Red splotches merge with trash on every street and sidewalk in India. "What are these?" I ask our host. The good Doctor Pendse responds that we should certainly all partake of one of the more underrated after-lunch digestive treats. "These uneducated people do not realize that the value is in swallowing the juice, not spitting it out!" sez he. Many restaurants are adorned with street-vendors directly out front selling a little morsel consisting of betel nut leaf, several condiments and spices, and a bit of betel nut all wrapped into a little bite-sized snack for a few rupees. Chew it up at your own risk! It produces a high not unlike that first cigarette but without all the acrid smoke. If made right, the lower half of your face will go a little numb and you will talk silly. You should hear some of the other quotes we extract from Dr. Pendse in the next ten minutes!
No picture of me please. I think my teeth and gums are beet-red!
No comments:
Post a Comment