Sunday, the 10th of January began very slowly in which I was anticipating. The day encompassed zero hospitals, no traveling to organizations and no group work. We were free to do what our little hearts desired and the first thing on my list was to sleep in! Many traveled through out the city to do some shopping and/or some exploring. While we were free to travel through out the city we were also anxious to do work on our project anticipating the deadlines fast approaching. With all said, we were able to dive into the life of Madurai.
The day events began with a visit to a salon for Henna Tattoos. We all took a ride to the salon and were awaiting the magical art that was to be placed on our arms. The salon was comparable to one’s in America and looked well kept. The Henna was only 150 Rs. per arm a.k.a. $2.50. This is very cheap considering the amazing detail and designs that were displayed with a form of pen. It only took around an hour for nine of us to get our Henna done but the tricky part is that we had to let it dry for about an hour in order for it to stay in place. The “ink” would form after the top layer chipped off and we were able to walk around with it on. I am assuming we left trails of the chippings through out the town but it looks amazingly wonderful. The ink, depending on one’s skin type, is of a red/orange color. My Henna begins at the forearm and continues to the tips of my fingers. The color and design is intricate as well as different by design. I am very pleased with the art but am a little nervous considering it will stay on for three weeks. Hopefully it all comes off at the same time. When leaving the salon we considered viewing the Gandhi museum which was only a few blocks down, or so we thought.
The museum was a little over a mile away and it we also had to get a ride over. Only half of the group decided to attend the Gandhi Museum considering some interest but I am very glad I did. The piece’s of artifacts available for viewing and the timeline that was displayed was overwhelming to say the least. I can only describe in words what I was able to view through my eyes. The cloth Gandhi died in, with blood stains and everything was displayed for our viewing. The cloth was something I have never seen before and it was glorious in a unique way. The spectacles Gandhi wore for part of his life were also visible. Visualizing Gandhi in all his glory I can not imagine him with out these spectacles propped on his face. A few pairs of sandals were displayed with a description of when/where he wore the sandals. The museum was very nicely placed and nicely kept. I was very amazed with what I saw.
Following the museum we stopped at a bakery for bread and continued with some shopping. The bread was for me to have with my peanut butter. I am still progressing on a cautious streak towards food because I feel the best with this approach. I am not unwilling to try new food just prone to favorably selecting bland food for my digestive system. The shopping on Sunday was my favorite day. The weather was cool, the streets were less crowded and the shop keepers were more kind than usual. I was impressed with the prices we were able to bargain down and we all walked away with amazing deals. I am serious; this is the last day I will be shopping. I have plenty of gifts and I do not “need” anything else. The day ended with a dinner at the Madura Hotel Restaurant. By this time everyone was starving because we had not eaten since 9 a.m. for breakfast and it was 6:30 p.m. by the time we sat down for dinner. I ordered noodles with vegetables and garlic Nan. The food was great but the company was better. After today we only have three more days to explore and dive into India but I feel I am satisfied with what I have seen and experienced so far. Tomorrow will be the last Monday in India as well as one of the last days to prepare.
The sights, sounds and smells we encountered on the journey today were nothing like I have experienced before. Multiple trash bins with cows eating right out of them were apparent on every street. The street venders were kind and their foods available on the carts looked amazingly delicious. I am sad I can not eat the fruits and vegetables but am pleased with the availability for members of the community. I saw grand sights today, the Gandhi Museum, the streets, the people, clothing, jewelry, food, children as well as animals of all dimensions. The people are so very interesting and each one is different in their own way. Their kind faces, clothing, dark skin, gorgeous children or simply their passing glances. I can not explain the chaos going on in the town but I can say it is nothing like America. It is overwhelming and my senses go crazy each night I lay down to sleep. My sensory capacity has been reached but I am trying my best to take in all I can. The smell of curry makes my stomach flip while the smell of fresh fruits makes me jump for joy. I am very curious to find out how my senses adjust to the fresh air and smells of Iowa. I simply can not wait for the air to be fresh again. The smog that is emitted every day in India is outrageous. I can see the pollution every day/night and I am very sad this is not better controlled. I am assuming some regulations are placed but from the looks of it, they are not very strict. I am very comfortable with the noise coming from the streets and vehicles. I know that I have become comfortable with such due to the fact that I sleep very soundly through out the night. The honking still gets me every now and then but for the most part I am content with the noise. The call to prayer is very loud and very apparent, this still sounds like a cow, I think. I do not enjoy this noise. The miraculous sights, sounds and smells I have been lucky to encounter have carved a new respect with in my heart. I may not enjoy many things but I have learned to respect them none the less.
Tomorrow will be decided as we go. I do not think one person knows what time we will depart but I am planning on being in bed by 10 so I am ready to go by 8. I am guessing tomorrow will be adventurous and surprising like every other and am excited to dive in.
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