is always rice and then an assortment of fruits and vegetables. We generally have tomatoes and cucumbers (thank heaven) for lunch and dinner. Today there were tangerine pieces in with the papaya. Can't eat the papaya here because it talks back to me. Perhaps in the states, it will have a milder taste. For dinner there is rice or a wrap, tomatoes and cucumbers and onions, cut fruit, and then an assortment of other fruits/vegetables. These other fruits/vegetables are always mixed with other stuff and have a spicy taste. Those of you who know me knowthat I don't like to mix my foods. Yes, I know that they are all mixed in my stomach, but I generally don't like to mix them prior to that.
We had yoga today. The Yoga Master gets Sundays off, and he had a wedding yesterday so we had two days minus yoga. Yoga probably will not be on my list of things to do when I get back, but I will continue Qigong and try to do some every day.
Yesterday's weather alternated rain with sun. The sun is really hot. In rain or sun, we are always escorted to the treatment rooms with an umbrella over our heads. Therefore, I will not have a suntan. Maybe in Dubai. I did bring lotion, but I think even Dubai is going to be way too hot to be out in the sun.
The people here are so laid back. I haven't heard a single argument or anyone yelling at the children or anything more than an occasional baby cry. The children around here are very quiet. It's not that the children aren't around. If they go to school, school starts June 1. 46% of the adults in this country are illiterate.
Kerala is considering a pension for the elderly living in below poverty level homes. Keep in mind that many people live in each dwelling. Colonel Babu had 22 people living in his house growing up. He still lives in the same house, but he says it is too big for him. His mother died 4 years ago and his father just passed 6 weeks ago.
Sorry there's nothing wild and exciting today. Later we go to Dr.Baji's, and tomorrow we are going to the market and to see the elephant preserve where there are 60-70 elephants. There is also a tiger preserve, but I don't know how far that is. We have to fit all excursions around meals and treatment so we don't have an extended period available to us to go far distances.
I would like to be able to put pictures with this, but I am just not technicologically advanced enough to do that. Guess you'll just have to come visit when I get back!
Take care.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009 Day 12
The newspaper says a monsoon has settled in although it's not raining all the time yet. We shall see.
Dr. Baji sat with us while we ate dinner last night. His brother has a doctorate in something to do with fish. There are fish hatcheries and fish farms here in Kerala. Prawns are raised on farms. The female prawn only has eggs every two-three years. The brother determined a way to make the females have eggs every 3 months. The gene for propagating is near the eyes which are set out from the head on little attenae. To achieve the every 3 month rotation, they cut off the gene/eye so all the females are blind. BUT, they do propagate every 3 months now. Also, for those who want to know, prawn taste differently when they are allowed to die on their own as in taking them out of the water-- kind of like deer taken down in the forest tastes differently than venison hit by a car. So, instead of letting them thrash around, they immerse them in water below the freezing level. You've heard of freeze-dried? Well, this is freeze-died. Sorry, couldn't resist. Think about this. All of the fish you eat when you go fishing would taste better if you freeze-died them. I wonder if they do this with fish in the States. Lobster dropped in the pot would have a better taste so that is why you get live lobster at the store.
There are 5000 Ayurveda factories in Kerala alone. So many that some of the herbs/roots have to be imported from other countries like China, Burma, andThailand. The government has started a program to help farmers grow the herbs and roots. The companies provide the raw matrials and coach the farmers and then buy back the product. Sounds pretty progressive to me. I think he said that Ayurveda roots and herbs cannot legally be exported, but then he said that these companies export to western countries. Maybe in the finished form. There is no standard here for what a concoction must contain, which is a problem. One doctor could very well use different amounts of the ingredients for an illness than another doctor would use. (Our pharmaceuticals have replicatable properties. Generics are supposed to be the same as the real thing.)
Topic for today: The staff.
All of the Indians who work here are short except for one. Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu are both tall--I would guess it comes from the difference in nutrition.
Gita is one of my technicians who does the treatment massages. She comes up to my chin. She weighs 34 kg. (See? There really was a reason to know that there are 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. This is the first time in my whole life I needed to know that.) Her hands are smaller than Keagan's and so are her feet. I could almost put my two hands around her waist. She has long, black hair, dark skin, and beautiful eyes and eyelashes which need no make-up. She also has a beautiful smile which she shows often. The teeth of the people here seem to be pretty good--at least on the younger people.
Kathy is the other technician. She is a little bit taller and weights 43 kilos. These people are so small I feel like a giant. Kathy has a daughter 17 who is in college studying to be a teacher. She also has a great smile and is the better of the two regarding English. She also is a talker. Their conversation is so musical, it helps me relax, and I prefer it during the massages.
David has two male technicians. One older. One somewhat younger. It's hard to tell ages.
The men tend to be taller and have more meat on their bones, but they aren't overweight by our standards.
Dr.Baji says he trains all his technicians himself.
Kirish is our medicine man. He didn't smile at first, but now that we've gotten acquainted, he usually has a smile. Can't be easy bringing us this yucky-tasting stuff. Actually, that is getting better. David said that if I had just learned to drink whiskey, I wouldn't be having a problem at all. (May have told you that before.)
There are at least four other women working here. The women appear to work considerably more than the men--except Kirish and the cook. If Gita and Kathy aren't doing treatment, they are either cleaning, washing laundry, or working in the garden. I don't see the other two technicians doing anything else. One woman seems to be an office worker--she wears beautiful blue saris everyday. The three other women clean, do laundry, work in the garden or sweep both the drive, etc. and the royal garden. Gita's mother comes early in the morning to sweep outside. I think Colonel Babu has her do this so he can pay her and add a little moremoney to the household income. She gave me a mango the morning after we took a tour of her house.
Things you might not know:
The Tall Man's Association is petitioning the government to require a certain number of seats for tall men on each bus.
New Delhi is requiring that 50 million square feet of buildings install solar energy. This would be for large buildings, hotels, etc. I assume this is in New Delhi, but I don't know.
Children here get no vaccinations--at least poor children.
I'm going to post this now.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
The newspaper says a monsoon has settled in although it's not raining all the time yet. We shall see.
Dr. Baji sat with us while we ate dinner last night. His brother has a doctorate in something to do with fish. There are fish hatcheries and fish farms here in Kerala. Prawns are raised on farms. The female prawn only has eggs every two-three years. The brother determined a way to make the females have eggs every 3 months. The gene for propagating is near the eyes which are set out from the head on little attenae. To achieve the every 3 month rotation, they cut off the gene/eye so all the females are blind. BUT, they do propagate every 3 months now. Also, for those who want to know, prawn taste differently when they are allowed to die on their own as in taking them out of the water-- kind of like deer taken down in the forest tastes differently than venison hit by a car. So, instead of letting them thrash around, they immerse them in water below the freezing level. You've heard of freeze-dried? Well, this is freeze-died. Sorry, couldn't resist. Think about this. All of the fish you eat when you go fishing would taste better if you freeze-died them. I wonder if they do this with fish in the States. Lobster dropped in the pot would have a better taste so that is why you get live lobster at the store.
