visas, election, new beginnings

This is a long overdue post..so let me go back to the beginning!
We went to Ireland to get a new work visa for folo since the foreign registration office here was sick of giving him extensions. Turns out the Consulate in Dublin also didn't want to see him! They told him/us that he wasn't supposed to come back for a new visa for 5 years. What?! after some wrangling with them, they finally agreed to give him a new 1 year visa, but said that they would not issue him another new visa for the same company for the next 5 years. Grr. They are so strange. And of course it took the entire 10 business days to get the thing. We only knew less than 24 hrs before our departure time if he was going to get it.

This is contrasted sharply with my visa experience in the US where I took my paperwork in at 11 am. and picked up the 5 yr business visa at 5:30 the same day! I was stressed out about not getting it, but seems like even with the outsourcing it's still as easy as ever.

During the processing of Paul's visa, we decided to finally see a bit of Ireland. I've been there at least 6 times now and still haven't seen anything besides Dublin and his brother's house in Waterford. We took a gamble and rented a car. thankfully automatic. We then set off for his brother's house to see his new neice Katy and then we cut across the entire country to the west coast where Galway is located. Amazingly I did great driving there - I thouht I might make some mistakes since they drive on the other side of the road, but I guess India has gotten me quite used to it. I also rocked on the round-abouts which was good since they were everywhere!

Word of warning.. GPS doesn't work that great in Ireland! We were 'in fields' more often than not while our little GPS friend 'recalculated' constantly. haha. While in Galway we took a day trip up through the northern countryside which was beautiful. Now I can see how people just love Ireland..it's really the countryside that does it for people I think. Another day we drove through the Burren to the Cliffs of Moher. Even though it rained about every 10 minutes, we somehow managed to get quite a few photos of sunshine. And the photos don't show how blustery cold it was out there either!

After a quick visit in Ireland we headed to the US for an even quicker visit - a total of 6 days. I got my visa and international driving license without hassle, so our remaining days were filled with seeing a couple of friends and buying things for our rickshaw run.

During our stay was the US Presidential election. It was really great to be there for it. I was super emotional..not sure that I have ever been emotional during an election, but this was just fantastic. Seeing the streets fill with happy people and to finally have that proud feeling again was more than I can explain. It was strange too, as all of my friends abroad all felt the same way.. we could finally proudly say we were from the US..while others rejoiced and said "we can finally go home".

And now we are back in Mumbai preparing for our move. We thought we'd be moving 3 days after returning, but looks like it's a bit behind schedule (as is typically India!). But it worked out for the best since I've been super jetlagged and there was probably no way I could have gotten anything sorted so quickly.

I am starting to feel sad though about leaving this apartment. Most of our India experience is centered around this apartment, so it feels weird to be leaving it, but not leaving India. I never really thought that we'd move apartments.. i just sort of figured when we left this apartment, we'd be leaving India for good. So who knows what this new chapter will bring.

Moving day is tentatively scheduled for next friday.... can't wait to get in and start decorating and fixing the new house up. Hope the kitties adjust well.. will be a little glimpse into how they would do moving across the planet!

4 years in the making..

We moved into this apartment 4 years ago and since that day I have been looking for a book shelf for this one wall... i still haven't found the 'one', but i did finally break down and buy one from Argos that is acceptable. We didn't want to wait for the guys to come and assemble it, so we did it ourselves without the aid of a screwdriver.. its a bit wobbly, so please don't lean on it!

the cats love it. my other bookshelf loves it. and now i wait for the second half of my delivery today so i can almost finish the living room.

and you know what.. i'll be finished with this room probably just in time for us to have to change apartments in Sept! haha. thats about how it is for me. i'd still like a new lamp, a small green dhurri (carpet) and to have my pictures hung on the wall rather than leaning against them!

oh and monsoon is back. i've been waiting patiently for it, but now that its back, i'm not sure i like this! i need some water proof shoes that cover my toes!

ramblings of returning to India life.

I got so used to updating when we were in Japan that I want to update now, but don't really have anything to say!

Coming back to India was a bit of culture shock, but I guess I've come and gone so many times that it doesn't take much to get back into the swing of things. The biggest barrier I am facing at the moment is the heat and humidity! It is 100x worse than it was when I left. I usually have a policy of not leaving India during the build up to monsoon season only because if you get used to the humidity gradually it doesn't seem to feel as bad. But I have utterly failed at that this year with all of my trips. But I am adjusting ok.. 4 days into it and I am starting to feel a bit better about having to wash my face 5 times a day and just being covered in a greasy slime when not in the AC!

The first day back we went to the grocery store to pick up some items for dinner and I was already ready to call it quits here! After the politeness of Japan I just wasn't ready for the push and shove mentality of India. I mean.. Tokyo had a ton of people, but I don't think I was pushed or shoved once - even when getting on the trains at rush hour! But here.. I can barely look at the vegetables in the grocery store without being pushed aside and being told that i am blocking the 'view'. Uh.. hello... wasn't I just looking at the veggies?!? Shouldn't you just wait your turn? I got so irritated I just walked away and waited until this one rude lady was gone before resuming my veg shopping!

