"who you gonna call?"

There's something strange going on in my neighborhood.

A Hijra (eunuch/transvestite) came to Mrs Singh's door this morning. I thought that was a dated practice (they would come to residential areas, especially during festivals or weddings, demanding money in exchange for their blessing. If they were refused or the amount of money they felt was not sufficient they would threaten to flash or curse you) It was hard to ignore the flamboyantly dressed women with a huge bindi shouting from the gate. I wonder if a curse is just as effective if you can't understand the language?

While walking the straight long road to the market today I was enjoying the beautiful fragrant flowers that have blossomed since the last rain and have settled about the road along side the garbage when I heard a friendly "hello". There, far down the road, was a man pushing another in a makeshift wooden wagon. They were waving at me - like an old friend that I haven't seen in a long time. Beggars in my part of town? It was very hard to ignore them too, something that reminded me so strongly of A Fine Balance. I hate ignoring. I hate not making eye contact. I would like to at least recognize them as people...as existing. But I don't know any better way to handle the situation.

So, why am I in a internet cafe when I should be working on the publications due tomorrow? Well, two weeks into my stay India is finally starting to not look too different then I remember. This weekend the power has gone off the cable and the water. We still haven't had water in over a day, but luckily Mrs. Singh has a generator. I thought I'd better come to the market and pick up at least some drinking water.In fact the power has just gone off in my basement cyber cafe...the computers are on generator but the fans, A.C. and lights are off...It's going to heat up quite quickly so I should run. It's nice to know some things don't change.

Leave me comments guys

Take care guys. Jan I'm thinking of you! Love yah.