We are eating faster than I am posting. Going to try to catch up a bit. On today’s menu? Kali dosa!
Kali dosa
Our plan to work through the menu systematically reveals our lack of understanding of this restaurant. Every menu item isn’t necessarily available at any time of day. I can’t remember what we were planning to have for this meal – I think I wanted to have shavige bath (savory vermicelli with spices and vegetables), but it was too late in the day. Anyhow, we went with kali dosa, which is made with fermented rice and black lentils. Awesome!
I don’t know if I am making a correct association, but Kali is the Hindu goddess associated with empowerment, or shakti. The name of Kali means black one and force of time, she is the Goddess of Time, Change, Power, Creation, Preservation, and Destruction. Her earliest appearance is that of a destroyer. Recent devotional movements re-imagine Kali as a benevolent mother goddess. (Plagiarism alert: some of this is from wikipedia.) I’ve always loved Kali as the representation of fearsome mother love.
Is kali dosa called kali dosa because the lentils used to make it are black?
Kali, in all her glory
Take Out Window
As we were eating, a hand holding a 100 rupee note came through the window grate between Sara and me. Manju came over, took the money, and the hand withdrew. It was two guys standing out in the alleyway, apparently using the window to order some take out (or as they say here “take away” food). Any window can be a drive-through window!
Below, Sara demonstrates take-out window technique.
Pain
And lest you think we just eat, let me remind you that we also practice yoga in a serious way. Post-lunch errands include purchasing soothing balms.
