Carmen's Chronicles

All This and Forensics, Too - Friday, January 27, 2012

2012-01-26T22:02:00.000-08:00

I've been woefully remiss in posting for far too long. So much is going on,

it seems the day is over - and it's well into the night when I finally put my head

on the pillow. I certainly can't complain, however. I am almost at my half

way mark of my four month India stay and I am already starting to feel so

sad at the thought of leaving.

Yesterday was Republic Day here, Though India gained its independence

August 15, 1947, Republic Day marks the date the Constitution came into force,

26 January 1950. I spent most of it at Oberoi Mall. Started my morning at their

spa, indulging myself...hair color, manicure, pedicure, etc...what a fabulous place.

Every treatment had a massage with it and, oh, how glorious that was. As I was

walking out, Salim, a slim young male employee approached me and really made

my day. He said he'd wanted to tell me when I was there three weeks ago and

he couldn't let me leave without speaking to me now. I was blown away when

he said that he was so impressed with me, that I was such a kind, lovely and

gracious woman, talking to everyone, smiling. He ended his kind words by

telling me, "You must have REALLY been something when you were young,

you are so pretty now." You could have pushed me over and I was walking on

clouds for hours.

Another unbelievable thing happened to me this week. Sunday morning,

early, I leave for Jaipur, to attend the wedding reception of a blogger

friend, Bharat Kshatriya, of Unseen Rajasthan. I had planned to leave

from there to go to Delhi on February 1. An email arrived from Virginia

Lynch, our founding president of the International Association of Forensic

Nurses. I have known Virginia since that day in August 1992, when

a group of us met in Minnesota to form IAFN. I often refer to her as

the Pied Piper of our speciality since she did, indeed, draw hundreds of

us into the field.

At any rate, Virginia wanted to know if I was still in India as she would

be in Jaipur from the 1st until the 5th, attending a huge international

forensic conference, at which she would be presenting! When I told her

that I was actually going to be in Jaipur and planned to leave on the

1st, she invited me to stay, share her room at the conference hotel and see

some of our forensic colleagues who are helping to bring forensic

nursing to India. It is such an incredible honor to do so and, in the 3

years since my forensic nursing position with San Francisco ended, I have

been very absent from this world, which was the passion of my life. At

the end of the conference, I will accompany her to Patiala in the Punjab

where I will, again, be sharing in the world of forensics.

It has to be karma that all this is taking place. It is unbelievable that I

will be able to combine my love of India with my love of forensics.

Someone, indeed, is looking out for me.

In the meantime, I've been enjoying life with my friends in my village,

getting out and about in Mumbai and traveling the auto rickshaws like a

pro, rarely even screaming at near misses. When Oprah was here

recently, her comments about the traffic rivaled mine when I first got

here. She, too, wondered how seven lanes can converge into one!

Here are a few pictures taken here and there.

Thia is the Sahar Village home of my friends, Ode and

Lorna Santos and their sons, Nick and Jake. I stayed here

fourteen years ago, for ten days, when I last visited India.

A night time scene across the compound from the Santos home

The streets of Mumbai

Almost every home I have visited, be it Hindu, Christian,

etc, has an altar - these garlands drape statues, pictures, etc...but

are not worn, lei-like, by people

Traffic is unusually light in this photo. Often, crossing the street is

fraught with danger!

Many people live in these lean tos, raising their children,

cooking meals, making do as best they can. People are so

resilient here.

Out shopping for vegetables with Lorna

Entrepreneurs are everywhere

Don't these vegetables look fabulous?

You can see the condition of many of the roads...but, everywhere,

women are wearing the most beautiful saris!

My two "sisters", Lorna and Alma, off to another party!

My first jhumka ( earring ) purchase

This is not a real mang tikka on my forehead but I have, since,

purchased one. Why don't I look like Aishwarya Rai?

Delhi Belly, Mumbai Motion...Whatever, It Felled Me! - January 20, 2012

2012-01-19T23:16:00.000-08:00

I guess I shouldn't have been so smug. Six weeks in India and no health
problems. Of course, I've been pretty careful, eating mainly at home ( not
hard, as Lorna is a fabulous cook ), drinking their boiled water or using my
Steripen faithfully.

About 2PM on Tuesday, the 17th, I began to feel distinct unpleasant
rumblings in my tummy. Immediately, I took two Lomotil tabs and got
horizontal. Of course, I couldn't stay horizontal very long, what with
racing to the bathroom. Next, I started emptying everything out of my
stomach, a most unpleasant process. I know I've been a nurse for 45
years but emesis is something I've not handled well. In fact, I would often
warn my patients of this in hopes it might stem their nausea ( it never did )
and it was all I could do not to join them as they retched.

Thankfully, a dear Indian blogger and friend, Shiju Sugunan ( you
must check his "Cranium Bolts" ...http://www.craniumbolts.blogspot.com ... for
the most incredible photography ) helped me tremendously. Since I
arrived in India, I have spoken to Shiju frequently and we text often and he
totally amazes me with his incredible wealth of knowledge in so many areas.
He was full of good advice about home remedies for "motion" as my malady
is called here. Slowly but surely, I began to improve. The chemist also
sent over some medications as did the village doctor ( give me a break,
what self respecting nurse will go to a doc because of diarrhea - unless
it's their own primary care provider! Of course, this high and mighty
attitude of mine got me hospitalized for five days last year, to the tune of
$50,000! ).