There are 5000 Ayurveda factories in Kerala alone. So many that some of the herbs/roots have to be imported from other countries like China, Burma, andThailand. The government has started a program to help farmers grow the herbs and roots. The companies provide the raw matrials and coach the farmers and then buy back the product. Sounds pretty progressive to me. I think he said that Ayurveda roots and herbs cannot legally be exported, but then he said that these companies export to western countries. Maybe in the finished form. There is no standard here for what a concoction must contain, which is a problem. One doctor could very well use different amounts of the ingredients for an illness than another doctor would use. (Our pharmaceuticals have replicatable properties. Generics are supposed to be the same as the real thing.)
Topic for today: The staff.
All of the Indians who work here are short except for one. Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu are both tall--I would guess it comes from the difference in nutrition.
Gita is one of my technicians who does the treatment massages. She comes up to my chin. She weighs 34 kg. (See? There really was a reason to know that there are 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. This is the first time in my whole life I needed to know that.) Her hands are smaller than Keagan's and so are her feet. I could almost put my two hands around her waist. She has long, black hair, dark skin, and beautiful eyes and eyelashes which need no make-up. She also has a beautiful smile which she shows often. The teeth of the people here seem to be pretty good--at least on the younger people.
Kathy is the other technician. She is a little bit taller and weights 43 kilos. These people are so small I feel like a giant. Kathy has a daughter 17 who is in college studying to be a teacher. She also has a great smile and is the better of the two regarding English. She also is a talker. Their conversation is so musical, it helps me relax, and I prefer it during the massages.
David has two male technicians. One older. One somewhat younger. It's hard to tell ages.
The men tend to be taller and have more meat on their bones, but they aren't overweight by our standards.
Dr.Baji says he trains all his technicians himself.
Kirish is our medicine man. He didn't smile at first, but now that we've gotten acquainted, he usually has a smile. Can't be easy bringing us this yucky-tasting stuff. Actually, that is getting better. David said that if I had just learned to drink whiskey, I wouldn't be having a problem at all. (May have told you that before.)
There are at least four other women working here. The women appear to work considerably more than the men--except Kirish and the cook. If Gita and Kathy aren't doing treatment, they are either cleaning, washing laundry, or working in the garden. I don't see the other two technicians doing anything else. One woman seems to be an office worker--she wears beautiful blue saris everyday. The three other women clean, do laundry, work in the garden or sweep both the drive, etc. and the royal garden. Gita's mother comes early in the morning to sweep outside. I think Colonel Babu has her do this so he can pay her and add a little moremoney to the household income. She gave me a mango the morning after we took a tour of her house.
Things you might not know:
The Tall Man's Association is petitioning the government to require a certain number of seats for tall men on each bus.
New Delhi is requiring that 50 million square feet of buildings install solar energy. This would be for large buildings, hotels, etc. I assume this is in New Delhi, but I don't know.
Children here get no vaccinations--at least poor children.
I'm going to post this now.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Day 11, Sunday, My whatever, 2009
I think I may have my dates mixed up or not. I was thinking David was leaving on Wednesday, but he's not leaving until Thursday so the numbers do come out all right.
Yesterday I had banana stump juice for breakfast. ie banana stem juice. oh, so yummy. Ich.
Dr. Baji came by yesterday. Among other things in our discussion he said that he can cure psoriasis with 45 days here and 3 years of diet restrictions: chicken, alcohol, eggs, and one other thing which apparently doen't pertain to me or I would have remembered it. He also says he can cure diabetes. Western medicine only treats symptoms and does not get to the source of the problem. If you think about it, he has a point. All the medications for diabetes are simply to help the pancreas to work better--not cure the problem. He also says that aspirin should not be given to children 12 and under because it may cause asthma. He also cures asthma within 6 months with Ayurveda medicine. It is his specialty. I know, all this totally goes against what we have been brought up with, but... He can show a success rate through this hospital with psoriasis.
This morning I walked in a light rain. Wasn't bad because it was warm. Later we had a downpour. Now it's about 1000% humidity. We went to visit the only Catholic Church in the area. St. Thomas Catholic Church. It's 2000 years old, founded by the Apostle Thomas. They can show you the original It's open air but has fans. The baptismal font is outside and is the size of a field--5 feet deep. There is a grotto (no candles to light) and a cavelike passageway with pictures of St. Thomas doing various things. There is also a Catholic School and a very large reception hall. Across the street there is a portion of the original lagoon St. Thomas sailed into along with a boat that certainly looks newer than 2000 years. Since St. Thomas came in, the water level has seriously dropped so they saved part of the lagoon. Lagoon has carpin it. Across the lagoon is a humongous statue of St. Thomas--His big toe is almost as big as I am. David took a picture of me standing in front of it, but it will be very difficult to see me. There is also a museum housing items like the original door, the poles used to pass the collection--similar to what we used to have at St. Thomas, wooden carvings 600 years old, Bibles from many different countries--olden days. Wooden and metal candlesticks. Amazing that these items are in their original form--not broken and fixed. Much of it is behind glass and no photos are allowed. Francis arranged for us to have a tour guide for both the church and the museum so
we got more than we would have gotten just by ourselves. There was a wedding going on so we watched part of that. Hard to believe that the wedding was the first time either the bride or the groom saw each other. I asked Francis what happens if you see him and you go, "Yuck?" He said it's too late. I cannot imagine.
No yoga on Sundays which was why we were able to go to the Church.
I don't think I have the right story on these huge, huge houses as we saw several more on our way to the church. Will have to find out. If these are owned by inresidence Indians, then we have the very, very poor which are who surround this hospital and then we have the rich, rich. No inbetween. Most shops were closed today. We drove past a Hindu temple which was the length of a whole city block with large openings on both ends. People were lined up to enter. Coming back, there were tons of busses, taxis, and tricycles waiting for people to leave church. A tricycle is a three-wheeled, motorized, covered conveyance. These are plentiful. There is a seat for the driver, and a seat for one or two people in the rear. There are also lots of scooters. Many
families have a scooter.
Tomorrow's topic--God willing and there isn't a monsoon that takes out the internet-- will be the staff.
Love and blessings to each and every one of you.
Mom/Peggy/Granny
I think I may have my dates mixed up or not. I was thinking David was leaving on Wednesday, but he's not leaving until Thursday so the numbers do come out all right.
Yesterday I had banana stump juice for breakfast. ie banana stem juice. oh, so yummy. Ich.
Dr. Baji came by yesterday. Among other things in our discussion he said that he can cure psoriasis with 45 days here and 3 years of diet restrictions: chicken, alcohol, eggs, and one other thing which apparently doen't pertain to me or I would have remembered it. He also says he can cure diabetes. Western medicine only treats symptoms and does not get to the source of the problem. If you think about it, he has a point. All the medications for diabetes are simply to help the pancreas to work better--not cure the problem. He also says that aspirin should not be given to children 12 and under because it may cause asthma. He also cures asthma within 6 months with Ayurveda medicine. It is his specialty. I know, all this totally goes against what we have been brought up with, but... He can show a success rate through this hospital with psoriasis.