Besides that though.. things have been fine. We broke down yesterday and bought the Nintendo Wii. We have been wanting this for a while, but somehow I never have room in my suitcase when I am in the US and we just couldn't decide on it in Japan. So we had to pay double the price, but at least we have it now. And man are we obsessed! My right arm and shoulder is in serious pain after just one night/day of play. I even had to start bowling with my left hand - luckily I am a little ambidextrous ;)

And that is all from here... looking to help out a bit possibly with the American Women's Newsletter. Somehow I have been bubbling with ideas. I always seem to have ideas, but I don't always have the stamina to see them through - so hopefully with some positive encouragement and pushing from the new editor of the newsletter I'll get some stuff put in!

Stacie and Janikka are both out of town at the moment... so I am feeling a bit alone! Luckily Folo hasn't resumed his insane work schedule so he's been able to hang out much more which is nice.

For now, my days seem to be filled with Wii, editing photos from Japan, returning emails, catching up with blogs and doing some research on prostitute's health and health of their children (for a possible study that is coming to India). Will try to update more often if I have anything useful to say.

Oh.. and the sky in Mumbai has been excellent since our return. Big blue skies with nice fluffy white clouds. I love it. It just makes it feel so much lighter, cleaner and lovely - especially at sunset!

recap on my US trip

I returned from my 3 week US visit a week ago... home to no internet! The maid nor folo paid the bill while I was away and it took 7 days to get it all sorted and us back online. GRR!

My trip to the US was short and a bit rushed, but I managed to see quite a few people and enjoy my time there. I landed in SF and got my bearings before heading to LA for a weekend for a high school friend's wedding. A total reunion that left me emotional and wondering what I am doing living all the way across the world. Nostalgia can creep up on you quickly, but then goes away just as fast!

Then in SF for 5 days to shop til I dropped. I had little time in SF compared to my normal trips, so I had to cram in a year's worth of shopping in only a few days. I shopped til I couldn't walk anymore, but didn't end up getting as much as I would have liked! Spent a good deal of time with my cousin and her kids and just a few friends in SF that I always miss a ton while in India.

Then off to Oklahoma to see the family. My mom has moved to Oklahoma City which I must say is a lot more energizing then Ponca City! We didn't do much, but it was still better to be in a big(ish) city! Then to Southern Oklahoma for more family. I saw a cousin of mine that I've not seen in probably 10+ yrs! She's now all grown up!

And then my final leg of the tour.. Dallas. It was quick as I had tons of errands to run (i.e. taxes!), but during my short stay there I found a house that I wanted to buy! We followed up on it over the last two weeks, but seems that 6 other offers were put in and it is now looking doubtful that we'll even have a chance to bid on it. :( But it was probably meant to be. But it got us energized about buying property and we'll definitely keep looking now - all over the world.

Returning home was good, but it is hot and humid!! I've hardly left the house since returning - not that that really helps shield me from the weather. And now I am busy planning our holiday to Japan. (We originally had planned to go to Cuba, but it just wasn't too enticing to do another 25,000 mile flight nor fighting with the bureaucracy of getting in/out!) Japan is a bit overwhelming though -- so much to see, even with 3 weeks! And of course prices of hotels is a bit discouraging -- our first night we will be staying in a traditional guesthouse (mats on the floor) with shared bath for 100 USD a night!! But keep up with the blog as we hope to update from there often - we leave on May 3rd, returning on the 24th of May. Til then...

gori beware, holi hai

Foreigners Beware - its holi!

The few days before holi tend to be very dangerous on the roads. Kids armed with water balloons are out in full force and bystanders, foreigners especially have to take caution. Every single year since I have been in India I have been hit with these water balloons prior to holi. The first year it freaked me out, and sent me in a rage! Now I am used to it, even though they always get me when i'm least expecting it! Yesterday Stacie got hit as she travelled down Linking Road in a rickshaw.. and today as I passed the same exact spot I got NAILED. Seriously nailed. I was with an Indian friend telling her how I always get hit, but she said she never had that before. As we were just chatting away, i got hit with what felt like a rock on my upper arm, splashing all over me, Nisha and the rickshaw!

The bad thing is that it really really hurts! I'm lucky it was on my arm and not my face. I could have broken my nose with that one. My arm is still red, tender and starting to bruise - 7 hrs after the attack. I've been scared ever since to go out!

I also read in the paper how a boy got hit yesterday and has lost his sight! I've heard stories of vicious kids using acid in the balloons, but thankfully that hasn't happened to me yet!

