Travel Hell and Indian Heaven

Date: May 31, 2012
Name: United Airlines
Address: Flight #90, aisle seat between Newark and Tel Aviv.

After successfully packing, donating, and recycling my belongings (thanks to everyone who helped!), and after holding a lovely going away gathering, one challenge remained: getting to the airport and surviving 3 connecting flights between Washington, DC and Tel Aviv, Israel.

The taxi driver carried my bags from my doorstep, American curb-side check-in didn't weigh my bags or charge me for the second one, and the airport helper wheeled me through security, including an x-ray of my cast. I even dozed off and had an awesome nap. But one hour before take-off, my first flight was cancelled. Back into the wheelchair to re-claim my bags and re-book my flight. I was re-routed on United, which elimiated one connection and got me in earlier than originally planned. The United agent weighed my bags (48 and 49 pounds, thank you very much), charged me ($70, ouch), and informed me there is only a middle seat and no hope for a vegetarian meal. Oh well.

Thanks to the airport helpers and other passengers, I made it on board (aisle seat, cast karma strikes again!) and fell asleep. I woke for dinner, but no veggie meal. Even the salad had fish in it! I'm already suffering, what's a little more? I went back to sleep, and woke later to find a vegetarian snack box on my tray. Two bites of quinoa, roll, and vegan cookie. Yum. Back to sleep.

I woke up with 2:45 hours to go and decided to watch "3 Idiots," which is Bollywood's highest grossing film. I'd heard about it through my internship at OEC, when we'd talked about putting these chairs into an exhibit about Indian Americans. As I watched, breakfast was served. As if my karma was feeling guilty, the vegetarian option turned out to be Indian food! Rice with curried vegetables and channa masala.

I was in Indian heaven. As I was the last passenger to de-plane, I had exactly enough time to finish watching the film. A lovely ending to a horrible travel experience. No pictures because my camera was in the overhead compartment and anyways, the steward had taken my crutches.

Hobbling to the Himalayas

Date: May 30, 2012
Name: Himilayan Heritage
Address: 2305 18th Street NW. Washington, D.C. 20009

In the interest of keeping things interesting, I broke my foot right before graduation and learned that my health insurance had expired much, much earlier than I thought (thanks, mom). As if life wasn't difficult enough, I decided to move home earlier than planned. Thus, I had 5 days to pack, say goodbyes, and wrap up 2 years of life in Washington, DC. All on crutches and in 90% humidity. Not fun.

After sending my housemates to the post-office three days in a row, I decided to go on my own. The post office near me wasn't accepting international packages (anyone detect a theme here??), so I (literally) hopped on the bus, and headed to the post office on 18th and Kalorama St. NW.

After being assured it was only 1 block from the bus stop (more like 4 blocks), and without a drop of shade on either side of the street (seriously, is the world out to get me?!?), I finally made it. I finished my business there, and headed out starving. Luckily, Himilayan Heritage was right across the street. Even luckier: I had a Google Offer.

Beautiful decor--the waitor took pride in telling me that Nepal is the homeland of Buddha.

I was alone, although it was lunch time. I ordered a mango lassi, paneer pakora, vegetarian samosas, mas ko daal, and partha. A lot of food, but my order had to top $30 for the coupon to apply.

Before I even ordered, a plate with puffed rice and spiced beans arrived, which evoked the mixture described at the beginning of The Namesake (with beans in lieu of peanuts).

The lassi was thick and was an excellent soother. The samosas were excellent, although the dough was a bit salty.

The mint and tamarind chutneys were absolutely delicious; the potato-red onion mixture was spicier.

The paneer pakora was delicious, with delicate spices batttered and fried around ghee. Two filled me up, and the rest made an excellent lunch the next day (with the second samosa). The daal was great, made with black lentils and delicately flavored. But I was already full. I packed the leftovers, and enjoyoed dinner and lunch the next day.