My Adventures in the Library, and Other Stories

[rhyll]

First off, Holi. The evening before last there was a big bonfire, and lots more powder. Girls get off easy, it seems, with just a couple of dabs of powder on cheeks, so it wasn't too riotous for Bhumika and I. The boys looked like they were having more fun - all soaked in water and powder, including an oily silver powder on their faces that made it look like the street was full of small moons. They also grabbed any unpowdered man or boy walking down the street and covered them in water and powder. There was some singing/chanting (including one "Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi"), and a big bonfire. The bonfire burnt out quickly, though, so the festivities ended relatively early.

Afterwards Shayla's husband (whose name I can't remember, unfortunately) explained that the bonfire is meant to symbolise burning all one's lustful feelings. Girls and boys put powder on each other to show that they having brotherly/sisterly (siblingly?) feelings for each other, and wish each other a good year. It seems like a nice thing, if completely different to how things are actually celebrated in some areas (in Delhi foreign women are advised to be careful at holi, as the festive atmosphere can be an excuse for assaults).

Yesterday was less colourful, but still pleasant. I went to the library in the morning, which turned out to be exciting. The librarian in the office next door wasn't there, so I just wandered in and started working. Next thing, I heard a rather ominous clanking, and when I checked the door I discovered I was locked in. (*gasp*) Luckily after a few minutes of banging on the door the librarian came back and let me out, so it was all ok.

To follow up that little bit of excitement, a while later a man walked into the library holding a piece of paper. This sort of thing happens fairly often - people approach me with a piece of paper declaring they are blind/collecting for their education/something like that, you give them money, they go away. In this case it was a medical bill, and I gave him some money, but he didn't go away. Instead he started crying, putting my hand on his head, grabbing my legs (a way of showing respect), and asking for more money. I tried to get him to go away, with no luck. More money, more crying. I vaguely tried yelling for the librarian, but in the end I just gave him more money and eventually he left.

I am happy that this is not something that is likely to happen in the Reid Library.

However, all this is made up for by the fact that while I was studying, the librarian came in and gave me some tea. How delightful!

When I got back from the library, Shayla and Bhumika took me to the art gallery here. There were some interesting things, and a few very beautiful paintings, but I'm not very good at describing art so I'll leave it there. We also walked around the market for a while, which was pretty much everything one would expect from an Indian market.

The evening was dinner, talk about globalisation, and the evening walk, all of which I enjoy very much.

Extras:
* I am starting to think in Indian english. Eg. Instead of "He's only just begun to learn guitar", I thought "Only just now he has begun to learn guitar". My two current favourite Indian english phrases are: "What's you program?" (What are you doing today?) and "nonsense-fellow".
* Here I am quite capable of washing myself and my clothes in less than one (large) bucket of water. Most of the 'basic necessities' in Australia seem horribly decadent here.
* A small difference between the Australian and the Indian approaches to beds. In Australia, one sleeps in a bed. In India one sleeps on a bed. Beds here are generally very hard - usually a wood base with a thin mattress on top. Usually there are no sheets, just a blanket. A lot of Indians sleep with the blanket over their heads.

Hmm. I am somewhat in a rush to get to the library. I think I am not adequately conveying things today. (As usual, unfortunately.)

In other news: 16 days left!


Last night

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Have you mastered the head wobble yet? I'm glad I wasn't in Delhi for Holi because it apparently gets quite vicious around the office at that time and my boss told me not to venture out. (Although he also told me I was likely to succumb to amoebic dysentary and when I told him I hadn't, he told me it sometimes takes 3 months to manifest and that I'd get it at home. My laughter was not appreciated). I never had the 'piece of paper begging' experience - although I was often mistaken for a NE Indian or a Nepalese so our experiences may have been somewhat different! I hope you enjoy your last weeks in the magnificant country and I look forward to catching up on your return!
x
Rachael