Veggies on the Road … Posted by Nitya on Jul 13, 2017
Vegetarianism is a new fad in the Western world. However, I’ve been a vegetarian (shakahari) all my life and I’ve never ever eaten even a sliver of meat (maans) or fish (macchi). Contrary to what many believe, it is not difficult to be a vegetarian , although it can sometimes get a little challenging when I’m traveling…
Trades and Crafts Posted by Nitya on Jul 5, 2017
As I was out taking a walk under a rain-cloud laden sky this morning in Mumbai, I passed a vibrant streetside display of garden planters for sale. There were terracotta planters of a variety of sizes, shapes, and finishes from plain earthen to colorful patterns. The pots were handmade, probably by a local artisan or…
Portuguese in Hindi (Part 3): A Tale of Trade, Travel and Cultural Tension Posted by Rachael on Jun 26, 2017
Welcome back/आपका स्वागत है (Aapka svaagat hai)/Bem vindo de volta! Parts 1 and 2 of this blog series were devoted to the history of Portuguese rule and presence in India; however, the end goal of this series was to discuss the Portuguese language’s influence on Hindi, which will be addressed in this entry. Although the…
Professions Posted by Nitya on Jun 16, 2017
When you are in a new place, exchanging pleasantries and sharing a few things about yourself always serve as great ice-breakers. For example, when I was traveling in a colectivo in Mexico one summer, an elderly gentleman struck up a conversation with me. When he found out that I am a teacher, the conversation took…
Portuguese in Hindi (Part 2): A Tale of Trade, Travel and Cultural Tension Posted by Rachael on Jun 7, 2017
Hello again, everyone! फिर से नमस्ते सब लोग/phir se namaste sab log or, as my Portuguese-speaking friends would say it, Olá de novo gente! That’s right, this week’s blog will be a continuation of where we left off last time: a discussion of the history and legacy of the Portuguese in India. If you missed…
Slangs and Colloquialisms Posted by Nitya on Jun 3, 2017
Language, life, and culture are inextricably entwined in a way that they can be exprienced in their richest forms when one is immersed in them, all at once. The point I’m trying to make is that learning a language is never as simple as grammar, syntax, vocabulary, or literature. The culture and locals often infuse…
When it Gets Hot and Muggy before the Monsoon Showers … Posted by Nitya on May 24, 2017
It’s the end of May and the south-westerly monsoon winds should be headed across the Western coast of India. This is the time when temperatures (taapmaan) and humidity run high, guaranteeing the impending monsoon showers (baarish) a resounding welcome (swagat). It’s also the time when even a short errand outside can drench you in heat and…