My Mom’s Words

On November 1st, my Mom and Lee visited.  They stayed for a month and brought me immense amounts of joy and comfort.  November was an amazing month and most of that is due to their visit.  They traveled everywhere!

Their itinerary with some keywords for each visit:

  1. Bombay – Lots of people, horns, stinky
  2. Udaipur – Royal palaces, tasty food, lakes
  3. Delhi – Smritika family, Taj Mahal, ancient history, great north Indian food, beautiful parks, Diwali, smog/pollution.
  4. Dharamshala – Himalayas, where the Dali Lama lives, Tibetan community in exile
  5. Bombay – Living in luxury, Taj Hotel, South Bombay
  6. Aurangabad – Ajanta and Ellora Caves, origins of Hinduism, Buddhism, Mogul empire, art from 200 BC still preserved using hemp, kama sutra
  7. Kerala – Only communist state in India, rolling green hills, tiger sanctuary, Jew Town, yummy seafood, yoga, stomach issues.
  8. Bombay – Mom’s stress fracture, hanging out at my house, Hanukkah

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Through the stream of conscious words of my lovely mother, here is an account her visit.  She sent this to me right after she returned to Chicago.  I added some pictures to accompany her words:

I love ginger lemon honey tea. Going to make some now.  And I commit to using many more spices. Delicious food. Still a little spaced out and tired, but getting back into the flow of life in Chicago.  Resting my foot periodically.

Been trying to think a bit about the trip and send you a few words. India is a country of contrasts.  I loved whenever there was any level of confusion, the response is “It’s India!” 

Billboards promoting beautiful Mumbai or no plastic/recycle, amid piles of garbage. Modern buildings above cows roaming the streets. Mold covered buildings, even on some beautiful structures. Lot of wealth and tremendous poverty.  Cities are covered with smog and unhealthy air, people everywhere. lots of cars and constant honking.

Kerala lush and green. Women walking around in beautiful, colorful clothes.

 

Rich historic sites.  Would love to visit other UNESCO sites.
Learned a lot about the plight of the Tibetan people.  Stayed in the wrong hotel in McLeod Ganj.
Image result for mcleod ganj

 

Also, taken by the open affection among men. So many holding hands walking down the street. 
Image result for Indian men holding hands
Everyone was very nice.  Even when we had no idea what the other was talking about, they smiled.  Indian food is so diverse!  I tried it all.  Some of it agreed with me and other times my stomach was not as happy. 

 

Best part of trip was hanging out with you, and getting to know Smritika a little more. 
You have a nice apartment.  Ayurvedic rocks!
Two Jews in Jew Town 
During our trip my Mom and I hung out for a weekend in this great city in Kerala called Kochi.  They have an historic area called “Jew Town.”  There was even a Napier Rd there!

 

Finally my mom is thinking about a career as a tour guide for tourism in India.  In an excerpt from an exclusive video you will marvel at her technical, historical & contextual expertise & knowledge as well as the technique of her delivery.  I love these videos because this depicts my mom at her best.  Relaxed, goofy, great sense of humor… Do you think she has a future career?

My mom explaining the local fishing techniques:

 

Mom and Lee thanks again for visiting!  Meant a lot.  Mom,  some of my favorite days was when the two of us were just lounging around the apartment.  Nice to have you around!  For other people…It can get lonely out here. India is an incredible and unforgettable experience.  Come stop by and I can take you around.

 

3 thoughts

  2. Awe – loved this post, especially your video of Carol! You just have to learn how to hold the camera to catch her entire face! I now feel more informed about India and the month y’all had together. Love ya!

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