Today was a relatively quiet travel day that found us on the road to Pushkar.
Yesterday was an amazing day. Dharmender's friend Jagdish and his lovely family welcomed us into their home for another delicious home cooked meal which included coriander chutney, masala chutney, dhal, bhati and papadums. Bhati are deep fried balls that consist of cumin, turmeric, water, ghee and chick pea flour. To die for. Prior to our feast we visited their local market that was a wild experience. Picture Granville Island but with all products displayed on the ground, and cows, goats and pigs competing with the human consumers for the best vegetables in town. We drank a glass of pure cane sugar juice which was surprisingly quite tart.
We are beginning to feel at home and comfortable with the organized chaos of the streets. What is still difficult to grasp is the immeasurable hospitality, warmth and caring we have found in almost everyone who has crossed our path. India is as it is portrayed to the world. It is incredible. It feels so real and alive. Every face tells a story and if you have the time to sit and listen to a new friend, you would be surprised at what you might learn.
Did you know that saffron comes from the stamen of the crocus? Or that only women who have given birth to a son may wear red. Pink is for the young, blues and greens for mourning. Cows prefer the busy crowded city streets instead of rural farm life because the heavy car exhaust fumes help to keep the flies at bay. Long haul truckers decorate their rigs with colorful tinsel, pompoms and foil garlands to make them feel more like home. The bhindi dot is more married women only and each Indian state has it's own colour of turban. Styles and types are determined by caste.
Today we ate our first mediocre meal. We decided to take a break from Indian and eat soup and sandwich. Not so good. Back to the goodness of the local cuisine tonight for dinner.
Thank you for your continued interest. It is a joy to share our experiences with you. I hope we can convey the magic of India and that we hold your interest and perhaps capture your heart as it has captured mine.
Namaste.
4 comments:
Oh your "did you knows" were very interesting! I did know about the crocus...thanks to Carefree Cooking. Saffron is very expensive here, maybe a good purchase opportunity there. Some of us ( who stayed home) are admitted addicts to your blog. We anxiously await each entry and learn something new each day. May God bless you all and keep you in His care. Namaste.
Ditto what Lois said! I am beginning to understand why you (dear Leslie) are such a good little writer!!! Keep the posts coming. Love to you all xo
You are incredible writers! What do you mean continued interest LT? It's more like a continued obsession!!!!
Every day, Bob and I sit at the computer reading about the adventures of the day. We look forward to your every word describing the world of India. Please keep it coming!
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