Tumba Chennagi Eede

I learned an important phrase on Thursday, (object) toomba chennagi eede - Like (object) alot. This was an important step in communicating with Savita. Although I had been told that she knows neither English nor Hindi, I continued to attempt talking to Savita in Hindi. I wanted to clean my bathroom and clothes and of course Mami told me to just tell her to do it. Problem being of course, I don't know how. I pointed to my clothes, said bathroom in an indian accent, she nodded but a day later, bathroom was still dirty and clothes hadn't been asked for. Houston, we have a problem. I was convinced Savita resented me although all I did was stay out of her way, cleared my own place, and was really low maintenance. Then, she made oopma on the morning of Thursday and I could not get enough of it! I asked Mami how to tell her it was really good and she told me and I told Savita. She beamed. Breakthrough! After that, I told her what I liked after every meal and she appreciated my attempts at Kannada as I learned more phrases and words. Around noon, I accompanied Mami for her one week follow up for her cataract surgery. Chandrappa was with Mama so we could either take an auto or Mami could attempt driving with her dark glasses...as there were dark clouds out, Mami decided it would be better for her to drive, especially since I was there to help her out! I asked her if she was joking. Fortunately, her driving was fine and we went to the Eye Hospital, well praised by Mami for their customer service, cleanliness, and organization. They had people mopping the floors continuously and staff daftly pulled extra chairs in and out as the crowds filled and emptied. They had pre-screening rooms with optometrists before sending patients to the doctor's office downstairs. As we watched the American video overhead, describing various eye conditions and treatments, I looked around the waiting room - looking like an American facility with glass doors, clean floors, and uniformed receptionists and nurses. Despite all of this though, right in front of me were black scuffs and marks all over the white staircase side which I could not help being distracted by. It was amazing how a little white paint would have completed the clean look, but was somehow overlooked.
That afternoon, I went shopping at Big Bazaar while Chandrappa went to fix the tire puncture. A 4 story market, a few American products were available in all the departments - beauty, shoes, and even a Staples easy button in the stationary section. I cannot imagine who spends Rs 200 on a big red button, but if it's there, it must sell! I bought a few things, most importantly 2 bottles of repellent lotion, Odomos, the first bottle of which had a dead fly on it...live advertising? or should I say..dead? Chandrappa met me outside and then took me to Bata, the biggest Indian shoes brand to find some India worthy shoes. He was my personal bodyguard as we walked from one store to the next, following behind me by a few steps. I felt like I should let him catch up with me but he seemed like he meant to stay behind me. I don't quite understand and am not used to this master/servant relationship. I try to make them do the least possible for me and minimize their inconvenience. However, Mami keeps reminding me that this is their job, they get free food and housing, and the more we do, the less they do. I guess you have to be firmer when you're living that lifestyle...I would probably make a bad "maam." Sometimes, I even want to do the dishes because I unfortunately, miss it. It's amazing how affordable help is here though. For less than 100USD/month you can hire a live in maid who does the sweeping, mopping, cleaning, answers the phone and door, and all types of other miscellaneous jobs. For a few extra hundred rupees, she'll cook for you too. It's tempting when you think of what you can do with all that extra time...