Reflection 12

[Carly DeFaria]

This week I have been immersing myself in the Indian culture. I have been sampling Indian restaurants in the area and I have tried my best to order food in Hindi. Whenever I go to a restaurant I try and bring my friend Adil or my language partner Bishan so they can teach me the names of certain dishes and what is in each of them. Having been to India I am familiar with many Indian dishes but I think it is helpful to continue going to places in the US and to try as many things as I can. I have found I particularly enjoy the mango lassi and a sweet dessert called gulab jamun. 

Along with going to restaurants I have also been expanding my knowledge of Ayurveda for my cultural project. I have spoken with my language partner Bishan whose father practices Ayurveda. I have also spoken with my boyfriend whose family practices as well. Through online research and direct conversation I have learned a lot about the ideas behind this form of medicine and many speak to the benefits of the practice. Although this practice originates in the Hindu religion, it is definitely not limited to followers of Hinduism. My boyfriend is a Sikh and his family practices. I have also found a bunch of Americans who practice through blogs and various websites.