Sunday, May 30, 2010
Have you ever read the word 'perambulating' in a newspaper in the States?????????????? They really use some big words in The Hindu sometimes.
Got out the whiffle ball and bat again today. I think the ladies are enjoying it! Took pictures.
Simbeon came by today. One of David's two massage therapists. He was quite delighted by my use of Malayalum. There is supposed to be a man coming on Wednesday so maybe Simbeon will be around now.
I explored some more today. There are little villages all over the place. There is also a humongous farm attached to this place where all the herbs and roots for medicines are grown. Also banana trees and coconut trees. It's huge and surrounded by a cement wall. The size is quite impressive. Kathy keeps pointing out plants used for medicine. Does seem like everything planted here is for that purpose.
Apparently India achieved independence from Britain with pure and simple pacifism via Mahatma Ghandi. There were those who wanted to use violence, but 99% of the people didn't want to use violence. Those who did went to talk with Hitler and with whomever it was in Japan and actually fought with them against the British in Burma. Hence, the award as a Freedom Fighter posthumously, I think, to the royal father.
Sundays are slow days when you are encouraged to email me. Obviously, out of sight out of mind.
Oh, I forgot I was going to tell you about my hectic mornings.
Normal Schedule:
6:00 AM Medicine
6:15-7:30 walking
7:30-7:45 shower
7:45-8:05 breakfast
8:05-8:50 usually blog
8:50-9:00 get ready for treatment
9:00-10:30 treatment
10:30-11:30 relax. Treatment is hardwork.
11:30-12:30 yoga
12:30-1:00 lunch with Francis and royal mother
1:00-3:15 relax; read newspaper; read books
3:15-3:30 get ready for treatment
3:30-5:00 treatment
5:00-7:00 Baji and Babu
7:00-7:15 get ready for dinner
7:15-7:45 dinner
7:45---- computer
RELAX
It's a tough life.
Power has already gone out once since I started this so arrivederci.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The oil on the forehead yesterday made me nod off once, but not today. I did, however, sleep the best last night that I have slept since the day after I got here.
I think VNJ is smoking pot right outside the door. It doesn't smell like what I smelled in Harvard Square years ago, but I've been told he does smoke it.
Anil's 40th birthday is tomorrow, but he didn't want me to tell anyone. He has a 3 year old daughter. He's also been wearing his mundi (skirt) the last two days, something he didn't do at all last year.
Baji told me they are trying to market Zamorin's. He has a tour director in Germany gathering up people who will hopefully put together enough money for he or Babu to go tell them about Zamorin's. He says they get referrals from many places--probably people like me. Apparently there are 14,000 websites for Ayurveda. How do you know which one is best or at least good?
(After all, I have gotten three people to sign up.)
Education:
In Kerala, all children 6 and over are to go to school. There are government schools and private ($$$$) schools. The children go to government school for free up until they complete what we would call 10th grade. All this time they are being taught in Malayalum language. Then 11th and 12th, you have to pay. This is where you learn English. All colleges teach in English so it is imperative to learn English. Baji didn't learn English until 11th and 12th. Babu learned English from first grade on.
As a side note, the Indians are very worried about China getting all the outsourcing. Babu was told that the advantage is NOW and the advantage is that educated Indians know English.
Babu gave me a folder about the college he is affiliated with. He's apparently in charge of admissions. I was very impressed with the engineering courses offered. They have a couple that are affiliated with a state university in Calcutta i.e., study here for two years (cheaper) and then go to Calcutta. The college has buses to pick up and drop off students for classes.
They also have an affiliation with a university in NYC with the same idea. These students will receive a US Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
He is interested in pursuing an extension or satellite of a good engineering school where, say Michigan or Purdue, would basically move into the infrastructure (which is very nice) and run a Bachelor's program--similar to IUSB for IU. The university would bring in their own profs, syllabi, etc. so it would be a US degree.
This college is amazing. They've only been in operation since 2003. It was originally funded by expatriots, who have money and want to give back to India. They take in nearly 400 students each year (100 of these are the disadvantaged. The main object is to give opportunity to disadvantaged students--both boys and girls. Babu goes to government schools in the district when the prospective students are in 9th grade and asks the principal for the top 10 financially needy students. They then follow them, making sure there is a need, and continue to do so until time for college (tutoring, getting them into a school for 11th and 12th to learn English, I guess). Then there are all different levels from full scholarship down to 10% and then there's full pay.
No government money involved. I will bring the folder home so you can judge for yourselves.
Amazing what they are doing!
The children are now coming out of the woodwork. One watched me do yoga today. Guess they were scared of me. Whatever. I also received two flowers on my walk yesterday.
Time for bed. I have a rather hectic schedule tomorrow as it is Sunday.
Take care and be good to each other.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
The oil on the forehead yesterday made me nod off once, but not today. I did, however, sleep the best last night that I have slept since the day after I got here.
I think VNJ is smoking pot right outside the door. It doesn't smell like what I smelled in Harvard Square years ago, but I've been told he does smoke it.
Anil's 40th birthday is tomorrow, but he didn't want me to tell anyone. He has a 3 year old daughter. He's also been wearing his mundi (skirt) the last two days, something he didn't do at all last year.
Baji told me they are trying to market Zamorin's. He has a tour director in Germany gathering up people who will hopefully put together enough money for he or Babu to go tell them about Zamorin's. He says they get referrals from many places--probably people like me. Apparently there are 14,000 websites for Ayurveda. How do you know which one is best or at least good?
(After all, I have gotten three people to sign up.)
Education:
In Kerala, all children 6 and over are to go to school. There are government schools and private ($$$$) schools. The children go to government school for free up until they complete what we would call 10th grade. All this time they are being taught in Malayalum language. Then 11th and 12th, you have to pay. This is where you learn English. All colleges teach in English so it is imperative to learn English. Baji didn't learn English until 11th and 12th. Babu learned English from first grade on.
As a side note, the Indians are very worried about China getting all the outsourcing. Babu was told that the advantage is NOW and the advantage is that educated Indians know English.
Babu gave me a folder about the college he is affiliated with. He's apparently in charge of admissions. I was very impressed with the engineering courses offered. They have a couple that are affiliated with a state university in Calcutta i.e., study here for two years (cheaper) and then go to Calcutta. The college has buses to pick up and drop off students for classes.
They also have an affiliation with a university in NYC with the same idea. These students will receive a US Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
He is interested in pursuing an extension or satellite of a good engineering school where, say Michigan or Purdue, would basically move into the infrastructure (which is very nice) and run a Bachelor's program--similar to IUSB for IU. The university would bring in their own profs, syllabi, etc. so it would be a US degree.
This college is amazing. They've only been in operation since 2003. It was originally funded by expatriots, who have money and want to give back to India. They take in nearly 400 students each year (100 of these are the disadvantaged. The main object is to give opportunity to disadvantaged students--both boys and girls. Babu goes to government schools in the district when the prospective students are in 9th grade and asks the principal for the top 10 financially needy students. They then follow them, making sure there is a need, and continue to do so until time for college (tutoring, getting them into a school for 11th and 12th to learn English, I guess). Then there are all different levels from full scholarship down to 10% and then there's full pay.
No government money involved. I will bring the folder home so you can judge for yourselves.
Amazing what they are doing!
The children are now coming out of the woodwork. One watched me do yoga today. Guess they were scared of me. Whatever. I also received two flowers on my walk yesterday.
Time for bed. I have a rather hectic schedule tomorrow as it is Sunday.
Take care and be good to each other.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Last night was the best night of sleeping I've had since I've been here! Maybe I should go shopping more often! NOT!!!
This morning I walked for 82 minutes. I am sure that I have shaved at least 20 minutes off my Turkey Trot time for November. Except for when it's raining or going to rain--remember I'm not supposed to walk in the rain--I consistently walk more than an hour. Otherwise, it's been 30 minutes and 50 minutes. I was walking 3 miles in an hour on the treadmill at Knollwood. Actually I was walking 3.2 mph, but backed off because my hip would start bothering me. The flies this morning were awful. (I take that to mean their is rain coming today. I had tokeep batting them off, and that took a lot of energy. Met a couple of people who new Zamorin's. 'George' was one. When they go by Christian first names, it apparently means they are Catholic.
BTW: Since I didn't even think of bringing Afterbite (not having a problem at all last year), and mosquito and fly bites last a long time on me here, glasses lens cleaner helps with the itch. So, if you're ever on Jeopardy...
OK. Tradition says that all sons return to their parents' home after marriage. That's why Babu's home had 22 people in it. When it gets to crowded, then the men start talking about building an adjacent building, etc., and who should move into it. Then the wives start working on the husbands (subtlely) jokeying for what they think their position should be. Like if they think they should get the new building.
Sometimes, like in Baji's case, the older brothers move into separate houses. Baji's brother lives in Calcutta for instance.
I guess I was right about the flies. It's raining, and the sun is shining. I'll go look for a rainbow when it quits.
Back to tradition. You know about the arranged marriages. After the wedding ceremony, the couple return to the girl's home for 10 days of getting to know each other. The women have coached the bride on what is going to happen, what they should do, feminine wiles, etc.