I am finally up today and applying eyeshadow for a foray to Hong Kong
Bank. Perhaps, this is not the wisest thing as an auto rickshaw ride could
wreak havoc with my borderline stability. I will take my ziplock bag along.

I did feel I was on the road to recovery yesterday when I went to see
with whom Lorna was chatting outside the front door. There, was a lovely
lady, in a sari, carrying a huge bundle on her head. She set it down, lay
it open and it was filled with all sorts of wonderful vegetables, including my
favorite okra, which they call lady finger here. "Wait, wait," I begged, "please
let me take some pictures." She agreed but I could only photograph her
from behind.

It seems these ladies get up very early in the morning and travel by train from
Vasai, which has been a farming area for 5000 years, according to an India
Times article I read. There was once a no development order for this area
but, as is the way with progress, urbanization and building are replacing
the farms, which were called by the British, "the lungs of Mumbai."

For now, though, ladies like these, go throughout the villages, bringing the
freshest of produce, and head for their train ride home when the bundles are
empty.

Mellow Yellow Monday #156 - Mumbai Auto Rickshaws - January 16, 2012

2012-01-15T20:15:00.000-08:00

According to Wikipedia, "An auto rickshaw is generally characterized

by a sheet-metal body or open frame resting on three wheels, a canvas

roof with drop-down sides, a small cabin in the front of the vehicle for the

driver (sometimes called an auto-wallah), and seating space for up to

three passengers in the rear. Newer models are generally fitted with

an CNG-fueled scooter version of a 200cc four-stroke engine, with

handlebar controls instead of a steering wheel".

They are used as a means of transportation in many parts of the world

My experiences, especially in Thailand and India, have been a bit

terrifying because of the overwhelming traffic. In Mumbai, these

open sided vehicles vie with other auto rickshaws - and motorcyles,

buses, and cars for road space, often merging from several lanes

into one and are literally, inches apart from the next one. Horns

blare and tempers flare and I just hold on for dear life, grasping

my purse and whatever belongings I have with me ( with the open

sides, anyone can reach in and snatch my purse from the death grip

of my hands ). Somehow, I must be getting used to the adventure,

however, because I find I can actually glance at the newspaper now,

when on my merry way and, if it isn't rush hour when I wish I had on a

motorcycle helmet and leather from head to toe, I might even finish

an article!!

I am participating in Mellow Yellow Monday - add your

bit of cheery yellow and join in the fun.

Camera Critters #197 - Feral Feline - January 14, 2012

2012-01-14T08:44:00.000-08:00

There are so many feral cats around Sahar Village where I am staying in
Mumbai. They seem to serve a purpose in keeping mice and rats, from the
nearby canal and cargo area, at bay. Some of them seem to be quite plump
and sassy, indeed. Here is one of them.

I am participating in Camera Critters #197 -

check out the site and join in the fun.

Nick's 21st Birthday, Better Late Than Never - January 12, 2012

2012-01-11T15:15:00.000-08:00

I must say, I've been a bit remiss about posting since I got to India. It's not
that I haven't been busy...and I HAVE been taking pictures...but I am having
so much fun, I find myself, at 2AM, eyeing the computer, then looking
longingly at my bed. Somehow, bed wins out. Then, lathered with Odomos
cream to fend off the attacking swarms of mosquitoes, with the ceiling
fan swirling, I cover myself with a blanket and sleep happily until Kamlah
wakes me with a cup of fragrant chai in the morning.

I cannot believe the number of parties that take place around here! Of
course, one would expect them with Christmas and New Year's but, then
there was the January 1st First Communion round of parties. That is a
really big deal here in India, akin to a wedding celebration, almost. I'll
have to post some of those pictures as well. Also, there WAS a wedding
here in the compound...on December 28th. And, next, on January 6th, was
my nephew ( well, for all practical purposes, he is my nephew - I've
dubbed him such and he has made me his Aunty ), Nick's, 21st
birthday. When I asked Nick what he would like for this special
occasion, he asked for me to write him a poem. He inherited my Canon
digital camera when I bought my new Canon G12 so he thought that
was more than sufficient.

So a poem he got and I told him it would appear on my blog...sweet
kids here, they think my blog is a big deal.

For Nick, On His 21st Birthday

From His American Aunty

I haven't spent much time with you,

I've lived so far away,

But I can't say how much it means,

To share your very special day.

I only saw you once before,

You were cute as you could be,

The sweetest little seven year old,

Having fun and running free.

I must say, you sure have changed,

You are quite the man,

Most handsome, and so nice to me,

Since my visit here began,

I have had such fun with you,

And it's such a thrill to me,

Every time I see you smile,

And say to me, "Aunty" .

You've made me feel so welcome,

As have your entourage of friends,

That's part of why I'll feel so sad,

When my special visit ends.

I know your folks are proud of you,

As you turn twenty-one,

I know you'll be a great success,

But don't forget to have some fun.

With much love, Nick, and all good wishes for the future.

Aunty Carmen

Of course, his mom and dad, my beloved friends, Ode and Lorna Santos

threw him an incredible party, with aunts and uncles contributing all sorts of

great food for the event. There was a DJ and the party was in full force

until Mumbai's finest arrived about 2AM to tell us to shut the music down.

