Strike Two

This is just a little note, in case anyone has been watching the news (and in case you watch it in the near future..;-) . There have been some more religious attacks in the state next to us, Uttar Pradesh. There was an attempt to blow up a Hindu temple at Ayodhya, wherein all of the suicide bombers were killed. From what I gather of the history, there was a Muslim mosque on the site, then that was destroyed by the Hindus, who attempted to erect their own temple, and of course, are now being attacked by Muslims. We’re all safe here at the embassy, although we’re only about the distance from Edmonton to Calgary away.

What we’re most afraid of right now is the Prime Minister Manmohansingh enacting something called a “bahn” (forgive me for my crappy hindu-anglo translations) wherein all shops and businesses will close, schools as well, and is a period of religious fervour – not always a great idea with so much time on everyone’s hands. The Indian papers don’t have as much.. tact?.. as western papers, and therefore the from pages are all plastered with pictures of exploded, shot, imploded, mangled, decapitated etc human beings. I’m happy that my younger sister is as of now out of the country in Canada. I don’t know if I’m prepared to see all this – much less her at 15 years old.

Alright, enough bad news. The good news is that we’re all ok, safe here at the embassy, and enjoying the cooler weather that the monsoon has brought. I hope you’re all well, times like this I miss Canada immensely. Take care of each other.