Solomon continues Indian travels

Editor's Note: Tara Solomon has given The Tribune permission to reprint some portions of her blog to share her experiences with readers. She is currently on a Rotary Study Exchange in India. Following are comments from this past week's travels.

Jan. 12: Day two in New Delhi

Well, of course, we began the day with food, food, food. I will not be going hungry here. I was a little worried about the spices, but most dishes have been just fine and very tasty. I was able to meet one of my hosts at breakfast. He owns a hotel and is a director at the university, Galgotias Educational Institutions. He asked me what I ate for breakfast and lunch. When I shared that I usually had coffee and an apple for breakfast and take a salad and some snacks to lunch, he said I did not need to work since I did not spend much money.

After breakfast we met with our team and went over the presentation that we would be giving the next day. Then the three of us went for a walk. So many people and shops. We did see a few parks, some with grass, some not.

Next, we met three more Rotarians for lunch at a restaurant. (I know what you are thinking, all we do is eat.) One gentleman was a lawyer, but as we visited he thought I might be interested in visiting a place where older adults are getting their education. He felt it was so essential because then the value of education is presented and passed on to next generations. Of course, I said I would love to.

Jan. 12: Indians, a hospitable people

Our team met up with our hosts in the afternoon. Mrs. Ruchie Suri picked me up; she is so sweet and made me feel so welcome. She had snacks made for me when we arrived at their home. One item I did ask her to spell for me -- Kachori -- spicy, but very good.

Ruchie was a middle school science teacher. She then had a family, two boys, who are not much younger than I am. They are both in the United States right now, one for good and one on holiday. They asked that one of their boys come back to India to stay. The oldest one agreed if he could have a month and half off each year to travel.

I have found it to be bit of a challenge to explain what I do with my job. Ruchie actually was the first to grasp it. Maybe this will help me to be better at explaining what I do to our constituents in the states. I have been wanting to ask some questions on agriculture, and Ruchie was kind enough to try to answer. She said there are many food grains grown in northern India such as lentils and rice. In southern India spices and coffee are grown.

I also asked, "If you could tell me one thing about the people or culture or country, what would you want me to know?" She said that they are a social people, and I would have to agree. I have to laugh at how her husband (Rajan, the hotel owner and university director) described his disappointment in visiting America. He stayed with his son in Chicago, and, of course, his son had to work during the day. He was lonely, not enough people. He asked people to have lunch with him, and they would just look at him funny and walk away.

Jan. 12: "Individual" or strong family support system . . . one and the same?

I know this title sounds a bit contradictory, and I may have a hard time explaining. I have had several gentlemen talk to me about family here. Of course, that topic is important to me personally and professionally.

Most of the people we are staying with have traveled to the U.S. One thing they see is that every person is for themselves . . . on their own. I can see where it might seem like that. I do not live with my family (which is odd to them), and I am on my own financially (which is different for them, for both sons and daughters alike); however, I would like to convey that if ever I would need anything, I could ask my family. I feel we have much emotional support.

I am jumping around a bit on my days. Here, it is Thursday morning. I think my host was surprised that I was up and showered and ready by eight. Here, many people start work later and stay at work later.

Rajan and I went for a walk in a park. He walks from 9 to 9:40 in the morning then has tea and then heads to work at 10:30 or 11. On our walk, I asked him if there was one thing he would want to share about India or its people and what would it be? The family thing came up again. He is very open about money and asks about prices and my pay in the U.S. He says that his son makes $82,000, but he (Rajan) is happy to pay for his son's holidays. Rajan has bought another apartment in the same building for his son to live in once he gets married, and he will buy another one for his younger son.

I hope to come back to the subject of family support again. I am still "studying" on it. We both take care of our families, just in different ways. In my mind, neither way is wrong; I just would like to share that my family is so important to me.

Other things I learned on our walk:

* School is on holiday right now, but when it is open they go from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

* Rajan "shifted" here from another state in India and came with nothing. His wife (an arranged marriage) stayed with him during the hard times. They now have drivers and servants (seems to be a way of life for the people we are staying with -- a little odd for me).

* He usually prays to God on his walks, thanking him for all he has.

Jan. 12: A visit to a "farmhouse"

For my Kansas friends, my title is going to be misleading. Last night my host couple and I went to their friends' home; they say their friends live in a farm house. To me, it was a mansion. I asked if they had produce on the grounds and they said no. It is called a farmhouse because a long time ago it was a true farm. It was gated, very nice and very large.

The purpose of this visit was to plan their children's wedding. The bride and groom were not even present. (I hope my sister Kelly reads this; she is getting married in July.) I saw the book of pictures from the ring ceremony (engagement party); it was as fancy as a full wedding. These six couples gathered and discussed the big event. They largely spoke in Hinddi, but it was fun to listen. Many spoke at once, and they had much fun. The whole evening was filled with food up until we left the house. From soup, to "snacks," to a meal, to dessert -- followed by tea. This family is 100 percent vegetarian, which I am told the majority of Indians are. The evening ended with a song sung by one of the guests.

I am a little behind on my blogging. We have had a great couple of days. Several of the women took us to Delhi Haat, probably what we would call a tourist trap. There are vendors and food from the 20-plus states that make up India. Food and language are different in most states. I did get most of my gifts for back home -- all except for my dad. I asked my hosts for ideas on what to give a man. They suggested a cashmere scarf. I said he does work outside a lot, but I was not sure it would go with his attire.

I have to smile. I don't know if I thought we would be so different; we are not. At supper last night friends were joking that women "nag" their husbands. Ever heard that before? And I was visiting with Ruchie about her father; she checks on him. She said when they get old they become like children.

We did our first presentation this evening. It went very well. Enjoyed meeting even more people.

Jan. 14: Qutubminar and Lorhi celebration

We were supposed to have a vacation day on Jan. 13, but since that evening was the Lorhi Celebration, we switched a couple of days around. The Lorhi Festival celebrates the end of the harvest. Households or colonies have a bonfire and food. I was not feeling too well, so I did not participate. The next morning, we toured Qutubminar. It was very beautiful. The highest Islamic stone tower in India is here, 238 feet high and 800 years old. Much of this was made with colorful sandstone.

Awww!!!! I loved doing this! I could have done it all day!! Rotary has a big part in preventing polio across the world. India has now been case free for 12 months. We gave vaccinations to youngsters....no needles....two drops! Loved it!

Jan. 17, 2012

American Wedding Crashers

Yep, that is exactly what we were! A rotary member's brother-in-law was getting married, so we got front row seats! It felt a little weird but everyone was so nice to let us take pictures! The event actually takes a week at the least! One night we went to the wedding ceremony and the next night we went to the reception! The bride comes in under the protection of her brothers. The groom arrives on a horse and has a personal body guard (a relative). The actual ceremony takes a long time and includes a Hindu priest and a fire! (yep, there was a fire in the motel) They do have symbolic vows and are not married until they go around the fire seven times. There is much more to but I did not catch it all! The ceremony is mostly bride family and the next night's reception is mostly grooms.