Arrival

It has been a few days since I've been here but due to the time change (10.5 hours) intermittent electricity and tablet issues, I am behind in sharing with you India.

  We arrived in Cochin around 4 am and went through the passport verification area, 1 scanner, & then basically out the door once you were able to find your luggage.  We did stop in the duty free shop to purchase some treats for the kids at the orphanges. The luggage was an interesting process because all the luggage had been removed from the carousel and was in a bit of chaos on the floor.  We were met by 2 friars who took us through a mirad of streets, maneuvering around walkers, bicyclers, cars, and trucks to get to our final destination - Assisi Santhi Kendra in Karkutti, Angamali.  I definitely would not have been able to get here without some kind of help.  The road to the friary is about a car width wide & is a sharp turn between 2 building with a somewhat sharp decline downhill.  You had to drive very slowly and carefully.  It was still dark outside but Fr. Bunnell was up enjoying his early morning smoke.  I got a quick tour of Friary and then went to my room for a shower and unwind before the 7:30 breakfast.  

                                                                          I  spent the day with Frs. Leo & Damian as we trekked into Cochin to meet up with Karen Cunningham and Ann.  Karen is an art teacher at Bellarmine and Ann just retired from working in the elderly care profession.  We had a blast shopping for a cooler outfit and then having lunch at Fr. Leo's favorite restaurant where the food is homey and cheap.  For the 5 of us, it came out to 900 rupies = $18.  Lunch was terrific because it gave us a chance to engage the two fathers in conversations pertaining to their lives in India.  We spent some of that time talking about the culture and customs of weddings because of looking at men's jackets at the clothing store.  It was interesting to learn about the role status has with/in weddings along with the role of the family unit in India culture and customs.  

Fr. Leo then took us to a store where we could buy from reputable vendors.  I would not have been able to find the place if it had not been for Fr. Leo.  Many of the shops look dilapidated with coverings hiding the front facade -they act as sun shades.  The parking lot in front was jammed with cars like a can of sardines, yet traffic is trying to get through but the pavement reminds me of a dirt bike path - bumpy, narrow with a wicked twist.  It takes the talents of a magician to weave in, out, among other vehicles without sideswiping each other.  Absolutely amazing.

The traffic on the road is something else too.  There are cars, painted trucks, 3-wheeled covered taxis (some well decorated) and tons of scooters.  There are lines in the road but they are ignored as folks weave in & out of traffic. It reminded me of NYC except in India. pedestrians are ignored.  There were no walkways across the streets.  Drivers used 2 parts of the car constantly - the brakes and the horns.  The latter is used to say "I see you".  The horn sounds are not brash or blaring as they are in the states (go to Bardstown & Taylorsville Road at 5:50 in the evening & listen to the horns as someone tries to make a left turn from Taylorsville to Bardstown to head to the Watterson).  I definitely appreciated Fr. Damien's skills.  I know there woud be absolutely no way I would drive there especially since I do not remember seeing any street signs to mark the way.