This morning I walked in a light rain. Wasn't bad because it was warm. Later we had a downpour. Now it's about 1000% humidity. We went to visit the only Catholic Church in the area. St. Thomas Catholic Church. It's 2000 years old, founded by the Apostle Thomas. They can show you the original It's open air but has fans. The baptismal font is outside and is the size of a field--5 feet deep. There is a grotto (no candles to light) and a cavelike passageway with pictures of St. Thomas doing various things. There is also a Catholic School and a very large reception hall. Across the street there is a portion of the original lagoon St. Thomas sailed into along with a boat that certainly looks newer than 2000 years. Since St. Thomas came in, the water level has seriously dropped so they saved part of the lagoon. Lagoon has carpin it. Across the lagoon is a humongous statue of St. Thomas--His big toe is almost as big as I am. David took a picture of me standing in front of it, but it will be very difficult to see me. There is also a museum housing items like the original door, the poles used to pass the collection--similar to what we used to have at St. Thomas, wooden carvings 600 years old, Bibles from many different countries--olden days. Wooden and metal candlesticks. Amazing that these items are in their original form--not broken and fixed. Much of it is behind glass and no photos are allowed. Francis arranged for us to have a tour guide for both the church and the museum so
we got more than we would have gotten just by ourselves. There was a wedding going on so we watched part of that. Hard to believe that the wedding was the first time either the bride or the groom saw each other. I asked Francis what happens if you see him and you go, "Yuck?" He said it's too late. I cannot imagine.
No yoga on Sundays which was why we were able to go to the Church.
I don't think I have the right story on these huge, huge houses as we saw several more on our way to the church. Will have to find out. If these are owned by inresidence Indians, then we have the very, very poor which are who surround this hospital and then we have the rich, rich. No inbetween. Most shops were closed today. We drove past a Hindu temple which was the length of a whole city block with large openings on both ends. People were lined up to enter. Coming back, there were tons of busses, taxis, and tricycles waiting for people to leave church. A tricycle is a three-wheeled, motorized, covered conveyance. These are plentiful. There is a seat for the driver, and a seat for one or two people in the rear. There are also lots of scooters. Many
families have a scooter.
Tomorrow's topic--God willing and there isn't a monsoon that takes out the internet-- will be the staff.
Love and blessings to each and every one of you.
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Day 10, Saturday, May 23, 2009
Hard to believe it's Memorial Day weekend back there. Safely enjoy.
Things you might not know:
It's never good to stand under a coconut tree in the wind. It probably isn't real good to stand under a coconut tree anytime give the rate at which they have been falling around here.
There are many different kinds of millipeeds (sp). There is one here that is red on top and there is a break line for the different segments so it looks like a train. That's what they call it. It's about 3-5 inches long. Just like ours, it curls up in a ball when disturbed.
The millipeed (that looks so funny. I guess I have never had occsion to spell millipeed before.) I saw this morning was black and about six inches long. I could see it's little legs moving in tandem just like the multi-oared rowing boats.
Monsoons are not like hurricanes or typhoons. They are lots of rain and some wind--but not generally dangerous unless you live in low-lying areas. Colonel Babu said that we are at a high enough altitude that it won't be a problem The forecast has been for one to come in the next couple of days so if there is no contact from us for a while, that is why.
There is no recession here. When 90% of the people of India have no refrigerator, it is hard to have a recession.
BTW David said there is some way to actually spoke to Raechel via gmail.
Last night we went to one of the technician's houses with Colonel Babu and Dr. Baji. In India, if you go to someone's home (unannounced), they are supposed to invite you in. If they consider themselves of an equal or higher socioeconomic level, they offer you something to eat and possibly drink. Gita's house has stone floors (as opposed to dirt floors as some have), stone stove where they use kindling to cook, front and back opening for a door (front doors are always supposed to be open anyway, a louvered window in the kitchen which looks out on the cow's bed (Cows used to live inside with the people here.), and two bedrooms. I am sure that it is less than 300 squre feet. This houses grandma; son, wife, and 3 daughters--youngest looked about 4; Gita and sometimes her husband. We didn't see a bathroom. The bed we saw was up off the floor--most people in India sleep on the floor on a mat.) The most striking thing was that they had a television. Every house I've seen has some electricity even if it's only 1 lightbulb. Reception on the TV was louzy, but, still, it's a TV. Most women wear gold jewelry--at least a necklace. Many of the children as well. The cow was hanging out in the yard. There was also a dog. I think many people use dogs as burglar alarms. Colonel Babu said the crime rate is very low or nonexistent here. After all, we are out in a jungle away from the cities even though there are tons of people around.
I saw this morning this noise I thought was chopping wood is actually the women washing clothing. They have reeds? tied together and beat the particular article of clothing on a stone. The sun does a marvelous job of getting your whites white. I've been turning my coloreds inside out in case their isn't a shaded spot available to hang them. Only the hot pink capris have lightened in color a bit. The rest have been fine.
Some of those humongous houses I told you about yesterday are owned by expatriots living elsewhere like the US. They live very frugally in the States so they can build a mansion here to impress the neighbors. Their original plan is to retire here. However, the kids are born in the States and don't want to come back here much less live here. They have gotten used to the soft life and have no intention of returning here other than for a visit. The parents may or may not eventually return here. Anyway, they pour all their money into houses and possessions here. We went to see one of these after seeing Gita's place. The livingroom furniture is western as are the beds. Mixer, water purifier, large screen TVs, etc. A much larger kitchen than mine. There was an open stairwell upstairs to four bedrooms. The bathrooms were huge and well-equipped by our standards. I have no idea how much square footage there was. There was also a car in the carport dripping oil. There is a caretaker who let us in.
Also learned that by law there is no longer a caste system. If a person refers to another person by their caste affiliation, supposedly they spend the rest of their life in jail. Don't know how often this occurs, but it seems like a real deterrent to me. Hypothetically, there is no caste system, but in reality something like that is very hard to change and will take years and years. What used to be called the 'untouchables' can have a job in the government, but Gita apparently tried it and wasn't at all comfortable with it because of the discrimination (subtle though it might have been (or overt)) made her uncomfortable. So she came back here to work.
We had our pictures taken yesterday because the only foreigners most of the people here ever see are those who come to Ayurveda Hospital. We are something of a novelty. Even the middle-aged men have started smiling and speaking to me! Guess they've decided I'm harmless.
Until tomorrow. Take care and be kind to others.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Hard to believe it's Memorial Day weekend back there. Safely enjoy.
Things you might not know:
It's never good to stand under a coconut tree in the wind. It probably isn't real good to stand under a coconut tree anytime give the rate at which they have been falling around here.
There are many different kinds of millipeeds (sp). There is one here that is red on top and there is a break line for the different segments so it looks like a train. That's what they call it. It's about 3-5 inches long. Just like ours, it curls up in a ball when disturbed.
The millipeed (that looks so funny. I guess I have never had occsion to spell millipeed before.) I saw this morning was black and about six inches long. I could see it's little legs moving in tandem just like the multi-oared rowing boats.
Monsoons are not like hurricanes or typhoons. They are lots of rain and some wind--but not generally dangerous unless you live in low-lying areas. Colonel Babu said that we are at a high enough altitude that it won't be a problem The forecast has been for one to come in the next couple of days so if there is no contact from us for a while, that is why.