When I said that that must be hard on the father, Babu was taken back. He said, "Why? She is starting a family! Her father is very happy for her." So, after a couple of days, they start taking walks, maybe shopping, just getting to know each other. This way the girl has the support of her mother and the other women in the household.
When the girl gets pregnant, which is usually right away, there is great celebration. At the sixth or seventh month, the girl returns to her family home. Husband visits, but doesn't stay. Bride's family bears the expense of the baby. The new motherand the baby stay in her parents' home until the baby is three or four months old. Husband's family visits and sees the baby.
Kathy told me that a 3 k --6.6 pounds--baby is about the biggest natural birth possible. After that, it's C-section.
Most families near here seem to limit the number of kids to 2 or 3, but the national statistic is 2.86 per woman. No wonder there are 1.2 billion Indians in country!
Oh, dear. Time for another massage er I mean treatment.
Take care.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
Last night was the best night of sleeping I've had since I've been here! Maybe I should go shopping more often! NOT!!!
This morning I walked for 82 minutes. I am sure that I have shaved at least 20 minutes off my Turkey Trot time for November. Except for when it's raining or going to rain--remember I'm not supposed to walk in the rain--I consistently walk more than an hour. Otherwise, it's been 30 minutes and 50 minutes. I was walking 3 miles in an hour on the treadmill at Knollwood. Actually I was walking 3.2 mph, but backed off because my hip would start bothering me. The flies this morning were awful. (I take that to mean their is rain coming today. I had tokeep batting them off, and that took a lot of energy. Met a couple of people who new Zamorin's. 'George' was one. When they go by Christian first names, it apparently means they are Catholic.
BTW: Since I didn't even think of bringing Afterbite (not having a problem at all last year), and mosquito and fly bites last a long time on me here, glasses lens cleaner helps with the itch. So, if you're ever on Jeopardy...
OK. Tradition says that all sons return to their parents' home after marriage. That's why Babu's home had 22 people in it. When it gets to crowded, then the men start talking about building an adjacent building, etc., and who should move into it. Then the wives start working on the husbands (subtlely) jokeying for what they think their position should be. Like if they think they should get the new building.
Sometimes, like in Baji's case, the older brothers move into separate houses. Baji's brother lives in Calcutta for instance.
I guess I was right about the flies. It's raining, and the sun is shining. I'll go look for a rainbow when it quits.
Back to tradition. You know about the arranged marriages. After the wedding ceremony, the couple return to the girl's home for 10 days of getting to know each other. The women have coached the bride on what is going to happen, what they should do, feminine wiles, etc.
When I said that that must be hard on the father, Babu was taken back. He said, "Why? She is starting a family! Her father is very happy for her." So, after a couple of days, they start taking walks, maybe shopping, just getting to know each other. This way the girl has the support of her mother and the other women in the household.
When the girl gets pregnant, which is usually right away, there is great celebration. At the sixth or seventh month, the girl returns to her family home. Husband visits, but doesn't stay. Bride's family bears the expense of the baby. The new motherand the baby stay in her parents' home until the baby is three or four months old. Husband's family visits and sees the baby.
Kathy told me that a 3 k --6.6 pounds--baby is about the biggest natural birth possible. After that, it's C-section.
Most families near here seem to limit the number of kids to 2 or 3, but the national statistic is 2.86 per woman. No wonder there are 1.2 billion Indians in country!
Oh, dear. Time for another massage er I mean treatment.
Take care.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
I went shopping tonight after treatment, and, quite frankly, I am exhausted.
New treatment starts tomorrow. The old oil on the forehead.
Will try to write in the morning.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
I went shopping tonight after treatment, and, quite frankly, I am exhausted.
New treatment starts tomorrow. The old oil on the forehead.
Will try to write in the morning.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
I'm a little disappointed by the monsoon. Last night it poured for about 10 minutes, and that was all she wrote. The forecast was for heavy rain yesterday and today. Uh, huh.
Did you know that there are at least 3 tours being offered for foreigners who want to experience the monsoon season? And to think, it's part of the package here.
Have to catch up a bit.
Last Thursday, I found out that I can get Comcast Infinity, and they would have the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy. So I'm thinking, fabulous! I can watch the two episodes I missed when there is nothing else to do on Sunday. Imagine my consternation when they wouldn't let me see it because it looked like I was in a foreign country. Something about international rules or copyrights. Can't imagine that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is a search engine called ask.com where you can ask a question, and they provide an answer. So I asked them what the Fahrenheit temperature would be for 45 degrees C. The first answer I received? "Very hot for an outside temperature. Tried to send a message back to this character appreciating his sense of humor, but it didn't work. The third answer down told me it is 113 degrees, and, I have to say, that is indeed very hot. Northern India is having really high temperatures. There was someplace yesterday with 118F.
Did you know that in the US any produce certified as organic cannot be genetically modified? That's good news!
RE: the well being inside. I found the one they used to use here outside. It is clearly NOT used for anything other than watering the plants and trees. There's a hose down to the water, and I have to say that someone must have an awfully strong sucker to siphon that water up. The water is at least 15 feet down.
The huge pile of coconut shells in the building behind the Royal Palace is used for fires. Waste not; want not.
The Royal Mother made it clear to me that she was the one who arranged her eldest son's marriage. The son lives in Highland, California (anywhere near you, Kevin?--She said it's 3 hours west of Las Vegas.), and has been marketing director for Roche Pharmaceuticals for 25 years. Wife also works, but she didn't remember the name of the place.
Good help is getting harder and harder to find. They refurbished the outdoor stage? and the men who did it came by. Babu said that there are very few people who do that kind of work anymore.
The same can be said for people who climb coconut trees to hack off the coconuts so they don't hit someone on the head. There have been an increasing number of people getting hit on the head, including a three-month old baby during a religious ceremony for the baby.
Our NTSB is on it's way to help with the Air India crash. They did find the black box. There is some speculation that there was a communication failure between the Serbian pilot and the control tower. One survivor said they touched down, and then she felt an attempt at taking off again. It went off the runway, down a mountain, into some trees. One man lost 16 family members.
Can honey or agave syrup be counted as added sugar?????????????????? It seems to me that it is a natural carbohydrate.
Shopping tomorrow.
Take care.
When I get back, I have to find out how to access other blogs and people on Facebook.
Take care again.
Love,
Mom
I'm a little disappointed by the monsoon. Last night it poured for about 10 minutes, and that was all she wrote. The forecast was for heavy rain yesterday and today. Uh, huh.
Did you know that there are at least 3 tours being offered for foreigners who want to experience the monsoon season? And to think, it's part of the package here.
Have to catch up a bit.
Last Thursday, I found out that I can get Comcast Infinity, and they would have the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy. So I'm thinking, fabulous! I can watch the two episodes I missed when there is nothing else to do on Sunday. Imagine my consternation when they wouldn't let me see it because it looked like I was in a foreign country. Something about international rules or copyrights. Can't imagine that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is a search engine called ask.com where you can ask a question, and they provide an answer. So I asked them what the Fahrenheit temperature would be for 45 degrees C. The first answer I received? "Very hot for an outside temperature. Tried to send a message back to this character appreciating his sense of humor, but it didn't work. The third answer down told me it is 113 degrees, and, I have to say, that is indeed very hot. Northern India is having really high temperatures. There was someplace yesterday with 118F.
Did you know that in the US any produce certified as organic cannot be genetically modified? That's good news!
RE: the well being inside. I found the one they used to use here outside. It is clearly NOT used for anything other than watering the plants and trees. There's a hose down to the water, and I have to say that someone must have an awfully strong sucker to siphon that water up. The water is at least 15 feet down.
The huge pile of coconut shells in the building behind the Royal Palace is used for fires. Waste not; want not.
The Royal Mother made it clear to me that she was the one who arranged her eldest son's marriage. The son lives in Highland, California (anywhere near you, Kevin?--She said it's 3 hours west of Las Vegas.), and has been marketing director for Roche Pharmaceuticals for 25 years. Wife also works, but she didn't remember the name of the place.
Good help is getting harder and harder to find. They refurbished the outdoor stage? and the men who did it came by. Babu said that there are very few people who do that kind of work anymore.
The same can be said for people who climb coconut trees to hack off the coconuts so they don't hit someone on the head. There have been an increasing number of people getting hit on the head, including a three-month old baby during a religious ceremony for the baby.
Our NTSB is on it's way to help with the Air India crash. They did find the black box. There is some speculation that there was a communication failure between the Serbian pilot and the control tower. One survivor said they touched down, and then she felt an attempt at taking off again. It went off the runway, down a mountain, into some trees. One man lost 16 family members.
Can honey or agave syrup be counted as added sugar?????????????????? It seems to me that it is a natural carbohydrate.
Shopping tomorrow.
Take care.
When I get back, I have to find out how to access other blogs and people on Facebook.
Take care again.
Love,
Mom
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
CAUTION: Anything I say about what the people here have or don't have--like televisions--applies ONLY to Kerala, which is the richest and most progressive state in India. There is poverty here, but it doesn't begin to compare with other parts of India, especially in the cities.
On the outskirts of the Mumbai airport, there is a shantytown, but it is just a small one. Whatever the people could cobble together for shelter.
