Almost there

Deja vu.  I feel like I'm back in artist management mode, and planning a tour.  The passport, visa, flights and partial accomodations are in order.  Basically, all of the factors for which I am responsible.  For the main part - the time spent at the orphanage - I am part of a group, and know only the basics.  It's been an interesting exercise in going with the flow.  Here are a few things I found out:

  I assumed the orphanage would have electricity. It does. "Sometimes".  What this 
  means is that one should proceed as if  there is none, and sometimes it just
  magically comes on for a short bit.

  I thought many of the kids would know English.  They do.  "Sometimes".  I am now
  in express mode learning useful phrases in Malayalam, the local language.   One
  easy one... "Thank you" is "Na-nee".

  Yes is No, and No is Yes.  I went through the same thing when moving to
  Nashville.  Down south, a bag is called a "sack" (ie for groceries), and a sack is
  called a "bag" (ie of grain).  In this part of India, shaking one's head up and down
                                       means NO, and from left to right means YES.  Understand?  (shake your head in
                                       the appropriate direction)

Left Hand Rule is active.  If you've travelled to certain parts of the world, you know what this means.  The left hand is considered unclean because it's used for toilet needs, so the right hand should be used for everything else.  I'm ambidextrous, but mostly a righty.  My travel mate, Robin, is 100% lefty.  We'll need to work out a subtle sign when she grabs the fork with her left hand.  Wait a minute... that brings me to my next revelation:

They don't use silverware at meals.  Just hands.  I guess the Left Hand Rule makes sense.

      While not self sufficient, the orphanage has fruits,
      vegetables, and fresh milk in the form of cow(s) on
      the land.  Note to self:  Find a way to "help"
      by being taught how to milk a cow.  For totally
      selfless reasons, of course.

      I'll sign off by doing something I should have done
      first thing.  Big thank you's to the friends who have
      sent a donation to help defray the expense of the
      supplies.  It's much appreciated, and I'll be able to
      see first hand how the supplies help many people. 

       Thank you.  Na-nee.

       If you've read this far, you can understand that
       further posts will have to wait until I return.  In the
                                                                                    meantime, stay on the edge of your seat by 
                                                                                    checking out "The Walking Dead" on AMC. I've never been a zombie and gore gal, but am digging this in spite of it's subject matter.