The Most Excellent Surprise!!

Last stop, Deepu’s home in the Old Village.  A bit about the OV – it’s a series of labyrinthine streets, lined with wee stone houses, all joined to one another.  But what makes it unusual is that the castes live in specific neighborhoods and use caste-specific wells.  It probably looks the same as it did 300 years ago.

Deepu’s house seems to be the focus of a lot of activity . . . we’re the honored guests!  ‘Please come in, sit down, would you like some chai?’  The house is about 10 feet square, dirt floor, cooking surface (propane tank fueled) a diagonal in one corner, the ‘sit down’ place a small frame with strapping and a blanket placed over the strapping.  The ceiling is about 5 and a half feet tall, with a big cloth tacked into the four corners - not sure why (to prevent stuff from falling on folks?). 

Counting Tim and me there must be 10 maybe 12 people inside.  We are honored guests so we sit on the frame; everyone else is on the floor.   Deepu introduces everyone – mom, grandma, aunt, brothers, sisters, cousins and – drum roll – surprise, his wife and BABY!  One month old, a little girl, Ritzcika (Riczi for short).  Well, guess who had that baby in her arms faster than you can say ‘Grandma’!!  Photos say it all . . .

Deepu's wife and a few cousins.

The beautiful family.

 Deepu and his Mom.

It took a while to get all these kids to smile but we did it!  The little fellow really got into it.

An auntie with the kitchen as backdrop.

Deepu's grandma (who is 3 years younger than us!).  Love that smile!!

Couldn't resist another photo of these sweet kids.

And darling baby slept through it all!  This red sweater seems to be a special baby gift - noticed it on other babies I saw after this magical afternoon.  Interesting tidbit, Riczi's diaper was a large leaf, artfully cut and folded over her tiny legs and held in place by what looked and felt like the spine of the leaf - amazing!

I am so humbled that we are welcomed so graciously and generously. . . I can’t imagine any other experience in this whole trip - this whole country - even coming close to the sweetness of this time.   Thank you, Deepu and family, for this most excellent experience!!  English lessons to follow!!