In Kerala, there is a rice program for the poor. By the end of the year, everyone in Kerala will own property, including the 13,000 plus families who are being bailed out who signed their deeds over to someone else to pay their debts.
Kerala, if you remember, is run by the communists, but not in the same terms we think of where there are mass executions or people who disagree with you are thrown in jail. Still, I have a problem with the 13,000 plus--kind of like foreclosures and bankruptcy for credit cards.
In other parts of India, three men got life in prison for raping a Japanese tourist, and one guy got life in prison for sexually molesting and killing a three year old. Hopefully, he will also get the treatment from other inmates that our child molesters get. Trust me when I say you do not want to be in ANY foreign prison, much less here.
On to happier things.
Anil (Yoga Master), who is also helping me learn the language, absolutely could not believe that there are such people as stay-at-home dads. That was just more than he could grasp.
Speaking of Anil, my yoga experience this time has been much more positive. He's not asking me to do the impossible. In fact, he cautions against it. AND, they don't even have to come get me for yoga, which is saying something.
BTW: VNJ always comes to tell me when it's time for a meal; Vineesh brings my medicine to me; someone does my laundry; Mohanon fixes my meals; Gisha cleans my room. Kathy comes to get me for treatment and brings me back. What's NOT to like about this place?
Items of Interest:
Virtually every home has a well, which is outside, usually covered with netting to keep the birds out. It's six to eight feet across, and water is pulled up in containers on a rope. Several of the wells that I have checked have been dry. (Only now has the little pond beside the hammock got some water in it.) Learning that, of course, it's well water here, I wanted to see if it was the same kind of well others had, just hidden. Fortunately, that is not the case. The well here is inside. Babu (He's begun calling me Peggy so I think it's ok to call him Babu.) told us last year that the water is safe, but he didn't want us to drink it. We get bottled water. But I brush my teeth in this water. Haven't swallowed it. Haven't gotten sick.
Two days after my flight from Mumbai, there was a bomb scare on a Kingfisher plane. Mumbai wasn't my idea of where I wanted to spend a lot of time anyway. Speaking of which, Babu told me yesterday that I would definitely not have the freedom to move around walking the way I do here in other places. In a city, I wouldn't be able to walk 10 feet without ten beggars approaching me. People carry their money in pockets sewed inside their pockets. So, the stories you hear from others who have been to India are probably right on. Fortunately, that is not the case here. Actually, people seem to be friendly this year. Even the men. The children have always been friendly, and that has been encouraged by the parents. (With the exception of the three year old down the street, who was scared to death the first time he saw me.) Today he saw me coming from the end of the lane and started saying, 'hi'.
I have seen a rooster chase a cat. There are several roosters, and there is one which obviously rules the roost so to speak.
People here are convinced there is global warming.
I need to find out how to convert Centigrade to Fahrenheit while the internet is still up so I'll sign off for now.
Hope everyone is doing fine. I am truly having a great time.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
CAUTION: Anything I say about what the people here have or don't have--like televisions--applies ONLY to Kerala, which is the richest and most progressive state in India. There is poverty here, but it doesn't begin to compare with other parts of India, especially in the cities.
On the outskirts of the Mumbai airport, there is a shantytown, but it is just a small one. Whatever the people could cobble together for shelter.
In Kerala, there is a rice program for the poor. By the end of the year, everyone in Kerala will own property, including the 13,000 plus families who are being bailed out who signed their deeds over to someone else to pay their debts.
Kerala, if you remember, is run by the communists, but not in the same terms we think of where there are mass executions or people who disagree with you are thrown in jail. Still, I have a problem with the 13,000 plus--kind of like foreclosures and bankruptcy for credit cards.
In other parts of India, three men got life in prison for raping a Japanese tourist, and one guy got life in prison for sexually molesting and killing a three year old. Hopefully, he will also get the treatment from other inmates that our child molesters get. Trust me when I say you do not want to be in ANY foreign prison, much less here.
On to happier things.
Anil (Yoga Master), who is also helping me learn the language, absolutely could not believe that there are such people as stay-at-home dads. That was just more than he could grasp.
Speaking of Anil, my yoga experience this time has been much more positive. He's not asking me to do the impossible. In fact, he cautions against it. AND, they don't even have to come get me for yoga, which is saying something.
BTW: VNJ always comes to tell me when it's time for a meal; Vineesh brings my medicine to me; someone does my laundry; Mohanon fixes my meals; Gisha cleans my room. Kathy comes to get me for treatment and brings me back. What's NOT to like about this place?
Items of Interest:
Virtually every home has a well, which is outside, usually covered with netting to keep the birds out. It's six to eight feet across, and water is pulled up in containers on a rope. Several of the wells that I have checked have been dry. (Only now has the little pond beside the hammock got some water in it.) Learning that, of course, it's well water here, I wanted to see if it was the same kind of well others had, just hidden. Fortunately, that is not the case. The well here is inside. Babu (He's begun calling me Peggy so I think it's ok to call him Babu.) told us last year that the water is safe, but he didn't want us to drink it. We get bottled water. But I brush my teeth in this water. Haven't swallowed it. Haven't gotten sick.
Two days after my flight from Mumbai, there was a bomb scare on a Kingfisher plane. Mumbai wasn't my idea of where I wanted to spend a lot of time anyway. Speaking of which, Babu told me yesterday that I would definitely not have the freedom to move around walking the way I do here in other places. In a city, I wouldn't be able to walk 10 feet without ten beggars approaching me. People carry their money in pockets sewed inside their pockets. So, the stories you hear from others who have been to India are probably right on. Fortunately, that is not the case here. Actually, people seem to be friendly this year. Even the men. The children have always been friendly, and that has been encouraged by the parents. (With the exception of the three year old down the street, who was scared to death the first time he saw me.) Today he saw me coming from the end of the lane and started saying, 'hi'.
I have seen a rooster chase a cat. There are several roosters, and there is one which obviously rules the roost so to speak.
People here are convinced there is global warming.
I need to find out how to convert Centigrade to Fahrenheit while the internet is still up so I'll sign off for now.
Hope everyone is doing fine. I am truly having a great time.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday, May 23 Blog 2
Sunday, May 23, 2010, Blog #2
Did you know that spinach is 14% fat? Or that antioxidants cause the color of fruits and vegetables? Well, now you do!
Ayurveda gets curiouser and curiouser. The other day when I walked in a drizzle Baji said I should be using an umbrella or at least utilizing a head covering while I'm in treatment due to the immune system issue. Coincidentally enough, after walking in the drizzle, I did have a somewhat sore throat by noon. Apparently due to walking in the drizzle. I can't use an umbrella because my shoulder muscles are strong enough to support an umbrella--especially one with a wooden handle--for an hour. I only use an umbrella at home if I absolutely have to do so.
My medications this time consist of two absolutely gross-tasting liquids at six o'clock and 5 o'clock. Sometimes I have to talk my stomach into keeping one of them down. But I have learned that exhaling before drinking it is better than holding my breath. After breakfast and after dinner, I get 3 pills (Thank you, Baji) and one liquid, which is nothing to write home to mom about. I think this may have been the Nestle's Quik one last year, but it is liquified this year. Tasted better last year. I knew there was a reason I should have gone ahead and brought my honey with me.
With regard to food, I am really eating too much. Plenty of fruits--pineapple every day, apples, watermelon, oranges, bananas. Rice and fruits and vegetables every day for lunch. I have finally figured out that mixing the cooked vegetables with the rice makes the vegetables more palatable. Ditto for the chipotle every night. Green beans, cauliflower, and several local favorites.
BTW: I have to go back on the nonspiced food. The royal mother enjoys her spiced food so I am the only one with the weak stomach.
The Malayalum language has 56 characters; English has 26. Probably explains why so many of their words are so long. They have to use all 56. Baji told me that the Malayalum word for candy is so long--about 4 feet--that even when they are writing in their own language, they use the English term "sweets" instead of writing out their longer word.
The phonetic spelling for the word 'yes' is 'shitty'--phonetically, that is.
Hindi is India's national language. Comes from Sanskrit. However, less than half the people in Kerala speak/know it. They just use Malayalum.
Everything is going well. I'm not bored at all. Conversation with the royal mother is somewhat limited due to her hearing and being unable to use hand signals because of her sight. She did tell me that her grandson is graduating from medical school tomorrow. He has a sister who is a lawyer. All her progeny seem to go on for graduate training--quite a legacy for her. All the grandchildren were born and raised in the US. Mam's children call her everyday. They want her in the States, but she isn't giving in at this point.
Have fun, be healthy, take care.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNI
Did you know that spinach is 14% fat? Or that antioxidants cause the color of fruits and vegetables? Well, now you do!
Ayurveda gets curiouser and curiouser. The other day when I walked in a drizzle Baji said I should be using an umbrella or at least utilizing a head covering while I'm in treatment due to the immune system issue. Coincidentally enough, after walking in the drizzle, I did have a somewhat sore throat by noon. Apparently due to walking in the drizzle. I can't use an umbrella because my shoulder muscles are strong enough to support an umbrella--especially one with a wooden handle--for an hour. I only use an umbrella at home if I absolutely have to do so.
