Today has been marvelous in the fact that we are having fun but are not accomplishing much. I am pleased to say that we will “maybe” be presenting our educational information to the Mahasemam women tomorrow. I am very excited to give and educational presentation but am nervous for their actual ability to learn and act on the information concerning cervical and breast cancer. If we do not make as big of an impact as we would like I do know that our information will be available for others to implement.
Considering it is Monday today, I am very anxious to depart to American in three days. I will definitely miss India but I am ready to see my family and friends. I am ready for a red meat and I am incredibly ready for red wine. I am anxious to see how I adjust to American once I return but am ready for anything. India has opened my mind and my heart to those who are less fortunate than me and those who need assistance. I am open to new adventures and am always ready for what comes next. The surprises that have dawned on us within hours have been incredibly amazing but at some times shocking. I have learned to adapt to whatever the environment throws at me. I can adjust to living on the mountains or living in a hotel. I do like showering, so I do not think I could adjust to not showering. If our living conditions were different I do not think I would have enjoyed India as much as I have. This is, although, debatable. I am considering the fun and adventures of India for a second return but only time will tell.
Today I have learned of the eating habits in India and of how we have been eating a very bland diet. When we eat lunch in the hospital we are given soup along with rice, vegetables, a salad and some fruit. It is not uncommon to get a little of everything, in America, and go sit to eat. In India it is common to only get soup for the first round and sit to eat. Indians will go up to get their “entrée” the second time and this is a very large portion of food. We as Americans have been taking small portions and are not getting seconds. I guess I have always found large portions to be to fillings and mostly disrespectful.
Another fact I have come to learn concerns dating and marriage. The rate at which people are getting married is normal but they differ in being arranged or not. Our translator, Usa, told us of a few traditions in which I will list. One, every female in the family has to be married before the males. Two, if the family does not like the fiancé than the marriage will not occur. Three, most marriages are arranged due to the family liking/respect issues. Four, if the marriage was not arranged but the male is “well off” than it will be accepted by the family no matter what was done in the past. Five, love is a matter of time. Some families suggest not “falling in love” at certain times because the person needs to finish school etc. All of these traditional ideas are amazing in there own way. I find it hard to compete with the idea that one can not fall in love at certain times, this would be difficult. I appreciate the traditions that follow marriage but I do not think I would like to follow such traditions. I am happy with the traditions that are implemented in my religion and life. We will be going inside the temple today around 5 p.m. and this will probably encompass most of the night. I am very excited to view the temple in all its many forms.
The group was fortunate to have our interpreters and Rose Mary along for the journey. Usa knew so very much about the temple and each statue. She made it a point to inform Jackie and myself about such statues and such architecture. After viewing the temple I have come to believe great work has to be seen in person in order to really appreciate it. Words and pictures can not do a piece of art justice. I have seen art everyday and in every face. Every person has a story to tell and every person would like the chance to shine. I have found art in the scenes depicted by the moving traffic and the definitive people moving along. The designs formed via the fruit as well as the clothing are unbelievable. I have never seen art in such a w ay and I am here to confess I believe art can come in any form and any size. The temple is a grand example of the uniqueness of art in many forms. I will elaborate on the various colors polishing the ceilings of the temple. The museum with 1,000 pillars was not only a visual aspect but was used as a musical accomplice while the queen was at her temple. The acoustic would bounce off of the pillars creating an amazing sound for all to hear. A pillar was made in order to be tapped on with a piece of wood in order to create different musical notes. It was incredible and immaculate. I can not imagine what occurred in the temple 2,500 years ago. What a grand century to live in but even better to remember and recreate the masterpieces of life, today. The temple paintings have not been recreated anywhere in the world which is outstanding to believe. I can not think of any way to recall what I have seen but I can say it has been a wonderful experience.
The temple was followed by room service and a movie. The group was exhausted and it was around eight when we returned back to the hotel. I was not in the mood to go out and get dinner so room service would have to suffice. I ordered a vegetable pizza and did not know what to expect. The funny thing is that it was marvelous. My personal pan pizza settled well with in my stomach and I felt full. Princess Diaries was the movie of choice tonight. Jackie and I viewed the movie while catching up on our blogs. I have not seen this movie in a number of years so it was nice to sit and enjoy myself for once. The movie was followed by sleep. Today has been an amazing day and I am thankful for those who have made the trip memorable thus far.
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