Back From the Land of Spices

We had a sweet trip. We stayed with a couple and their family. The man is Indian and his woman American. So they served us Indian food at times (which was normally very delicious) but more often American food, which was great as well. Overall, the Indian food was terrific, although the haleem was pretty interesting. The woman did a fantastic job of hosting, and we really enjoyed our time with them. The schedule was pretty good too. We did something most days, but the schedule wasn’t seriously tight and rushed, so we also had time to unwind and relax after a hectic term. The man seems to have a good thing going, using various and creative means of “helping” people in a somewhat iffy environment. If you want to know more specifics, feel free to email me. We were involved in a variety of benevolent activities. It was a somewhat fascinating experience as we were led by man according to Indian time schedules. Much flexibility was required of us, but yet things were relaxed enough that it generally wasn’t a difficult thing. There were several times that required a bit of creativity when suddenly I was supposed to speak briefly on a certain subject to a group of people without much/no forewarning.

During the time we were there we got to witness the festivities associated with the Hindu elephant god festival. We men went out on the evening of the climax and watched the happenings. Many large trucks were loaded with an elephant god and either people cheering on the truck or people dancing and drumming in front of it. They took them to the river and cranes lowered the large plaster idols into the river.

The time went rather rapidly while we were there. Thanks to all who “sent sky messages” for our safety! Following are a few pictures. For more pictures, email me for a link to my web album.
Traditional welcome

Children at one of the schools

Chopsticks and guess work

We are back and resuming life at this prestigious institution. The past several weeks have certainly been. We spent about nine days in China. We were given some preliminary information, and then told to go out and do whatever it was we thought we should do. So there we were–a Mandarin phrase book, some cash, a hotel room, and some numbers in case we needed help. The culture was a good and interesting experience. I do like the people of Chengdu. Many are really quite friendly, and some are desirous to interact so as to increase there English proficiency. We had fun playing basketball with university students, and attempted to build some relationships. We also spent time “sky talking” for the people of Chengdu.

We had the privilege of going out to visit the Quiang. They’re in an area perhaps five hours North of Chengdu. We spent time in a somewhat touristy little village, and overnighted in a town nestled between towering mountains. It was interesting to learn a bit about a Chinese minority group. At the village we had some really good food. When the three of us guys tried ordering stuff later at the town, we had an interesting dining experience. For starters, we were not really proficient with chop sticks yet. Also, since the town was a bit more out-of-the-way, we were somewhat of a curiosity without any special handicaps. So as we attempted to eat strange tasting food that slipped and slithered and generally evaded our chopsticks, the restaurant staff had an amusing and enjoyable time of observation. I found that I am not a natural with chopsticks, nevertheless, I did become semi-proficient before leaving the country. In Chinese cuisine protocol, the food is set in platters in the middle of the table and the diners simply reach in with chopsticks and eat whatsoever they desire. A person can also set some food in his own little bowl of rice before eating it if he desires. Noodles, however, are served in individual bowls. Here Huber demonstrates his noodle eating technique.

It was a challenging time, but a good and refreshing time as well. We know more about China than we used to! Peace to you…

Food and Baggage

My baggage is here! Today was a fairly lazy day. I spent time sunning up on the roof, and did some reading in the forenoon/early afternoon. This afternoon and evening I unpacked and discussed important issues such as dating and knowing His will with Dru and Lyndon. Our last “person” to arrive–the real hans mast–came this afternoon, so it was good to once again be able to “share” with him.

Since the kitchen is not officially in operation until Sunday, we’ve been scavenging for ourselves. Fortunately, the Thai food is pretty cheap. This morning when David and I shared two different kinds of “rice topping”, a plate with cucumbers, a bowl of soup, and three plates of rice it came to a whopping total of 50 baht. The exchange rate is around 35 baht to 1 USD. Go figure. This evening at another whole in the wall, some chicken fried rice cost us 25B per plate. Granted, it wasn’t a huge meal, but it was good food. Generally I can testify to the fact that the food here is pleasant. Some of it isn’t quite so immediately appealing, but most of what I’ve had has been enjoyable. We went to a Chinese restaurant last night where I ordered fried Morning Glory. The taste was okay, even good with rice, but the Morning Glory was a little tough. At the mall on Friday I was privileged to try some crickets Lyndon acquired. I also had a bit of squid. And no I didn’t actually eat all of those with the pizza, but it made a cool picture.