My medications this time consist of two absolutely gross-tasting liquids at six o'clock and 5 o'clock. Sometimes I have to talk my stomach into keeping one of them down. But I have learned that exhaling before drinking it is better than holding my breath. After breakfast and after dinner, I get 3 pills (Thank you, Baji) and one liquid, which is nothing to write home to mom about. I think this may have been the Nestle's Quik one last year, but it is liquified this year. Tasted better last year. I knew there was a reason I should have gone ahead and brought my honey with me.
With regard to food, I am really eating too much. Plenty of fruits--pineapple every day, apples, watermelon, oranges, bananas. Rice and fruits and vegetables every day for lunch. I have finally figured out that mixing the cooked vegetables with the rice makes the vegetables more palatable. Ditto for the chipotle every night. Green beans, cauliflower, and several local favorites.
BTW: I have to go back on the nonspiced food. The royal mother enjoys her spiced food so I am the only one with the weak stomach.
The Malayalum language has 56 characters; English has 26. Probably explains why so many of their words are so long. They have to use all 56. Baji told me that the Malayalum word for candy is so long--about 4 feet--that even when they are writing in their own language, they use the English term "sweets" instead of writing out their longer word.
The phonetic spelling for the word 'yes' is 'shitty'--phonetically, that is.
Hindi is India's national language. Comes from Sanskrit. However, less than half the people in Kerala speak/know it. They just use Malayalum.
Everything is going well. I'm not bored at all. Conversation with the royal mother is somewhat limited due to her hearing and being unable to use hand signals because of her sight. She did tell me that her grandson is graduating from medical school tomorrow. He has a sister who is a lawyer. All her progeny seem to go on for graduate training--quite a legacy for her. All the grandchildren were born and raised in the US. Mam's children call her everyday. They want her in the States, but she isn't giving in at this point.
Have fun, be healthy, take care.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNI
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Today may be your lucky day. There may be TWO blogs--depending on the Internet and my motivation. I am way behind on things to share.
Last night I went to a Hindu temple festival. I'm really not sure how to describe it, but I'll try. I didn't take my camera because it was a religious ceremony so no pictures.
First, Kathy dressed me up in a sari which I had to keep nice until time to go to the temple four hours later. Fortunately, I have a king-size bed and books to read. Still, the sari got kind of wrinkly. (Ducomini checked me out before I got in the taxi. She is Mam's helper. ) I didn't spill anything on it at dinner. Left at 9 PM--David will tell you that normally no patient is still up at 9 PM. Vineesh (medicine man) went with me in the taxi and Babu met me there. The couple who take care of his temple were there and were helping with the ceremony. Had to take our shoes off at the door. Mud floor with lots of little pebbles so it was not exactly comfortable walking in.
(As best as I can describe the jist of this is that this temple has three snake gods. Remember I told you that Hindus believe that everyone and everything is a god with a 'supreme' god over all in the same way we think of God. So, this temple has three snake gods. In this ceremony, there musical instruments--a pot used as a drum, some kind of string tied to a toe that makes music, clappers like very small cymbals, and probably the first version of violin-sort of like a lute--singing, and a very impressive and energetic fire dance. All of this is done in preparation for the 3 snake spirits to come down and inhabit the bodies of the three women chosen. The snake spirit doesn't have to choose any of the three, can choose one of the three (one spirit to a body) or can actually choose someone in the audience. Sometimes the spirit doesn't come down at all.
The setting is open air with a roof covering. There is a huge (by our standards) well inside on one side of the space. Taking up a large part of the rest of the main space is an intricately drawn design of geometric patterns laid out in a circle, all hand-drawn and filled in with natural colors ie., the yellow is tumeric, the black is, I think, burnt rice chaff, etc. Beautiful and so intricate. There is a four-posted structure on which are hung strands of the tender part of a palm leaf as well as hanging items, in some cases reminding me of a mobile. There are candles all around and different religious artifacts used in the ceremony. The three women are sitting on a slightly raised stage waiting to be called down.
Vineesh went with me, and Col. Babu met me there.
When we got there, the procession into the temple had already occurred. It starts about a kilometer away. And the three women follow a path down the road lighted by others. They have already been educated as to how to proceed. One is a teenager; one is in her 20s; and the 3rd appears to be in her 30s. They are dressed in regular saris. Nothing special in their dress.
There is already a woman who is not one of the three exhibiting a trance-like state in which a snake spirit has overtaken her body. Throughout the evening she dances, screams out, makes swaying motions with her hands and body. The leader tries to tell the snake spirit that it is too early, that he must go away until later. Obviously this doesn't work, but it does calm the woman down. At one point, she picks a young man out of the audience, touches his head several times, and apparently imbues him with a spirit as well as he is having movements and sounds similar to an epileptic seizure although he remains standing. Three men protect him until he comes out of the trance.
Anyway, there are two to four singers/chanters and instrumentalists, depending on the stage of the ceremony. There is an additional man doing a ceremony around the structure and the drawing. Then comes the fire dance. After the fire dance the man passes the plate so to speak and receives donations of rupees and many, many mundis--the traditional mail dress they wear around the waist and can either wear knee length or drop it down to above the feet.
Then some more spiritual singing/chanting. Meanwhile, the lady in blue imbued with the spirit continues. The leader calms her down one more time. She appears to go in and out of the trance quite quickly and easily at times. She doesn't run into anything--people or candle stands or anything. Also, everyone involved makes it a point not to step on the drawing. If they have to reach something on the structure, they will place a leaf down to step on and then reach for what they need. There is also a man setting up things for the man doing the ceremony around the structure. Finally, the three ladies are called down outside of the structure where they are given 18" long brushes and herbs or flowers are placed on their heads. They sit inside the structure. Then they move to in front of the musicians. The spirits are called down and enter all three of the women who then go into a trance, weaving, swaying, etc. And then they start moving in a seated position brushing away this fabulous drawing which is both inside and outside the structure. They get so deeply into the trance that people have to protect them from hitting their head against the poles of the structure. Finally, when the drawing is all brushed out, they fall out on the floor unconscious. They are attended by others until they come to.
There is also another man who is imbued by the spirit, but his doesn't last very long.
When they come to, the ceremony is over and everyone goes home. Although, the drawing is recreated, but only inside the structure, and another ceremony takes place later. This goes on for five days and nights.
During the ceremony some of the children practiced their English with me. They said they were glad I tried to use some of my Malayalum. I think I mentioned last year that this part of India broke off from Africa. None of these people have the African features of big lips and big flat noses, however. They are quite attractive and these girls were no exception.
Col. Babu apparently carries A LOT of weight as tourists do not go to these ceremonies. Everyone, of course, noticed me, but there was no apparent ill feeling towards me. Mam and Kathy both asked me if it was at Babu's house and seemed surprised that it was at the Hindu temple.
I'm a little light-headed so I will go for now. I think the light-headedness is from sitting.
Love,
Mom/Granny/Peggy/NiNi
Today may be your lucky day. There may be TWO blogs--depending on the Internet and my motivation. I am way behind on things to share.
Last night I went to a Hindu temple festival. I'm really not sure how to describe it, but I'll try. I didn't take my camera because it was a religious ceremony so no pictures.
First, Kathy dressed me up in a sari which I had to keep nice until time to go to the temple four hours later. Fortunately, I have a king-size bed and books to read. Still, the sari got kind of wrinkly. (Ducomini checked me out before I got in the taxi. She is Mam's helper. ) I didn't spill anything on it at dinner. Left at 9 PM--David will tell you that normally no patient is still up at 9 PM. Vineesh (medicine man) went with me in the taxi and Babu met me there. The couple who take care of his temple were there and were helping with the ceremony. Had to take our shoes off at the door. Mud floor with lots of little pebbles so it was not exactly comfortable walking in.
(As best as I can describe the jist of this is that this temple has three snake gods. Remember I told you that Hindus believe that everyone and everything is a god with a 'supreme' god over all in the same way we think of God. So, this temple has three snake gods. In this ceremony, there musical instruments--a pot used as a drum, some kind of string tied to a toe that makes music, clappers like very small cymbals, and probably the first version of violin-sort of like a lute--singing, and a very impressive and energetic fire dance. All of this is done in preparation for the 3 snake spirits to come down and inhabit the bodies of the three women chosen. The snake spirit doesn't have to choose any of the three, can choose one of the three (one spirit to a body) or can actually choose someone in the audience. Sometimes the spirit doesn't come down at all.
The setting is open air with a roof covering. There is a huge (by our standards) well inside on one side of the space. Taking up a large part of the rest of the main space is an intricately drawn design of geometric patterns laid out in a circle, all hand-drawn and filled in with natural colors ie., the yellow is tumeric, the black is, I think, burnt rice chaff, etc. Beautiful and so intricate. There is a four-posted structure on which are hung strands of the tender part of a palm leaf as well as hanging items, in some cases reminding me of a mobile. There are candles all around and different religious artifacts used in the ceremony. The three women are sitting on a slightly raised stage waiting to be called down.
Vineesh went with me, and Col. Babu met me there.
When we got there, the procession into the temple had already occurred. It starts about a kilometer away. And the three women follow a path down the road lighted by others. They have already been educated as to how to proceed. One is a teenager; one is in her 20s; and the 3rd appears to be in her 30s. They are dressed in regular saris. Nothing special in their dress.
