The One With My Last Thoughts on Ramana's Garden

When we first arrived in Rishikesh I was a bit frustrated that we would have to wait a full week before beginning what I consider the meat of my trip- my internship and homestay in Varanasi.  But the children quickly captured my heart and I now really appreciate that we had time to bond as a group in somewhere as naturally beautiful as Rishikesh.  I also really enjoyed having such a set routine, and I am very ready to get things established here in Varanasi.

Working in the Cafe

Every morning we would wake up and eat breakfast of freshly made bread with honey and fruit salad.  I am really going to miss the warm bread and cakes at Ramana's because it is quite difficult to find baked goods in India.  Then I would get dressed for the day, almost forget to take my malaria pill, and head back down to the cafe to set up.  The mornings were always slow and I would often just watch Chandra and Kali in amazement as they prepared different dishes.  Then around 1:30 pm the rush came, and it was absolutely insane.  I most enjoyed working at the front of the cafe and sending the orders back. The kitchen was a bit too crazy, though definitely a better place to get to know the kids.  In India it is important to have patience at restaurants, because it always takes at least 30-45 minutes to get your food, and Ramana's cafe was definitely not an exception.  I often head to meals not hungry at all because I know I will be hungry in a few hours.

With Uma on a hike

After the cafe we would have a bit of free time, or a group meeting, and then dinner with the kids.  They had endless chipati's (I know I am spelling everything incorrectly), rice, a vegetable dish, and dal.  Thankfully the chef always made us a special bowl of the vegetables without chilis, though once a chili got into my dal and I ate it and was literally crying at the table.  For those out there who drag me to Chipotle, I think you can imagine how ridiculous me eating a hot chili is.  After dinner we would just play with the kids outside, or chat with the older ones.  At 7:30pm most nights there was Satsong.  During Satsong all of the kids sit around in a circle and sing different songs- some religious, some just fun.  On our first night we taught them the "Boom Chick-A-Boom" song and they absolutely loved it.

All of the kids with us on our hike

After Satsong I would shower and then read in bed or journal.  I have come a long way since my first night when I asked Julie (our group leader) how to shower with no shower curtain.  I am now quite proficient (and a fan of) the bucket bath.  I have also re-discovered my love for reading and a new love for my kindle which has been extremely convenient.

Mural!

In conclusion, I loved my time at Ramana's and the people that I met there.  While there I realized how much I appreciate the openness of the people here.  I think in America our focus on privacy and individualism often leads us to not fully get to know so many wonderful people in the world.  I have found Indians to generally be super welcoming and loving to everyone they meet.  When I first got here something struck me about the fact that most families hang their laundry outside.  I have decided that it represents something important about the culture here.  The people I have met have been very open to conversation and getting to know strangers.  I love my hour long conversations with random restaurant owners and how willing the older kids at the orphanage were to sharing their stories.