Settled in Thane

I have moved into the flat I will be staying in which is basic but comfortable. Squat loo only, as the sit down loo is flooding the chap underneath (oh joy!!) but a reasonable shower and a fair kitchen (well you know me, anything less than Raymond Blanc’s own kitchen won’t quite cut the mustard!! I am slowly settling into the swing of things, and getting over the initial culture shock. I am making slow progress with the Hindi too, which should get a little better over the next weeks and months. The hospital is quite manic but I know I will get some interesting medicine exposure while I am here. I think I have just about worked out which way is up and am looking forward to trying to be of some practical use next week.

So how can I describe the area where I am living? The Hustle and bustle of VisantVihar (the part of THane where I am) and the colourful stalls and endless vegetables and fruits and street food sellers' chatter fills your ears. These are punctuated by a kind of musical medley of horn beeps of all different pitches an lengths, and the constant buzz of rickshaw twostrokes. At the same time your nose is assaulted by...well mostly dust actually - India is very dusty - but the occasional waft of raw sewage, rotting fruits, dog pee, and a peculiar accent note - the beautiful frangipanni blossoms which are woven into garlands and sold for religious purposes. This is relatively a quiet suburb, and still it is a daily smorgasbord of new and bewildering experiences. Part of the struggle is being taken outside of your own capabilities and having to surrender yourself entirely to God, trusting him for everything as you go. Certainly a faithbuilding exercise!

The posts are likely to be a little erratic as internet access is limited, but I am hoping to post some photos soon.

Watch this space...

Dunco El Funco