There is already a woman who is not one of the three exhibiting a trance-like state in which a snake spirit has overtaken her body. Throughout the evening she dances, screams out, makes swaying motions with her hands and body. The leader tries to tell the snake spirit that it is too early, that he must go away until later. Obviously this doesn't work, but it does calm the woman down. At one point, she picks a young man out of the audience, touches his head several times, and apparently imbues him with a spirit as well as he is having movements and sounds similar to an epileptic seizure although he remains standing. Three men protect him until he comes out of the trance.
Anyway, there are two to four singers/chanters and instrumentalists, depending on the stage of the ceremony. There is an additional man doing a ceremony around the structure and the drawing. Then comes the fire dance. After the fire dance the man passes the plate so to speak and receives donations of rupees and many, many mundis--the traditional mail dress they wear around the waist and can either wear knee length or drop it down to above the feet.
Then some more spiritual singing/chanting. Meanwhile, the lady in blue imbued with the spirit continues. The leader calms her down one more time. She appears to go in and out of the trance quite quickly and easily at times. She doesn't run into anything--people or candle stands or anything. Also, everyone involved makes it a point not to step on the drawing. If they have to reach something on the structure, they will place a leaf down to step on and then reach for what they need. There is also a man setting up things for the man doing the ceremony around the structure. Finally, the three ladies are called down outside of the structure where they are given 18" long brushes and herbs or flowers are placed on their heads. They sit inside the structure. Then they move to in front of the musicians. The spirits are called down and enter all three of the women who then go into a trance, weaving, swaying, etc. And then they start moving in a seated position brushing away this fabulous drawing which is both inside and outside the structure. They get so deeply into the trance that people have to protect them from hitting their head against the poles of the structure. Finally, when the drawing is all brushed out, they fall out on the floor unconscious. They are attended by others until they come to.
There is also another man who is imbued by the spirit, but his doesn't last very long.
When they come to, the ceremony is over and everyone goes home. Although, the drawing is recreated, but only inside the structure, and another ceremony takes place later. This goes on for five days and nights.
During the ceremony some of the children practiced their English with me. They said they were glad I tried to use some of my Malayalum. I think I mentioned last year that this part of India broke off from Africa. None of these people have the African features of big lips and big flat noses, however. They are quite attractive and these girls were no exception.
Col. Babu apparently carries A LOT of weight as tourists do not go to these ceremonies. Everyone, of course, noticed me, but there was no apparent ill feeling towards me. Mam and Kathy both asked me if it was at Babu's house and seemed surprised that it was at the Hindu temple.
I'm a little light-headed so I will go for now. I think the light-headedness is from sitting.
Love,
Mom/Granny/Peggy/NiNi
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010 Day 9
The blog I did yesterday didn't save or post so...
Items of interest:
The ladies love my blue toenails.
They now have speed bumps in triplicate. Didn't have any before. Don't know if that
points to the increase in traffic or the recklessness of the drivers. It does, however,
slow everyone down.
Houses have mortgages, cars have loans, and there are now educational loans. On the
educational loans, the parents must sign. If the parents don't want you to study what you
want to study, they don't sign. You don't get the loan. And there will be no help from
home. Students here do not work and go to school. So without the loan and/or the
parents' help, you get no education. Most of the colleges appear to be government run,
but there are private ones. Where there used to be only one engineering school in all
of Kerala, there are now too many to count. Some of these, like the one where Col. Baby
is, have been started by a group of successful engineers who want to give back.
*****Engineers in this country make more than medical doctors.
I saw a brand new rich house for sale this morning. Had I had a pen and paper, I would have
written down the number and asked Col. Babu to call for a price.
My first wild animals were two days ago. Had a body with shape and coloring like a
chipmunk but a tail like a squirrel. Scarrrrrrrrrrrrrrry! This morning I saw a chipmunk
so I think there must be some hanky-panky going on.
Wild dogs. There are some. There are also dogs connected with houses which might as well
be wild dogs. So far, either starring them down or picking up a rock seems to do the
trick. I really don't want to mess with them especially if there is more than one.
I tried some of my Malayalum on folks this morning. Apparently I am saying the words
correctly, but my accent throws them. Good for a laugh on both sides.
Mortgages. The reason for mortgages and car loans as I understand it is 1) Say you earn
$10,000 and put it in the bank and use it. 2) If you only spend $8000, you get taxed
40% on the $2000 left in the bank. (I don't know if it has to just be the bank or
whether that means under the mattress as well.) At any rate, there is no incentive to
save.
Dr. Baji said that Indians who go to the US never send money home because they will never
return here to live. Men in the Gulf send all their money back because they can't
stay in the Gulf--not allowed to stay. All I can say is that there must be a heck of a
lot of Kerala men in the Gulf. I don't have the impression that the same can be said for
other parts of India. Seems to be Kerala-specific.
I asked if Dr. Baji and Col. Babu were using their laptops. Dr. Baji said yes, and Col. Babu
changed the subject. Don't know what that means. Haven't followed up.
Hindu temples are family temples specific to a particular extended family only. Many
homes like this one have a small temple indoors or I have see small temples next door
to a house.
Something I wouldn't know had I not asked: My water at the table is pink as is that of
Francis and imam. Why? It has medicine in it. I will have to ask what kind of ]
we all are getting.
What is high humidity? High humidity is when the toilet seat feels like someone has peed on
it right before you got there. The women will understand this analogy if the women don't.
Time to get ready for massage. I know. But someone's got to do it.
Much love to all of mine.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
The blog I did yesterday didn't save or post so...
Items of interest:
The ladies love my blue toenails.
They now have speed bumps in triplicate. Didn't have any before. Don't know if that
points to the increase in traffic or the recklessness of the drivers. It does, however,
slow everyone down.
Houses have mortgages, cars have loans, and there are now educational loans. On the
educational loans, the parents must sign. If the parents don't want you to study what you
want to study, they don't sign. You don't get the loan. And there will be no help from
home. Students here do not work and go to school. So without the loan and/or the
parents' help, you get no education. Most of the colleges appear to be government run,
but there are private ones. Where there used to be only one engineering school in all
of Kerala, there are now too many to count. Some of these, like the one where Col. Baby
is, have been started by a group of successful engineers who want to give back.
*****Engineers in this country make more than medical doctors.
I saw a brand new rich house for sale this morning. Had I had a pen and paper, I would have
written down the number and asked Col. Babu to call for a price.
My first wild animals were two days ago. Had a body with shape and coloring like a
chipmunk but a tail like a squirrel. Scarrrrrrrrrrrrrrry! This morning I saw a chipmunk
so I think there must be some hanky-panky going on.
Wild dogs. There are some. There are also dogs connected with houses which might as well
be wild dogs. So far, either starring them down or picking up a rock seems to do the
trick. I really don't want to mess with them especially if there is more than one.
I tried some of my Malayalum on folks this morning. Apparently I am saying the words
correctly, but my accent throws them. Good for a laugh on both sides.
Mortgages. The reason for mortgages and car loans as I understand it is 1) Say you earn
$10,000 and put it in the bank and use it. 2) If you only spend $8000, you get taxed
40% on the $2000 left in the bank. (I don't know if it has to just be the bank or
whether that means under the mattress as well.) At any rate, there is no incentive to
save.
Dr. Baji said that Indians who go to the US never send money home because they will never
return here to live. Men in the Gulf send all their money back because they can't
stay in the Gulf--not allowed to stay. All I can say is that there must be a heck of a
lot of Kerala men in the Gulf. I don't have the impression that the same can be said for
other parts of India. Seems to be Kerala-specific.
I asked if Dr. Baji and Col. Babu were using their laptops. Dr. Baji said yes, and Col. Babu
changed the subject. Don't know what that means. Haven't followed up.
Hindu temples are family temples specific to a particular extended family only. Many
homes like this one have a small temple indoors or I have see small temples next door
to a house.
Something I wouldn't know had I not asked: My water at the table is pink as is that of
Francis and imam. Why? It has medicine in it. I will have to ask what kind of ]
we all are getting.
What is high humidity? High humidity is when the toilet seat feels like someone has peed on
it right before you got there. The women will understand this analogy if the women don't.
Time to get ready for massage. I know. But someone's got to do it.
Much love to all of mine.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEAGAN.
I must have been smoking something when I thought I would have plenty of time to research walking/biking tours and an EFIS lawsuit. It has now taken me 25 minutes to actually get this far. Microsoft Internet hasn't been very reliable. I have tried Mozilla--sometimes I can do one or two emails before it poops out (good thing I'm not getting very many emails--hint, hint), netscape, and whatever else is in the list. Currently it is telling me that it(????) cannot contact Blogger. com. Saving and publishing may fail. Retrying. Good thing this is the only totally frustrating thing in my life.
And so.
Tim Roemer, formerly our Congressman--back when a few of them had integrity--IS, indeed, the US Ambassador to India. I tried to email him the other day to see if he wanted to come visit, but they wanted some information about 'server' and nothing I put in was the solution to the problem so I don't think it went through. I also sent it to myself and didn't get it.
Apparently the rash I have is indeed heat rash--something I haven't had since I was a baby. However, I decided Dr. Baji was correct when I went for a walk yesterday and was itching under a particular article of clothing. So now I have prickly heat powder. Also a change in the oil. The two together are working.
