More than ten years ago, I used to
write about my life as a teacher in India. I used to write about my aspirations
of moving to the USA.
Then, I went to the USA and spent a
number of years getting an education. In between, I did a backpacking trip to
Europe and absolutely loved it. I even started dreaming of living in Europe.
Soon enough, about four years ago, I moved
to Germany. Loved my stay there. Spent the next two years traveling all around
Europe.
I was also looking for a faculty job.
So I found one, and moved back to the USA. Between being a school teacher, a
student, and a faculty, this blog continued. Between tales of India, USA, and Germany,
this blog continued. I didn’t write as often, but I continued to write. It was
my comfort space.
To complete the circle of things, I have
moved again. I am still a faculty (thankfully!). And I have moved to India. Only
last month, I would struggle to spot an Indian
within a 10-mile radius. And now, I hear Bangla outside my office all the time.
It's a very comforting feeling, not having to work hard to fit in, not losing
sleep over visas and work permits, not being asked when I am going back, and
not being a minority anymore.
My entire family, with their limited
means, have already made their own, individualized plans of visiting me,
although I have not yet invited them. My dad told my mom that the next time he
is nearby for work, he is going to take a day off and visit me and mom cannot
say no or throw a tantrum. My mom, in return, went to Google and figured out
that there are five weekly trains from Kolkata. She has also figured out their
timings, schedules, and fares, and has made a plan of everything she will
cook and bring on the train ride. But my grandma's plans take the cake.
My 76-year old grandma recently
called up a few of her siblings and close family members. She inquired about
the current ages of everyone older than her in the greater family who is still
alive. She sort of created a spreadsheet of ages and figured out (using her own
calculations) that she still has about 10-12 years to live. Armed with this
information, she is preparing to take a flight and come see me!
Stay tuned for more updates. And holler
if you are around. This blog space has been very quiet of late!
sunshine
