Shots & Lunch

Tuesday was my appointment to get the shots I need for my trip. It was an easy process and I ended up not needing many at all. The University of Nebraska Health Center provides the service and if you find yourself needing shots, I would recommend it. The real highlight of the day however was making a new friend and enjoying a great lunch at The Oven in the Haymarket in Lincoln.

I can't believe the number of people I have met that have ties to India. Some are people I met a few years ago and some are friends of friends or any possible combination you can think of. One of these connections was through a fellow piano player and writer that lives right here in Beatrice. Thank you, Barb!  Abraham contacted me through my website email and he and I along with a friend of his had lunch before I went to get my shots. Abraham is a businessman in Lincoln whose parents live in Thiruvananthapuram in India. We truly live in a small world. It was a very easy connection and there was no lag in the conversation. I learned SO much about the city I will call home for three weeks. We shared a common faith and also a passion for music. The longer we talked the more excited I got about the opportunity that lies ahead. DISCLAIMER: (mainly for my mothers) The area of India I am staying is very modern, clean and similar to the large cities here in the USA. The biggest culture shock for me will be the number of people in one place. I have a feeling my personal space is going to get invaded. That is something I will have to prepare for.

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This was only the second time I have eaten Indian food. The first time I experienced Indian food was on a trip to London with the Southeast Community College choir I conducted. When it came time to order, I was at a loss. Pat, Abraham's friend, that joined us for lunch suggested we just let Abraham order for all of us. I couldn't tell you what the dishes were but I enjoyed them all. Good news... for all you who know how adventurous I am when it comes to eating, I might not have to hit the Subway all that often.

I look forward to meeting with Abraham after the trip so I can share my experience with him. Here's a crazy thing... Abraham's wife will be in India but will be flying home on July 15th, the same day I fly into India. When I leave on August 8th, Abraham will be flying into India on a business trip. What are the odds? We couldn't even get a one day overlap? Maybe on another trip, huh, Abraham?

Until next time!

Kevin

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