"INDIA" in my RBC

I was born and raised in India. I remember with nostalgia visiting Calcutta (now Kolkata) every summer to be with my grandparents and cousins visiting from other parts of the country. They were magical times. I remember running barefoot after the pani-puri and 'jhaalmuri' vendors in the afternoons, haggling with them for one extra scoop of the delicious concoction. Most of the day would be spent playing cricket and marbles on the street. There was no TV, no movies to go to, no computer or video games. My 'treat' was a small cup of sweet yogurt bought at the little busy store at the end of the street that I was awarded on days when I behaved well!

I specifically remember waking up to the melodious hymns of the lone saint that visited our street every morning, playing his violin, smiling peacefully as he greeted passers-by. On days when the milkman did not show up, I would accompany my grandmother on a short walk to the barn to get fresh milk, soaking in the sights and sounds of a glorious city at sunrise.

I wish I can recreate the magic for my US-born children so that they can relish what will be an indelible impression in my mind and some of the best times of my life.