Ms. Sehgal and I quickly developed a ritual of having afternoon tea or coffee
when I return home from school. Our conversations began with formalities, but
quickly became full of personal insights and opinions. We talk about India. We
talk about America.
I love hearing about all of the stereotypes Indians
hear/have about Americans:
1. If you are and
American and live in an apartment you will not know nor ever speak to your
neighbor.
2. American girls get married
at an average age of 16.
3. Americans
cook everything in the microwave.
I
will continue adding to this list. :)
Ms. Sehgal and I
talk about politics, religion, life, loss, and sports (ha). I never imagined
having such engaging conversations and connecting so well with a retired, Hindu
woman living in Bangalore City. I am feminist. She is very much a feminist in
her own right. The similarities and differences in our feelings on the topic are
fascinating. Even though she is very religious, we have very similar views on
religion, narrowmindedness, and religious people who like to "spread the word"
of their own righteous and glorious beliefs. We talk about India vs. Pakistan.
Hinduism vs. Islam. We talk about cricket! (Fair and square, Australia. Fair and
square.) She knows so much about history and the world, it seems. I am learning
so much from her.
Our conversations leave me inspired and curious. I have
begun reading about Indian history and reading the newspaper daily. It is so
easy to enjoy and drink up life in India. I have always loved learning and
connecting with people, but my energy and consciousness have entered new levels.
I read that one cannot visit India and return unchanged. I did not know the
process would be so amazingly powerful.
