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Hello there, I suppose this is my first blog entry since we have arrived, although, sorrel definitally speaks for me too. - I appriciate our friendship so much, and as we experince good and bad together, we become closer. Sorrel (or Trisha, as she is known here, and to many of you) has written mostly about what is going on, and some delights and our travel route. A few days ago we talked about how you might want to know how we are feeling as well, so... There are a few things that I'm not quite sure how to react to yet. Everyday we are bobarded by questions (especially in the streets). We can never be sure what the intent is. We have met so many nice people who come up to us and ask the usual: Vat is your name? Where are you from? What is your purpose(job)? Are you Married? What is your religion? - Your never really sure if the person is after your money, or just wants to chat(this is something you learn to distinguish...) At first, we answered the questions truthfully and struck up conversation with each person. But, when people started asking in moments when are trying to make decicions, or get somewhere, or figure something out on our own, I started getting frustrated. Imagine, you just arrived in a city that you know very little about, you are walking down a street (in the street, because there is no room on the sidewalk due to the stalls, steps, open sewer, etc.) filled with dust and fumes and cars and busses and bikes and motorcyles and many other obsticles, you are getting a little edgy because you have to pee, and you are hungry too, and you just stepped in shit, and you can smell the human urine and poop on the side of the street next to you, and a person trys to strike up a conversation with you. (Ok, it is not always that difficult or nasty, but I have to paint the picture) Most likely the person wants to take you the see the rooftop view of the temple, but really they want to get a few rupees out of you, by bringing you into a shop, that has a view of the temple. "looking is free", and prices are "very cheep." This is one of many ploys that we have learned about. The thing is, this is just his business, and he is struggleing to get by. You could be mean, you could ignore, you could get mad, you could make faces, you could say "no thank you" a hundred times, you could say illai or vena (tamil for no). The truth is, you can do a million things! - Do you have any suggestions? I think the goal is to go away from the situation, feeling better yourself, and them feeling better too (or at least not pushed off.) Recently we have been trying things out, like replying in slang, or having then guess the country we are from, or making up silly names. I think smiling is always the best thing to do right off the bat. Another challange is beggars. There are so many, and when I find myself ignoring those outstreached hands, (going numb to protect myself?), I dont know what the right action is, or how I should be feeling. Sometimes we give, and manytimes we dont. You really can give and give and give, but will it fix anything, will it continue the cycle? (I know if I were in that situation, it would at least fulfil my imediate need!) The Guide Book Suggests not giving to children, as it may encourage that way of life for them, and I think I agree. Any suggustions? Other feelings, of course are joy and appreciation for the sights of dizzying colors and tastes of mixed spices. Healthwise, we are well! No illness yet, exept a minor pulled muscle and some mosquito bites! (Insert Malayalam word for bye here) -Abel- |
