Saraswati Puja Festival

Saraswati Puja is the festival to celebrate the Goddess of Education. All over the village statues have been created to honor her. The festival is primarily celebrated by young people. I went out with my new friends yesterday around the village to meet other families. I ate so much food, I thought I was going to burst. Everyone here thinks I am fat and/or pregnant because well.. were in India.. and most of the people are very thin. I laugh it off, but have to say there is motivation to come back looking more slim next time.

Also, for the first time I experienced some back lash for being a Christian. A family friend of my in laws came by to see me, but to also explain to me what is culture and how I could not understand  because I am not a Hindu. My family stood up for me and chased him out of the house! It touched my heart so much to know that they love me, respect my beliefs, and do not let others speak badly about me. My in laws do not care about what God I worship, as long as I believe in something. This is tolerance! More people should take after their kindness and understanding.

The first photo is a picture of me and my mother in law, Asha Devi. The rest are pictures of my day out. Im having such a wonderful time in the village. And you cant tell.. but there are Peacocks all over the Sari! I had to buy it! All along the boarder as well as on the dress itself.

Today, we are preparing a huge feast for our neighbors next door. Its a bank that my father in law rents space to. 8 lbs of GOAT! I will take some photos and share later.

Cheers! 

Day trip to Mahadeopur

I really enjoyed going to my cousin Ajay's village. Its so great getting to know another side of my family. For lunch he served Goat Curry and Fish Curry, pakora's and lots of Chai.
His family has at least 4 or 5 goats with more on the way. They are allowed free reign of the house... which I still cannot get over. I have decided though.. if I am alone at an old age, Im going to move to India and instead of being a crazy cat lady, I'll be a crazy GOAT lady!

I finally found someone to cover my arms in Henna. A young girl from the village spent about 2 hours working on me. It looks even better today.

Ajay has a beautiful wife and 3 adorable children. I really enjoyed getting to know all of them. Even though we could not communicate verbally, laughter and silliness are universal.

I went for a tour around the village with some of the other family members living with Ajay. There are 25 Rajasthani  families. Most of the villagers are Hindu. Ajays wife had a large alter area in her home and also rang a bell as she carried an oil lamp around the house. The idea is to cast away the devil and invite the God of Money.   Known as Aarti. They do this at dusk.

Here is a picture of the cutest baby and some of the villagers I met.

Sari Time

I know everyone has been waiting to see pics of me dressed as a real Indian lady. I wanted to be more glamorous in my photos, but the wedding was cancelled so I put the Sari on and wore it around the house anyway!  Check it out! It was a big hit. My father in law was very happy to see me in traditional wear. 

Cows and goats oh my!

Here are a few photos of the wild life being wild walking around. No one says anything and they just roam free. The goats were right outside Sanjays' parents house.

Sanjay's Home Town - Katihar, Bihar

Yesterday we arrived by train to Katihar where Sanjay grew up. Its amazing how people from another planet find each other in life. I was overcome with emotions when we reached his parents house which I think touched and confused his mother. Here's a picture of a porter carrying our luggage to a Rickshaw at the train station.












Here are a few pictures of the village. I went for another Rickshaw ride today. So much fun. I feel like an Alien walking around the village. People just stare and stare. Sanjay says most of the people go their whole lives without seeing a foreigner.

 

Coming to you live from The North East Express

One of the oldest trains in India, the North East Express defiantly has charm...  We are a few hours into our journey, 20 more to go! I'm in the 2nd class section where the seats are also the bed. Sanjay and I packed way to much stuff. He tells me there will be someone when we get  to Katihar to help with luggage. From there we will take a Rickshaw (Jeremiah - inside joke) to his parents house.

Thanks to my travels in Greece I was prepared for the toilet on the ground. Honestly at this point, its probably the best option as far as safety/hygiene goes. I keep thinking about how my mother would react to this environment. I laugh to myself, take a deep breath and just go for it. Thank god for Clorox wipes TO GO! And I brought my own Charmin ultra soft! 

I forgot to mention in my last post that the shower experience is new as well. A cup and a bucket, but hey.. at least the water was hot!! Let me paint the picture. You sit on a plastic stool in the tub and pour water over your body with a cup and a bucket. After a few tries now, I have figured out a system. 

Last night we went out to an Indo Chinese restaurant. The best Chinese food I have ever tasted. We met up with one of Sanjays boarding school friends and his girlfriend. I feel like I've been going non stop so hopefully I will be able to get some sleep on the train. 

Love to you all!  I'll update once we get to Katihar. 

-Amanda 

Delhi day 2

With the sounds of MIA "boyz" in my head, I can't get enough of this city!

The food, the sights, and the sounds are incredible. I picked out a Sari from a huge dress shop last night. Emerald Green with eggplant bead work along the edges. Also picked up some sparkly bangles to match and a bindi of course.

The driving is insane here! I say my prayers every time we get in the car.
They drive on the other side of the road and no one follows the traffic laws if there are any.

There was a huge thunder and lightning storm last night. It felt like I was back in the Northwest. 

Pinkee and Sangiv have been amazing hosts with a very comfortable bed for us. They live in a very nice area with great people.

I have been very smart about what I eat and drink.. slowly introducing the new bacteria into my diet.

We are leaving for the village tomorrow by train where I finally get to meet my In-laws!

Love to you all! Will write again soon!