Ad's comprehension of the Hindi language is 'acha acha acha' [good good good]. He's conversing with locals all the time and they love it! It's a great way to travel. You get a lot of respect as a result. Some have commented that his accent is spot on, while others have asked if we live in India. He's becoming quite the master.
For reasons we'll explain later, when asked if we are married, we've been saying yes (it's just easier that way).
To illustrate the point, I now have a small red stripe at the top of my forehead, which is a visual indication of marriage. We met an Indian family on the train the other day, returning home from their Diwali holiday (Diwali is the festival of light - bigger than Christmas here). There were brothers and sisters and children and parents and grandparents, all travelling together (which is very typical). The women were beautiful in their saris, as usual, and the whole family lobbed in with us and started a conversation (again, very typical). We were showered with homemade Indian sweets and questions.
One of the daughters was recently married (we saw photos of her colourful, elaborate wedding with 1,000+ guests) and she was telling me about the red stripe representing marriage. She then asked if I'd like the same? On replying yes, Ad was given the nail-polish-like bottle, as the husband had to apply to stripe. And so he did. The lady also placed a bindi between my eyes, just for fun.
Ad now refers to me as Babiji (wifey), always with a chuckle.
India continues to mystify, with each new village/city we visit or journey we take. It can be energy zapping and confronting (it jostles you around a bit some days) but it has a magical air that is hard to explain. Demystifying India is difficult. I guess it's not about that though, it's about surrendering to the experience, which it feels like we're genuinely doing.
Pushkar, our current post, is easy for doing that. It is a pond-sized Hindu pilgrimage town with a very relaxed vibe (which is about to explode with much camel bonhomie). Should be a hoot.
More soon.
Namaste. xo
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4 comments:
Hi Suz & Ad
We are enjoying your blog! It seems you are quite at home in India. Can't wait to hear a more in depth version at home! The kids love the Cheeky Monkey story tool.
We had a very pleasant weekend at the Heads. Indi and Mac enjoyed the afternoon together today. They get on like two peas in a pod so we left them together at Heron while we partied for Jack's birthday at Knox. Looking forward to more blog.
MMMJ
DOH! Don't you hate spelling mistakes. Supposed to be too! Not tool. Now I look like a tool because I have never blogged before.
Glad you're enjoying the blog. Thanks for checking in on us. We'll have a slide night in BH when we return. Lots of love to everyone. xox
Ah! Ruminating over Ad painting Sue's forehead....
an intriquing vision. I wonder and am hopeful that you two are having some fun with the notion...
I hope to meet you in the not so distant future Sue.
Much Love, Ange
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