Everyday Kathy puts jasmine flowers in my hair. It smells soooooooo good!
It rained Monday night--thunderstorm--and was quite pleasant yesterday morning. It also rained this morning. As it was raining, I haven't walked yet today. I have consistently been doing over an hour every morning.
Found some children yesterday and tried my very limited knowledge of Malayalum on them. I was supposed to see them again this morning. Trust me when I say that their English was far better than my Malayalum. I have graduated to simple phrases for Good Morning and How are you. I know the word for hot water and one for cold water. And thank you. That's pretty much it.
David, if I ever manage to be able to contact Facebook, Francis and Salini (lady in blue) may ask for a confirmation. People the world over are on Facebook. Amelia is also on Facebook.
I gave Francis Amelia's email, and they both are apparently delighted to be in touch with each other. Amelia apparently is in Germany for that treatment I may or may not have told you about--two weeks in a hospital run by a surgeon/oncologist to boost her immune system as well as conduct what sounded like heat therapy on her right lung. Yet she continues to be interested in others and in tackling new things. An amazing person!
YOGA. I don't think I've mentioned that Anil is still the Yoga Master. As I am the only patient now--as well as for the foreseeable future--I have to go. But he has been cool. Not expecting me to do the things David was able to do. At the end, when he sits crosslegged and tells me to bend over and touch the floor with my forehead, I have to laugh because I just don't bend anywhere near that far. I must be thinking it's okay--don't want to go so far as to say 'enjoyable'--but I have been thinking of looking in on the Indian who does one of the Yoga classes at Knollwood.
You have no idea how much my mood has come up just being able to share this much. Hopefully, I will be able to publish before Explorer goes out again. It's been off and on while I've been typing.
Ice water is not good for you. The body has it's own temperature regulator, and we shouldn't be interferring with it. Whatever. What I would give for some ice water.
'Til we meet again.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEAGAN.
I must have been smoking something when I thought I would have plenty of time to research walking/biking tours and an EFIS lawsuit. It has now taken me 25 minutes to actually get this far. Microsoft Internet hasn't been very reliable. I have tried Mozilla--sometimes I can do one or two emails before it poops out (good thing I'm not getting very many emails--hint, hint), netscape, and whatever else is in the list. Currently it is telling me that it(????) cannot contact Blogger. com. Saving and publishing may fail. Retrying. Good thing this is the only totally frustrating thing in my life.
And so.
Tim Roemer, formerly our Congressman--back when a few of them had integrity--IS, indeed, the US Ambassador to India. I tried to email him the other day to see if he wanted to come visit, but they wanted some information about 'server' and nothing I put in was the solution to the problem so I don't think it went through. I also sent it to myself and didn't get it.
Apparently the rash I have is indeed heat rash--something I haven't had since I was a baby. However, I decided Dr. Baji was correct when I went for a walk yesterday and was itching under a particular article of clothing. So now I have prickly heat powder. Also a change in the oil. The two together are working.
Everyday Kathy puts jasmine flowers in my hair. It smells soooooooo good!
It rained Monday night--thunderstorm--and was quite pleasant yesterday morning. It also rained this morning. As it was raining, I haven't walked yet today. I have consistently been doing over an hour every morning.
Found some children yesterday and tried my very limited knowledge of Malayalum on them. I was supposed to see them again this morning. Trust me when I say that their English was far better than my Malayalum. I have graduated to simple phrases for Good Morning and How are you. I know the word for hot water and one for cold water. And thank you. That's pretty much it.
David, if I ever manage to be able to contact Facebook, Francis and Salini (lady in blue) may ask for a confirmation. People the world over are on Facebook. Amelia is also on Facebook.
I gave Francis Amelia's email, and they both are apparently delighted to be in touch with each other. Amelia apparently is in Germany for that treatment I may or may not have told you about--two weeks in a hospital run by a surgeon/oncologist to boost her immune system as well as conduct what sounded like heat therapy on her right lung. Yet she continues to be interested in others and in tackling new things. An amazing person!
YOGA. I don't think I've mentioned that Anil is still the Yoga Master. As I am the only patient now--as well as for the foreseeable future--I have to go. But he has been cool. Not expecting me to do the things David was able to do. At the end, when he sits crosslegged and tells me to bend over and touch the floor with my forehead, I have to laugh because I just don't bend anywhere near that far. I must be thinking it's okay--don't want to go so far as to say 'enjoyable'--but I have been thinking of looking in on the Indian who does one of the Yoga classes at Knollwood.
You have no idea how much my mood has come up just being able to share this much. Hopefully, I will be able to publish before Explorer goes out again. It's been off and on while I've been typing.
Ice water is not good for you. The body has it's own temperature regulator, and we shouldn't be interferring with it. Whatever. What I would give for some ice water.
'Til we meet again.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny/NiNi
Monday, May 17, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
I have been gone a week now. When I first got here, I just wanted to turn around and go back. But now that I've settled in, I may stay forever.
Kerala is suffering from prosperity. New rich houses are all over the place. That's not the suffering part. Many times there will be a rich house on a lane behind the house facing the street. Or there might be two rich houses one behind the other. Wages are rising because so many of the men are continuing to work/go to the Gulf. Men used to get paid 150 -200 rupees per day (roughly $3 to $4) to work in construction or in the rice fields. Pay has doubled to 400 rupees ($8 per day) so everything has gotten more expensive. The price of food in Kerala has risen over 16% since the first of the year. Construction has gotten more expensive so although I've seen a number of huge rich houses, I've also seen smaller rich houses. It looks like the plan might be to add another floor. I have to ask if this is pay up front or whether mortgages can be had. Because labor is so expensive, there is only one rice planting per year instead of two or three. The rice paddies are being filled in with dirt so people can build houses. Land is becoming scarce. Last year, Dr. Baji told us that many of the swimming holes he used as a child have been filled in so houses could be built. A block from here, they are digging out the soil and putting it in the rice paddies. So far there is only one rich house being constructed at that site although there is room for several more.
Kerala has the 2nd highest rate of childhood obesity right behind the good old USA. It's all about prosperity. I saw a teenager --chubby--riding a motorcycle out of a rich house this morning on his way to school. His dad was on a similar bike following him.
EVERYone has asked about David. I think some of them would have preferred it was he returning. Francis, Dr. Baji, and Col. Babu were all here to meet me when I arrived. There is a new Chef. The other one decided to try his fortunes in the Gulf. His house is padlocked so I don't know what happened with his mother. The older man David had is still here. He must also tend the garden, which I think is a whole lot bigger than I originally thought. I haven't seen Simeon, but Kathy says he is still here. Girish has gone back home, and I have the 'Medicine Man' who was out last year for an ear operation. Nice enough, but I do miss Girish's smile.
The new chef is a lot less spice-intensive than the previous one. There are still things I can't eat, but I am trying to try everything he makes. David: I had beet juice yesterday. Yum.
My therapit, Kathy, is still here, but Gita isn't here. She is pregnant and will be moving to her husband's family house. She has been married for two years without getting pregnant, and I understand this causes problems with recriminations among the couple and the families. So now all is well. Gita came by yesterday so I have been able to see her before she leaves.
I don't know where all the children have gone. Maybe they are hiding until they get more used to me. The one family which had three tiny ones on the front stoop every morning isn't there--at least right now.
I am an Honorary complete with bindi (dot on forehead). Kathy has been putting Jasmine flowers in my hair every morning. It smells so good.
I'm going to try to get to the email before the internet goes down (I tried four times yesterday with no luck) so I will go now.
Hope everyone is well and happy.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
I have been gone a week now. When I first got here, I just wanted to turn around and go back. But now that I've settled in, I may stay forever.
Kerala is suffering from prosperity. New rich houses are all over the place. That's not the suffering part. Many times there will be a rich house on a lane behind the house facing the street. Or there might be two rich houses one behind the other. Wages are rising because so many of the men are continuing to work/go to the Gulf. Men used to get paid 150 -200 rupees per day (roughly $3 to $4) to work in construction or in the rice fields. Pay has doubled to 400 rupees ($8 per day) so everything has gotten more expensive. The price of food in Kerala has risen over 16% since the first of the year. Construction has gotten more expensive so although I've seen a number of huge rich houses, I've also seen smaller rich houses. It looks like the plan might be to add another floor. I have to ask if this is pay up front or whether mortgages can be had. Because labor is so expensive, there is only one rice planting per year instead of two or three. The rice paddies are being filled in with dirt so people can build houses. Land is becoming scarce. Last year, Dr. Baji told us that many of the swimming holes he used as a child have been filled in so houses could be built. A block from here, they are digging out the soil and putting it in the rice paddies. So far there is only one rich house being constructed at that site although there is room for several more.
Kerala has the 2nd highest rate of childhood obesity right behind the good old USA. It's all about prosperity. I saw a teenager --chubby--riding a motorcycle out of a rich house this morning on his way to school. His dad was on a similar bike following him.
