Between venturing to the Ganapati temple during a celebratory day for the Hindu God Ganesh, visiting the varied weekly open markets, encountering my first cautionary tale with an Indian man, sampling colorful street food, learning that real milk here makes my face break out, riding on the backs of scooters, and even checking out my first book at the Sangli library.
Something has been happening recently. The constant honking of cars, autos, and scooters is like white noise. The smell of burning reminds me of camping. And rolling through varied homes in an afternoon to sit for a visit is becoming regular fare.
Balance has arrived some. More gray area. Beauty found in so many small moments.
How did all of this happen?
Gloom and doom still come to visit. Sometimes it is a 15 minute call. Right at a breaking point, where I am dying to talk without using my hands and gesturing wildly with my eyes. To express my deepest thought.
And then, I remember that although I can speak English with many people. Much is lost in translation. Simple is always better.
I've really gotten back to basics in this arena. Let my heart lead.
All of this time, becoming cultured. Many ways to articulate the most minute detail. To arrive in another culture, and be the goof.
Today I was reminded that my frequent winks to people (which is like a knee jerk for me), is considered a promiscuous prompting. No wonder the man at the shop near my home is always happy to see me. And I use it with the students all of the time.
With perspective, this is all part of the territory. And I am reminded how much culture makes up my reality. When I become the newest member of the club, I am presented with a gift of humility. A gift to be that much more present. To listen with my being, because my intellect can't see and hear much.
This has allowed room to commiserate with my students as well. And also provide motivation to learn that much more Marathi.
As for now, I continue to be curious and seek out opportunities to learn more about the language that doesn't constantly test my language proficiency. Spirituality. It is everywhere here. In the architecture, the dress, the food, the national anthem and prayer we recite at school daily. Temples are everywhere.
People have welcomed me in, even if I do not follow every custom. I find peace here.
And school. It is like evolution. At a much faster pace. Small adjustments here and there, create larger overall outcomes. Sometimes giving them too much autonomy was not the best idea. And I spend 15 minutes wrangling. Other times, it creates an invitation to engage their creativity and enthusiasm.
All I know is that I scramble a lot less. This is still the beginning. But I feel like it is a good sign.
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The pictures below are of my fist mehndi (henna) experience. It is a pretty intimate art form.
My neighbor made it look so easy and fun. I was excited to try it out. After about 5 minutes of navigating how to hold the applictor, all I could produce was a blotchy squiggle. Practice.
Here, large piles of chilies line the markets.
All 6 students. Celebrating Kailash's 11th Bithday!
This is a view of the outside of my building. I am the first balcony on the right.
The second picture is of my hanging closet in my kitchen. Maximizing space.
A recent trip to Kolhapur with Meena's family. Kolhapur is known for its leather sandals.
Outside the Ganapati Temple. Built in the 18th century.
