Approach to India

Shreeyash gave his third talk today, an interesting presentation on caste system in India, its origins, religious explanations, changes through colonial and post-colonial history and impact on social and personal life today.

I took two tours on the ship today, as well. The kitchen tour was very interesting. The galley produces 6,000 meals each day on this ship. We saw artistic breads (shaped like a cute animals like water buffalo and a mouse,) ice sculpting and at least two dozen different ways to fold a handkerchief. I only learned one: I can now fold a rabbit puppet (although my rabbits end up looking more like gargoyles…)

My other tour was an exclusive tour of the infirmary. The setup is very interesting. They have laboratory, and X-ray capabilities, ventilators, defibrillators, clot busters, medications and even a dental clinic. They have three acute rooms, and one critical bed. I also learned that the rumor of a crew member being eaten on the island of Komodo by a dragon (the only lizard known to hunt humans!) is completely false. And for those of you who are interested, no sea burials, due to a “zero overboard” policy.

On deck, security is heightened again, as we travel in the area of Sri Lanka. Primed fire hoses stand at the ready and Indian ex-navy security officers scan the horizon with binoculars. I have heard that the Tamel Tiger rebels fighting in Sri Lanka, known for terrorist attacks, have naval capability. Even so, the day has passed without problem.

I saw some flying fish as well as other small fish darting away through the sapphire seas as this city afloat cut though the waves. We also picked up an insect passenger. I found a butterfly on the aft deck. My only guess is that it is a Sri Lankan butterfly, confused and far from home. I tried to coax it out, back to the open winds, but every time it approached the breeze it would fly around me and back to the safe shielding of the vessel. After several minutes of trying to aid this creature, I decided that it wants to emigrate to India. I left it hiding in a stack of plastic chairs, waiting to come into port in the morning.

Dinner was shared with two neurophysiologists from Boston. It made for lively conversation, especially as he encouraged both Shreeyash and myself to continue in academia and research, not to be seduced by the allure of corporate wages. I may have already chosen the dark side, if paying my bills is what he is talking about. Also at the table were two interesting retired teachers from New York. Lively and enjoying the cruise, also loyal listeners of Shreeyash’s lectures, they always had a joke and perspective on life and aging worth hearing (although sometimes I am not sure I should repeat!)

We come to the Southern Indian city of Cochin in the morning. We will probably spend some time with another guest lecturer and his wife. He is Persian, spent many years in the States and is quick to discuss our cultural incongruities. As night settles, I still plan to socialize for a brief time, and in the words of Bruce, the entertainment director, have a good night tonight and a better day tomorrow.