We did tone it down a bit but kept on dancing for a couple hours more.

Beautiful Mumbai moon

The outdoor contingent

Usually, some finds a log to burn outdoors...it helps to keep the mosquitoes

away and adds a little warmth for the cooler late night temperatures.

Family and neighbors, Vera Pereira and Lulu Santos

Me and my other sweet nephew, Jake Santos

Party animals

Proud mom, Lorna Santos, and Nick's true aunt, Sonia Santos

This is my beloved friend, Ode Santos, who I met on my first Royal

Caribbean cruise, the Monarch of the Seas, on April 16, 1995, right after

we sailed out San Juan. He was the Champagne Bar bartender and,

during that seven day cruise, I spent a great deal of time there. He was the

first Indian I ever met, really, and we became instant friends. Through him,

I met so many other Indian crew and that was the start of my relationship

with the country and so many people. In February 1997, I spent ten days

in Mumbai as the guest of Santos and his wife, Lorna, and I am back with

them this visit, and with their boys, Nick and Jake.

Chef Kumar, who actually has been a chef for Royal Caribbean and

other cruise lines, whipped up several fabulous batches of pasta for

Nick's birthday party

This is me with Noel Pinto. He parked my walker and appointed himself my champion

for the whole evening. Every time I got up, he would be at my side to escort me. If I

needed a drink ( it was Old Monk Spiced Rum for me all evening ), he would pour it

And he was a terrific dance partner! No matter that Noel is about forty years younger

than me!!!.

Vera Pereira

This is me, minus makeup. I was racing out in the morning,

late, and I had no time for it. I don't think I've been out in public,

minus my eyeshadow, in 20 years.

It was really a great party. All of Nick's friends are terrific and so much fun.

The adults always join in the dancing, too, partly, I think, because the music is

something that everyone can enjoy - less toxic than what I often hear at home...

not a lot of ramp with profanity, insanity, or depravity.

Water Fountain - Ruby Tuesday - January 3, 2012

2012-01-02T21:12:00.000-08:00

Several months ago, I met a fellow blogger, Jidhu Jose, an Indian computer
engineer, working in Qatar. His website is beautiful -
http://www.jidhujose.blogspot.com/ but, of course, he IS a computer
engineer. It is filled with variety. Recently, Jidhu asked if I might write
poetry to accompany some of his photography which I said I would be
glad to do from time to time. Of course, now that I am in India, all I want
to do is be lazy, drink chai, enjoy village life, travel about the country
and, occasionally attend to my own blog.

I did write this poem, inspired by a remembered love ( see, I wasn't
always an old hard hearted lady ). Jidhu posted it on his site -
and I am making it my blog for today. I thought it would be part of
a Ruby Tuesday post but, sadly, I see that series has drawn to an
end with the advent of the new year.

The kiss from your lips,
Refreshes my soul,
Quenches my thirst,
Makes me once again whole.

You are life giving water,
I can't drink my fill,
Though I have all eternity,
I need more time still.

Carmen Henesy

In India - Thoughts As 2012 Begins - December 31, 2011

2011-12-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

I find myself so far from home,

As I wait for New Year's day,

Yet the magic of technology,

Makes no place far away.

I'll raise my glass at midnight,

And toast to all I see,

For here in crowded India,

I've fulfilled my destiny.

Last New Year's eve I told myself,

I'd made a dream come true,

To return to far off India,

To see beloved cruise ship crew.

People thought me crazy,

It's not for one your age,

That trip is for a youngster,

You're way beyond that stage.

I felt just more determined,

Though I suffered from self doubt,

Each time there was an obstacle,

I, somehow, worked it out.

With the blessing of my sons,

I boarded that long flight,

And the rest, of course, is history,

As I celebrate tonight.

I embrace the New Year,

From this land so dear to me,

And pray it showers blessings,

To every land and sea.

I always pray for peace,

To reign upon the earth,

To follow every little child,

From the moment of their birth.

From this land of many gods,

I wish for all mankind,

Prosperity in the coming year,

May happiness you find.

Carmen Henesy

Why Am I In India? December 30, 2011

2011-12-30T00:31:00.000-08:00

Why Am I in India?

I came for many reasons,

To see friends dear to me,

In search of new adventure,

In a land of mystery.

I came to see the temples,

With carvings so sublime,

Left by master craftsmen,

From a far and distant time.

I came to share a way of life,

So different from my own,

To see the wealth that lies beyond,

My personal comfort zone.

I came to eat such wondrous foods,

With spices most divine,

I hope to garner cooking tips,

To make these secrets mine.

I came to feel amazement,

At everything I see,

From the struggles faced by many,

To the harmonious diversity.

I came to know the joy,

Village life bestows on me.

And the thrill when a little boy,

Waves and yells, "Hello, aunty".

I came to see the cities,

And the small towns by the seas,

I came to see all that I can,

To fill me with memories.

I hadn't any idea, though,

On that December day,

That when I got to India,

I'd give my heart away.

Carmen Henesy

Christmas in Mumbai - December 26, 2011

2011-12-26T07:51:00.000-08:00

Aside from a brief bit of melancholy which was quickly eliminated with phone
calls to my three sons, my Christmas in Mumbai was a very special time.
I was all caught up in the real sense of family felt everywhere. Of course,
practically everyone in this village is either a Santos or a Pereira so it's all
about family. And everyone was gracious enough to make me feel
included in it all.

