SOME SCENES FROM KAKINADA
Jim has been doing most of the talking (what's new!), but I wanted to add a few observations of my own. After arriving in Hyderabad, Karen (Ron Clayton's wife) took me shopping for a couple of punjabi's. (A long shirt and pants with head covering scarf.) The shopping area was like a long alley with little 10' x 10' shops solid on either side. The hustle of the people going everywhere (100's of people, bicycles, motorcycles - all fighting for the right of way). The little shops were very specialized. Punjabis in one, shoes in one, belts in one, and so on. Selection is nothing like it is in the states.
The next day, I went with Karen to shop for Thanksgiving dinner. We went to the market. This was a very small store with limited amount of goods. Eggs, for example, were on a small shelf in cartons of 6 eggs only. You could buy pasteurized milk, but only in one pint plastic bags. There were a few cereals from the states, but they were over $6.00. Fruits and vegetables were fresh and cheap, but everything else was high. There was no meat in the grocery store. If you want chicken, you call the man with chickens, etc. etc. We went to the florist for a flower centerpiece. It was a little space outside, with a selection of about 10 arrangements, with only about 6 different flowers to choose from. Nothing like the florist I am use to. The accommodations have been good and the food great. Flying into Rajahmundry was an experience. We taxied in on the same strip we landed on. The terminal was one small brick room. Baggage claim was a wagon at the sidewalk by the gate out.
I think Jim told you about our visit with Ricky's father-in-law and the two Australian girls visiting there. I have enjoyed visiting with the speakers and listening to them speak. They have fed us lunch and dinner at the church during and after the lectures. My hair dryer blew up, so Jim and I caught a taxi ( an open little motorized vehicle with a seat for two in the back - unless you are Indian - then six or so can ride) and went to look for a place to get one. This was quite an interesting tour. The driver could not understand us and we could not understand him - so we circled around for some time - and then we gave up. We went down narrow streets with small venders all over the place, cows laying or grazing along the street, three or so pigs in groups, scrounging for scraps, small herds of water buffalo or goats wandering down the street and this was among the bicycles, motorcycles, taxis, pedicabs and cars - very crowded, yes very crowded. When Ricky heard about our little trip, he said we should not have gotten into a cab. They might take you anywhere - not safe.
Ricky's mom loaned me a hair dryer and saved the day. Crystal was right the little kids tug at your heart. They are so hungry for attention. They sit quietly through the lectures, with an occasional glance back at us and a shy grin and a little wave. They could really use some clothes. One little girl, maybe three, was just dropped off by her mom the day before Sunday and her little face told the whole story - she was lost! I haven't had a chance to tour the orphanage yet, but they seem to take very good care of the children. They are clean and well-fed (lots of rice). Last night as we were leaving the lectures, we walked through the crowded auditorium I saw the many poor people with small sacks or bags. I found out later that some of these people had traveled a long way to listen and Ricky had invited them to stay there for the night. They would sleep on the floor in the auditorium and they fed them supper. Well I could go on forever. This is quite an experience for me - a once in a life-time experience.
