Explanation to Come

Friends

A photo with a few friends

(l-r) Rachel (Toronto), Sarah Jane (Cape Town), Narain (California), David (Singapore)

Misc.

The caste system is nowhere near dead in India (or for Indians abroad - see below) despite no official recognition of castes. Society is still very much divided along caste lines and they play an integral part of everything from hiring to marriage. Below is a photo I took of the section of the major newspaper here which has a section for people to advertise for marriage. According to my house father, it's a very common practice. As you can see, the section is divided according to upper castes (low castes wouldn't advertise b/c 1) many are illiterate; 2) no money to advertise 3) tradition 4)no access to newspapers/media.

I suppose this it's similar to Jdate, etc., but the Indians just cut right to the chase.

You can't see the first advert under Brahmin, but it says "Brahmin match for a girl. B.Sc, M.Sc and Ph.D from UK in cell and molecular sciences, working in Manchester University, seeks suitable boy doctor, Ph.d, scientists, engineer in U.K. , U.S. or interested to abroad. Father is Commandant in Indian Army."

2. Below are some photos of a muslim market just outside of Old Dehi. While wondering through, we heard drums beating and stumbled on a wrestling match. Not quite sure what to say or even how to explain.....

FOOD POSTING

I had some delicious food this weekend.

1 -2. This morning when I woke up, my house mother had prepared for me potato curry, chickpea masala and homemade puri (bread).

2. I visited the Kashmiri Embassy for some local food. I had lamb curry. It was great, but too spicy. I finished the meal and my head was literally drenched with sweat.

3. We went to a famous restaurant in Old Delhi named Koreams. It's been a Delhi establishment for over 100 years. We ate: 1) tandoor chicken (a whole chicken "tandoorized"), tandoori cheese , spinach and potatoes, a bread which tasted like corn bread, and seikh kebobs (minced lamb kebobs).

Old Delhi

A few photos of Old Delhi. It's a predominantly Muslim area. Very overwhelming with its crowds, but there's a beautiful mosque and excellent food. Plus, impressive markets and just a very authentic Indian feeling.

FOOD POSTING - Chicken Korma and Vegetable Nan

My first time eating chicken korma. I got it from a local place "famous" for this dish - very delicious. The nan stuffed with vegetables was also very good. If curious, here is the recipe for korma:

1 (2 1/2 pound) cut-up chicken 2 cups yogurt 3 cloves garlic 2 medium onions, chopped 1 tsp paprika 2 tsp fresh ginger, chopped 2 tsp peanut or sunflower oil2 tsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp ground chili 1 tsp cumin Seeds of 2 peeled cardamom pod 1 tsp poppy seed 1 tsp turmeric 1 bay leaf 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped.

My Cleaning Woman/ Mi mujer de la limpieza

I don't understand her, she doesn't understand me - but somehow my clothing gets cleaned. A very nice woman with very minimal means, who travels a long way to clean homes in the neighborhood. To give you an idea of costs here, she only asks for $2.50 per month to clean my room and wash my clothing'aka jeans and striped shirts.

No la entiendo, ni ella me entiende - pero sin embargo, mis ropas llegan limpiado. Una mujer muy maja con poco dinero quien viaja una distancia larga para limpiar casas en el barrio. Para que tengad un idea de gastos aqui, ella sola me pide como 2.25 Euros por mes para limpiar mi habitacion y lavar mis ropas (que en realidad solo son baqueros y camisas)