Is there no other westerner traveling in Kerala? We certainly know we're quite unique here. No one is shy about their staring, and we don't mind at all. Particularly when they return our namaste and big smile with an equally big smile, showing white teeth against their lovely brown faces. Have I told you? "Namaste" translates as "I greet all the divine qualities in you" and is the common greeting in most of India and Nepal, with palms together and a slight bow of the head. Nice, isn't it? I think this conveys the warm feelings that the people have for one another.

I feel like we've left "home" again. It was sad parting as we walked away from Johny's and Mary's home in Karumalloor this morning after a week of being part of their lives. They and their friends and relatives brought us into their daily worlds. We visited the hospital where Jos works. Jos is one of Johny's brothers. We climbed St. Thomas' Mountain and met with the priest at the top. We were present when the priests blessed the new car (splashing holy water in each door and under the engine hood). We visited another of Johny's brother, George, in the hospital several times. Everywhere we went, we were treated to tea or limeade plus biscuits or some other light snack.