linaewen: (Spices by wizzicons)
Linaewen ([personal profile] linaewen) wrote2009-03-25 08:33 am
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Little India, Anyone?

Though it may seem as if I haven't been around, I actually haven't been absent.  I come here several times a day to check out what my buddies are up to.  But do I say anything about myself?  Not recently!  So, in an attempt to be sure I post at least twice this month, here goes...

I really like living in northern Chicago.  Where we are, it's very much like being in one of the bigger cities in Pakistan, believe it or not.  They actually call it Little India up here, though it could just as well be called Little Pakistan!  It still amazes me sometimes that living in Chicago can still remind me so much of Pakistan.  Some of those reminders are as obvious as the smell of curry coming from restaurants, the sweet shop that sells barfi and jallaybee just a block from our house, the sounds of conversation in a foreign language that we can understand, the sight of burqua-clad women or the ready availability in the corner grocery store of bitter gourd, a vegetable native to Pakistan and India.  Other reminders are more intangible, like the way people gesture when they talk, or bob their head in a South Asian manner.  So we definitely feel at home.

We haven't gotten out into the other part of Chicago very much as yet, but we have gotten downtown a couple of times -- and want to do more.  We're coming up on better weather for being out and about, so we have plans to start checking out some of those museums and parks that look so inviting in the Not For Tourists Guide Book we got ourselves for Christmas.  Downtown just one bus and a longish train ride away -- which is part of the fun for us.  Being from towns in Wisconsin where they didn't have public transportation because you could walk just about anywhere you wanted to go, we think riding the bus and the elevated train is a real treat that can't be beat!  :-D  We don't get to do it often enough, because where we are living now, everything we need daily is within walking distance -- even the place where we work is only a block away! :-D

Today is looking like a lovely sunny day, though I'm not sure how warm it is going to be.  Either way, it will be a good day for a walk for exercise.  There is a lovely little park with a pond about a mile away, and I think I'll go there today and watch the ducks.  Maybe if it's warm enough I'll sit for a bit and do some writing!
shirebound: (Default)

[personal profile] shirebound 2009-03-25 02:06 pm (UTC)(link)
How wonderful that you've found a little piece of home in a new city. :)

[identity profile] estellye.livejournal.com 2009-03-25 02:16 pm (UTC)(link)
It sounds so lovely! I am not a big city girl in a lot of ways, but I love the idea that necessities are a walk away and I can get anywhere I'd like by train. It seems like my friend in Manhattan lives in a smaller town atmosphere than I do because she sees her neighbors all the time and has regular stores who know her when she shops there. I think it's very cool that the little things like the scents, the gestures (that's awesome) the clothes, and the sounds remind you of Pakistan.

It's wonderful to hear from you and I hope now that busy Tuesday is over you'll really be able to enjoy the park and even some writing! *hugs!*

[identity profile] primsong.livejournal.com 2009-03-25 03:22 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm so glad that you've found that familiarity even so far from the 'real thing'. I have to ask what 'jallaybee' is, as my mind immediately turned it into 'jelly baby'.

[identity profile] lin4gondor.livejournal.com 2009-03-25 04:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, in a way, jelly baby isn't that far off, lol! It's a Pakistani sweet that is made by squeezing dough into a deep fat fryer and then coating it with sugar syrup. They are very tasty and not the least bit good for you! Here's a picture that is fairly accurate to what the real thing looks like:

http://www.khanapakana.com/recipe/templates/y-new.aspx?articleid=7984DBB4-BBD3-4D77-82A0-01F4049ADC1E&zoneid=12

[identity profile] siradaono.livejournal.com 2009-03-25 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
twice a month...it'll do.
nice post, pass the curry please.
I am almost finished with Sharpe's Siege (Bernard Fav) and am watching the BBC series as I march along with Harper and Sharpe.

every aspect of my rw life is topsy turvy, and many changes are taking place, and I pray, all good.

miss you and your mota.

on my page I posted a pix of Kulmbach, Tine's home, where I was lucky enough to live for two years plus.
I still consider selling all I have to go there.
Like Jesus says of the man who knew where a pearl was buried
Edited 2009-03-25 23:10 (UTC)

[identity profile] syrcleoftrees.livejournal.com 2009-03-26 01:06 am (UTC)(link)
It must be wonderful to travel like that. In a foriegn country. Always wanted to go to Chicago,too.

Maybe when I return from Middle Earth !

((4Gondor!))

[identity profile] rowantwig.livejournal.com 2009-03-26 01:23 am (UTC)(link)
Your posts always engage my senses. Thanks!

[identity profile] mumstheword54.livejournal.com 2009-03-26 01:40 am (UTC)(link)
It's always so great to hear about your adventures! Thanks for sharing the blessings with us!

*hugs*

[identity profile] tuilelindowen.livejournal.com 2009-04-20 02:55 am (UTC)(link)
I'e been missing you. I've read your post a couple times and it does make me smile, as it seems you finally feel at home, and that warms my heart. Hugs, Tuile