EVERYone has asked about David. I think some of them would have preferred it was he returning. Francis, Dr. Baji, and Col. Babu were all here to meet me when I arrived. There is a new Chef. The other one decided to try his fortunes in the Gulf. His house is padlocked so I don't know what happened with his mother. The older man David had is still here. He must also tend the garden, which I think is a whole lot bigger than I originally thought. I haven't seen Simeon, but Kathy says he is still here. Girish has gone back home, and I have the 'Medicine Man' who was out last year for an ear operation. Nice enough, but I do miss Girish's smile.
The new chef is a lot less spice-intensive than the previous one. There are still things I can't eat, but I am trying to try everything he makes. David: I had beet juice yesterday. Yum.
My therapit, Kathy, is still here, but Gita isn't here. She is pregnant and will be moving to her husband's family house. She has been married for two years without getting pregnant, and I understand this causes problems with recriminations among the couple and the families. So now all is well. Gita came by yesterday so I have been able to see her before she leaves.
I don't know where all the children have gone. Maybe they are hiding until they get more used to me. The one family which had three tiny ones on the front stoop every morning isn't there--at least right now.
I am an Honorary complete with bindi (dot on forehead). Kathy has been putting Jasmine flowers in my hair every morning. It smells so good.
I'm going to try to get to the email before the internet goes down (I tried four times yesterday with no luck) so I will go now.
Hope everyone is well and happy.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
It's day 3 of India Part 2.
FYI: Just because the ticketing agent says your luggage has been put through to your final destination does not necessarily mean that you and your luggage do not need to meet up BEFORE your final destination. Thankfully, someone in London filled me in. I will remember that that will probably be the case in Brussels as well.
I actually took some notes so I wouldn't forget things I wanted to tell you. Col. Babu did send a woman friend to the Mumbai airport to see if she could find me. Apparently they even made announcements, but, as I think I said, I couldn't understand the loudspeakers 99.9% of the time so I wasn't aware. Col. Babu contacted the airline in Mumbai once he found out I hadn't arrived in Kochi. If you can believe it (because this would never happen in the states), they actually told him that I had been in London and had come into Mumbai, but had missed the flight to Kochi.
They also told him I was booked on the 5:45 AM flight to Kochi. An Individual trying to get this information in the States would get a big lesson in frustration thanks to Homeland Security. He then called the 22 hotels closest to the airport and found out I wasn't at any of them. He went far and above the line of duty as far as I'm concerned!
Spending the night in the Mumbai airport, I became acquainted with a rat who was obviously quite comfortable foraging for food in the airport. I also met an older couple leaving for Toronto to visit their daughter for FIVE months. The mister said he was 76 years old, although he didn't look like it. We had quite a long conversation before they left to catch their flight.
On the way from Kochi to Zamorin's I noticed definite signs of economic growth. I saw several gas stations with multiple gas pumps although no convenience stores. Didn't see that before. There were several car dealerships--among them an Aston-Martin (?), a motorcycle dealership, several restaurants that a Westerner would consider a sit-down restaurant--not a hole in the wall. Pretty much the whole way there was billboard after billboard. I had forgotten about the traffic. It was much heavier than I experienced going from Zamorin's to Kochi last June. Horns constantly honking to let people/vehicle know that our vehicle was near them or to tell us to move over (and vice versa). Everything from pedestrians to bicycles, Motorized tricycles, motorcycles, cars of various sizes, minivans, huge buses and trucks from delivery size to road-work size and small tanker trucks. I saw two vehicle with Driving Schools placards on top. In one, a man was trying to teach a woman to drive. When I looked down into the car, there wee FOUR hands on the steering wheel. Moreso even than Driving Schools in the States, these instructors truly put their lives out there. I saw a sign advertising Sesame English. Haven't had a chance to find out exactly what that is. Sesame Street English?
And, last but not least, I saw a highrise like the ones on 31 leading up to the 465 bypass in Indy. Already Several stories high with a crane sitting on top. Next to it, it looked like a housing development (rich houses).
Between the schedule and the Internet, I have been having some trouble with Internet so hang in there if I miss a couple of days.
The Royal Mother is in attendance--since last August. Sounds like there is no way she will return to the States although all of her children live there. Since returning, three of the four have visited her and the 4th is due in August. She has a daughter who is an engineer married to an engineer living in Iowa. One daughter--a lawyer lives in Tenafly, NJ, with her husband who is a world renowned gastroenterologist. The other two live in New York and, I believe, are lawyers. At any rate professionals. I'm sure the lawyers have attained US citizenship and I think the others have as well. Imam (what everyone calls her) is nearly blind and also has a hearing disability. She's interesting to talk to although it can be difficult at times.
Tomorrow, I will talk more about what is going on here at Zamorin's.
Love,
Mom/Granny/Peggy
FYI: Just because the ticketing agent says your luggage has been put through to your final destination does not necessarily mean that you and your luggage do not need to meet up BEFORE your final destination. Thankfully, someone in London filled me in. I will remember that that will probably be the case in Brussels as well.
I actually took some notes so I wouldn't forget things I wanted to tell you. Col. Babu did send a woman friend to the Mumbai airport to see if she could find me. Apparently they even made announcements, but, as I think I said, I couldn't understand the loudspeakers 99.9% of the time so I wasn't aware. Col. Babu contacted the airline in Mumbai once he found out I hadn't arrived in Kochi. If you can believe it (because this would never happen in the states), they actually told him that I had been in London and had come into Mumbai, but had missed the flight to Kochi.
They also told him I was booked on the 5:45 AM flight to Kochi. An Individual trying to get this information in the States would get a big lesson in frustration thanks to Homeland Security. He then called the 22 hotels closest to the airport and found out I wasn't at any of them. He went far and above the line of duty as far as I'm concerned!
Spending the night in the Mumbai airport, I became acquainted with a rat who was obviously quite comfortable foraging for food in the airport. I also met an older couple leaving for Toronto to visit their daughter for FIVE months. The mister said he was 76 years old, although he didn't look like it. We had quite a long conversation before they left to catch their flight.
On the way from Kochi to Zamorin's I noticed definite signs of economic growth. I saw several gas stations with multiple gas pumps although no convenience stores. Didn't see that before. There were several car dealerships--among them an Aston-Martin (?), a motorcycle dealership, several restaurants that a Westerner would consider a sit-down restaurant--not a hole in the wall. Pretty much the whole way there was billboard after billboard. I had forgotten about the traffic. It was much heavier than I experienced going from Zamorin's to Kochi last June. Horns constantly honking to let people/vehicle know that our vehicle was near them or to tell us to move over (and vice versa). Everything from pedestrians to bicycles, Motorized tricycles, motorcycles, cars of various sizes, minivans, huge buses and trucks from delivery size to road-work size and small tanker trucks. I saw two vehicle with Driving Schools placards on top. In one, a man was trying to teach a woman to drive. When I looked down into the car, there wee FOUR hands on the steering wheel. Moreso even than Driving Schools in the States, these instructors truly put their lives out there. I saw a sign advertising Sesame English. Haven't had a chance to find out exactly what that is. Sesame Street English?
And, last but not least, I saw a highrise like the ones on 31 leading up to the 465 bypass in Indy. Already Several stories high with a crane sitting on top. Next to it, it looked like a housing development (rich houses).
Between the schedule and the Internet, I have been having some trouble with Internet so hang in there if I miss a couple of days.
The Royal Mother is in attendance--since last August. Sounds like there is no way she will return to the States although all of her children live there. Since returning, three of the four have visited her and the 4th is due in August. She has a daughter who is an engineer married to an engineer living in Iowa. One daughter--a lawyer lives in Tenafly, NJ, with her husband who is a world renowned gastroenterologist. The other two live in New York and, I believe, are lawyers. At any rate professionals. I'm sure the lawyers have attained US citizenship and I think the others have as well. Imam (what everyone calls her) is nearly blind and also has a hearing disability. She's interesting to talk to although it can be difficult at times.
Tomorrow, I will talk more about what is going on here at Zamorin's.
Love,
Mom/Granny/Peggy
Thursday, May 13, 2010
India 2nd time around
May 14, 2010 Friday
How I managed to get this website is well beyond me, but here I am.
Bob, Keagan, and Tom dropped me off at O'Hare sometime around 5PM Chicago time on Monday, May 10, 2010. On the way, Keagan and I were talking about air travel. I started a sentence with "They say you are safer up there than you are down here" and Keagan finished with "in an earthquake". Out of the mouths of babes.
Arrived in London at 11AM London time. Had to travel west of Ice4land and then north of Iceland to avoid the volcanic ash. Took more fuel than normal and approximately an hour longer than normal--just going by what the pilot said. One of the stewardesses said they didn't know if they would get back to the state at all the previous day due to the volcanic ash--smller planes which could not take on enough additional fuel were grounded from going from London to the US. I took my courage in both hands and actually went on the tube to Picadilly--downtown London--and took a 2 1/2 hour bus tour of London. The weather was damp and 46 degrees so, besides the fear of getting loost and not making it back to the airport for the flight, I wasn't any more adventurous than that. Found the tube, found the Picadilly line and returned to the airport with no problem at all. Score one for the MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was notable to me how very many people of color were in London. There was a one day festival of many, many artistically decorated elephant statues throughout the city. You could purchase them with the money going to a fund to save the Asiatic elephants. You don't know until after purchase what artist decorated your elephant. The man didn't say whether the elephant statues were then delivered to you, and I forgot to ask. Good thing I didn't purchase 6 of them!