For days, my "sister", Lorna, was making sweets from dawn to dusk - every
sort of confection, many familiar cookies and cakes, some I'd never had,
like guava candy. I am a big fan of guava and quickly laid claim to that
entire tray of tidbits. When we visited other houses, that's the first thing
for which I searched.

We went to Midnight Mass at Our Lady of Health Church in an
outdoor setting in the village. It was a nice warm night, brilliant with
stars, and I let my mind wander as I sat beneath the palm fronds,
bedazzled by all the ladies in the most splendid bejeweled and colored
saris.

When the choir began to sing, I was totally in awe, not having expected
such vocal perfection. Their rendition of "Mary, Did You Know?"
moved me to tears.

Beautiful Lorna Santos...I couldn't believe the length of this

sari fabric and the work it takes to get it wrapped so beautifully.

Ode and Lorna Santos and their son, Nick, who is about to celebrate

his 21st birthday. Jake, the other son, was absent for our photography

session. Santos is the first person I met and became friends with when

I began cruising with Royal Caribbean...he's the one who nurtured my

love of India and Indians!!!

The church setting was packed and most of us were standing out by the

graveyard where you could still see the altar. I had my walker with me so

I was able to sit....and I must admit, from time to time, my mind wandered.

I happened to be glancing down when I spotted a mouse scurrying a couple

of rows behind me, over the feet of the men standing there. A couple of

men spotted it but none of the ladies did. It ran back and forth for a little

while which really made me giggle. I kept imagining the ruckus that would

ensue if even one lady had seen it - colorful saris flying, and screams

competing with the choir. Fortunately, the mouse finally headed out into

the graveyard and disaster was averted.

At communion time, the priest came out toward where our crowd was

standing and I was surprised to see this tall, handsome young man who

looked like he should have been a Bollywood star instead of wearing a

priest's vestments. During my church going days, all the priests I ever had

were ancient!

After Midnight Mass, we all went home where we made the rounds of

each other's houses, eating and drinking till the wee small hours of the

morning. After a bit of a nap, the Christmas day round of visits began

again, with platefuls of sweets being exchanged among households

and another nap to ready ourselves for the evenings festivities.

Boy, do these Indians know how to party!!

Holiday Thoughts from India - December 24, 2011

2011-12-23T22:02:00.000-08:00

As Christmas dawns, I'm far from home,

Boats ply the Arabian Sea,

I've traded the clanging cable car bells,

And coffee for fragrant chai tea.

This ancient land of India,

Opened up its arms,

Exotic and mysterious,

Seductive with its charms.

Over a billion people dwell,

In relative love and peace,

Giving worship to their different gods,

Will wonders never cease!

Of course, I miss my family,

But I feel much love right here,

My Indian family and good friends,

Share infectious holiday cheer.

It matters not where you travel,

Next door or a distant clime,

Just keep the spirit of friendship,

Foremost in your heart all the time.

For that is what Christmas is all about,

Not tinsel upon a tree,

It's peace on earth, good will toward men,

Friendship between you and me.

Carmen Henesy

All rights reserved.

To my family, my friends worldwide, old and new,
the followers of my blog, all who
have made me so welcome here in India -
I wish you joy and peace this holiday season, and
a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.
Perhaps, with the help of all our gods, we might find that elusive world peace we are seeking.

To Market I Will Go - December 22, 2011

2011-12-22T13:21:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, even so far from home. All over
in my Indian village, one smells sweets cooking and, since I have "family"
everywhere ( it seems like half the village is of the Santos clan ), I am being
offered tidbits by everyone.

The other day, I went with Kamlah, the lady who comes twice daily to help
Lorna with household chores, do laundry, and run to the market. I wanted
to buy myself some more Odomos cream, my weapon in the war against

the mosquitoes.

Outside, in the large compound next to the house, I found a vigorous game
of cricket under way. I stopped to cheer the lads who, initially were a bit
shy. I asked if I could take pictures and they agreed and began to ham
it up. I told them I was from California and no one seemed to know
where that was until I said, "it's the home of Disneyland."

Aren't these the cutest guys you've ever seen? One of them

may well be a cricket star someday. From what I've observed,

it's a bit like American baseball.

I love papaya, especially the small Hawaiian variety. These look more

like the ones I've had in Mexico. I pass them going to the market.

Village shrine honoring the deceased members of the Santos family

We stopped at the chemist so I could replenish my Odomos. It seems that

they only had one large tube and one small tube left so I took both and

asked them to order more. I know I'll need it. I finally had my face nearly

cleared up but, somehow, last night, I guess I didn't apply enough and I,

once again, have red splotches everywhere....VERY EMBARRASSING,

as blogger friend, Deepak Amembal is picking me up tomorrow for a

luncheon meeting with Indian bloggers.

Here's the fish lady showing me "bombay duck" - a fish I enjoy very much. I always

wondered how it got that name since it certainly isn't a duck and I turned to

the ever trusty Wikipedia for information. It is actually bummalo ( Harpadon

nehereus ), a lizardfish. It's native to the waters between Mumbai and Kutch

in the Arabian Sea. Once the fish is dried and salted, it has a most powerful

smell and is usually transported in air-tight containers.

