Humble dwellings

My stay in India has not been typical of a tourist. During my time I have been able to really get to know the locals and experience a bit of how they run their day-to-day lives. About 4 weeks ago I had lunch at the home of one of the girls who work with mum and dad. This was incredible. The home is the sie of an average western loung. The kitchen is outside and consists of a clay oven (pretty similar to a BBQ). On average about 12 people live in the house and the conditions are very cramped. It is common practice for the guest to sit on the main bed and eat the meal while the hosts talk to you. The host family does not eat with you but will eat once you have left. I will never complain if I have to stay in a house that has a small kitchen or living area.

On Thursday night we were invited out to have dinner in one of the slum houses beside the railway station. Our family are great friends with the head of the family. He is a driver for a local business man and so often will pick friends and family (including me) up from the airport for mum and dad. He is a lovely guy and his wife and little 1 year old are really lovely too. We were met at the start of the community and escorted down the little alleyways and were greeted by all the neighbours. Upon arrival at the house (a one bedroom place) we were made comfortable on the bed (all of the kitchen stuff is kept under the bed) and the food is prepared on the floor and on a small stove on a side counter. We were served chai (which I am becomming addicted to) and then the nicest thing I have ever tasted - Luchi.

Luchi s a torilla type food which is lightly fried in oil so that if forms into a balloon shaped pastry. It is heavenly. I think I ate about 7 of them (it would have been rude to turn them down). The luchis are served with a potato curry. We ate quite early but I was still full by the next morning.

The evening ended with another cup of chai. Unforgettable.

When I get back to London I am going to try and find out how to make them or find someone who knows how...

Well the Christmas party is on tonight so I'd better go and help prepare...