Moving On

This morning was the first of clarity since my arrival. I woke up and checked on the laundry I had hung out on my balcony to dry. Last night I spent two hours beating my clothing and soaking them in a bucket in the shower. Maybe one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I cleaned my clothes, with one bucket of water, and no energy. It even made me think that WM should by those mini washer-deals that you crank. But I think everyone would kill each other in the end.
Mass homicides aside, I breathed deeply, did an hour of yoga and made myself some yogurt with mango lychee honey and a bowl of multi-grain cheerios (I just realized they're made by nestle here! UGH!). When I came back into the kitchen, Safiya had arrived and was attempting to talk me into toast again. I don't want toast. I never want toast. Its white bread and I only eat it because I want her to know that I appreciate her effort. She finally gets the message.

After all of this awkward communication involving a lot of pointing and slow pronunciation, I realize that Im just never going to be okay with her waiting on me. Every time I join Kit-Kat for breakfast or lunch, I just shudder at the image in my head (two clearly white women being served by a brown woman). This is why I always make my bed and fix my own breakfast before she comes. Although, I think it upsets her or she thinks that I don't like her cooking. I always smile alot and go "mmmm" when I eat in front of her--its actually amazing. I LOVE her cooking. I just hate that she's mandated to do so.

I spent all day at work contemplating this issue, looking up hindi words to express my feelings, and thinking about how I'm overpaying for this room that I don't really need. I finished a few copy-edits of the field reports I was given (actually quite interesting--they cover current anti-child labour collaborations between NGO's and GO's and focus on community building, which is of particular interest to me), and made a few appointments to visit local NGO's and worker collectives. Tomorrow morning I am joining Rahil, Lauren and Daniel on a heritage walk near the Red Fort to see some interesting historical land marks and temples. At around 4 I plan on trekking out to a special home for boys who beg or engage in street work. That should be perspective-altering.

Sunday, I am going to tell Kit-Kat that I'm off. I will pay her two weeks rent plus a small bonus for the late notice, and I will walk out the door with my rucksack and my guitar. I plan on keeping my suitcase at work and taking out only what I need for the night. I told this to my friend Andy (Rahil and Lauren's flat mate) and he assured me that if I ever got in a jam I could stay with them in GK1. So, I'm free. I'll just let my co-workers know where I'm staying each week and go off to meet new and interesting people. I think it's the best way to actually get to know Delhi and it will cut down on my costs considerably. I'm just going to use couchsurfing.com, where Ive already got several offers waiting (no worries parents, they've all got references, etc.).

I'm simply not made to have servants, cooks, care takers, etc. A few of my possible hosts have even offered their roof tops for camping.

I'm genuinely excited.

Love you all,
E.

PS-Special thanks to Wren and Katie Leigh for a bit of inspiration. Wren, your blog made me want to go outside (even in an urban setting) and Katie, thanks for sending Dharma Bums along with me. Truly necessary. Muchos besos!