I thoroughly enjoy the people of India. To be more accurate, I enjoy most of the people of India. I've tried to photograph, respectfully, many of the Indians I encounter. It is a challenge to capture in a split-second a photograph which evokes a personality. It is also a challenge to suggest that some individuals' …
Continue reading 34. Final Photos and Comments about People of India
Almost every day, an Indian newspaper has articles about events in the United States. During the first several weeks, the newspapers mainly focused upon newly inaugurated President Trump’s attitude toward immigration and student visas. The Hindu in its January 31st edition has this headline “White House plans to tighten the screws on H-1B visa, says …
My time in India has ended. My next destination is Egypt. Since this is almost the halfway point in my six-month journey, I want to give myself a check-up. Mind While my ultimate purpose is to rethink and rewrite my course on Moral Responsibility, I have not wanted to confine myself to observations solely relevant …
Continue reading 35. Experiment in Mind, Spirit, and Body: A Check-Up
Do not read this blog if you are sensitive to off color language. Brought up with Midwestern reserved sensibilities, I certainly am self-conscious about the following language. I pay attention to where I place my feet. When I walk at Stone Mountain Park, I am aware of most rocks and tree roots. Since I have …
I noticed the same response of several hotel employees: “It is my duty.” In Kolkata’s Jameson Inn, I thanked the front desk clerk: “You all were very helpful in our checking in at 2AM.” His response: “It is my duty, sir.” When I thanked Vikram at the Ratan Villa for providing such a wonderful meal …
Continue reading 31. “It is My Duty” and “I Will Help You Get There”
I’m reading the paper when I came upon an ad wishing everybody a “Happy Holi” day. Since I assumed that there were no major festivals during my two months in India, I am quite surprised. My first thought is: How can I see some of this festival? I ask the receptionist. She has no suggestions. …
Warning: Long Blog After several weeks of voting, on March 11th the election results in five Indian states for each state’s assembly have been released. Besides determining which individuals and parties hold power in each of these states, these results are a harbinger of the 2019 India-wide election for the Lok Sabha, the lower house …
Continue reading 29. Modi and India’s Election Results on March 11th
While in Kerala, my first rain in 70 days. 2. First overnight train ride where I didn’t share a 70-passenger coach with 69 others including crying babies and shouting 2AM boarders moving into the berth across from me. 3. First time I ordered a 100 rps chai and meal from “Meals on Wheels.” I drank …
Continue reading 28. My List of Ten Firsts for Kerala and Goa
“Lions, Tigers, Bears, Oh My” exclaims Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. If I change the list of animals, I exclaim the same thing in India. My brother and I have a very recessive "animal attraction" gene. I do not love animals. My brother and I never had a pet; I don’t think either of …
If a person asks an Indian “what do you think about your country?”, then at some point in the conversation the person mentions corruption. In my limited conversations and reading, I’ve heard or read about the following examples of abusing power. At Khajuraho’s Isabel Palace Hotel, a hotel employee tells me his experience of applying …
Continue reading 26. Stories about Abusing Power Indian Style
