So yesterday afternoon, I had a continuation of a conversation that Caitlin and I had with one of the local rickshaw cart operators. The previous day, I helped him move around some things while we were waiting for the tram to arrive. That lead to about a 30 minute conversation with him and we talked about his life, where he went to school, etc. He showed us his driver's license and filled us in on some of the aspects of life in Kolkata. As the conversation progressed, he told us about his wife and son and we had a great conversation.
Then yesterday afternoon, I made sure that I stopped to chat with him as I walked home from school. I wound up sitting in his cart, having tea and eating fruit as we talked about everything. Him and his sisters were Rainbow Children at the school where I teach, his sister and him speak excellent English. I was introduced to his mother, his father, his brother-in-law and his nephew and a few others that were around. It was an incredible hour or so of conversation on the street that was a fascinating glimpse into the life of some of the ordinary people of the city. He has been a driver, a mobile phone repair technician, and several other things. Ashish was filled with details of life in the city and how the economics work in Kolkata. Perhaps, the most interesting part was how many Indian people just stopped to watch us talk in the back of the cart. The were absolutely fascinated that I was sitting there having a conversation. Ashish told me they wanted to know what language we were talking in and what we were talking about. Usually, they would stay for 5, 10, 15 minutes and then go on about their business. Totally cool. After about an hour, I was going to walk back to the hotel. He came along and we talked as we walked back about the city, people he knew, what life was all about and where he lived.
We sat for about 3 hours just talking in my room and discussing life. It was pretty cool talking to his wife and son, even though she did not know much English. My hotel room is like a dream house to him is what he said. When he left, I sent him home with the various toiletries from the room, some jeans that did not fit, some fruit, and a few postcards from California. It was such an incredible afternoon just spending time finding out about what life is really like here for some of the everyday people I see working on the streets. Him and his whole family live in a village outside of Kolkata and take the train in every morning to work the carts and carrying goods around the city. Pretty amazing how they make it happen. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to India so far.
Then yesterday afternoon, I made sure that I stopped to chat with him as I walked home from school. I wound up sitting in his cart, having tea and eating fruit as we talked about everything. Him and his sisters were Rainbow Children at the school where I teach, his sister and him speak excellent English. I was introduced to his mother, his father, his brother-in-law and his nephew and a few others that were around. It was an incredible hour or so of conversation on the street that was a fascinating glimpse into the life of some of the ordinary people of the city. He has been a driver, a mobile phone repair technician, and several other things. Ashish was filled with details of life in the city and how the economics work in Kolkata. Perhaps, the most interesting part was how many Indian people just stopped to watch us talk in the back of the cart. The were absolutely fascinated that I was sitting there having a conversation. Ashish told me they wanted to know what language we were talking in and what we were talking about. Usually, they would stay for 5, 10, 15 minutes and then go on about their business. Totally cool. After about an hour, I was going to walk back to the hotel. He came along and we talked as we walked back about the city, people he knew, what life was all about and where he lived.
We sat for about 3 hours just talking in my room and discussing life. It was pretty cool talking to his wife and son, even though she did not know much English. My hotel room is like a dream house to him is what he said. When he left, I sent him home with the various toiletries from the room, some jeans that did not fit, some fruit, and a few postcards from California. It was such an incredible afternoon just spending time finding out about what life is really like here for some of the everyday people I see working on the streets. Him and his whole family live in a village outside of Kolkata and take the train in every morning to work the carts and carrying goods around the city. Pretty amazing how they make it happen. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to India so far.
Wow I wish I was there to see the everyday life of these hard working people. I think that was so nice of you to give him some items, it may not make a difference in the world.... But it sure does make a difference in his world. Thank you Mr. Potts for not only being a great teacher but also for being who you are, a great human being.
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