Eating

Last night the family went out to eat with their group of close friends, and I tagged along. I feel kind of out of place because however sweet and friendly they all are, I usually have no idea what they are talking about! They switch from English to Tamil to some other language in the same sentence. It has evolved into a kind of game I have started to play: which words do you recognize? Their loud peels of laughter interrupt the conversation frequently. The high-spirited people here are a ton of fun to be with and watch. They are much like my mom's funny friends and I have a great time when I am with them. 

At the dinner one woman was saying to me how Indians are very nice, generous people and show their love via food. And man, is it true! I'm sure I have gained some pounds over the last week. All they want is for me to eat more and more and try this and try that. I eat four meals a day and have to lay down afterwards because my stomach is usually close to bursting. Don't see this as a complaint, though. Our cook, Lata, who is probably the most active in "Anna gains twenty pounds in the first month of India" campaign, makes some mean Dal and I have no trouble filling myself with her delicious creations. I am quickly becoming a vegetable person- it's hard not to be since they taste sooo good. I'm sure mom and dad will be excited that my diet now includes some colors. The only things I have decided against eating so far are: spiced pickles, very sour and eugh, and curd- also very sour. Once a woman told me to mix them and, literally unable to refuse, I gagged and immediately chased it with a sweet dessert. Not recommended. 

In restaurants, at home, at school, everywhere there is a different habit of water drinking. They have 2 metal cups and you waterfall it into your mouth without putting the cup to your lips. I have soaked many shirts this way, but it is a relatively easy skill to acquire. This way everyone can reduce their carbon footprint (not a very big concern down here) without spreading cooties.

Side note: I know almost all the letters in Hindi now and am beginning to write words. I love the look of the language, and it is fun to try to speak! I am learning how to read, write, and speak Hindi and I will also be learning the local language, Tamil.