Birthday post and STEAK!

8.10.8
446pm

So over the last week, we have learned quite a bit and had our group picture.


One thing, I unfortunately learned,as I wrote to a friend:

"The Church estimates 40,000 homeless, numerous churches damaged/descrated/destroyed, decades of people killed, thousands of people beaten. Recently it came to light that an MC (mother teresa) sister was beaten by a gang and raped in front of A POLICE STATION, where 12 POLICEMEN watched. It took OVER a month for it to become public, and only now, BECAUSE it's public, are the authorities doing anything about it. Sick. But I don't live in a transparent society where people deserve (and seek) justice, I live in a society that obfuscates universal bribery and corruption by looking the other way and saying "what to do?" (Indian for "what can you do?")




Only when "shame" comes in, do authorities act for justice. If you can publicise their unwillingness to serve justice, they'll start acting as if they always had been willing... "


On Sunday, we (the four Westerners) went to Mass at St. Patricks, where we had the great grace of a proper liturgy and one which was presided by the Bishop Emeritus.

After it, we were met by Diana (Fritz's) wife, and she took us to a place to buy some Indian clothes (a friend's shop who gave us discounts.) I got some clothes, which have recieved quite positive reactions, from both men and women... though I could would prefer if the women didn't notice.

This sign at the shop was funny to me:


Later in the day for dinner, we went out and got steaks...



I went for the most expensive on the menu.. a double filet mignon...



It was delicious, especially considering that this was my first beef meal since returning to India.



It wasn't as good as a western chef would cook (the spices for the steaks seemed the same regardless of which you got), and it was undercooked (I ordered medium rare and got medium rare/raw). But I am greatly appreciative of getting beef.

And... for the steaks, a milk shake (a milk shake in India is milk + flavour stirred vigourously.), and a sprite for... almost exactly 10$!!! (480 rps...)



Speaking of which, the Rupee is doing beautifully! When we first arrived it was circa 42... and now its 48!!! and rising!



And yesterday was my birthday! Which was very very good... and my last birthday (God willing) as a single.

Blessings!
459pm