The bathroom experience in India is a bit different from what we're used to in the west. For starters, there is no bathtub. Indians are inclined to feel that soaking in your own bathwater is kind of unsanitary - so I haven't seen a tub in an Indian home since we arrived. Most people bath by filling a large bucket with water and then pouring that water over themselves to rinse in the manner of a shower, more or less. This has taken Evan a bit by suprise - who continues to cling to his western notions of a proper evening bath. His makeshift tub is the bucket and his fairly sturdy frame has a difficult time squeezing in - but he manages nonetheless to carry on happily in his various aquatic games despite the absence of the tub. 
Now the commode is another story alltogether - the difference between the "eastern" and "western" versions, and all the associated business, will be left only to be discovered by the adventurous traveller...
3 comments:
hi Pat,
I am thoroughly enjoying your experience via the blog. What a joy it must be to celebrate another culture.
Sharma is also so incredibly nice. I will be sad to see him go. He is a real gentleman, and has opened my eyes about the good in India.
Irene
Gosh!
Such cute and adorable kids Sir!
Eli looks like an angel sitting in the tub (err..bucket! he he!)
Pat,
Love reading your journal. I even sent the link to some of the teachers I know at Hailey's middle school (McLaughlin). For the bathtub for Evan. I have a large galvanized tub about 12 inches deep, and about 30 inches across. They still have them in the old type hardware stores. Do you want one sent over?
Colin
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