loveletters

Saturday, 4 April 2015

Cafe Paradiso-Chapter 8

If you expect the world to be fair with you, because you are fair with it, you are fooling yourself. That's like expecting the Lion to not eat you, just because you didn't eat him.

The auto rickshaw driver got lost but thought it within his rights to charge me for his mistake. I tried to let it go, it was only 50 rupees, I glared at him. I was angry at myself for not knowing exactly where I needed to go and just walking there. I take a deep breath and breath out my pettiness.

All the kids were off to school, all bright teeth, shiny hair and starched blue and white uniforms. I'm in awe at how clean and neat they always look, when everything is so beat up and dusty.

It reminds me of the old proverb of the lotus that rises from the muddy pond. Beautiful things can blossom from questionable beginnings. I'd always liked that one.

I stepped into the chai shop, it was bustling with workers, having their breakfast, before starting the day.

I watched through the curtain, into the kitchen and saw the cook busy, grilling paratha and dosa and frying vadai. He worked with the precision of someone who's had a lot of practice. He's moved beyond thinking and into that Turiya (like a zen warrior) state. Automatic but still with a purpose, that is beyond the mundane.

He stopped and took a sip of his hot, sugary, black tea and smiled to himself quietly. He stopped quickly, when he caught me watching and continued on with his cooking.

It's always a shock when I forget to say, "No sugar in the Chai please." (Chai naturally comes already sweetened) But what the hell, 'When in India.'

It was already hot and muggy, as I started to walk to the motorbike dealership. I was walking, just to make up for that 50 rupees that I'd lost earlier. lol!

There was a vintage Royal Enfield, that I'd seen the day before, on the kurb in front of the dealership. It was almost an antique. If I can negotiate a good deal, I might just have enough cash. I guess it depends how motivated the dealer is for a sale. Indians are born negotiators. I had no illusions, that underestimated their prowess, in this field.

I took it for a test ride, it felt heavy, but the roads in India screamed out for heavy. Some of the roads were more holes than road. It sounded good and the old girl had a bit of class, a bit of history too. It wasn't just a Japanese wannabe. I couldn't really afford it, but what the hell, I deserved it, didn't I.

I'd send Elaine a picture and see what she thought. I secretly wanted to get her a bit excited, about coming to India and traveling with me.

It was nice to have a time limit on things. A time limit, to me being on my own and a time to look forward to.

I like to travel both ways but I think on your own, you have the most potential to grow. And for me, travel is all about growing. Baring a bit of discomfort and feeling a bit exposed. It's only under pressure that diamonds are formed. Another golden oldie.

Cafe Paradiso - Chapter 7

The cold air in the foyer was very welcoming. The hotel bar had an international feel to it, like a surf club or an airport flight lounge. The smell of beer soaked bar mats and cheap aftershave greeted me at the door. It was a rowdy, windowless room and the air was as chilled as the beer. A nice respite, after the mugginess outside.

It was full of men, not one woman to be seen, all suits and ties, some with jackets off and ties loosened.

It felt like I was in a gay bar but I'm pretty sure there were none of those in India, especially in this sleepy coastal town. The food was seriously good here, as the bar was attached to a very good four-star hotel. The Restaurant downstairs, serviced the bar upstairs.

The drunken atmosphere was a bit grating but you couldn't get a beer in the family restaurant downstairs, so the bar it was.

It had been a long day and I was keen for an early night. I ate the vegetable curry and paratha in a blink, drank half of the large Kingfisher and hit the road, for the two kilometer walk back to Gowri Residence.

I like to walk whenever I go anywhere new. I never walk anywhere at home, unless I have to. But when I travel, I find it's a great way to really get to know somewhere.

A thug of musty, dank air fell on me, as I open the door to the bungalow. I turn the fan on high, hit the cold shower and then turn in for the night. The only sounds as I drift off, are that of the frogs and cicadas, playing a syncopated, cacophony of melodious songs. They serenade me into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The last thing I think about, before drifting off to sleep, is about buying my bike and starting this journey properly. Gowri Residence is an extravagant digression from my normal budget-lifestyle. A little trip down memory lane with the old man.

I feel close to the old bugger here. I hope he comes with me, on my adventures through this magical land of exotic sights and sounds. I've fallen in love with Kerala and it's simple village lifestyle.