developments!

Turns out that my morning visit to BB Kulam proved very productive. My expectations proved to be somewhat low. According to what I was told, I was expecting a small upstairs apartment in a very run down slum area. But it turns out that it would be a NEW house all to myself, attached to Tamilarasi's mother-in-law's residence, and the rent is unbeatable at Rs. 1500 per month (approx. $40). It's very much under renovation right now, but they've promised to get it in order in the next three days. The area is indeed considered a "poor area", and as Tamilarasi has said it is pretty much a "village", but the area in which this new house is set appears to be an area (albeit small) of middle-class aspirants and as such constitutes the perfect area for my research. People here were quite friendly and I feel very good about the area. So I couldn't be more stoked about it. I think the thing I am looking forward to most is installing my own drishti puusanikaay (evil eye pumpkin)!

There is still a lot to be done, and I am rather concerned about how quickly they can get this place in order, but I must say that it is a big relief to have found a place, and one that is ideally located for my project. It's a "fixer-upper" but I think it will turn out well. Furthermore I will be living next door to people that I can count on and trust, and people who are very happy to help with my project.

Today I have traipsed around far too much in the heat and I have a headache. Perhaps this evening I'll be meeting my painting teacher. When I called his house today his wife answered and was nearly hysterical with excitement because I am back in town. So it will certainly be good to see them! When I am missing home so much it is better to socialize as much as possible with friends here.

Looks like someone had to dispel some drishti this morning!
(This is a drishti pumpkin that was smashed
in the middle of an intersection.)

Occasionally one sees stray horses in Madurai,
usually much more pitiful that these two.