I'm getting ready to leave my hotel to switch to the room I just rented. I keep recounting the memories I have had since I have been here. In a strange way, I'm really going to miss this room. The room I'm renting will be more affordable and is only a few minutes away from the hotel I'm staying at currently. The neighborhood is lovely and the family that are renting the room seem like really kind people.
Renting a room in India is not as scary of a process as I imagined. For some reason, I just imagined having difficulties finding anyone willing to rent space to a traveler who would be here only for four months. Luckily I had a friend who kept an eye out for me, and helped me find the perfect place. The process itself was simple: I gave the family a copy of my passport and visa, signed a rental agreement (with my friend as a witness) and gave the family the cash for the first month’s rent. Just like that, I was all set up to move in. Finding an apartment and renting a room might be two totally different procedures though.
The room itself is small, with yellow walls and an attached bathroom. Everything is perfect for me. When I wake up in the mornings, I can open the French-style doors and let the sun shine through the painted iron gate and into my room. I'm just so excited that I've finally set up my home base in Jhansi. From here I can do my writing and blogging and otherwise explore the neighbourhood and the city to get some really great pictures. I can't wait to start travelling all over India. It all depends on what volunteer work I can find.
Since I'm just renting a room, and not an apartment with a kitchen, I have to go out when I need food. This isn't a problem though, as there is a hotel nearby with a restaurant inside. I'll be eating my dinners there. Otherwise breakfast is fresh fruit and lunch is whatever I happen to find while wandering around the city. Shopping in the local market is easy. Although it is vastly different from the grocery stores I am used to back home, many shops are set up the same way. There are vendors with carts on the side of the road with fruits, vegetables and many other things. There are also individual stores inside of buildings, walls lined with hygiene products, cosmetic products and more.
A few days ago, I met a wonderful old man. He was a Hindu devotee. We talked for some time about anything and everything. It was a bit hard to understand him, but we laughed through all of our misunderstandings. It feels amazing to laugh with such a gentle soul. He was very happy that I had come from America and was willing to meet with him. When I was given the opportunity, I couldn't pass it up. I knew I would be meeting with a very wise man.
I am reminded that every day is an opportunity for adventure here, and I'm falling even more in love with India.