While the acquisition of the term "Bombay duck" is debatable, one answer

is that, when rail service was started,because of its strong smell, it was

relegated to the mail train - the Bombay Mail or Bombay Dak. People,

strongly scented, were accused of smelling like Bombay Dak, a term used

in the days of the British Raj. Thanks, Wikipedia!

There are about a dozen feral cats that hang out under this

table waiting for scraps to fall.

Lulu Santos getting her fish for dinner!

Hard work, cleaning and cutting the fish

Sweet Lulu, with a friendly wave

At one point, a man in the crowd asked me to take his picture. When I

hesitated, he grabbed up a stay dog and said, "How about now?" I couldn't

refuse so here he is:

On the way home from the market, we passed a lassi, chai stand and I told

Kamlah I wanted a lassi. She suggested we get it to go but I wanted to sit and

drink it there. I plopped myself down and ordered and it wasn't till I was

sipping my delicious lassi, equivalent $.40 US. I looked around and realized

there were about 15 men seated and I was the only woman. I looked at

Kamlah, waiting in front. "Why am I the only woman," I asked. "Women

don't usually sit here." I laughed and asked the man who served me, "Have

I made some sort of horrible mistake... are the women all home working and

the men are all goofing off? Should I leave?" They all looked at me, smiling

and told me, "No, stay." I did, of course - but I did, then feel very out of

place!!!

More to come in the adventures of Carmen and Sahar Village in Mumbai.

Mumbai Mosquitoes - December 19, 2011

2011-12-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

Mumbai Mosquitoes

They seem to be unending,

These soaring hoardes on high,

Dive bombing innocent victims,

Like warring samurai.

I try to circumvent them,

With pharmacy and such,

But the nasty little buggers,

Like foreign flesh too much.

Especially in the shower,

They seem to make a pass,

They seem to concentrate, it seems,

On my expanse of a@%*!

You may think I have the measles,

I know I look a sight,

A legion of those critters

Had their way with me last night.

While they are irritating,

I take it all in stride,

With my daily doxycycline,

And the CDC, my guide!

Carmen Henesy

Another Year Has Passed - Happy 41st, Shawn - December 17, 2011

2011-12-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

Boy, the years are certainly racing by. Last year, I posted a blog in honor of
my son, Shawn's 40th birthday which you can check out at:

http://rnsane.blogspot.com/2010/12/flash-55-friday-happy-40th-birthday.html#links

There have been quite a few changes since then - not so much in terms of
Shawn's life but, certainly, for me. Shawn is still that same terrific young man
he was last year, perhaps a bit grayer at the temples but still a George
Clooney look-alike and still a son of whom any mother would be pround. He's
not even nearby so we can celebrate together. He's off playing Air Force in
Texas for five months and I've moved from the home we had for 14 years and
am in India, of all places. I'm fulfilling a dream and, Shawn, like his other
two brothers, told me to "go for it". They've always been my best supporters.

So, my beloved first born, even though I can't be there with you today to share
a fine glass of shiraz or zin or pinot, my heart is with you in spirit. It's ben a
great ride and I love you and am as proud as a mother can be to call you son.

Namaste from India.

Mom

Mumbai Thoughts and Scenes - December 16, 2011

2011-12-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well, it is amazing at how fast time is flying here in India. I am well into my
second week already and I am a bit behind on my list of things I want to
accomplish. However, I guess I really don't need a fixed agenda. My main
purpose in being here is to reconnect with Indian friends that are special to
me and I have certainly been working on that. I had a really wonderful
surprise, shortly after I got to Mumbai, when a Royal Caribbean friend, I
hadn't seen in almost a decade, with business in Mumbai, from his home
in another part of India, came over to see me. I cannot believe I didn't get
a picture!

I've been so warmly greeted by folks I met in this village fourteen years ago
when I spent a week before heading on to Bangkok and a southeast Asian
cruise. I have been moved to tears, really. There is so much laughter and
talk as people stop by after work and dinner and we sit up late into the
night. Conversation goes back and forth from English into Hindi ( sometimes,
folks forget I am limited by not speaking any of the other Indian languages ) -
I just smile and feel so happy, just to be with everyone.

For all practical purposes, by American standards, life seems difficult here.
My friend, Lorna, won't let me do a thing which, I'm sure, adds to her work
load. She is up at 7AM, preparing chai, seeing her two sons off, one to work
for Jet India, the other to school. Though I normally don't eat breakfast,
she won't head to work herself without leaving something for me for
breakfast, no ifs, ands or buts. She also leaves something prepared for
lunch. If I ate all she fixed, my pre-trip fifteen pound weight loss would be
all for naught.

There is a servant lady that comes in morning and night to do major cleaning
and to wash clothes ( by hand ) and hang them on the terrace upstairs.

My friend, Santos, who is F & B manager at a small hotel not far from home,
normally works the evening shift and leaves about 1PM, returning by midnight.
Food is ready and waiting when he arrives. He and the oldest boy, Nick,
travel by motorbike. There is no car. Thankfully, Mumbai passed a helmet
law but, as far as I can see, most of the population chooses to ignore it.

Traffic here is terrifying. Nothing in the U.S., in my opinion, even the likes of
Los Angeles or New York, can compare. Mumbai doesn't seem to know
what traffic lanes are. People don't signal at all and five rows of traffic try to
occupy one lane, especially fearful if you are riding in an open auto rickshaw.

