No words

Ha, well what to say. My trip has become inexplicable. I just can't describe it all; it's so rich and full.
My roommates have left now. I actually cried. I realized that my experience was so much deeper because I was able to share it with them. It was also touching to see how they reacted to leaving, everyone was sad to go. I thought about why today and I realized that it's just about love. It's been easy to love here in India and that's a really good feeling. I'll have new roomies soon.
Before he left, Che met me after work one day and we went to the red light district. It was just something that we had both wanted to do as it's part of this city and we want to take it all in. It's supposed to be the largest red light district in the world.
I know of all the corruption and abuse that is threaded throughout the sex trade. I think it is something that everyone knows of. However, it was very difficult to get any sense of that as we walked through the streets which really looked like any other area of Mumbai. There were more slim and pretty women about, but there wasn't anything blaringly advertising what the area was all about. At least, not to our North American eyes and sensibilities.
What we did find was a community of people with men, women, transgendered folks and children all going about life together.
In the midst of it we found five men seated on a stage in front of some wooden benches, playing the most beautiful Indian music. The only instrument that I knew of was the tabla (sp?), and it drew me in. What skill those musicians have.
It was obvious that foreigners were a rare sight there and everyone at the little concert was so friendly and interested in us. The kids completely flock to Che. They are just sooo adoreable; I can't even describe it. They all drag each other around with arms strapped around each others shoulders and huddle together and giggle. We are exciting to them and I think Che with his athletic body must look like a giant body builder in their eyes. We played with them and listened to the music.
At one point, one of the children reached out to grab Che's sunglasses. Immediately about 6 adults jumped towards the child, sharply warning him not to touch us or our belongings. This is something that is opposite to the warnings I heard about India before I left. I prepared myself for theft to be a problem....but it just doesn't seem to be a problem at all. That concern for our well being that the adults showed is much more representative of my experience here.
The culture feels soft and I haven't felt unsafe once...accept maybe while trying to cross the street;)
Back to teaching and back to many loving students who are struggling to understand "turn out". Next project is to buy a new camera and show you all the things that I can't describe.