There is no recession here. When 90% of the people of India have no refrigerator, it is hard to have a recession.
BTW David said there is some way to actually spoke to Raechel via gmail.
Last night we went to one of the technician's houses with Colonel Babu and Dr. Baji. In India, if you go to someone's home (unannounced), they are supposed to invite you in. If they consider themselves of an equal or higher socioeconomic level, they offer you something to eat and possibly drink. Gita's house has stone floors (as opposed to dirt floors as some have), stone stove where they use kindling to cook, front and back opening for a door (front doors are always supposed to be open anyway, a louvered window in the kitchen which looks out on the cow's bed (Cows used to live inside with the people here.), and two bedrooms. I am sure that it is less than 300 squre feet. This houses grandma; son, wife, and 3 daughters--youngest looked about 4; Gita and sometimes her husband. We didn't see a bathroom. The bed we saw was up off the floor--most people in India sleep on the floor on a mat.) The most striking thing was that they had a television. Every house I've seen has some electricity even if it's only 1 lightbulb. Reception on the TV was louzy, but, still, it's a TV. Most women wear gold jewelry--at least a necklace. Many of the children as well. The cow was hanging out in the yard. There was also a dog. I think many people use dogs as burglar alarms. Colonel Babu said the crime rate is very low or nonexistent here. After all, we are out in a jungle away from the cities even though there are tons of people around.
I saw this morning this noise I thought was chopping wood is actually the women washing clothing. They have reeds? tied together and beat the particular article of clothing on a stone. The sun does a marvelous job of getting your whites white. I've been turning my coloreds inside out in case their isn't a shaded spot available to hang them. Only the hot pink capris have lightened in color a bit. The rest have been fine.
Some of those humongous houses I told you about yesterday are owned by expatriots living elsewhere like the US. They live very frugally in the States so they can build a mansion here to impress the neighbors. Their original plan is to retire here. However, the kids are born in the States and don't want to come back here much less live here. They have gotten used to the soft life and have no intention of returning here other than for a visit. The parents may or may not eventually return here. Anyway, they pour all their money into houses and possessions here. We went to see one of these after seeing Gita's place. The livingroom furniture is western as are the beds. Mixer, water purifier, large screen TVs, etc. A much larger kitchen than mine. There was an open stairwell upstairs to four bedrooms. The bathrooms were huge and well-equipped by our standards. I have no idea how much square footage there was. There was also a car in the carport dripping oil. There is a caretaker who let us in.
Also learned that by law there is no longer a caste system. If a person refers to another person by their caste affiliation, supposedly they spend the rest of their life in jail. Don't know how often this occurs, but it seems like a real deterrent to me. Hypothetically, there is no caste system, but in reality something like that is very hard to change and will take years and years. What used to be called the 'untouchables' can have a job in the government, but Gita apparently tried it and wasn't at all comfortable with it because of the discrimination (subtle though it might have been (or overt)) made her uncomfortable. So she came back here to work.
We had our pictures taken yesterday because the only foreigners most of the people here ever see are those who come to Ayurveda Hospital. We are something of a novelty. Even the middle-aged men have started smiling and speaking to me! Guess they've decided I'm harmless.
Until tomorrow. Take care and be kind to others.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Day 9, Friday, May 22, 2009
I was going to email this, but since we have others joining us here is the South India guidebook definition of Ayurveda:
"With its roots in Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda is derived from ayu (life) and veda (knowledge); it is the knowledge or science of life. Principles of Ayurvedic medicine were first documented in the Vedas some 2000 years ago, but it may even have been practiced centuries earlier.
Ayurveda sees the world as having an intrinsic order and balance. It argues that we possess three 'doshas' (humours); 'vata' (wind or air); 'pitta' (fire); and 'kapha' (water/earth). Known together as the 'tridoshas', deficiency or excess in any of them can result in disease--an erxcess of 'vata' may result in dizziness and debility; an increase in 'pita' may lead to fever, inflammation and infection, 'Kapha' is essential for hydration.
Ayurvedic treatment aims to restore the balance, and hence good health, principally through two methods: 'panchakarma' (internal purification) and massage. The herbs used for both grow in abundance in Kerala's moist climate, and every village has its own Ayurvedic pharmacy.
Having an occasional Ayurvedic massage, something offered at tourist resorts all over Kerala, is relaxing but you have to goin for the long haul to reap any real benefits--usually 15 days or longer. Expect a thorough examination bollowed by an appropriate Ayurvedic diet, exercises and a range of treatments, as well as regular massages." And there you have it.
Last night Colonel Babu took us on a road trip to a Hindu temple. Shiva Temple. Interesting. There was a huge banyon tree in the courtyard where services (?) are held. We saw some kind of an 'ask for a blessing' happening. This guy goes into the inner sanctum of Shiva (?) (I don't know if this is the name of the temple or a special god. Hindus also believe that all faiths lead to the same God.) in which there are dozens of lit candles with a golden statue of Shiva? When he is done praying, he comes out and gives the people who have been chanting some mushed up sandalwood which the people then put on their foreheads and their throats. He also gives some sweet-smelling blossoms, which reminded me of frangipani. There's more to what we saw, but it's hard to explain. Maybe David's pictures came out better than mine. This temple is to a guy with an elephant trunk. There is also a picture of his wife, which people pray to. And a place having to do with the elephant guy and a huge phallic symbol. I believe this is fertility and well-being of the family.
It was a lengthy, harrowing ride to the Temple, but Colonel Babu drove safely with us. Some roads are dirt. Some are paved, but aren't even 8 feet wide (going both ways--we share the roads). We did manage to be on a three lane road for part of the way. I think the middle lane is to play chicken while passing slower vehicles. We saw lots of humongous houses--even by American standards. Remember the Dubai connection. We'll try to determine if any of these might be to industrial giants or whatever. Colonel Dubai says that people here buy houses to impress their neighbors. We saw water buffalo, dry rice paddies, loads of people, men playing cricket as well.
Today's topic is insects. There really haven't been a lot flying around, probably because there are tons of different species of birds eating them. I've seen a few mosquitoes and a big horsefly-type insect sucked blood out of my leg this morning. Something goes around making small red dots, which I've been told is an insect bite. At night there are all kinds of flying things if you leave the lights on. This morning, Raechel, there was a humongous cockroach in the entryway. I took a picture next to a book so you can prove to people that you weren't exaggerating the size.
The striking thing is the zillions of ants here. (Outside) Between the birds and the ants, it is a well-cleaned up place. I rarely see bird doo. Any dead insect or part of a dead insect is carted away by the ants. Very efficient.
I can't believe this is so long, and I still have half an hour before the internet poops out.
Forgot to tell you that we have a new patient here. An Indian born and raised in the UK. His parents moved there 40 years ago so he is first generation. And Muslim. I have already bombarded him with questions, and the poor guy is suffering jet lag, although only 4 1/2 hours worth.
Also forgot to tell you that we saw the herbs that go into the kiri (pummelors mentioned yesterday) and watched the process as well. They have different herbs depending on who they are for. They are made new every three days.
