Sunday, August 17, 2008

Now reporting from India: Oh my gourd

Due to local laws, I have now been pure veg for over three weeks. Not only have I not had meat, eggs or alcohol, I pretty much haven't eaten anything that doesn't come from this stall or an identical one opposite. My cook does his best but there's only so much taste you can get out of a bitter melon and a few spices.


I've now reached a point where I look at any animal suspiciously, from camels to beetles. The other day I put a piece of potato into my mouth and somehow the texture led me to mistake it for egg. My heart started to beat fast but, alas, as I bit in I realised it was just a trick of my meat starved mind.

I've noticed that the gypsies on the outskirts of town keep chickens and I'm making a good job of ingratiating myself into the local Muslim community. There are plenty of goats around for milk and with Eid coming up I can't imagine they're going to sacrifice a bitter melon. And I'm planning my long weekend trip. Anywhere with meat.

5 comments:

Jean said...

Yay to the revival of your blog!
Is this law based on Hindu faith? And more importantly, does it last forever? Or is it something like Lent?

Anyway, hope you have heaps of fun on your long weekend trip, don't forget to take lots of pics.

Seems like you're having a wonderful time in India - so very happy for you!

xx

Anonymous said...

Gosh, even as a vegetarian that sounds really tough! I can't stand bitter melons! The name says it all.

But Knuffy says: stay away from the camels!

Iqbal Khaldun said...

Haha oh poor dude. Smart thinking on the Eid front there'll be meat galore man!

Joe said...

NEWSFLASH:

On my return from supplications at a Sufi shrine I ran into the town butcher.

It turns out that the veg thing is not law and all the Muslims discreetly eat meat.

Anyway, I had an invite to his house for some very delicious goat.

Pass on your prayer requests, I'm on a roll!

j a s o n said...

Welcome back!

Please tell of all your news! Sounds like you are having a great time in your new home.

Hows does Bittermelon and Vegemite sandwiches sound?