Heat

There is no other word on my mind right now but heat. I woke up sweating, despite two fans in my room, took another shower, and began grumbling to myself about the light pants and loose top I would have to wear – no summer skirt and tank top for me. Throughout the day, a quick look at my clothing – and how damp it was – would indicate exactly how hot I was. Despite the heat, the morning was quite nice. After breakfast I had a little time to read, and then Mimi and Monami told me about their work with the organization’s education and artisan training programs. Then, I was invited to join a staff meeting where I introduced myself and learned the names of some of the group’s core staff. To conclude the meeting, I received a spot of color on my forehead and was asked to light a candle celebrating our friendship and work together. The women threw small flowers at me as I lit the candle, and then sang a traditional song.

I spent more time in the afternoon with Monami, learning about her plans to find a western market in which to sell the goods produced by the group’s 90 female artisans. She believes the local market is saturated, and that they key to their success lies outside India. I saw many of the home goods – including cloth placemats, jute and batik cushion covers, and woven bed covers – that the women produce.

After lunch, Monami instructed me to “take a few hours rest,” since I had just arrived and am still adjusting to the heat (which peaked at 100 degrees, according to my travel alarm clock). I heeded her advice, and spent a couple hours reading and napping underneath my mosquito net. I awoke to a plate of watermelon and mango, and then met Monami to travel through town on a motorized rickshaw, to buy more bottled water and see some of marketplaces. Despite the fact that it was evening and streetlights are limited, lots of people were out – on foot, on bike, and in cars – going to shops and running errands.

I’m told it will be quite hot throughout my stay here, which I knew it would be, although hot really takes on new meaning when you’re living it, day in and day out. Monami says I will adjust, although I should still plan on taking rest tomorrow, so I don’t overdo it. I imagine I won’t put up much of a fight.