We are very fortunate to be living with Sach and his family. They have a beautiful home in which they so graciously opened up to us. Pictured above is the entrance to Sach's house and their house. We truly enjoy their company and they have taken us under their wing – treating us as their own children. Sach’s mom is a fabulous cook – it’s hard to resist all of the traditional Indian cuisine – I am sure my waistline will be showing that soon enough:). Madison and I plan on cooking some of our favorite meals for them next week – they have requested some yummy Italian dishes! We don’t want to overstay our welcome with Sach’s family – but I also know it will be tempting to stay here as long as possible – the sense of family, comfort, and safety we get from them is priceless.
Sach has introduced us to many of his friends – who are so welcoming to us and make us feel right at home. I don’t see making friends as being an obstacle – thank goodness! I thought I was going to have a shortage of girlfriends – but I was proven wrong. I think I am making friends with the guards in the neighborhood too as I go on my daily runs. Right now I am doing loops around his neighborhood – so they get to see me a lot – but when Madison runs with me we venture down different paths. Yes, we definitely get lots of looks – those crazy Mzungus “white people” – but also get lots of friendly, warm smiles. I am investigating different gyms – but for now running and yoga seem to be just fine.
The one main obstacle we are faced with right now is how to get around. Madison and I have both been busy with meetings at various places since we arrived. I have been able to use Sach’s driver, Stanley, here and there – but I don’t want to be a nuisance, as I know Stanley’s main priority is Sach and his parents. At this point, I just don’t think I can drive here – with driving on the other side of the road, little to no traffic lights or signs (and if there are lights drivers seem to disregard them – haven’t quite figured that out yet), and with the many pedestrians and bicyclists, walking alongside and across the road – I just don’t think I can do it quite yet and they probably don’t want a Jersey driver on the road either:). Another sign that tells me I am not ready to drive here is when I go for a run and I panic that a car is driving towards me on the wrong side of the road, where in reality they are on the right side of the road. I am hoping to investigate our own driver – as taxi fares are starting to add up.
Last Monday Madison and I came home at separate times – both eager to hear about each other’s day. I have to say I was pretty proud of myself to go about my day’s meetings and adventures without his help (plus it wasn’t a choice since he didn’t have his cell phone set up yet). I negotiated a taxi on my own, met some new people who didn’t know Madison first, and got myself involved in some projects that I knew Madison would be proud of. Monday definitely provided me with a sense of independence and empowerment. Plus, I bet he is relieved to know he doesn’t have to hold my hand every step of the way here either – I got a sense he was proud of me too.
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