Something old, something new

On Sunday after church Tom and I found a little Indian place tucked back among the stalls across from the bus station.  The smells and tastes of the food brought back memories from our time in India.  Each Sunday after church we would walk a few blocks to George's and enjoy their awesome food.  

We weren't quite sure what to order. And I cannot even tell you the names of everything we ate. There was a young man sitting at a table enjoying his lunch so we asked him what he was eating and then ordered what he had!! I love it when people are excited to share their culture with others. He directed us to a table and ordered the food for us. Everything he ordered was tasty and I'm sure we'll eat there again.  

This little place has been there for years.  We just hadn't ever walked back there before.  So we got to experience a new place that wasn't exactly new!

Bargain hunting

As Janina, Sophie, and I were shopping for wedding supplies on Laxmi Road I could not help but notice all the apartments above the shops.  I'm sure living above your store helps keep the prices low!

Counting down the days...

It's almost time to get all glammed up in the saree that Meesha gave me to wear at the wedding! 

Transporting goods...

Whether it's by truck, car, motorbike,  or bicycle; vendors have to get their goods from here to there!

Upcoming festival...

Ganesh idols are for sale here all along the streets.  A 10 day festival is coming and we've been told it's going to get loud!

the family vehicle...

I've seen families riding on motorcycles in Belize and have wanted to get a photo. One of our neighbors picks his kids up from school on his motorcycle and it's such a loving sight. This photo is a bit blurry but as you can see they do it here in India too!  I am always amazed at how people make what they have work for their families.  Most of the families I've seen ride in the order this family is riding...the littlest one in the front and the mom in the back.  And if mom is wearing a saree then she rides side saddle.

Since we've been here I've ridden on the back of the bike several times.  The first time I was excited but scared.  Each time I go out with someone I feel more comfortable and not as exposed as I did that first time. I can see that there is a rhythm to the flow of traffic here and have noticed that the motorbikes are better able to weave in and out of the congested traffic much easier than cars can.  I still don't think I would do well driving here...but I used to say that about the freeways in California and somehow I overcame that fear!

all who are thirsty...

There is a first time for everything...and Sunday after church was the first time I'd ever seen a cow drink from a water fountain!

going for a ride...

We saw these carriages the other day...

I heard that some people use them for transporting the bridal party to the wedding! 

I haven't seen a procession yet.  It would be exciting if we get to witness one before we leave.  I've heard that the groom comes to pick up the bride riding on a white horse...I would love to see that!

Henna tattoos...

These guys were set up in front of the movie theater.  Before we leave India I may have to give this a try!

questions about coverings...

I have been asking a lot of questions since we arrived in India.  Questions about customs and questions about life. As we have been out and about I have noticed that many women have their heads covered. Naturally I was curious as to why.  I assumed that for some it was not strictly for religious purposes and that assumption was correct. 

some women may cover up because of the smog from all the traffic...

some women want to protect their hair from all the dust and dirt...

While others may cover up to escape the prying eyes of "aunties" who might see them out with a male friend.

No matter the reason for covering it is fascinating to witness the ingenuity of women.  From protecting their hair to protecting their identity...women around the world are clever enough to figure out what works best for them!

things I didn't expect to see...

The India I've seen on TV and in movies didn't fully prepare me for the India I am seeing in real life.  Coming from Belize I am fascinated by the buildings, the crowds of people, and the busyness of the streets.  There is a richness of diversity that I appreciate.  And I am loving discovering a few unexpected sights along the way.

a man selling cotton candy...

high rise buildings...

women riding side saddle...

and a peaceful lake in the middle of the city...

I wonder what other unexpected sights we'll see over the next few months?!

a ride to the market...

My first ride with Meesha on her bike...

these flowers smelled incredible...

these are thin bracelets called bangles...you can buy 12 of them for 34 cents!

They had some larger ones too...

Meesha wanted me to try some of the sweets.  So we stopped for a taste.

The salesmen in the blue t-shirt kept offering me free samples of various ones he thought I might like.  He would tell me what each one was and explain how it would taste.  So of course after all of his kindness I walked away with a box of candies made from cashews! 

I took home items for the apartment, some veggies, and a box of candy.  I didn't want to over do it since we were on the bike and not in a car or a rickshaw. So far my experience here with shopkeepers has been positive.  Everyone seems so helpful and very service oriented which we haven't always seen in other countries.  

Memories from the National Agriculture & Trade Show

 

Thousands of people came out to the showgrounds this year.  And there was a greater security presence than we've ever seen before. We had lunch, made a few purchases and toured the grounds.  It took a few hours to make our way through it all.

One of the things that stood out for me this year was the behind the scenes action.  The trash, the clotheslines hanging from the trucks, the police, security guards, and Defense force personnel walking the grounds.

In spite of the long  line of cars waiting to park and enter the showgrounds, the throng of people we had to navigate through to get from one end of the grounds to the other,and the horse droppings we had to be careful of,  it was exciting to experience and we're glad that we took the time to enjoy this slice of Belize culture!

To market, to market...

If you need furniture, flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, shoes, clothes, or household goods...the market is the place to go.  Market days here in Belmopan are Tuesday and Friday.  It's best to go in the morning if possible.  By the late afternoon many of the vendors are packing up for the day.

I walked 2.6 miles getting my shopping done.  That mileage includes the walk to and from my house.  I found the produce that I needed, got some more seeds for my garden, and picked up a few outfits as well.  Most of the clothing is used and comes from the U.S.  If you have the patience to dig through the clothes on a table or look through racks hanging up inside the tents...you can always find a bargain or two! 

Before the parade passes by

We had two parades here in Belmopan last week.  On Thursday evening there was the Take Back the Land Christian Parade.  And on Friday the Citizen's Parade was held.  I had heard that the Citizen's Parade was going to start at 10:30.  Assuming that meant 11:00 I left home home just after 10:30 thinking that I would have time to see them line up and then begin walking.  I had more time than I expected.  The parade didn't get underway until closer to noon.

Getting over there so early meant seeing what happens before the parade passes by.  

The University of Belize float...

 the Peace Corps getting set up...

 other participants chilling out before the long walk begins...

soldiers ready to go...

a smart businessman selling plantain chips to the gathering crowd

Riders kept their horses busy until it was time to line up...

Children played in the dry drainage ditch...

when the police finally arrived we knew it was almost time for the parade to start!