Archives: Blog Posts

Monday, February 17, 2025 Fasten your seat-belts The mission for today was to drive north to the district of Chikmagalur to meet Channappa (2006 ARI Graduate).  The trip proceeded without incident, for which I give my gratitude to Wajid and his perfect driving.  Despite travelers’ fears of exotic diseases or bug bites or getting swallowed by a python, the most dangerous part of travel abroad is the roads.  That’s why I always wear my seat belt, even if no one else does, even if it offends the driver.  Sometimes a … Read more

Sunday, February 16, 2025 The Unkillable Roy David Shammi was not around today, having gone off to the farm. Not the farm we went to last night, but the place where her son is growing pepper.  So, Roy David and I were on our own for breakfast and the stories continued. Roy has come close to suddenly departing this world a number of times.  The most recent case was a massive heart attack in October of 2023.  He was taken to a local hospital where they gave him critical first … Read more

Saturday, February 15, 2025 Local breakfast This morning, I didn’t manage two breakfasts, but instead got to eat at a very local place with Roy David.  It was small and absolutely packed with people jostling to the front where the food was being cooked and served steaming hot, and then jostling again to get a spot at a table – organized chaos.  Cheap and good was the place’s attraction. Both our meals together cost about a hundred rupees ($1).    The previous night about a thousand kids came stamping and shouting … Read more

Friday, February 14, 2025 Two breakfasts It’s Valentines Day, which I heard is starting to catch on in India, but I didn’t see any outward signs.  Confident I had figured out the breakfast system I went down to the restaurant and said, “breakfast?” to which the waiter replied, “okay.”  These intricate negotiations proved successful and I soon had a tray of rice, curries, yogurt, and various baked breads set in front of me.  As I was finishing up, I got a text from Roy David, inviting me to his place … Read more

Thursday, February 13, 2025 A new language zone No one ever told me what the BGT stands for in my hotel’s name, and I didn’t think to ask, so feel free to assign whatever words fit best.  Google suggested Britain’s Got Talent, but I have my doubts about that.  No big plans are on the schedule for today accept to rest and kick this cold.  I’m finding that major hotels also double as restaurants and this place was no exception.  This being my first time to order my own food, … Read more