Day 8: Smiling With Your Eyes!!!

Today was absolutely beautiful! We went to the Elephanta caves to learn about the history of Hinduism, the gods, and how this cave has been transformed. Upon arrival, we took a ferry to get there which was definitely an interesting experience for my group since all but one were in some stage of recovery from the “delhi belly” rites of passage as Dr. Vyas calls it. When we finally made it, all in one piece thankfully, we found a really lovely man who became our tour guide. What I loved most about this experience was that so many people were able to trace their religious beliefs to something tangible and articulate the centuries of their complex histories. It was touching to hear someone explain why they believed what they believed and to be so accountable for their own spiritual understandings.  

After we took millions of pictures and learned more and more about Lord Shiva and the three heads of Aghora, Tatpursha and Vandeva, we explored a bit of the market scene and then set sail back to dry land. En route, Vidisha, Elizabeth and I were able to have a really amazing conversation with Netra- our right hand woman who handles all of our in country logistics. We learned so much about her personal life, her goals, her interests, and her values. I really appreciate how open she is in general and the fact that she is so relatable even though we have grown up on completely different sides of the world. She invited all of us to her home to meet her family and have dinner so I was super psyched to finally have a home cooked meal! On the way back to the hotel we noticed an unusual crowd gathered on the road only to find out that a Bollywood film was being taped! Netra let us get off the bus so we could try to take some glimpses of what was going on and possibly get a quick appearance. Well, I think I was a little too ambitious in my hopes to get on the big screen but at least I can say, “hey so there was this one time in India where I watched a scene from a Bollywood film being taped!” How many people can say that?!?

After a 35 minute power nap in the hotel, we were scrambling in the van again to reach Netra’s house. As soon as we got there I felt at home. Her family was so welcoming and the house gave the most familiar, embracing, home is where the heart is feeling! I secretly didn’t want to leave…like ever J!! To my surprise, there was an entire night of activities planned. Her sister, who is a dance goddess on earth, coordinated about four dances for us that still have my heart thumping. I mean the moves were just so graceful, the choreography was so elegant and coordinated, and the spirit in the room was so full! It was the best welcome to someone’s home that I have ever experienced. Then Netra’s sister made all of us dance which was classic! Everyone got in the dance circle and danced to popular Indian tunes adding their own flair and “go to moves”- including Dr. Parrish with some rendition of the knee pump! It was a little tough to make a final judgment call on who danced the best tonight but it’s probably between Lisa and Elizabeth J. Then it was time to eat the lovely dinner Netra’s mom prepared for all us. It was so good, so filling, and so easy for all us “Delhi belly” babies to handle. They kept offering us more and more food until we all were totally full- maybe even a little above that mark! All in all, I loved today! It was the perfect break in the perfect weather! Going to sleep now to prepare for tomorrow’s big day with organization IMPACT India.