Okay. I'm done for today.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
I was going to email this, but since we have others joining us here is the South India guidebook definition of Ayurveda:
"With its roots in Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda is derived from ayu (life) and veda (knowledge); it is the knowledge or science of life. Principles of Ayurvedic medicine were first documented in the Vedas some 2000 years ago, but it may even have been practiced centuries earlier.
Ayurveda sees the world as having an intrinsic order and balance. It argues that we possess three 'doshas' (humours); 'vata' (wind or air); 'pitta' (fire); and 'kapha' (water/earth). Known together as the 'tridoshas', deficiency or excess in any of them can result in disease--an erxcess of 'vata' may result in dizziness and debility; an increase in 'pita' may lead to fever, inflammation and infection, 'Kapha' is essential for hydration.
Ayurvedic treatment aims to restore the balance, and hence good health, principally through two methods: 'panchakarma' (internal purification) and massage. The herbs used for both grow in abundance in Kerala's moist climate, and every village has its own Ayurvedic pharmacy.
Having an occasional Ayurvedic massage, something offered at tourist resorts all over Kerala, is relaxing but you have to goin for the long haul to reap any real benefits--usually 15 days or longer. Expect a thorough examination bollowed by an appropriate Ayurvedic diet, exercises and a range of treatments, as well as regular massages." And there you have it.
Last night Colonel Babu took us on a road trip to a Hindu temple. Shiva Temple. Interesting. There was a huge banyon tree in the courtyard where services (?) are held. We saw some kind of an 'ask for a blessing' happening. This guy goes into the inner sanctum of Shiva (?) (I don't know if this is the name of the temple or a special god. Hindus also believe that all faiths lead to the same God.) in which there are dozens of lit candles with a golden statue of Shiva? When he is done praying, he comes out and gives the people who have been chanting some mushed up sandalwood which the people then put on their foreheads and their throats. He also gives some sweet-smelling blossoms, which reminded me of frangipani. There's more to what we saw, but it's hard to explain. Maybe David's pictures came out better than mine. This temple is to a guy with an elephant trunk. There is also a picture of his wife, which people pray to. And a place having to do with the elephant guy and a huge phallic symbol. I believe this is fertility and well-being of the family.
It was a lengthy, harrowing ride to the Temple, but Colonel Babu drove safely with us. Some roads are dirt. Some are paved, but aren't even 8 feet wide (going both ways--we share the roads). We did manage to be on a three lane road for part of the way. I think the middle lane is to play chicken while passing slower vehicles. We saw lots of humongous houses--even by American standards. Remember the Dubai connection. We'll try to determine if any of these might be to industrial giants or whatever. Colonel Dubai says that people here buy houses to impress their neighbors. We saw water buffalo, dry rice paddies, loads of people, men playing cricket as well.
Today's topic is insects. There really haven't been a lot flying around, probably because there are tons of different species of birds eating them. I've seen a few mosquitoes and a big horsefly-type insect sucked blood out of my leg this morning. Something goes around making small red dots, which I've been told is an insect bite. At night there are all kinds of flying things if you leave the lights on. This morning, Raechel, there was a humongous cockroach in the entryway. I took a picture next to a book so you can prove to people that you weren't exaggerating the size.
The striking thing is the zillions of ants here. (Outside) Between the birds and the ants, it is a well-cleaned up place. I rarely see bird doo. Any dead insect or part of a dead insect is carted away by the ants. Very efficient.
I can't believe this is so long, and I still have half an hour before the internet poops out.
Forgot to tell you that we have a new patient here. An Indian born and raised in the UK. His parents moved there 40 years ago so he is first generation. And Muslim. I have already bombarded him with questions, and the poor guy is suffering jet lag, although only 4 1/2 hours worth.
Also forgot to tell you that we saw the herbs that go into the kiri (pummelors mentioned yesterday) and watched the process as well. They have different herbs depending on who they are for. They are made new every three days.
Okay. I'm done for today.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Day 8
Learned a lot in our discussion with Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu again last night. Dr. Baji filled us in on what has been going on in Sri Lanka. Very interesting. Apparently since the LTTE forces have been destroyed, the Tamil people will be allowed to live in peace. Many died because they were being used as human shields to protect the LTTE soldiers.
Other interesting points. The fathers of the prospective bride and groom are the ones who
decide the terms of the arraigned marriages although mother of the groom gets to scope out the groom's lodging and mother. Virtually all marriages are still arranged. It is supposed to be for life. The groom does not know the bride before the wedding day. It apparently is not unusual for a thousand people to attend the wedding. Having all this support is what helps the couple stay together over the years. (If you look at the research, it will tell you this method works far better than ours.) Divorces are virtually impossible to get so you need to get along. Supposedly many of these marriages end up with the bride and groom loving each other. (Dr. Baji gave David the scientific side of 'falling in love' and then when you get married (in the states) the marriage doesn't equal the courtship behavior and people feel cheated so they opt to leave the marriage. (I know it's a runon sentence) Google Science of Love for more info. I haven't yet, but Dr. Baji says all the facts are laid out. Wives cannot EVER call their husbands by their given name. Dr. Baji's given name is Baji. His wife calls him Dr.-Dr. He told us his mother or mother-in-law had never called the husband ANYthing. The husband must always be referred to in an oblique manner. Wives are entirely dependent on their husbands. If the husband dies, the wife must return to her family home where she is virtually useless. Which brings us to another illegal custom which still goes on. Sati. This is where the wife throws herself on the husband's burning funeral pyre. Self-immolation if that wasn't clear. It is illegal and there was something in the paper the other day about criminal charges being brought. If I'm dead, who cares about criminal charges??????????? If there are only daughters of the marriage, the preceding generation is up-a-creek in regard to who will take care of them in their old age.
The daughter, when she marries, goes to her husband's house. If there is no son for her mother and father, she must ask her husband to allow her parents to move in. Actually, she must ask her husband for anything and everything. Needless to say, the daughter's husband can refuse. Dr. Baji intends to see that his daughters have an education so they would be able to support themselves in the event the husband dies. The above situation often results in the burning death of the second female child after birth. He chose not to do that. The families around here continue to keep baby boys. They also don't require a dowry later on. The gist of the dowry conversation was that it was ridiculously expensive to marry off a daughter. Hmmmm.
