My friend Vishnu was here yesterday. He is 19 and a very sweet and gentle soul. He was telling me about all the hazing (called ragging here) that goes on at his College. He has been pushed in mud puddles and the other day they were all punched in the genitals. I was so upset by this, I guess I expect more from 20 year olds, especially in such a gentle society. The idea that someone could hurt this precious kid makes me so upset. Ragging here is illegal but he is unable to do anything about it because the beatings will get worse. I'm really hoping that karma will act quickly in this case.
I met another Indian guy today. A long haired, earring wearing guy wearing a shirt that said "Activist". I liked him immediately. There is a very special woman here tomorrow, her name is Umma (mother) and she is a living Saint. She is known as the hugging Saint and she has an Ashram here in Trivandrum. So the activist and his Mother and I are going to check it out. It is a VERY special opportunity for me and I'm really looking forward to seeing her.
I took a few pictures of my rickshaw rides to my yoga center. Sorry they aren't the best but keep in mind I'm trying not to die while I take these and trying not to drop my phone.
Don't you just love that the child has no helmet! I don't even want to tell you that they are going the wrong way in traffic.
This is how most of the ladies ride. It would be rude to straddle the bike. I think I'd be white knuckling his waist but as you can see she isn't even holding on. I don't know how she can be so relaxed.
This is a little river that I go over everyday. I'm guessing when I head a little further North into the backwaters I'll see lots more of this kind of thing. I think it's pretty lovely.
The other thing I learnt in the last few weeks was that people that own cows wash them every day. I often see them gleaming and grazing in the sun. I love that they have baths everyday.
I've also been trying to think of gone recipes that I can make for my friends. This is doubly challenging because most places don't have ovens, including my home stay. I was excited to make Rice Crispy squares until I realized Indian people have no idea what marshmallows are. There is a very limited supply of foreign food. I can only think of garlic mash potatoes and egg salad (possibly without mayo). I made Haystacks thanks to Andrea and they turned out pretty well. Any ideas will be well received.
Hope you are all healthy, and happy. I miss you all. I'm less lonely today as I found a fantastic bookstore!
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Yay, they worked!
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