There are so many religions and many holidays to celebrate all of them. For
the most part, it seems that there is religious tolerance and people get along
quite well. I hear there is a great deal of corruption ( from my friends who are
Indian ) and, often, bribery is uitlized to get things done ( in business, govern-
ment, etc ). Yet, it is such an enchanting country, where such honor is given
to one's elders, Bollywood outdoes Hollywood in sheer number of films
produced and the colors of saris and beautiful attire rival that of the glories
of nature.

I'm afraid my time here will go much too fast and I will shed many tears as I
say goodbye to India. I can't bear to think about it now.

Out shopping with my "nephews", Nick and Jake Santos

There auto rickshaws, which are open on each side, are one of the main means

of transport. They get so close to each other, you can reach out and touch the

people in the one next to you. I always feel like I should have on a helmet and

pads when I'm riding in them!!!

This might be a better way to go...above the traffic a bit!

Here's a better side view of the auto rickshaw.

The little girl in yellow, oblivious of traffic, was doing a happy dance in the street

People carry such heavy loads

Home in Sahar Village, near the international airport, Mumbai

The sky seen through lazy palm fronds

Coconuts and curry sandwiches....yummy.

Spraying for mosquitoes is a necessary evil.

While 85 - 90% of malaria fatalities occur in sub-Saharan Africa, it is endemic

in a broad band around the equator. Sadly, one million deaths occur annually.

I was quick to follow CDC guidelines for anti-malaria drugs, which I began a

week before departure and will continue for a month after I return home. My

Indian friends sleep under mosquito nets and CDC recommends the ones that

are pretreated with an insecticide. Regardless, I looked like I had the measles

after the first few days until my friend bought, Odomos, a nicely rose

scented mosquito repellant.

Apartment building along the road into downtown Mumbai

Some things are the same the world over!

Difficult decisions

Fondue!

Paradise

Out to see the Gateway of India

City of Lights

The Bandra-Worli Sea Link

Though it presented major engineering challenges, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

opened all eight lanes of its spans in March of 2010. It links Bandra and the

western suburbs of Mumbai with Worli, curtting that travel time from about

an hour to fifteen minutes.

Whirling by the lights of the city

Psychedelic lights of a Victoria carriage near the Gateway of India

The day of the Victoria carriage in Mumbai is drawing to a close, after 130

years. Animal rights activists have deplored the conditions of the facilities

where horses are stabled and legislation has been passed to eliminate this

symbol of Mumbai.Tourists will have to find some other way to see the area

around the Gateway

The lunar eclipse from the harbor at the Gateway of India

Some of my wonderful Indian family with the Gateway of India in the background

The Gateway of India, an example of both Hindu and Muslim architecture,

was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and and Queen Mary

to Bombay, in December 1911. It seems fitting that the last British troops

leaving India exited through this gateway, as well - in a ceremony on

on February 28, 1948.

The Taj Palace Hotel at the Harbor in Mumbai has received many famous

guest including the Beatles and the Obamas. It was the scene of the 2008

terrorist attacks that killed at least 167 people.

Having a drink at the Harbor Bar in the Taj Palace

With sisters, Lorna Santos and Alma D'Souza, at the Taj Harbor Bar

Good things to eat

Ruby Tuesday - Henesy Does Henna - December 13, 2011

2011-12-13T00:37:00.000-08:00

Henna is an ancient flowering plant used to die hair, skin, nails, leather and

wool. It has also come to mean the tattooing process using this dye. Only

dyes from the mignonette tree are true henna. Black dye or neutral henna

are not.

The henna plant is native to subtropical regions and grows profusely in

many of these areas. Rajasthan, in India, has over a hundred henna

processors. This dye is used in festivals, celebrations, weddings, in the

maufacture of perfumes and is in much demand, especially as the quality

improves.

Unbroken henna leaves will not stain the skin. When leaves are crushed,

lawsone molecules are crushed and it is these that bind to the protein,

creating the stain. For more detailed information on henna, check out

the site at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna.

The U. S. had allowed henna to be used as a hair dye but does not permit

henna as a skin dye. There are potential negative health aspects.

Henna art is really quite amazing and I was delighted to have a sweet school

girl come to my friend's house and show me an example of it. She recently

finished a "henna course". She only did one forearm and hand, front and

back and it took nearly two hours! That was almost five days ago and much

of it still remains. She did not even want me to pay her but I finally won out.

Since I was decked out in red, I thought I could pass for Ruby Tuesday!

At least some of my mosquito bites will be covered up!

I have been a feast for the mosquitoes...I hope they don't like henna dye!

Cleaning up the henna dye that falls on the floor after it dries.

The next day, after I scraped the dye off, I had this terrific bright

orange color on my arms. For some reason, the dye uptake is greatest

on my palm. I cannot imagine sitting for days, as some brides-to-be

do for their wedding artistry. Both artist and recipient need a break

every now and then to stretch and get the blood flowing!!

I still have henna left, four days later!!!

I am participating in Ruby Tuesday - check it out

and join in the fun!