The topic of today is our schedule. The light usually wakes me up, I get medicine, and go for a walk (The morning is the best time.). The Dr. wants us to walk one hour per day. I am working up to it. At 45 minutes currently. However, this morning I took the scenic route. Remember those? It's when I went the wrong way?????? Well, this wrong way lasted 75 minutes. I got lost. Everyone I asked was very helpful. Unfortunately, either I wasn't understanding what they told me or they didn't understand what I wanted. It is also noted in the travel book that people will give you directions whether they know where the place is or not. They will not own up to not knowing. Finally, after many hills and vales and huge houses (bigger than Bob's)(refer to yesterday's blog), I saw a house where "English was taught" The young man got me close enough to Tamorin that I could then find my way. Of course, all the Indians we passed (I had already passed them once.) asked him what was going on. Such is life. ok. So, we have breakfast at 8AM, more medicine, and David goes to treatment at 8:30. I go at 9:30 so it gives me time to read the newspaper. Finding about what is really going on on this side of the world is really fascinating. They have many of the same problems we have. There is usually some sort of news from the States but not much. Did get the bit about Joe Biden telling the whole world where the secret VP hideaway is. Let us pray nothing happens to Obama. Morning treatment for me at least consists of a half hour of being slathered in oil and massaged. Amazingly enough, only a couple of pimples have resulted from this. Then they use a handheld pummeler which is filled with herbs that sends heat into your skin and as deep as your bone marrow. If they would leave this pummeler on your skin more than a short time--less than a second, it will severely burn you. That's the second halfhour. Then they wash you down. Then they walk you back--sometimes holding hands with you--it's a sign that they are comfortable with you. David says the guys haven't done that with him. We have pick up and delivery complete with umbrella if the sun is shining. Next it's yoga for an hour and then lunch.
Lunch is over about 1PM, and I head for the computer to do this blog and check email. At 2:30 is my next treatment. Again pick up and delivery. They will come look for me if I am not in sight. Slathered with oil again and then massaged with weight-loss medicine. I know this all sounds like voodoo, but it's working. The second half-hour is the dripping ofwarm oil across the forehead for the whole time. Not sure if it's the forehead, the hair, or the head that is getting the treatment. (Also not sure why women rave about hot oil hair treatment. Even after two shampooings, the oil comes back into my hair by nightfall.) Then washed down with pumice. These ladies probably know more about my body than I do. Then they return me about 4PM. 4:15 is medicine. Then rest. It's been a tough day. For the first six days, I would lie down to rest/read and feel almost as if I had been drugged. Two days ago, I forced myself to get up and join in the conversations with Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu. When dinner is called at 6:30, they leave. We eat and then go to our rooms to read or David probably does internet. And that's it in a nutshell.
The internet has been saying it could not contact Blogger so I am hoping this will at least save.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Did I tell you that Dove makes toilet tissue? I really like it better.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
India, Day 7, May 20,2009
Wednesdy, May 20, 2009
Hello,
I took my malaria pill today. Haven't seen that many mosquitoes, but...
There is some kind of insect which enjoys biting me at Yoga. Don't know what it is. Doesn't itch, but leaves a red spot. Today I puton DEET before Yoga and it seemed to help.
It is a delightful day here. Not too hot. Low humidity (It's all relative.) Went for a walk this morning. One of my masseuses (sp) invited me into her house during the walk. Again, the children love to say "hi". Mothers encourage them, but generally do not talk with me themselves. Smiling goes a long way here. The children and young men and women will speak and/or wave. Middle-aged men generally do not respond. Don't know if it's against the rules, they don't trust Americans, or they are just not friendly. Whatever.
Yesterday we had quite a talk with Colonel Baji and Dr. Baji. It seems like they like the stimulation of discussing things/issues with foreigners. We learned that Kerala is one of the wealthier states/provinces in India--especially outside the cities. 70% of the families here have a family member working in the Gulf--I took that to mean Dubai, which was mentioned several times in the conversation. Uneducated persons from here can work in Dubai and send money home (like our Latinos) without paying an Indian income tax. This law was passed some time ago because India was short on income so it encouraged people to work outside India. These people make more than 10 times what they could make on a bad day here--$50,000-$70,000 a year. Trust me when I tell you that the average Indian does NOT make $5,000 per year. Far from it. Maybe educated people make $2400 per year. David could probably tell you more about the numbers. (He spent a lot of time calculating rupees to dollars to Euros for all of us. Euros because Emelia is from Austria.) Anyway. These people buy land and build beautiful houses on it, but rarely live in or even see the house. They get a relative to housesit. They work two years at a time and then get a month off to come home. Dr. Baji was telling us that one of the respected medical books similar to Gray's Anatomy (Yes, there really is a book like that.) has a new chapter on Gulf Syndrome. The fathers cannot afford to house and feed their families in Dubai, which is why a lot of money flows back this way. Since the families are separated-children and wife/husband-, there are a lot of physical illnesses and mental illnesses occurring which have no other answer as to what might be causing them. Vague symptoms, etc. Lots of depression, etc. on both sides of the water. Basically, they are selling their souls in order to better support their families and be able to educate their children. The marriage breaks down, there is virtually no relationship between father and children, Dad isn't happy with the way Mom is raising the kids. He is trying to earn money for their education, but when he comes home he doesn't think she is doing a good enough job for the children to gain entrance into the good schools. Marriage in India is generally for life--no matter what. So these problems manifest themselves as physical and mental disorders. This information certainly helped me make sense of the really nice houses (Indian) I've seen on my walks.
Although many things are outlawed now, like getting jobs based on caste membership or dowrys, they still occur. The parents oftentimes go into deep debt for their daughter's wedding and dowry. You may recall hearing that if the groom's family isn't happy with the dowry she comes with, she has a kitchen "accident" with kerosene that "occurred so fast no one could save her." Better known as bride-burning. By Indian statistics, it happens once every 100 minutes. I think I'd think twice before being wife #2. This is a no-no topic of conversation, but Emelia is fearless so we will probably find out more over the coming days.
I forgot to tell you yesterday what a great bathroom I have. I know I described it, but I didn't compare it to what Indians have. If they are lucky, they have a ceramic hole in the floor. If not lucky, they may have two bricks to stand on on each side of a pit or bucket. Amazingly enough with the heat here, there is only an occasional whiff and that's generally when I'm out walking.
Side note: I'm thinking the male gender probably has a lot more fun with this setup than the female gender.
Haven't seen any animals/amphibians other than squirrels and dogs and geccos. Or geckos if you prefer. Love those geckos. They eat the bugs. Heard a sheep and a cow this morning--first time. Lots of birds. Some very colorful. Will try to get pictures. The most noticeable by sheer volume alone are the crows. If ANYone is having a fight--like in birds--the crow apparently feels obligated to add to the fracas. And just generally, the crows are quite vocal as are the cuckcuckos.
I was going to tell you about our rough schedule, but I'll wait until tomorrow.
Please keep in mind, if you don't hear from either one of us in any given day, the internet is down. I feel perfectly safe here -both at the "hospital" and on all the walks I've taken. The people everywhere around here have been very friendly--except the middle-aged men. And they aren't UNfriendly exactly.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Hello,
I took my malaria pill today. Haven't seen that many mosquitoes, but...
There is some kind of insect which enjoys biting me at Yoga. Don't know what it is. Doesn't itch, but leaves a red spot. Today I puton DEET before Yoga and it seemed to help.
It is a delightful day here. Not too hot. Low humidity (It's all relative.) Went for a walk this morning. One of my masseuses (sp) invited me into her house during the walk. Again, the children love to say "hi". Mothers encourage them, but generally do not talk with me themselves. Smiling goes a long way here. The children and young men and women will speak and/or wave. Middle-aged men generally do not respond. Don't know if it's against the rules, they don't trust Americans, or they are just not friendly. Whatever.
