Category Archives: Casual observations

Buying an ugly cat

It’s a teapot, not a real cat. An ugly teapot. The kitschiest, nastiest thing on earth. It’s filthy, still has the tea ring inside proving it was once used as intended, and has a perpetual frown due to being hand … Continue reading →

Aside | Posted on August 5, 2016 by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

To pee or not to pee

That is not the only question. The problem is where to pee. And how to pee.  And if front of whom to pee. And what happens after you’re done peeing.  And I am not even talking about poo yet! Oh, … Continue reading →

Aside | Posted on October 22, 2015 by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Very unhealthy

It’s awful, simply awful.  I am talking about pollution in Beijing.  Of course I had read about it and we were prepared for it, having bought a full artillery of protective masks.  We have the daily masks, the heavy masks, … Continue reading →

Aside | Posted on October 9, 2015 by | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Searching for pandas

Never mind The Cultural Revolution.  Never mind human rights abuses and dictatorship.  When you stumble upon the Mao Zedong Mausoleum, while looking for scorpions on a stick to munch on during your evening walk, you are awed.  You are in … Continue reading →

Aside | Posted on October 4, 2015 by | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blessing a car

Our friend got a brand new car a few weeks ago. Yipee for our friend! It’s a big gold Toyota Innova, also known as an expat car. Most expats ride in big SUVs, we liked Sathya’s little white car, the … Continue reading →

Aside | Posted on August 4, 2015 by | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cultural amnesia

I don’t remember how to be American! I don’t remember how my house works! After almost 2 years in India, I am staring at the appliances and checking which button I have to press to get coffee. It took me … Continue reading →

Aside | Posted on July 28, 2015 by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Village politics in action

Posted on July 14, 2015 by

21: we beat our record of the number of strangers posing into one picture, with five more in the background running towards us! Our previous record was in Pura, with 15 people in one shot. Whenever we go to a … Continue reading →

Posted in Casual observations, Frustration | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why is the foreigner here?

Sir, I wonder this myself. I have no idea why I am here. I was asked to come and since I am always looking for a new adventure, I agreed. I am now sitting in the waiting room/consultation room of … Continue reading →

Aside | Posted on June 22, 2015 by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Invisible people

Posted on April 14, 2015 by

We are now “godparents” to not one, but two puppies. The ladies talking care of Jadoo, whom they renamed Ramu, realized he was lonely (since he was screaming bloody hell at night) and brought his sister from the same litter … Continue reading →

Posted in Casual observations, Frustration, Street photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Rice and tomatoes

Living next to a farm provides tons of photo opportunities. I now always leave a camera on the third floor, where our laundry room and terrasse are.  I wonder how long it will take for the farmers to notice me. … Continue reading →

Aside | Posted on March 17, 2015 by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment