On August 25, 2009 we arrived in Delhi for the first time. I remember the anticipation I felt as the plane landed and I tried to get any glimpse I could of what lay out there from the darkened plane window. I had all sorts of plans, like taking Hindi lessons, doing yoga, getting involved in a volunteer project, being invited to an Indian wedding. None of which have happened. Coming back to Delhi almost exactly a year later from our summer holidays, I felt a bit of the same anticipation. But, this time I pretty much knew what was waiting for me.
This past year has been extemely trying. India is a beautiful, amazing and culturally rich country with some of the friendliest people I've met, but it is a huge change from where we lived before and everyday life is not always easy. It brings challenges that you never would have imagined. However, coming back this August really felt like we were coming home. Dorian was thrilled to be back in his space with his things and to see some of his school friends. Arthur was happy as well to be home and he was most excited to see our housekeeper, Raju, whom he loves dearly. Just 4 days after our arrival, Arthur said "Raju" for the first time. It makes me happiest of all to see the boys settled here. I will stay positive as we get back into our routines and I will get more involved. This is going to be a great year!
So, to end on a positive note, here are some of the things I love about living in Delhi, in no particular order:
--not having to drive
--smiling faces
--bright saris
--bangles galore
--sparkly shoes
--everyone loves children
--the boys love rice and dal
--the Taj Mahal
--Humayan's tomb
--bicycle rickshaw in Old Delhi (don't think I'll do it again, but it was fun)
--Dorian is sensitive to the homeless children and thinks of ways to help them
--fort-palace architecture
--the interesting women I've met from all over the world
--the fact that it took Dorian 6 months of watching cartoons about Hindi gods in Hindi to ask me why he doesn't understand what they're saying
--the Lotus temple
--the way India makes me rethink how we live
So I know the Taj Mahal is not in Delhi, but it's so amazing, I just had to put it there...
ReplyDeleteI love the bit about Dorian not understanding the Hindi but a little delayed. welcome back and it will be better this time round. I wonder what the next year's return will feel like ? x M
ReplyDeleteoh i love that about Dorian and the Hindi too!
ReplyDeleteI like to think that he was awed by the music, characters and vibrant colors so the language thing was totally secondary...
ReplyDeleteCaitlin, this is such a nice post. It gives me a window into your life. I miss you! I'm sorry we weren't able to connect in the states.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fun post, love that bit about Dorian and the Hindi cartoon! :)
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