India Trips - Most Favorite/ Least Favorite Parts

PT, been thinking of this post each time I WhatsApp with my pals visiting India. You've listed so many things that jogged the memory.. In random order:

I remember the month before my first trip to India. Booked the tickets after a lot of research and no less than 3 in-person visits to the travel agency. The name tags for the suitcase, I got them made and laminated at Kinko's. Are they even around any more? Kinko's? As the date came closer, I literally flew even when driving on the freeway(aaj kal paaon zameen per nahin padhte mere, was the song I often hummed).

Entire kutumb - all uncles, aunts, all cousins (and spouses) who were in town came to the airport to receive. Brought bouquets too. I felt more of a VIP than my VIP suitcases. Pehle trip ka nasha was so different. Never got replicated.

Before any trip, there used to be the drawing up of list on what items to buy for whom. It was fun. Many things were still not available in India. Even Ziploc bags or boxes were appreciated. Then, buying the big size almond and all those from Costco, that mom immediately took control over after I landed, and she decided how they got distributed. : )

Things changed after marriage. Your scooty reminded me - we took a neighbor's Kinetic Honda (scooter?) and set off. It had been my dream to ride a two wheeler with better-half in India. Aiyyoooo... my mom brought down the entire neighborhood.. Their house is right off a major street. She did not spare even damaad ji (son in law). We got a stern lecture that we are not to take such risks, and while there in that city, we were c/o her... Ha! So many restrictions even when I was visiting alone. My mom's statement: "do what you want in your in-laws house. in this house, follow rules. I have to keep you safe/intact till you leave for in-laws house or US". Ulti ganga : ) Reverse ganga. : )

Food: Oh where do I start.. One time I visited during monsoon season. Seetaphal (custard apples) were flooding the market. I hadn't had them for 6 years or more. The Man Friday of the household bought a whole butta/basket of them. I took one and went to the usual place to squat and eat. Near the waste bin of the kitchen. Mom near had an apoplectic fit. : ) : ) As it was right next to the gas cylinder. And I was parayi amanat (other's precious item) sitting close to it. I was chased away. Had to sit at the dining table and eat the custard apple.

There was this young girl (maid servant's niece or something). As she watched me eat, her eyes almost popped out when she saw me finish off 5 big size custard apples. Leaving the seeds on the newspaper that somebody kept replacing with new newspaper. : ) Was a poignant moment. Everyone realized just how much we miss of Indian things when living abroad. No one said "you will get cold/cough, don't eat so many".

Funny how shameless you can become when you've missed eating something for years. People came, people went. I sat and ate. At dinner and lunch time, I didn't eat the roti or rice. Just the curries and daals. Eyes watering, nose runny, bisleri bottle zindabad. : )

Shopping: Going to the salwar kameez store, and the guys and salesgirls there telling me how old-fashioned was the item I am wearing. Buying 9-10 dresses just like that. Hoping the credit card will work (was many years ago). Funniest was buying saree. or rather getting the blouse stitched. tailor simply refused to stitch in the style I wanted. said sleeves were too long and it was so out of style. The big fights. and telling incorrect date of departure so that he gives them soon. when he saw me in the area after the "date", we all laughed.

Shopping for chappals: Many years ago, stores in the U.S. did not have so much choice in "flat" wear. Had to get from India. My favorite shop was very popular and jam packed always. As I sat and tried out few chappals, if I stood to point to one in the show case, somebody took my spot. If I sat, I ended in their lap. : ) My shopping companion used to get mad.. "Told you, not to stand" : ) : )

Repairing wrist watch: Always took items like wrist watch and pressure cooker for repair. Oh how I miss those repair shops.

Talking of shopping - a very favorite memory remains shopping for the first time in Tanishq. To realize that such a shopping experience was possible.. so professional, so polite, even if one is not buying too much. It was beautiful. Could never bring myself to exchange that jewelry for anything.

Times are different now. Trips have a different nature. But, your post brought back some happy memories from older trips.