DINNER WITH AN INDIAN FAMILY  JAN. 20

All of us went off this evening for a home hosted dinner with a local family. Barbara, Mark, Lee, Nina and I went to a 3rd floor apartment with a lovely family; Dad, mom - a kindergarten teacher, an 18 year old daughter studying commerce and a 13 year old girl. We were served masala tea (with milk, cardamon, cinnemon and black tea) in their living room with some little snack. We were each given a garland of marigolds and a special bindi for guests (women only). The dad said they had had an arranged marriage, seeming very happy for 19 years. About a year after their marriage, his father had a gangrenous leg removed so the father devoted the next 18 years to carrying for his father. They had owned the house next door and this was his father's property. After he died, they have the top floor for their home and he runs a hostel for male students who attend the school across the street. Next year, he said, he will have female students, as it's safer for them to walk home from school right across the street. The family was all very charming and spoke wonderful English. He said he also did some work for OAT and other travel agencies.

The wife invited us into her kitchen to watch her prepare the finishing touches of dinner. She was cooking a lentil soup/stew in a wok. She rolled out (and had us do it) the flat bread and puff it up on a burner. She showed us her drawers where spices were kept in large plastic cannisters. Dad said Indian food is usually better the next day while the flavors all have time to mingle.

Dad sat at the table with us and the 3 women served us. It mad us a little uncomfortable. But Daisy explained later that that was typical with gguests, not close family and friends. It's like you are inviting "God" to your table so you don't sit with him! But usually the family eats all together. We had a lively discussion and everyone enjoyed the food. (Daisy had called to inform our host that I had not been well and would not be eating much - so it was acceptable that I had only a bit of nan (the bread I had rolled).

All 3 groups who went out had a wonderful evening - not something you usually get on a regular tour.

Our host's father and grandfather

Having tea

My roti

Our host family

Our dishes

Wedding photo of our host and his wife

Living room of their apartment

View from my 7th floor room of Jaipur