Kimber and I met in Chicago on Sunday. She was waiting for me when my delayed flight arrived. I would have recognized her anywhere! We picked up where we left of 25 years ago by having a drink in an airport bar!
We boarded our plane and the trip was officially begun. We watched movies and the flight map for most of the trip. Kimber started watching Slumdog Millionaire so she could learn the Jai Ho dance. Unfortunately, the battery ran out before she could get up and dance in the aisle of the plane. Wait a minute...that should probably be "fortunately"!
We arrived in London about 6:30 a.m. on Monday. We went through Immigration which has taken me literally hours before. However, on Monday, there were NO lines and we walked up to an agent who stamped our passports and sent us on our way. It was unbelievable.
I told Priya that we would not be through Immigration and have our luggage for an hour, and not to come get us until 8:00. So, while we waited for Priya and her dad, we talked to a couple from Kent who had just returned home from holiday in China. They had interesting tales to tell. Before we knew it, Priya was standing in front of us at the airport. She looked radiant and it was so good to see her!
We went back to Priya's house where we learned that there was a change in our lodging accommodations. We would be staying with a wonderful Indian woman about 3 doors down from Priya. We had a bit to eat then we took a nap. Said nap was 6 hours long!
When we woke up we went back to Priya's for supper. The food was authentic Indian: eggplant curry, saffrone rice, chipata (NOT spelled correctly - it was like a tortilla), some various chutneys.
The women, 3 generations of them, sat on the floor of the living room and sang songs in Hindi (gujarati). All the furniture had been moved into storage and the living room floor had big pillows and carpet squares for the women to sit on. They were dressed in fabulous saris and other kinds of traditional Indian dress.
The songs they sang were invitations to Priya and Chet's wedding and other songs asking for blessings on the couple. Kimber and I were able to join in sometimes because the songs were very repetitive. Several women would tell us what was going on.
Then, the younger girls started singing more contemporary songs and they played a game where one song was sung and then the next song had to start with the last letter of the previous song.
Priya said "Mom, we need a song that begins with 'J'" I, of course, said "Jai Ho!|" Everyone laughed and started to sing it. Then, they said "Now we need a song that begins with 'k'". I said, "Kumbya" and this room full of Hindu women burst out in song, singing Kumbya! One of the younger girls told Kimber and I that they knew all kinds of "Jesus" songs!
The party continued until 10 when they sang a song about sleeping eyes, handed out a small sack of sugar to us and we headed back to our beds. We were ready for a long night of sleep.
What a wonderful experience this has already been. Priya's family has been wonderful to us - so kind and patient and loving. We are truly made to feel welcome by this entire community.
Tuesday is London.
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