In this London tour, we passed by Trafalgar Square no less than 4 times. But also on the route were many of the sites visited when David and I visited Kevin in London many years ago. It was notable to me that I actually recognized many of the sites and remembered them.
Apparently all airports have their own system, and all are different from the US. I had plenty of time when I returned to the airport Sufficient time to twice end up at the wrong gate in the wrong terminal. Not to worry. Someone appeared to be looking out for me, and, unlike later in this story, I was pointed in the right direction. Nevertheless. There aren't screens for departures posted well ahead of time in London. One of the workers found a board for me, and I just stood there waiting until the gate was finally posted (well past the Boarding time listed on the ticket). I had already scoped out who in the group watching the Board looked like they might be going to Mumbai and kept an eye on them to make sure I wasn't left in the dust.
Slept maybe an hour on the plane to London and maybe another hour on the plane to Mumbai.
Ah, Mumbai. Although I had reset my watch according to the time on the airplane communications device, it apparently wasn't the right time. I kept going from one boarding area to another boarding area--being sent from one to the other--committing the cardinal sin of asking for direction. I had forgotten the guidebook advice that Indians will give you directions even when they don't know them! At any rate, by the time I finally arrived at the correct area and the correct gate, the plane to Kochi was long gone. I guess you don't need/want to know all the ins and outs. Suffice it to say that the Boarding agents weren't really interested in getting me on another airline--also explaining I would have to pay extra. Finally, it was too late to even get on another airline. So I opted for the 5:45 AM, which I think would have been Thursday morning. Rather than risk missing another flight, I spent the night in the airport reading, watching people, and catching very few winks. I couldn't check-in until 11:30 PM and couldn't get into the secure area until 4 AM, but no one bothered me, and there were a couple of places I could get diet pepsi (!) and safe water to drink. (Interesting sidenote: Bathrooms had both western-style toilets and eastern style--ceramic holes in the floor as well as the sprays.
Nothing was open on the secure side, but there were toilets and safe drinking water. Yet another airport system for departures. I could never fully understand the loudspeaker, which was anxiety producing. If one is lucky, one's arrival city is posted whereupon people line up, get their tickets and passports checked for the umpteenth time, board a transporting bus, and taken to the airplane. Many, many airplanes are lined up on the tarmac, side by side. All passengers departing for domestic flights are apparently bused to their airplane. Miss the bus, woe be unto you! It had to take multiple buses to fill up the plane. When everyone is onboard, the plane taxiis and takes off. Kochi was no problem at all. Arrived, deplaned, boarded a bus, had my luggage, found my driver--Peggy Frick-spelled correctly this time, and was gone in under 30 minutes. Amazing. And this was a large plane.
Will sign off for now. Am safe and sound and being well taken care of.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
How I managed to get this website is well beyond me, but here I am.
Bob, Keagan, and Tom dropped me off at O'Hare sometime around 5PM Chicago time on Monday, May 10, 2010. On the way, Keagan and I were talking about air travel. I started a sentence with "They say you are safer up there than you are down here" and Keagan finished with "in an earthquake". Out of the mouths of babes.
Arrived in London at 11AM London time. Had to travel west of Ice4land and then north of Iceland to avoid the volcanic ash. Took more fuel than normal and approximately an hour longer than normal--just going by what the pilot said. One of the stewardesses said they didn't know if they would get back to the state at all the previous day due to the volcanic ash--smller planes which could not take on enough additional fuel were grounded from going from London to the US. I took my courage in both hands and actually went on the tube to Picadilly--downtown London--and took a 2 1/2 hour bus tour of London. The weather was damp and 46 degrees so, besides the fear of getting loost and not making it back to the airport for the flight, I wasn't any more adventurous than that. Found the tube, found the Picadilly line and returned to the airport with no problem at all. Score one for the MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was notable to me how very many people of color were in London. There was a one day festival of many, many artistically decorated elephant statues throughout the city. You could purchase them with the money going to a fund to save the Asiatic elephants. You don't know until after purchase what artist decorated your elephant. The man didn't say whether the elephant statues were then delivered to you, and I forgot to ask. Good thing I didn't purchase 6 of them!
In this London tour, we passed by Trafalgar Square no less than 4 times. But also on the route were many of the sites visited when David and I visited Kevin in London many years ago. It was notable to me that I actually recognized many of the sites and remembered them.
Apparently all airports have their own system, and all are different from the US. I had plenty of time when I returned to the airport Sufficient time to twice end up at the wrong gate in the wrong terminal. Not to worry. Someone appeared to be looking out for me, and, unlike later in this story, I was pointed in the right direction. Nevertheless. There aren't screens for departures posted well ahead of time in London. One of the workers found a board for me, and I just stood there waiting until the gate was finally posted (well past the Boarding time listed on the ticket). I had already scoped out who in the group watching the Board looked like they might be going to Mumbai and kept an eye on them to make sure I wasn't left in the dust.
Slept maybe an hour on the plane to London and maybe another hour on the plane to Mumbai.
Ah, Mumbai. Although I had reset my watch according to the time on the airplane communications device, it apparently wasn't the right time. I kept going from one boarding area to another boarding area--being sent from one to the other--committing the cardinal sin of asking for direction. I had forgotten the guidebook advice that Indians will give you directions even when they don't know them! At any rate, by the time I finally arrived at the correct area and the correct gate, the plane to Kochi was long gone. I guess you don't need/want to know all the ins and outs. Suffice it to say that the Boarding agents weren't really interested in getting me on another airline--also explaining I would have to pay extra. Finally, it was too late to even get on another airline. So I opted for the 5:45 AM, which I think would have been Thursday morning. Rather than risk missing another flight, I spent the night in the airport reading, watching people, and catching very few winks. I couldn't check-in until 11:30 PM and couldn't get into the secure area until 4 AM, but no one bothered me, and there were a couple of places I could get diet pepsi (!) and safe water to drink. (Interesting sidenote: Bathrooms had both western-style toilets and eastern style--ceramic holes in the floor as well as the sprays.
Nothing was open on the secure side, but there were toilets and safe drinking water. Yet another airport system for departures. I could never fully understand the loudspeaker, which was anxiety producing. If one is lucky, one's arrival city is posted whereupon people line up, get their tickets and passports checked for the umpteenth time, board a transporting bus, and taken to the airplane. Many, many airplanes are lined up on the tarmac, side by side. All passengers departing for domestic flights are apparently bused to their airplane. Miss the bus, woe be unto you! It had to take multiple buses to fill up the plane. When everyone is onboard, the plane taxiis and takes off. Kochi was no problem at all. Arrived, deplaned, boarded a bus, had my luggage, found my driver--Peggy Frick-spelled correctly this time, and was gone in under 30 minutes. Amazing. And this was a large plane.
Will sign off for now. Am safe and sound and being well taken care of.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Sunday, May 9, 2010
On the road again
Sunday, May 8, 2010--Mother's Day
I am leaving tomorrow (May 9) to return to Zamorin's for a month. Bog, Keagan, and Tom are taking me to O'Hare on their way to a Cubs game. Fortunately, my plane leaves at 8:15 PM so I will get some sleep on my way to London. I will just play it by ear whether to do a little sightseeing or to just stay in the airport. Then it's on to Mumbai (better known to us foreigners as Bombay), Chennai and, finally, Kochi, where someone will meet me for the drive to Zamorin's.
I am excited to be returning--as much for the culture as for the treatment. I want to renew my commitment to getting healthier with continued weight loss, additional help with the sciatica, which continues to be 100% better than when I went to India last year, and whatever else occurs to me. I will be returning in time for the first pickup from the Community Supported Agriculture folks. Between now and then, however, they will be contacting Jenny for an asparagas pickup as that will be coming in in the next couple of weeks.
David suggested just continuing this blog rather than start another so you could flip back to last year if you wanted. If it gets too boring, please keep me on your short list of people to email. Sundays are especially quiet so those are the days I will most need a lift from people in America.
So, until we meet again, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I will keep all of you in mine.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
I am leaving tomorrow (May 9) to return to Zamorin's for a month. Bog, Keagan, and Tom are taking me to O'Hare on their way to a Cubs game. Fortunately, my plane leaves at 8:15 PM so I will get some sleep on my way to London. I will just play it by ear whether to do a little sightseeing or to just stay in the airport. Then it's on to Mumbai (better known to us foreigners as Bombay), Chennai and, finally, Kochi, where someone will meet me for the drive to Zamorin's.
I am excited to be returning--as much for the culture as for the treatment. I want to renew my commitment to getting healthier with continued weight loss, additional help with the sciatica, which continues to be 100% better than when I went to India last year, and whatever else occurs to me. I will be returning in time for the first pickup from the Community Supported Agriculture folks. Between now and then, however, they will be contacting Jenny for an asparagas pickup as that will be coming in in the next couple of weeks.
David suggested just continuing this blog rather than start another so you could flip back to last year if you wanted. If it gets too boring, please keep me on your short list of people to email. Sundays are especially quiet so those are the days I will most need a lift from people in America.
So, until we meet again, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I will keep all of you in mine.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
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