Musings from Nagpur

Spent 3 or 4 walks today greeting people, talking a little bit here and there, trying to get to know them. Commented to a couple people that I’m really a loner but I regretted that after my previous trip here. So resolved to do a better job of mingling and meeting. At same time, it’s easier this time bec/ virtually everyone still here after the graduation can speak at least some English; and several speak it very well, albeit with an Indian accent of course.

Discussion about my being a loner, etc., arose from my bouncing from one table to another, talking with whomever I could get to say something. Some were very hesitant, probably weak in their English usage. Others very willing to talk about whatever.

Talked with Bijay, graduate, this morning during breakfast. Asked about always having to eat separately from Indians. I theorized that it was a holdover from colonial days. He saw it differently: that they are sensitive to our tastes and do not want to offend us by eating Indian style in front of us. Asked what I should do? He said it is up to me to take initiative and sit with them. So both at lunch and also just now at dinner I did just that: Sat with some of them. Seems well received.

I quickly grew tired of initiating these sessions. Plus, I was getting acquainted with an American from Alabama, civil engineer, who was planning road and sewage improvements.

BW called this evening shortly before dinner here & shortly before going to work there. Had good talk. Don’t really remember much about what we talked about. But it was good to hear her voice.

Since this was a repeat visit to India, I felt less like a tourist and more like a worker. I think that contributed to my feeling more of a longing for home. Can't really call it homesickness, because it never debilitated me. But I definitely missed BW and her encouragement, wisdom and cheerfulness!

Wed, 1 Apr, thought the mtgs were to start this morning. Wrong. Waited around a little while talking with diff people. Finally learned that tonight the mtgs will be inaugurated. So I’m free for day. Tho’t Peter was coming to campus and I could ride back to MI office with him. Didn’t show until evening. Caught ride at 5:00; first time on internet in 2 wks+. 124 unread messages; but a few were marked as read bec BW had read them. Sent first e; read replies related to trip; checked basketball updates; forgot to send personal e to BW. :(

I know I promised pics in this next post. But instead you get these musings. I'll do pics next time--promise!
ttfn

Afternoon about 3:30 I walked to principal’s office to print some papers notes for tomorrow. No one there. Looked at thermometer: 100F/35c. Notice that is indoors; outside predicted high of 43c; meanwhile HR was to have a high of 43F. 3 days running of 43c as high. Electricity off which meant my AC had gone off while I was out of room. Fortunately, had left bedroom door closed. So it was relatively cool. Rested till my ride at 5; ipod.