Happy Birthday Gandhi and 6 Week Check-In

Today, the country of India is celebrating Gandhi's birthday as a national holiday. All schools and government agencies were closed, so I took advantage of the day off. Most of you know, I had a little bit of a trying week. I remember during the Fulbright orientation that they mentioned these sort of phases an exchangee goes through, kind of like any new relationship....stage one, get to know India, stage two, become completely overwhelmed by India, phase three, well, I can't remember them all....but you get the idea...anyway, it seems just as I get completely adjusted, it will be time to leave. At any rate, India and I had a few getting to know each other issues this week, but we seem to be ok now. We aren't breaking up just yet. More importantly, as any good American woman, or any other nationality for that matter, I decided to soothe myself with another trip to Hakim's Aalim for a rock star haircut. That is how I spent Gandhi's Birthday....! Travel tip #427-don't take a rikshaw all the way to Bandra from Mulund, geez...I need a full body massage, a chiropractor, and a putty knife to scrape the dust off....I will spring for a cab in he future and you all should do the same if you are ever in that situation, fyi.
Let's see, what else? Navratri is still in full swing. I haven't seen too much "action" yet, but as I was leaving my building today, I was informed that we will be having a little throw down on Saturday night right here at the building. That will be awesome, sort of like my own Navratri party. I was told to wear a sari...I don't think that will happen, though I will be in a sari before I leave, no worries, and yes, there will be pictures! I am truly captivated by the sari. It has to be one of the most sexy, yet sophisticated garments in the world. It is amazing what you can do with 6 meters (or is it yards?? No one really understands metrics) of beautifully woven, brightly colored fabric. There is an art to wrapping a sari well and different regions wrap them differently. That is just an aside.
Bree and I finalized out travel plans for Goa. We will be leaving next Friday, the 10th. I am looking forward to heading a little more south in India and soaking up some rays on the beach. Just after I return from Goa, Sharon, my asst. principal, and friend, arrives from the US. I will show her around Mumbai and then I think she and I will head even further south to Cochin in Kerala. Kerala is really a "must see" state in India. It is the more lush, tropical region of the country and is known for it's amazing backwaters. I have also come to learn that the food in southern India is incredible, a little more of a rice base and a lot more bananas and coconut. Just after that, I head north with Andrea.....so, at week six, it appears that weeks 7, 8 and 9 will be flying by.
In all, everything is going well. I have also, for those of you that know me well, affirmed my place as an expert shopper here in Mumbai. That was confirmed tonight when Aruna, my neighbor, called to ask me where a certain shopping center was in the Colaba area. What can I say, a reputation is a reputation. I have gone international!
More to come later. Please enjoy fall for me and if anyone feels inclined, head over to my house and rake some leaves....Veach would appreciate that! Peace.
One last mention, please check out my friend Andrea's website at www.andreacermanski.com, she is an amzing artist and everyone should see her work! Yes, a plug, and I need a painting for over my bed Ange! Just sayin'!