So its been just about a week now. Getting connected to the internet here is a real pain in the ass. My mama has ‘the internet’ at home, but the computer its connected to is slower than a TI-82. Right now I’m sitting in a cyber-cafe in Borivali East with my cousin. I attempted to post some of the pictures I’ve taken online, but thats proven to be impossible.
Its amazing to be back here. Bombay is still Bombay but with about five to six times as many people as before. I’ve already been riding around on the trains and its been great. People gawk at me, but I find it funny so I try my best to entertain them, it isn’t that hard. I’ve fallen down while showering 3 times already and broke a light bulb when I raised my arm to wash the pits. I’ve been drinking lots of ThumsUp! which I strongly believe has rejuvinating powers.
Its really hot, but I’m learning to cope. Over the weekend I went with my cousin (mama’s eldest daugter), my mama, my elder masi and masa to Daman. My foi is doing great as are my cousin, his wife (my bhabhi), their son and their new doggy an english cocker spaniel. I miss Fuaji terribly though, the effect of his loss was amplified while visiting Daman.
Driving here is awesome, its every man for himself. I can’t wait to have a go. Also I’ve realized that people in India care even less about ‘shit’ than people in America. Corruption is awesome, I’ve already seen a hawaldar taking a bribe. Can you blame him though, when it takes Rs. 20,000 just to maintain a middle class existence and the man gets a Rs. 1700 a month salary.
Cell phone networks here aren’t anything neat as I had been made to believe. As a matter of fact they only offer slightly better coverage and rampant SMSing. Phones here are still backwards, they are about the same as American cells from 2 years ago. I miss my Samsung A500.
All in all its awesome to be back. I adjusted to the jet lag almost immediately. I’m still being cautious with my health and haven’t eaten any meals at restaurants. Its bloody hot, but its good in a sick I like to torture myself sort of way. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to get some pictures online when I visit my mota mama’s place in Santa Cruz sometime later this week.
Oh yea its not all smiles and giggles being back. Men have to wear pants. I am pantless when I’m home though, lounging about in my lungi, but it blows all the same.
More soon, hopefully with pictures.
Posted by Mr. Keyur at June 23, 2003 08:45 AM | TrackBackLooks likes you’re having fun over there, minus the phone and the internet. What have you been doing during the days? Are you going to get a job?
Do you have a phone number? Can we do one of those silly internet phone calls and call you? How about Roger Wilco when you are in a netcafe? Ok I’ll stop with the silly ideas.
There’s a place in India called Santa Cruz?
Posted by: Ram at June 23, 2003 09:20 AMlife sounds simple. good. I’m assuming there’s some loss for freedom that comes with staying with relos but all the same, it sound like you’re taking it easy (for a change :) ) and for that I’m happy.
You do need internet though. It feels weird without your online ever-presence.
My apologies for not answering your msg earlier today. I was actually sleeping; some folly attempt to keep a pseudo-”normal” sleeping pattern. What was that about drinking in the message?
Oh, and you mention phones without links. How backwards are we talking here? (seems odd for an asian country… or any country not in northern america) Do you tote one? if so, what’s the e-mail associated with it (so I can bother you wiht some of my 500 monthly msgs.)
Take it easy bro. Get that bachelor’s pad going. The next time I see you I expect you to be married. :)
Posted by: Dan at June 23, 2003 09:41 AMI didn’t get to say goodbye!! Sorry, bud. But after reading your last entry, I take it you’re adjusting well. I’m glad to see you got to update the site so soon after getting there…it’s a good way to keep up with the life and times of Keyur. And when you get to Bangalore, you better take some pics and post em for me! (You are going there sometime soon, right?) Anyway, take care and tty soon.
Posted by: Mita at June 23, 2003 10:54 AMHey Mr. Keyur.
I should be SMSing you later today. Let me know if you don’t receive a message.
Why exactly are poeple gawking at you? Is it because you going pantless? Perhaps they’re thinking “Now there’s a man who eats a lot of beef”. And we all know how anathema that is in your ancestral homeland.
Keep us posted.
Posted by: Steve at June 27, 2003 10:42 AM