"Can you spare a square?" and other reflections

Hi to all,

I am now writing from the Amsterdam airport, where a group of 10 of us are awaiting our respective transfers. As I sit here in this bright, spacious, and overly sensory stimulating internet area I can't help but long to be back in India, despite all its quirks. So, as I reflect on the past 3 weeks I thought that I would share some of the unique (and often humerous) things about India. So if you were looking for a serious post right now...this is not it:)

First, and hence the title, the issue of toilet paper. The last several days of retreat the ongoing greeting, while we were on bus day trips, became "can you spare a square?"...of toilet paper that is. For those that watch Seinfeld...a specific episode was the inspiration for this saying...as told by Shell. In short, have you ever been in a bathroom stall and not had toilet paper?...come on...you know you have and have had to beg for some from the next stall. Same thing here...except we learned to ask the question before even thinking about going to a bathroom. The next question following as...can you spare a wetwipe....?

Second, and continuing on with the topic of bathrooms...a full toilet is a rare site in India...and thus we all became quite proficient at using the "squatting toilets". My first site of one being in the Delhi airport...with Pema handing me a wetwipe and gesturing to a tiny stall with a door...I think I looked hard at it...and then smiled...and then laughed.

Anyway, more later...my time is just about out here...so to those remaining in India...we are here safe...we made our flight on time...and to those in the states...we will be home soon...but we will remain as pilgrims always...

Much love,
Menma