Let's talk about...

FOOD!!!
We had an India orientation the night before last, and we were at a hotel in central Khalapur. After our meeting was over, our hosts ordered us some drinks and snacks. What should be brought to the table but BOILED PEANUTS!!! Anyone from the South will know what a big deal this is. I was so delighted and surprised. Wonderful memories came flooding back from my childhood of eating this delicious treat. They were already peeled and they were warm, perfectly salted and still crunch in the very center. They were amazing! We had beers and our hosts teased us about spending 1400 rupees ($30) for 6 beers our first night in India--it was late, and the hotel had gone scurrying out to find these first beers. We all balked at the price, but we were just so grateful to have finally made it after all the hard work of preparing and getting from the airport to the hotel.

In addition, I have had palak paneer (cubed goat cheese in spinach sauce). A salad made with chopped cilantro, tomatoes, pomegranate and lime juice... and a spicy salad made from sprouting lentils! It's called usal. I've also had a whitefish in a spicy pesto-type sauce called seer fish and gulab jamun, which is a dessert of small flour balls and a light sweet sauce that I thought was honey, but it's just regular sugar-sauce. I swear this is the best I've ever eaten. My hosts have a staff of 4 permanent servants, one of whom is the cook. I have to admit that it's somewhat of an unusual feeling for me to be waited on. One glance and the waiter is eagerly bringing me fresh watermelon juice or serving me more rice pilaf with again, spicy chicken. I am planning on eating my way through this entire trip! Second helpings are a must.

There are chutneys galore, and they can be eaten for breakfast with a mini thick rice pancake called idlie. It's so fascinating! Last night was a big party and they had a store-bought cake. One of the best cakes I have ever eaten. Light chocolate, with very fluffy, light icing. Small slices with almond and coconut icecream. None of it was too sweet. It was absolutely INCREDIBLE. I was sure to get a second taste of that. I checked out a grocery store with my host mom, Gayatri, yesterday. Fascinating. Polished floors, tight security, rows of beans and lentils and flour. Loved it! Had such a good time. My host mom bought me a small snack of murukuu and we have had some this morning for mini-breakfast before the day really starts. They taste a little like crackers, and are cream in color, but the're in the shape of Cheetos!

Today, in the evening, I will be joining my second host family for the remaining time in Kholapur, but I am sad to leave this family. It has been a wonderful, super special introduction to India. I couldn't have been more blessed or well taken care of. I've already been invited back, and that has been very nice and an honor. I do hope I can come back, despite the distance!

So much has happened, and I could write so much more! But, today's a new day, and we're supposed to be off and running to meet the Princess of Khalapur and tour the museum of the palace of her family. They no longer reside in the center of town, but we have a standing invitation to visit with them. So, until next time--hope everyone is doing well!

Erin