Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun...
I suppose this is the point at which all the temple visits become worth it.
As I'm sure my parents are thrilled to realize, our tuition dollars are currently being spent to put us up at the Caravela Beach Resort in Goa. This is the kind of place that makes you feel like you're part of the British Raj. This is where the foreign tourists come to sip drinks with little umbrellas in them while they watch the sun set on the beach, and then come home and say they experienced the real India. See for yourself:
www.caravelabeachresort.com
If you're not laboring under the illusion that this place in any way represents India, however, it's quite nice. We're about 50 steps from one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. We timed our visit so that the weather is absolutely perfect, and the hordes of tourists that descend on the area around Christmastime haven't yet set off on their holidays.
There are still some reminders of where I am, however. While I was getting a haircut here, the barber's first question to me was about my religion. I'm fairly certain that wouldn't happen in barbershop in the US.
We're relaxing here for three days before hitting the road again to Aurangabad and more temples, and then Mumbai. Ed's family is here, and he's been unbelievably excited to see them. Can't wait to meet them myself.
And finally, for those of you who are interested in seeing me gain a very small measure of fame on the Internet, my name may be appearing very soon on the website of the BBC. I volunteered my views as an American living abroad to one of their blogs, and I got an email today that said they would like to put my views up. So check this site shortly after election day to see my comments about how the Indian press covers the results. Hooray for fame!
See you in Aurangabad.
posted by Jake | 3:01 AM
4 Comments:
hi, I went to the BBC blog site as suggested and the blog or whatever up was from May. Where are the current comments? would hate to miss yours. m
It finally took a beach resort for you to say something positive about India. I especially like the resort's pitch "to rediscover romance." Perhaps the resort knows something about you that we don't. Enjoy and don't get too sun burnt. I have already wasted more money on college tuitions than your folks have. Burt
I was reading the ayruvedic stuff on the resort website in the spa section and noted it said, at the end of the text that "you live only once". This may sound like the title of a James Bond thriller but does not seem consistent with Hindu teachers re what happens after death. Hmmm.
What religion was the barber? Why was this relevant? What was done to your hair (remember the curbside barbers of Vietnam?)?
In addition to covering the US election, I'm sure you will want to report on the woeful non-swooping, non-hooping, non- moving, non-grooving Knicks. Pathetic and all of India should be concerned.
Jake, I have been following your exploits religiously (or non-religiously, as you like). I'm having a wonderful time in India, thanks to you, despite your beefs. It's motivated me to want to follow your tracks, although I might take a higher road. I did remember and took some of your suggestions in Japan this summer. Thanks. With love, J
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