Day 105 cont'd - Homestay

After visiting the Taj, we returned to Delhi, where our driver invited us to his house for dinner. He lives on the outskirts of the city in two-room apartment (living area and small kitchen) which he shares with his wife and three sons. The living area barely has space for the family bed, two chairs, and a broken computer. I often complain about the size of NY apartments, but here was a family of five living in what amounted to a small studio with a shared bathroom down the hall, and no running water. It was humbling to say the least.

In R's home, we were met with immense warmth and hosptality. R's beautiful wife greeted us with smiles and refused to let our plates sit empty for a second. R introduced us to his two older sons (the youngest was away visiting an aunt) with obvious pride. Shy at first, the oldest (age 6) was soon showing us his schoolwork - almost all in english, and sprinkled liberally with stickers of cricket stars - and the younger boy (age 4) was scooting next to Cz for tickles and games.

The meal was delicious, and we ate far more than we had intended to. Every time a bowl looked even a little low, R's wife refilled it, and R shouted at us "eat, eat!" That small space was full to the brim with happiness and love. As R put it, "I am a poor man, but I am rich in the heart." Under other circumstances, I would have called the statement cheesy, but here it was sincere and true.