So we're back in Chicago, so I thought I should close out this blog with some reflections...
I'm going to miss my new Mumbaikar pals, eating everything with my hands, the constant opportunities to be out of my element and do something new. Also, colorful clothing and eating a lot of paneer. It's pretty amazing to me that we were nearly 180 degrees of planet away, an experience I'm nothing but grateful for, especially when I think that most people in America will never make this kind of trip.
That said, it's been a pretty incredible 16 hours since leaving O'Hare. Our cab driver spoke English and knew the location we mentioned...and it was an address, something virtually nonexistent in Mumbai. I wanted to hug him. And the roads were consistently paved, and there wasn't constant honking. Generally, it's just so quiet, not to mention green. I didn't really process it while I was away, but the sky was gray every day...between the clouds and smog, I didn't see a scrap of blue. It's just gorgeous here. Also, the farmer's market this morning was awesome...fresh veggies and fruit are amazing. I was sad to find out that the berry stand is not here this year, though, as the farm was rained out and the harvest was not good enough to bring into the city. (Being a farmer is rough, I don't think I'd be cut out for that kind of occasionl disaster.) Overall, it's just an incredible experience to realize how much context there is to life and how hard it is to be in a place where the most routine of activities requires so much thought. Props to people who move to other countries, particularly Asian ones, for longer than three weeks.
This morning on the way to get groceries (walking down a perfectly paved sidewalk surrounded by plants and trees), Mark and I walked down a block that was decked out in red, white, and blue in preparation for their block party. (In our neighborhood, each block has an all-day party at some point during the summer.) Normally, my reaction the the excess of American flag decor and neighbors in red, white, and blue outfits would be to consider it somewhat lame and keep walking, but today I actually thought something to the effect of, "What a nice gathering." Not that I'll be breaking out any flagwear myself, but I find myself feeling a little bit more love for my country now, not in a nationalistic or prideful way, but in an appreciative way that comes from having been away. It's home.
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