This has also been a weekend of holidays for so many religions! Thur was Eid, a muslim holiday, Friday - good friday, Sat - Holi (Hindu holiday) and Sunday - Easter. I think as well it's Purim a jewish holiday! Hopefully the world is too busy celebrating to fight these 4 days.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Since my boyfriend is Irish, I have to celebrate St Paddy's day! He's working as usual, but I am making him his traditional Irish Stew and will have his Guiness waiting at home for him! This year I doubt we'll really do anything - no one seems to really acknowledge this day here. Last year we were in Singapore and it was crazy for the Irish. The year before, we decided to pay a visit to all of the "Irish" bars in Mumbai. Not one of them even knew it was St. Patricks day. Pathetic!

Hope you all have a great day and are wearing green :)

more censorship

In India all films are censored before they get released, foreign and local alike. Basically it is the morality police who go through the films and decide what is and is not appropriate for adults in India to view. Any sex scene, even if it doesn't show anything is usually cut (badly at that!). Often other random things are cut as well -- which I don't typically know since it's cut and I'm seeing it here! But you can usually tell when something is chopped out since there will be a jump in the story or you can actually see where it's been sliced up.

Today I went to see a Romanian film "4 months, 3 weeks, 2 days". First I have to say I am amazed that it even came to India. This is only the 3rd foreign (non English language) film I have seen here. And trust me, I try to see them all as that's all I watched back in the US! Besides it being foreign, it is also very heavy subject matter. It is about a girl getting an illegal abortion in communist Romania. Anyhow.. the point of this whole post is to say that at one point the character walked towards the camera showing her pubic hair -- well that's what it would have been if the censor board didn't scribble over her privates! Seriously, someone got a magic marker and scribbled! In a very serious movie, this was pretty funny.

So there is another job that someone has in India.. scribbling on films!

Government Stamp

We get The Economist by subscription and this week it was several days late. I didn't think anything of it as the mail here is notoriously slow. Nor did I think anything of the plastic covering already being opened or the mailing label addressed to the wrong person. This is India afterall. But as I begin to go through the magazine, I came to a story about India and started reading. As I got half way through the article I noticed a map of India with a blue stamp over it. The stamp says " The external boundries (SIC) of India as depicted are neither correct nor authentic". I am shocked that the Indian government went to all the effort to go through each and every Economist to put this stamp over the India map! I'm shocked, but not really surprised! Crazy the lengths the government will go to make sure no one is confused about how much land is India's!!

Happy Valentines Day!

I had a wonderful valentines day. went to a really horrible crap movie (Fools Gold) with some girlfriends, then came home to get ready for my 'surprise' dinner. I say surprise in quotes because i was pretty sure that it was going to be at the place I wanted, but folo wouldn't tell me where exactly!

Folo came home with roses which was very nice. and another special gift--- a necklace to match my earrings he got me a few xmas's ago. I'd been eyeing that necklace for a while, so was very happy to get it! Then went to our nice dinner ALL the way in town - took us over 1 1/2 hrs to get there! Thai food that is authentic and excellent! Came home stuffed and happy.

Now i am back to regular programming... scheduling myself a trip to to Chennai for a counselling workshop for working with children. Should be interesting and hopefully I learn some stuff. All of this is in preparation for a potential programme we are hoping to start with HIV affected children in Mumbai. More to come on that as plans are more in place.

And tonight I am attending a "girls night" where i will be taking homemade tortilla chips, 7 layer dip and ranch dip! fun filled night of eating fatty foods and gossiping :)

life

the day after seeing the Dalai Lama I was invited to hear Muhummad Yunus, the current Nobel Peace Prize winner speak. What a week - 2 nobel prize winners. It was really great to hear him speak about how businesses can be built with the poorest of the poor in mind. After all that excitement last week I’ve done very little!
I did start an online cat group to try to bring together cat lovers of Mumbai. My vet keeps telling me that I need to start something for the cats of Mumbai. Amazingly there are no organizations dedicated to the care of stray cats, although there are many for the stray dogs. I think this is due to the fact that cats are hidden much more often and people don’t see them as a menace. But I have a cat eye and somehow manage to find/see cats all over the place! Last week the shop owner across the street said “I have something for you” to which I was terribly puzzled… and then he pulled out a baby kitten that looked just like Ginger Masala! I was worried about what I would do with another kitten… i’m quickly running out of homes to place these little guys in! Luckily the guy who owns the juice shop next door was interested in this little “garam” masala.But this again made me realize that I need to bring together the cat friendly people of the city. I can’t really start a home for cats, so I thought the first step in an eventual organization would be to bring people together online. so far its starting slowly with only 4 members… but I will give out the info to the local vets and pet stores, so hopefully people will join!
My maid quit — again. I must be a monster. well I know why she quit. She ruined 3 new shirts of folo’s (that we just bought in Dubai) and I yelled at her. She said she had never been yelled at before - and I said I had never had a maid ruin clothes before!! And of course, she didn’t come in yesterday. She still has the house key which is a bit worrisome… but hopefully I can get it back soon.
And now, I am off to Gujarat again for work. Not sure if I will have internet or not. Will update you when i return.