A Journey to Well Known Places

I just passed the first of two certification exams. I take the next test in about 10 days, then I fly off to the beautiful Andaman islands to soak in some sun and mentally prepare myself for the impending shock of re-entry into productive society.

Oh, the food here is soooo good and sooooo cheap. I am going to be in for some serious sticker shock when I get back. I just had a two egg omelet with spicy peppers, two chapattis (like Indian tortillas), a small saucer plate of vegetable curry, and a small pot of coffee for breakfast. The grand total was $1. Spending $3 a meal here is really splurging. Every once in a while I treat myself to a big plate of rich food at one of the nicer restaurants around and feel pretty decedent. The other nice thing (I think) about eating here is that everyone eats with their hands. Or hand as I should say. You are only supposed to touch the food with your right hand as the left is used for cleaning yourself after you go to the bathroom. This is not some hold over from a less hygienic past as it is in some places. Many restrooms provide have toilet paper or hose. Usually you just get a bucket of water with a smallish ladle and you literally use your hand. Then you wash your hands in the sink. Sometimes there is even soap. Eating with only one hand is a little tricky though. Tearing hot flat bread with one hand is something I am slowly learning to do. Since I have little packets of tissue and hand sanitizer I bring with me most places I sometimes cheat……much to the disgust of the other patrons who look away when they see me do it. Most of India is vegetarian, but the area I am staying in has a large Catholic community and they eat a fair amount of meat. My hotel is near a church and every Saturday and Sunday I wake up to harmonious chanting in Latin. It is neat. I am also not far from a mosque so at night I hear the call to prayer in Arabic and the Latin chanting in the morning.

My classes are going fine. I am scheduled to take my first certification test next week and I am studying furiously so I can pass. This occupies most of my waking time so I don’t have the chance to be bored anymore. I am looking forward to finishing up with the courses, doing a little shopping, and heading to the north of India for more sight-seeing before I go home. I hope everyone is well.