I would love to be able to say that these days. Unfortunately, there’s no menu to choose from in this private paradise but an already set buffet that changes almost every day. So, what is the problem, you would say. Well, in less than a week I have realized that everything, absolutely everything is spicy in this country, even breakfast. My choices are to either starve to death or join the naturally spicy stomachs around me. That’s when a diverse menu and the freedom to choose from it come as a gift from heaven.
Then again, when I look back and around to the real world outside, I have to feel blessed. As a foreigner, I have much more than the common citizen does. Many of them don’t have a menu to look at. Many of them live day by day wondering if in fact there would be some food to fill their stomachs. A menu would be a luxury for them. A piece of bread with some fruit jelly, spicy or not, would be manna from the sky.
In the meantime, I keep wondering. There’s something different every day; a new lesson to be learned every second and, in between the chapattis, turmeric flavors, and chai tea today, more than ever, I keep questioning. How could we all go to sleep at night knowing that so many people in countries like this are starving every day? Please show me the menu with the right answers.
Jaja! I recall that after our third day in Singapore my travelling companion and I asked the waiter "how do you eat food SO spicy all the time?" He replied with a huge smile: "Lots Thai whiskey!"
ReplyDeleteOne 'answer' I might put on your menu is the one which drew you to India in the first place: education. You are in the right place at the right time...keep that in your heart.
Well, said, Norma. We have much to be grateful for. Ronnie E.
ReplyDeleteI feel we have so much to learn and so much to give and try to improve as one big human race!! Thanks for your comments.
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