Snap from Nizam’s Menu
Yesterday I got a final dose of Nizam’s before leaving Kolkata. First, I met up with Neel. He and his driver picked me up near my apartment, which was awesome because it worked out timing-wise and it was really hot and saved me from catching a bus and then the subway. Unfortunately, we had some car issues on the way there, but it didn’t cause too much trouble and we were on our way again in no time! All part of the Adventure that is India. Neel, you are so great – I’m so glad we met!
We met my sister, Aakash, and two of his friends from New Zealand, Julius and Paul. Julius was here to play music with Aakash. We all had a delightful lunch at Nizam’s (when is food there not delightful, really?)
Afterwards, we all split up to run different errands. I had to go to the store to pick up supplies because I wanted to cook dinner that night for Andrew, Sheela, and Mike to thank them for hosting me. Jayanthi was free and so she was able to come over for dinner as well. She and Aakash had graciously offered to let me stay there last night so she could help me pack up before I left India, and since my flight was the next day it would be easy enough for me to leave for the airport from her place.
I gathered all the supplies I needed and headed back to Hiland Park for the last time to cook one of my specialties – a random mediterranian dish. I made pasta and chicken with olives and tomatoes and basil (picked fresh from the grounds at Hiland Park) and mozzarella, as well as eggplant caprese. It’s always challenging cooking in someone else’s kitchen, with different utilities and utensils. But I enjoy cooking and haven’t gotten to do it lately, so I really enjoyed myself.
Picture I took on my way out of town
Dinner was really enjoyable, as was my entire stay with Andrew, Sheila, and Mike. I was sorry to leave. One thing that came out of the visit though, is really positive! Since Andrew is writing a book as part of his thesis, he and I talked about me working with him after he finishes (which should coincide with the end of my travels) on an audiobook version of his book! If that works out, it would be so incredible, as it would give me experience in what I want to do and give him another media for his book. Super-awesome…so, fingers crossed that that works out!
Living Bridge in Meghalaya with my Sister
photo courtesy of Alec Bernstein
So Jayanthi and I worked last night at packing up my stuff (and streamlining it, which was the most challenging!) Then, she and I went out this morning and ran a couple last-minute errands. This afternoon, Jayanthi and Aakash walked me to a taxi and sent me off. It was very difficult saying goodbye to them. I had such a great time with them here in India. They were so hospitable to me and I enjoyed the experiences we had. I loved traveling with Aakash’s band as a groupie for a while, and seeing him expanding his music. I loved traveling and spending time with Jayanthi, especially in the northwest – Meghalaya was incredible! We even got in a game or two of Settlers of Cattan, something we all enjoy, I must confess. It’s hard to believe our time together began with the fun of Holi over two months ago!
A Picture from Kolkata’s Streets
It was a rough parting as well because we don’t know exactly when we’ll see each other again. They don’t know if they’ll be in India next year or not, so even if I come back through India again on my travels, they may not be here. There is every possibility that it will be a year before I see them. I get choked up just thinking about it. Thank goodness for Skype and email! When I was eleven and lived in India for 4 months without my family (I stayed with relatives, just not my immediate family), it used to take up to two weeks for a letter to reach to/from home, if it came at all. My mother used to number her letters, so we’d know if any didn’t make it. I think we spoke two times on the telephone the entire time I was gone. It wasn’t much better in 1998 when I was here, although email changed things a bit, we still wrote letters a lot. How things have changed!
I am on my way to the Maldives now. I booked a week at one of the resorts there. The Maldives is a bunch of islands in the Indian Ocean. Unless you stay in Male, which is the capital, and doesn’t offer a whole lot, you have to go to Male and then take another plane or boat to a different island. Most of these islands are resorts, and only resorts – they are uninhabited otherwise. So I booked through one of those, Gangehi Resort, and they help arrange your transportation from Male (for a nominal-ish fee).
Unfortunately, though, in my quest for a cheaper ticket, I booked one with more stops than I realized. I have a couple of stops and a layover before I leave India. Then, I have to stop in Male. Then, I have to get on the other plane to go to Gangehi. Crazy. I don’t actually get there until tomorrow.
I’m excited to go to the Maldives, though. Every picture I’ve ever seen of it looks ridiculously beautiful, and I hear the scuba diving is great, so maybe I can brush up my skills there! Also, I feel like India was only the beginning stepping stone for my world travels, and so now my real adventure is just beginning….
World, here I come!