Yesterday we had quite a talk with Colonel Baji and Dr. Baji. It seems like they like the stimulation of discussing things/issues with foreigners. We learned that Kerala is one of the wealthier states/provinces in India--especially outside the cities. 70% of the families here have a family member working in the Gulf--I took that to mean Dubai, which was mentioned several times in the conversation. Uneducated persons from here can work in Dubai and send money home (like our Latinos) without paying an Indian income tax. This law was passed some time ago because India was short on income so it encouraged people to work outside India. These people make more than 10 times what they could make on a bad day here--$50,000-$70,000 a year. Trust me when I tell you that the average Indian does NOT make $5,000 per year. Far from it. Maybe educated people make $2400 per year. David could probably tell you more about the numbers. (He spent a lot of time calculating rupees to dollars to Euros for all of us. Euros because Emelia is from Austria.) Anyway. These people buy land and build beautiful houses on it, but rarely live in or even see the house. They get a relative to housesit. They work two years at a time and then get a month off to come home. Dr. Baji was telling us that one of the respected medical books similar to Gray's Anatomy (Yes, there really is a book like that.) has a new chapter on Gulf Syndrome. The fathers cannot afford to house and feed their families in Dubai, which is why a lot of money flows back this way. Since the families are separated-children and wife/husband-, there are a lot of physical illnesses and mental illnesses occurring which have no other answer as to what might be causing them. Vague symptoms, etc. Lots of depression, etc. on both sides of the water. Basically, they are selling their souls in order to better support their families and be able to educate their children. The marriage breaks down, there is virtually no relationship between father and children, Dad isn't happy with the way Mom is raising the kids. He is trying to earn money for their education, but when he comes home he doesn't think she is doing a good enough job for the children to gain entrance into the good schools. Marriage in India is generally for life--no matter what. So these problems manifest themselves as physical and mental disorders. This information certainly helped me make sense of the really nice houses (Indian) I've seen on my walks.
Although many things are outlawed now, like getting jobs based on caste membership or dowrys, they still occur. The parents oftentimes go into deep debt for their daughter's wedding and dowry. You may recall hearing that if the groom's family isn't happy with the dowry she comes with, she has a kitchen "accident" with kerosene that "occurred so fast no one could save her." Better known as bride-burning. By Indian statistics, it happens once every 100 minutes. I think I'd think twice before being wife #2. This is a no-no topic of conversation, but Emelia is fearless so we will probably find out more over the coming days.
I forgot to tell you yesterday what a great bathroom I have. I know I described it, but I didn't compare it to what Indians have. If they are lucky, they have a ceramic hole in the floor. If not lucky, they may have two bricks to stand on on each side of a pit or bucket. Amazingly enough with the heat here, there is only an occasional whiff and that's generally when I'm out walking.
Side note: I'm thinking the male gender probably has a lot more fun with this setup than the female gender.
Haven't seen any animals/amphibians other than squirrels and dogs and geccos. Or geckos if you prefer. Love those geckos. They eat the bugs. Heard a sheep and a cow this morning--first time. Lots of birds. Some very colorful. Will try to get pictures. The most noticeable by sheer volume alone are the crows. If ANYone is having a fight--like in birds--the crow apparently feels obligated to add to the fracas. And just generally, the crows are quite vocal as are the cuckcuckos.
I was going to tell you about our rough schedule, but I'll wait until tomorrow.
Please keep in mind, if you don't hear from either one of us in any given day, the internet is down. I feel perfectly safe here -both at the "hospital" and on all the walks I've taken. The people everywhere around here have been very friendly--except the middle-aged men. And they aren't UNfriendly exactly.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Happy Birthday, Keagan!
I'm working on Zamorin's computer so the keyboard is much easier and faster for me--no hunt-and-peck (also known as one finger at a time.) David has internet capacity in his room, but I don't.
Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu are both very intelligent. Last night they were discussing computers with David. Amelia has an Apple and showed all of us some of her pictures from here and from Northern Kerala. Their English is very good although accented. Colonel Babu comes over daily and talks about whatever. I feel comfortable asking him questions. Dr. Baji is VERY attractive. He's also willing to work with whatever is going on with the person in terms of physical illness/problem and using herbs and roots and treatments as the Ayurveda side. In other words, if a person comes who is on medication, he isn't going to tell them to stop taking it.
He's also very interesting in conversation. Both individuals are very outgoing and obviously enjoy people and what they are about. (There are 2 psychologists here currently. His daughter is studying psychology.)
Back to the palace. Palace is in the eye of the beholder. Certainly isn't Buckingham Palace in size or grandiosity. The floors appear to be made of granite or some other material that is easily washed and the blocks don't come up like linoleum. Much of the outside--like walks, etc. are of the same material. The beds have bedframes so you know they are up off the floor. However, no box springs. Wooden flooring underneath the four inch mattress--I think even more firm a mattress than you could get in the US. There are plenty of cupboards to put clothes in. My room is about 15 X 15 feet. David's is a little smaller. Both have air conditioning as well as ceiling fans that go probably 100 miles an hour. No adjustment. 100 miles an hour. But it is oftentimes cooler than outside. At night I start at airconditioning and fan, but by morning have the air conditioner turned off. Electric lights. An alarm on my window. Two deadbolts on the inside of the door--I'm hoping that was for the royal family. (At night, there is someone sleeping on the floor (as most Indians do) in the livingroom right in front of the front door.)
The bathroom has a sink, toilet, and shower. Reminiscent of the PI, the water is held in a tank on the roof. Supposedly you can have hot water, but that button doesn't work in my room. It actually feels good to have goose bumps once in a while. There are also two big buckets with pitchers. Indians take bucket baths. Only requests will be honored on the use of the 2nd bucket. The toilet is more like an Amish toilet but works very well. The rooms are cleaned daily. We have bottled water in our rooms. The water at meals is boiled. So far no use for Immodium. I will leave you here. Tune in tomorrow, hopefully, for another saga.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
I'm working on Zamorin's computer so the keyboard is much easier and faster for me--no hunt-and-peck (also known as one finger at a time.) David has internet capacity in his room, but I don't.
Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu are both very intelligent. Last night they were discussing computers with David. Amelia has an Apple and showed all of us some of her pictures from here and from Northern Kerala. Their English is very good although accented. Colonel Babu comes over daily and talks about whatever. I feel comfortable asking him questions. Dr. Baji is VERY attractive. He's also willing to work with whatever is going on with the person in terms of physical illness/problem and using herbs and roots and treatments as the Ayurveda side. In other words, if a person comes who is on medication, he isn't going to tell them to stop taking it.
He's also very interesting in conversation. Both individuals are very outgoing and obviously enjoy people and what they are about. (There are 2 psychologists here currently. His daughter is studying psychology.)
Back to the palace. Palace is in the eye of the beholder. Certainly isn't Buckingham Palace in size or grandiosity. The floors appear to be made of granite or some other material that is easily washed and the blocks don't come up like linoleum. Much of the outside--like walks, etc. are of the same material. The beds have bedframes so you know they are up off the floor. However, no box springs. Wooden flooring underneath the four inch mattress--I think even more firm a mattress than you could get in the US. There are plenty of cupboards to put clothes in. My room is about 15 X 15 feet. David's is a little smaller. Both have air conditioning as well as ceiling fans that go probably 100 miles an hour. No adjustment. 100 miles an hour. But it is oftentimes cooler than outside. At night I start at airconditioning and fan, but by morning have the air conditioner turned off. Electric lights. An alarm on my window. Two deadbolts on the inside of the door--I'm hoping that was for the royal family. (At night, there is someone sleeping on the floor (as most Indians do) in the livingroom right in front of the front door.)