Mellow Yellow Monday #151 - Indian Golden Oriole - December 12, 2011

2011-12-12T00:47:00.000-08:00

About 7AM every day, I've had the most wonderful treat. An Indian golden

oriole - not always the same one because there have been different sizes -

comes to our kitchen windows and stays for some time, allowing me ample

photo opportunity. They are so amusing. Clearly, they cannot see us through

the glass because I get close enough to put my hand up to them. They peck

madly at their reflections in the window. I will talk softly to them and they

turn their heads, as if listening to my voice. I am totally mesmerized! All too

soon, the cawing of the crows sends them off for another day.

The Indian golden oriole ( oriolus kundoo ), once thought to be a subspecies

of the Eurasian golden oriole, has now been elevated to its own species. The

adult male is distinct from that species because of the black stripe on its eye.

It inhabits a large range of habitats. The Indian golden oriole is migratory in

some areas though many remain in India.

A bird banded in one area of India was found in another area nine years later!

The female bird lays two to three eggs but parenting responsibilities are shared

by both mother and father!! Very nice.

Thanks to Wikipedia for the information on this beautiful Indian bird!

I am participating in Mellow Yellow Monday #151 -

add your yellow photo to join in the fun.

Shadow Shot Sunday #186 - Mumbai Shadows - December 11, 2011

2011-12-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

The sun shines very brightly on Sahar Village, near Mumbai's international

airport where I am staying. Dust settles everywhere, with all the construction

going on and the red clay soil - which reminds me on my Georgia home.

There is no shortage of shadows.

I am participating in Shadow Shot Sunday #186 -

add your shadow shot and join in the fun.

Awake Bright and Early, December 6, 2011

2011-12-05T18:12:00.000-08:00

Last night, when Santos got home from work about 11PM, we visited for
a short while and I updated him on my first day doings. He asked about
whether I'd been able to fend off the mosquitoes and, showing him my arms,
I bragged that I had no bites at all. Much to my surprise, my left arm was
covered with red whelts- I counted at least a dozen. There were none on my
right arm! I hope my doxycycline is doing the job of protecting me from malaria!

This morning, I was awakened by the family dog, Skip, throwing himself against
the front door, demanding entry. He is the cutest thing...not as cute as my
granddogs but I do enjoy his cheery disposition and all his energy.

Lorna tells me there are hundreds of birds out in the morning so, along with my
fragrant cup of chai, I've figured out the new camera and I'm ready for pictures.
Sadly, the internet here is unbelievably slow. I tried to play Zuma on Facebook
last night and I won't be in the top three of my group while I'm in India, that's
for sure, unless I can get a faster wi-fi connection for my own computer.

Adios....

Mumbai!! December 5, 2011

2011-12-05T09:11:00.000-08:00

At last, I am truly in India - but not without changing my flight again. It took me
until 8PM on the 3rd to finally vacate my home of fourteen years? Korean
Airlines had no available frequent flyer seats but, thankfully, Cathay Pacific did.
I flew out of San Francisco at 11AM on the 5th, after spending the night at a
Travelodge at the airport. My taxi driver was a lovely young man from Nepal
( karmic, no? ). Instead of my anticipated stop in Seoul on the return
( disappointing since I've never been to Korea ), I will spend five days in Hong
Kong in April. I've been there twice but I won't mind going again. Hopefully,
I can coax a friend into joining me.

Cathay Pacific, as an airline, is right at the top in terms of service, that's for
sure. I was treated so nicely, from the wheelchair at check in, to the flight
attendant who met me at the door of the plane and took my bags all the way
to my seat. Seating was actually comfortable with ample leg room, food was
good, and I had a really nice Indian ( U.S. citizen now ) seat mate who owns
a small hotel in San Francisco. Regardless of conscientious service, it was a
long 15+ hours flying time from San Francisco to Hong Kong and another 5+
hours from Hong Kong to Mumbai. I slept off and on, though, and deplaned in
Mumbai, at 2:15AM, telling everyone, "hello, India." People looked at me as
though I didn't have all my marbles ( well, I don't ).

The sweetest, skinniest little man I ever saw helped me with my wheelchair
and three suitcases and carry on in that monstrous crowd of people. He
kept a smile on his face throughout and would not let me help at all. You
should have seen him when I pressed ten U.S. dollars into his hand! He tried
to give me $5 back, bless his heart.

I was so happy when we got outside and I saw my friend, Santos, waiting with
his nephew in a tiny Suzuki. Somehow, they managed to get all of us, plus my
belongings into the car and, in less than five minutes, we were at his house. It
was just as I left it in 1997.

After attending a neighbor's party for a couple of hours and drinking some of
their local wine ( no competition for Napa Valley, I'm afraid ), I finally went to
sleep about 4AM. I spent a lazy day, visiting with the Santos family and
drinking at least a dozen cups of delicious chai tea ( I'll never order it at
Starbuck's again ). Lorna made a real feast for dinner - fresh spicy makeral,
chapati, and two wonderful vegetables.

Tomorrow, I'm told, is a Muslim holiday so I'm going out to rent a cell phone
and take in the scene. I'm having fresh young coconut for breakfast.

I'm so happy to be here.

To be continued...with photographs, once I figure out the new camera.

Farewell, My Family and Friends - Next Stop, India

2011-11-30T13:56:00.000-08:00

Still much to do, dear ones - but I have to return my AT&T Uverse paraphanalia
today so I'll be cut off from the internet. I fly out tomorrow about 11AM - next
stop INDIA. I'll be online there as soon as it's possible.

