The Taj Mahal and The Ramanans

Yesterday I officially moved in with my host family! (As opposed to unofficially, of course). I am living about a 15 minute auto-rickshaw ride from the University with Brittany, another girl from my program. Our family seems really nice thus far, and as they have said themselves many times, a bit crazy, which of course makes me feel right at home ; ). We are sharing a house with our host families, Mr. and Mrs. Ramanan, their daughter Somnia, their son Baharat (I think that's how you spell his name) and his girlfriend, Mr. Ramanan's father and mother, Mrs. Ramanan's father, and two other guests, on an MPhil student at our school and the other a Norwegian friend. Along with 2 servants, a dog, and various other guests that filter in and out every day (the latest feature is their "Spanish friends" who arrived last night). In other words, the house is constantly bustling with a flurry of activity and people. Also, because of the visitors, Brittany and I are continuously plied with various foods and drinks, none of which I mind, of course, haha.

We moved in at the perfect time for sampling amazing Indian desserts as well, because today marks the first day of the Pongal Festival, essentially a harvest festival that marks the throwing away of old things and the begining of new things. Last night our host parents visited the temple of their family god (I think it's Ganesh, the Indian god with the elephant head) and had him decorated with butter and fruits as an offering, I think. Today we had various symbolic desserts with lunch, and promises of more with dinner, yayy!! Tomorrow is a holiday off from school, and hopefully there will be even more festivities (and sweets!).

But back to the Taj Mahal. As I mentioned in my earlier email, it was amazing to be there but a little strange in the light of our previous accident. When we got off the bus at the Taj (Indians call it the "Taj," which I feel very cool saying as it sounds like a nickname for a close friend--ie, "the Taj and I," haha) I was still a little depressed from the accident, but cheered up when I overheard two ladies waiting in the line ahead of me speaking in Italian. What a great chance to practice! I tapped the nearest one on the shoulder and asked, "Scusi, di dove sei?" which means, as you probably guessed "excuse me, where are you from?." They responded "Milano" or Milan, and then we talked for a short while in line. (All in Italian, hooray, my Italian was better than I thought!!) While we were waiting I noticed they were unaware that some items are prohibited when entering the Taj, such as mobiles, water bottles unless they're the Taj officially issued water bottles, and any food. So I got to act as interpreter for them when they approached the entrance, which made me feel quite important. Once inside, we parted ways, and I walked past the gate to finally see, right in front of me, the TAJ MAHAL. (you can't really see it until you get inside the outer wall area, as some say, it's like a "hidden jewel").

Maybe I said this before, but it doesn't hurt to say it again: there is absolutely no way to convey the grandeur of these structures through pictures. It was overwhelming. There are grounds like parks surrounding it, two symmetrical mosques on either sides, minarets, well, I'm sure you've seen pictures. But if you haven't (and even if you have, I guess) here are some of my own to enjoy!

My orientation roommate, Allyson, and I on the way to the Taj!!! We had to park the bus some distance from it because they wouldn't allow large vehicles up close. Our whole group took these, auto-rickshaws, from the bus to the Taj. Incidentally, Allyson is from Croton-Harmon, a town about 15-20 minutes from where I live. Her mom taught my older sister Ruth, in middle school! How crazy is that??! Haha it's a small world...





The grounds inside the Taj Mahal.


Above right: the gateway outside the Taj.

Above right: and here is the stereotypical Taj Mahal picture, taken at a slant and slightly out of focus because I was trying to avoid all of the people in front of me.

to the left: me + the Taj Mahal!!! What I am wearing is called a "salwar kameez," it's basically a long tunic top worn over VERY COMFORTABLE pants-of-sorts. We call them "Jasmine pants" because they sort of look like the pants Jasmine wears in Aladdin, haha. As far as I can tell from observation, more younger girls wear the salwar kameez whereas older women seem to wear saris. I have not yet attempted to wear (or buy) a sari, as the wrapping technique seems rather complicated. However, my host mom said something today about Brittany and I getting some, so we shall see : ).


And even more Taj. It's illegal tow wear shoes outside the Taj, so here's a pile of shoes, and my feet, shoeless!!! I've actually got to go now, so I'll post more pictures in a "pictures-only post," sometime later!!! (Stay tuned...)