When I first came to India 2 years ago, I was introduced to Masala Chai (spiced chai). When I moved to Siliguri, I was introduced to Milk Tea. Also delightful. And now I welcome tea as a daily (sometimes hourly!) drinking ritual.
Although I've lived in India for almost a year and a half, I'm still thoroughly American in regards to time. Things are fast in America, and people have schedules they HAVE to keep...or so we claim. In India, it's the exact opposite for most. Slower is better, even if you're late.
This week I realized more and more that Indians use chai as a lasso to reel you in for sometimes hours at a time. On two different occasions (Sunday and Wednesday), I had been visiting friends and was getting ready to leave...when, low and behold, the chai comes. "Oh no no, you can't leave. Just one cup!" Riiiiiight.
Hot chai isn't something that you can just chug. You don't even pick it up for 10 minutes because it's so hot. And then you have to sip. Unless you want to leave with a burnt tongue. Oh, AND, despite the fact that Indians drink from wee cups...they give Americans their HUGE cups! Go figure! Well, there goes your next hour and a half.
I love chai. And I love Indians. But PLEASE, give us smaller cups!
I guess the typical Indian does not have an overwhelming embarrassment of enter a room long after a meeting or social engagement has begun. I don't like (nor am I rarely) to be real really, but I do hate to be late or made to wait any great amount of time. When I had a business, the first time a customer came, I mentally allowed them to be late because they might not have written down the directions. After that, 20 minutes was the limit of my patience, unless they called to alert me. It's why I tell some people (and relatives) that I need them 20-30 minutes ahead. I expect them to be late from habit.
ReplyDeleteMegsterrrrr
ReplyDeleteI love thinking that this whole time I have been drinking vanilla chai tea just like you in India. I wish I were abroad and not stuck here in Knoxville! I miss you and love reading about your vie exotique!
One of those "latesters" Mom's referring to would be me!
ReplyDeleteOh, Chai, how I love you; let me count the ways.
Have ya had a chai popsicle at Las Paletas, Meg? You must next time you are home, and Norma and Irma have them in stock. Soooo delish!!