A few bits of information about Aizwal: It is bigger than Saskatoon but spread through hills and valleys. The roads wind around the buildings and you can actually drive on four different roads to enter four different floors of the building. It really messes with your mind. You can go down four stories and still end up on the street with a car or taxi waiting for you.
There is only one lane on the street and only room for one small vehicle. The system is honking and slowing down and inching in front of the other car. It is a British system with the driver on the right side…but in reality it is whatever side you can keep moving on. In between the cars little motorbikes and people are walking and weaving. It is a wonder how it all works.
There is only one lane on the street and only room for one small vehicle. The system is honking and slowing down and inching in front of the other car. It is a British system with the driver on the right side…but in reality it is whatever side you can keep moving on. In between the cars little motorbikes and people are walking and weaving. It is a wonder how it all works.
This little state is alcohol free but not substance free. Women, children and men of all status will have signature signs of betle nut habits. Red and brown stains their mouth and they chew on this plant and spit the juice out, in the very same manner as chewing tobacco. It is unusual to see a green plant with a little nut rolled upin it, that is pulled out by one and all. It is similiar to the habits in Taiwan and some parts of China.
Water is scarce and conserved. In the shower there is a mini water heater, an electrical device that hangs relatively toooooo close to the water source and reminds me of Peruvian water heaters… very treacherous. So every day you start with the question: electrocution versus clean hair rinsed with hot water...I have to say I usually went with the hot water.
Lastly, after leaving this lovely internet café that is laden with chain smokers and little cubicles that are slightly dingy, I plan to take a photo of the precipice and the overhanging houses on the side of clffs and sidewalks that have cracks in them that open to 1000 foot drops...This city is not for those that hate heights and tight places, but it is for those that love kind and generous people and absolutley amazing Dahl dishes and Masala Chicken, as well as Roti and Manchurian Chicken delites(usually ordered from David's Kitchen: he holds birthday parties and "kitty" parties too). The main drink is very sweet and milk laden tea that taste like dessert and sugar cookies to soothe the spicy pallate. Last night we were at the Director's house and overlooked all of Aizwal and were served sweets and tea. It was nice end to to an intense week.
On a serious note, I shall be leaving Aizwal today, ( fog and flights permitting) and it has been a long difficult week. I am sad to leave. This may be the only PD these teachers get in their careers and it is with the most sincere gratitude that they shower you with. It has been a very humbling experience.
I hope all is well at home. I hear it is very cold, I will be leaving for Orissa where it will be the exact opposite of -30. I will write again from there.
xot
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