As this journey continues there are many reminders of how things fall into place... reminding us to allow for our intuition to be our guide by following the signs put out by the universe in whatever being and essence you consider that to be.
This was again made clear when we arrived in Coimbatore (in the state of Tamil Nadu) looking for a place to stay. If it wasn't for the sugar cane juice that we had stopped for to recharge ourselves through the south India heat or the extra stop for water, we would not have been at the junction super market at the time Radha Krishnan was there. Upon stopping to decide on a way to go we were immediately surrounded by questions and curiosity... people offering their help, trying to answer our questions of 'where to cheap lodge?' or 'where can we camp?' Being an English teacher at a local school, Radha was able to come to the rescue and assure a safe place to stay at his home with his wife and two daughters.
Although we could already sense Tamil hospitality from the smiles and helpfulness, this stay with Radha and his family gave us a deeper understanding of the true Tamil way. Not only were we invited into his home but into many neighboring homes as well, all excited to share their culture with us. Upon taking off our shoes and entering the homes we were quickly given tea, fruit, biscuits-anything they had to share. As compared to home, the appearance inside the house is not much of a worry which gives a more realistic view of the lives of these Tamil people.
This feeling of warmth and welcomeness allows for the effortless act of conversation and silence. Looking around you often see pictures strung with flowers of parents and grandparents as well as religious dedications. It is not long before we are shown these things as they are a central part of the daily life where prayer presumes and dedication lies.
The only difficulty in our stay here was trying to decide where to eat since many neighbors and hotels (restaurants) were offering to feed us their traditional Tamil south Indian food! We wish that our stomachs were able to hold more rice, idly, somber, dosa, chutney and the many other yummy yummy foods!!
As dinner is often eaten a bit later (anywhere between 8 or 9) we had the evening to get to know one another including a finger light dance party to Tamil classical dance. The two daughters, Thalika and Aniska showed us their dance moves while Jason (next door two year old neighbor) shook the egg shaker :)
Tamil cultural traditions are still very much prominent in the daily lives even continuing to the younger generation. This is inspiring to see since development can often lead to a fading of tradition.
Although these is much for us to learn about Tamil culture, we can experience the simplicity of it the moment we are greeted with smiles and many welcoming hands.
There is no sufficient way to express our gratitude for getting a peek into the lives of such amazing and loving people.
We thank you very much!
This was again made clear when we arrived in Coimbatore (in the state of Tamil Nadu) looking for a place to stay. If it wasn't for the sugar cane juice that we had stopped for to recharge ourselves through the south India heat or the extra stop for water, we would not have been at the junction super market at the time Radha Krishnan was there. Upon stopping to decide on a way to go we were immediately surrounded by questions and curiosity... people offering their help, trying to answer our questions of 'where to cheap lodge?' or 'where can we camp?' Being an English teacher at a local school, Radha was able to come to the rescue and assure a safe place to stay at his home with his wife and two daughters.
Although we could already sense Tamil hospitality from the smiles and helpfulness, this stay with Radha and his family gave us a deeper understanding of the true Tamil way. Not only were we invited into his home but into many neighboring homes as well, all excited to share their culture with us. Upon taking off our shoes and entering the homes we were quickly given tea, fruit, biscuits-anything they had to share. As compared to home, the appearance inside the house is not much of a worry which gives a more realistic view of the lives of these Tamil people.
This feeling of warmth and welcomeness allows for the effortless act of conversation and silence. Looking around you often see pictures strung with flowers of parents and grandparents as well as religious dedications. It is not long before we are shown these things as they are a central part of the daily life where prayer presumes and dedication lies.
The only difficulty in our stay here was trying to decide where to eat since many neighbors and hotels (restaurants) were offering to feed us their traditional Tamil south Indian food! We wish that our stomachs were able to hold more rice, idly, somber, dosa, chutney and the many other yummy yummy foods!!
As dinner is often eaten a bit later (anywhere between 8 or 9) we had the evening to get to know one another including a finger light dance party to Tamil classical dance. The two daughters, Thalika and Aniska showed us their dance moves while Jason (next door two year old neighbor) shook the egg shaker :)
Tamil cultural traditions are still very much prominent in the daily lives even continuing to the younger generation. This is inspiring to see since development can often lead to a fading of tradition.
Although these is much for us to learn about Tamil culture, we can experience the simplicity of it the moment we are greeted with smiles and many welcoming hands.
There is no sufficient way to express our gratitude for getting a peek into the lives of such amazing and loving people.
We thank you very much!
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| Dinner:) |
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| School visit! |
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| Nanban (Friend in Tamil) |
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