Thanks for all your support and good wishes. I can't wait to get on that airplane,
to relax, eat Korean food and sip a nice martini.

Jeremy, my 6'4" baby can now relax, too and I know he's glad to be getting rid of
me - I couldn't be heading out if it weren't for him. I enjoyed having Alex down on
Sunday.

Namaste!!!

Carmen

Sundays in My City - November 27, 2011

2011-11-27T07:34:00.000-08:00

My lovely daughter-in-law, Laura, a paramedic, had to work on Thanksgiving
( a 5PM to 5AM shift which was her bid this go round ), so she and Alex
invited Jeremy and I up to their West Sacramento home yesterday to
celebrate, instead. It was actually a lovely drive up, without very much
traffic, beautiful sky shots with nice cloud formations and, even some
beautiful fall foliage, that whizzed by so quickly, I couldn't get pictures.

Christine and Roger came ( Laura's folks ), her brother, Robert, and his
wife, Kristin, and their two delightful little boys, Conner and Holden, and,
in addition to my two granddogs, the Calhouns brought Tigger, the new
shelter dog that joined their family when their beloved Gus died earlier
this year.

The food was absolutely delicious. Alex and Laura bought a new grill and
the turkey was brined overnight and cooked on the grill - a first time
event for Alex. It was just hilarious watching him at the task, with
Jeremy helping. The bird turned out to be the yummiest I've ever
eaten and it just fell off the bone. Carving it was so much easier than
last year with the electric knife! There was, also, a whole array of other
treats - a FRESH green bean casserole, an unusual - and heavenly
concoction made from cornmeal and sweet potatoes, two different
stuffings, eggplant caviar, a lovely fruit compote with cranberries, dried
apricots and other good things, lovely California wines, plus appetizers
to keep us happy before dinner.

And, of course, dessert - pumpkin and two apple pies - one with a cream
cheese frosting ( my choice, of course - like I needed more calories ) and
one without frosting.

It was a wonderful family day and, thankfully, Jeremy drove home so I
could doze, intermittently, awakening suddenly, thinking we were about to
face catastrophe on a California freeway. It must have been my full
stomach!

The skies over Fairfield, CA

Flat farmland near Dixon, CA

Jeremy ( 27 ) and Alex ( 29 ) Vukasinovic

Taffy, my first granddog

Bucky, granddog number two

Beautiful Laura, my daughter-in-law

Grandma and her pooches

Macro of table flowers

Bucky's favorite position

Such a sweet face!

Having fun in the kitchen

Working on a pony tail!

Ohhhh, that's nice, Uncle Jeremy

Forget that computer and use both hands...

Thanksgiving flowers

Smells scrumptious!

A piece on the plate, a piece in the mouth

How about dropping a bite of that turkey?

I'm waiting over here, too.

Alex with his mother-in-law, Christine

Laura and Alex

Nini and Holden

Laura and Holden

I am participating in Unknown Mami's Sundays in My City -

check it out and tell us what's going on where you live.

Thanksgiving Greetings - November 24, 2011

2011-11-24T07:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone

No time for poetry today, dear family and friends. Things are slowly

beginning to fall into place but, to be truthful, I'm still not ready to leave.

My youngest son, Jeremy, has been coming over daily, after work, to

help me, giving me grief, in a loving way, about the need for haste and

warning me that my storage space is nearly full. He thinks I need to

discard everything I have left ( impossible ).

December 1st is my departure day for India and I wonder if I'm going

to have to postpone it again. If I do, I won't get any flights over the

holiday season, I know. I won't be doing any Thanksgiving day feasting,

though I've had several kind invitations.

While you are with family and friends today, offer a little prayer

that I do get finished and out of here and on my way to India.

Once again, please bear with me. I haven't responded to all your kind

comments or read blogs which distresses me greatly. I promise to

catch up once I get settled in India and get internet access. I love you

all and wish you joy and happiness. You all are one of my "thanks"

on this special day. I am especially thankful to my friends and family

and I am thankful to be an American, even in this time of stress for

our country.

My biggest thanks this season are to my youngest son, Jeremy, for all

he has done to help me get moved and on my way to India. He has worked

long days and nights and I appreciate it more than I can say.

Friday Flash 55 - Where Did the Week Go? - November 18, 2011

2011-11-18T11:33:00.000-08:00

Father Time, give me a break,

Progress, I'm not making,

The nearer my departure date,

I'm stressed out and shaking.

How can it be, when I pack up,

And send things off to store,

I look around my domicile,

And it seems I've even more!

One more 55 remains,

Until I board my two airplanes!

I'm participating in my next to last,

Friday Flash 55 - hosted by that ever so brilliant and charming,

Mr. Know It All - check out the site and add your 55 to join in the fun!

Watery Wednesday #162 - A Pacifica Scene - November 16, 2011

2011-11-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

I was out with two San Diego friends yesterday in my neighborhood and was

delighted with this lovely sunset.

I am getting a late start to Watery Wednesday #162 -

check out the site and join in the fun.

Ruby Tuesday - The Buddha at Strait's Restaurant, Palo Alto, CA - November 15, 2011

2011-11-15T10:28:00.000-08:00

I am participating in Ruby Tuesday -

check out the site and join in the fun!