The bathroom has a sink, toilet, and shower. Reminiscent of the PI, the water is held in a tank on the roof. Supposedly you can have hot water, but that button doesn't work in my room. It actually feels good to have goose bumps once in a while. There are also two big buckets with pitchers. Indians take bucket baths. Only requests will be honored on the use of the 2nd bucket. The toilet is more like an Amish toilet but works very well. The rooms are cleaned daily. We have bottled water in our rooms. The water at meals is boiled. So far no use for Immodium. I will leave you here. Tune in tomorrow, hopefully, for another saga.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Tueday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009--5th day.
Since the internet was out yesterday, I will first write what I was going to write for May 18.
In case the internet goes out again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEAGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ok. Here's the story of this place as I know it. A royal couple (I don't know if it is THE royal couple or not) own this house (palace). They are a professional couple who live in the US.
I'm guessing the last name is Zamorin as that is the name of this place. Colonel Babu was retiring from the Army about 8 years ago and wanted to set something like this up. Dr. Baji is the third party involved here. He is a medical doctor as well as a Ayurveda doctor. Apparently they have some kind of a partnership with the royal fam owning 50% and the Colonel and Dr. Baji owning the other 50%. The royal fam apparently has another house (palace) two doors up the street, which I haven't scoped out yet. That is where they stay when they come back to visit.
The manager here is named Francis, a Roman Catholic (something just over 1% of the population is Christian.), who retired from the Army in 2005 after putting in 30 years, during which time his family was only with him for 6 years. He has a daughter (23) who is a pharmacist, married, with a 1 year old daughter. Francis's wife babysits everyday for the little girl so he gets to see her often. He also has a 17 year old son. We had quite a conversation yesterday. He is going to be arranging going to the only local Catholic Church for Mass on Sunday. Francis told me that one child remains in the family home after marriage to care for the parents. Guess the daughter lucked out.
Okay. So that was for Monday, May 18, 2009. Stay tuned for Tuesday, May 19, 2009.
Since the internet was out yesterday, I will first write what I was going to write for May 18.
In case the internet goes out again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEAGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ok. Here's the story of this place as I know it. A royal couple (I don't know if it is THE royal couple or not) own this house (palace). They are a professional couple who live in the US.
I'm guessing the last name is Zamorin as that is the name of this place. Colonel Babu was retiring from the Army about 8 years ago and wanted to set something like this up. Dr. Baji is the third party involved here. He is a medical doctor as well as a Ayurveda doctor. Apparently they have some kind of a partnership with the royal fam owning 50% and the Colonel and Dr. Baji owning the other 50%. The royal fam apparently has another house (palace) two doors up the street, which I haven't scoped out yet. That is where they stay when they come back to visit.
The manager here is named Francis, a Roman Catholic (something just over 1% of the population is Christian.), who retired from the Army in 2005 after putting in 30 years, during which time his family was only with him for 6 years. He has a daughter (23) who is a pharmacist, married, with a 1 year old daughter. Francis's wife babysits everyday for the little girl so he gets to see her often. He also has a 17 year old son. We had quite a conversation yesterday. He is going to be arranging going to the only local Catholic Church for Mass on Sunday. Francis told me that one child remains in the family home after marriage to care for the parents. Guess the daughter lucked out.
Okay. So that was for Monday, May 18, 2009. Stay tuned for Tuesday, May 19, 2009.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
May 16, 2009
It is 1:37 PM Saturday, May 16, 2009 in India.
Another day. Another massage--that's the good part. I think I've offended the cook. He insists that there are no spices in what he fixes me. Unfortunately, my tongue and nose-- not to mention my stomach if something reaches it--say that there are spices. I'll lose weight by default if nothing else. The medicines are no great shakes either, but I am following protocol.
We had a wonderful rocking and rolling storm early this morning. Things were a bit more humid than usual for my walk. It's very humid all the time, but there was a nice breeze for yoga this morning. It's held outside in a nepa-hut topped small pavilion. The instructor is a Master Yogaist or whatever they are called.
We have made friends with some of the neighbors. There is a boy of about 10 who apparently wants to practice his English. Very friendly, and his mother was smiling before she went back into the house so I guess it's okay. Dr. Baji said the neighbors have gotten use to the Retreat being here and do interact with people who stay here.
The other resident her is a psychoanalyst from Austria. Her husband is also a psychoanalyst who works with some of the same kind of degenerates I worked with at the prison=but he doesn"t work in that setting.
Hope all is well with all of you.
If my blog seems a little disjointed, I'm not used to using a laptop. Sorry. At least we do have some contact for which I am grateful.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Saturday, May 16, 2009
It is 1:37 PM Saturday, May 16, 2009 in India.
Another day. Another massage--that's the good part. I think I've offended the cook. He insists that there are no spices in what he fixes me. Unfortunately, my tongue and nose-- not to mention my stomach if something reaches it--say that there are spices. I'll lose weight by default if nothing else. The medicines are no great shakes either, but I am following protocol.
We had a wonderful rocking and rolling storm early this morning. Things were a bit more humid than usual for my walk. It's very humid all the time, but there was a nice breeze for yoga this morning. It's held outside in a nepa-hut topped small pavilion. The instructor is a Master Yogaist or whatever they are called.
We have made friends with some of the neighbors. There is a boy of about 10 who apparently wants to practice his English. Very friendly, and his mother was smiling before she went back into the house so I guess it's okay. Dr. Baji said the neighbors have gotten use to the Retreat being here and do interact with people who stay here.
The other resident her is a psychoanalyst from Austria. Her husband is also a psychoanalyst who works with some of the same kind of degenerates I worked with at the prison=but he doesn"t
If my blog seems a little disjointed, I'm not used to using a laptop. Sorry. At least we do have some contact for which I am grateful.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Friday (I think), May 15, 2009
Nothing new here. Anything new there?
Still alive, suffering through two massages a day. Food is definitely NOT McDonalds. Weather and environment remind me of the good old days in the Philippines. Monsoon season is approaching so it is hot and humid. Thankfully there are the options of toughing it out (not #1 on my list), a large, fast overhead fan, or air conditioning in the room. I do admit to using the AC to sleep. Since heat is part of the treatment, I am trying to hold off as long as possible.
MD seems very bright and knowledgeable. He comes once a day. We are to tell him if we are having any problems. MD does all the herbs, etc himself. Spicy food will be discussed today.
BTW, Kevin, MD says he is delighted with my BP, flexibility, and lack of serious health problems to this point.
The Colonel is very engaging and helpful. All the people I've come in contact with have been very nice. There is a serious language barrier with some, but much less so with the MD and Colonel Babu.
Take care. Love you all.
Mom/Peg/Granny
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