When I first got to India I was really careful about what I ate, I had heard the stories of days upon days spent confined to the bathroom from my co-workers in Chicago who had been here before I got here. But, as the weeks have gone by I have relaxed my strict criteria for what I will and will not eat for fear of getting sick. First I would forget to remain tight lipped in the shower, a la Charlotte in the SITC movie, thankfully I made it past that unscathed. Then there are the tiny cups of coffee that I drink, that may or may not be made with water that was brought to a full boil, it certainly isn't made with bottled water, still no terrible illness undertook me. A couple day's ago I started eating fruit with skin, that was most likely was washed in tap water, despite this my digestive system seems to be cooperating. Everyday I have been getting a little more brave or careless, whatever the case may be.
Yesterday was a turning point, with reckless abandon, I purchased my lunch from a street vendor. I ate Vada Pav, also known as the Indian version of the hamburger, from a vendor on the street. It was delicious! Vada Pav is some type of carbohydrate inside of another carbohydrate covered in chutney, what's not to like?
Since lunch of Vada Pav was a success, later in the day I ate 4 Pani Puri, also known as Gole Guppay. I had been wanting to eat these since I got to India, but had been pretty terrified because they are filled with pani, literally translating to water, which in actuality is water with a bunch of masala. I figured if I was going to get sick from eating Vada Pav off the street I might as well get really sick from eating Vada Pav and Pani Puri and call it a day.
When my Dad was in India he got really sick, despite being extremely careful the entire time he was here. After being miserable and not really talking to anyone for a couple days, one day out of the blue he declares:
"This is my last trip to India, I am never coming back!"
Although delicious, eating street food may have been the worst idea of my life, at this point this is TBD.
oh man... good luck!
ReplyDeleteOooh, Pani Puri, so good... my favortie Gurjati food :) Also, my dad's favorite Indian street food. He ends every trip to India by eating Pani Puri's from the street vendor (the only way to eat them according to him) and a case full of mangos, and figures if he gets sick, it will be in the comfort of his American home :) I will be praying for you!!
ReplyDeletePS... you are up to 7 followers!!! congrats... 3 more and you've hit double digits!!