December 20, 2007

Mrs. Patel made me most excited about Cochin, our last stop in India. It's located on the southwestern coast, and she said it's a completely different world from northern India, especially the food. They cook with coconut and have delicious rice crepes. She said it also would be a great place for a cheap spa treatment, which might be especially inviting after two weeks on the road.

Right now, my biggest concern about India is the food. It’s spicy, and I have a very weak tongue! However, I’m excited about getting some authentic naan, a wonderfully warm and chewy flatbread. I first fell in love with naan in London. Indian food is so popular there that naan is sold in the grocery right next to muffins and bagels. Mrs. Patel insists that another flatbread called roti is better than naan, but I’m skeptical. I’ll be sure to report back after the taste test!

I’m also a little concerned about the monkeys. The deputy mayor of New Delhi fell off a balcony trying to fight them off. My India guidebook advised that the best way to protect yourself is to give them what they want, which is usually food.

And, when entering monkey territory, it’s best to secure shiny things like glasses and watches. Hopefully I won’t fall victim to the monkeys, although it would make for a hilarious story.

The Centre trip, called “Religion and Politics in India,” allows each student to pick a specific subject area to investigate, such as art, Gandhi or pilgrimage. We’re all required to write a short paper before the trip and keep a journal while we’re there. I’ve chosen to focus on Hindu temples, but I haven’t quite worked up the strength to open any books.

Now all that’s on my agenda is to finish my paper, bake some Christmas cookies, enjoy the holiday and get packed!

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