Shanti Thokchom's Life Experiences
- Part 38 -
Road trip to NAMA convention 2009 at Maryland

By Shanti Thokchom *

We rested at major gas stations for short periods so that I dont get all exhausted. I slept on the front side while Oja Mani walked and stretched himself at such stops as he is a tall man and can't squeeze into the back seat like me who is small built . But I must say he is cool cos he didn't complain at all. I had brought masala chicken to last us at least for a day & that helped too.

I saw Oja Mani chomping them whenever he felt like but I also let him pick Mcdonald's lunch whenever we saw one & he was a good sport about everything. If he had been picky & always complaining about everything, believe you me, I would have asked him to get off at the very next stop and go his way! Just kidding!! I would not do that ever....!!

We reached Virginia early in the morning. It was beautiful countryside all over. What a difference in the landscape of the East Coast & the Midwest regions!! We were on I-70 East and that wasn't much of a problem. What I love about these highways is that there are signs to indicate which cities, how many miles to go before next gas station, food , motels etc..

Mr. Simon was anxiously waiting for us at his house. He came with another young man named Apam to meet us up at the Home Depot store at Reston, Virginia. I introduced Oja Mani to both of them. They were happy to see us. Oh! my gosh, it was such a big relief to reach our destination safely. He could not help asking if we were ok and made sure we ate good & have a good rest before we even begin to have any kind of conversation. He was a very good cook and made coffee for us.

We had lots to talk about and share information. His family was so sweet. His wife Cinthia was so nice to us. I asked how he managed an American wife...pat came his answer that he has "Naga-ised " her by making her eat all steamed & boiled Manipuri dishes, made her adjust to Indian lifestyle when they were in Delhi during their early marriage years !! That was too funny !! He has a good sense of humor !! Anyway, we had a good day's rest after we ate !!

We talked and talked for hours in the evening. I made Aloo Ironba (traditonal Manipuri dish with potato & fermented fish) Kobi (Cabbage ) Singju ( Manipuri hot salad ) as I had brought Ngari , Thoiding (fermented fish & sesame seeds ) from Tulsa to share with them. Thats the benefit of travelling by car...You can pack anything you gonna need anywhere !!

Our conversations lasted well into the wee hours of morning ..we didn't know how time flew by......!! Mr. Apam cooked fish for us. He too is a real good cook !! Now all along Oja Mani had kept reminding me that he was diabetic & cant eat every and all things !! But as the food was spread out ...immediately that reminder of his was nowhere in place because he jumped into it & started the Bhojan (food ).

I am observing him & enjoying it cos its the very environment that makes him do it as he felt very happy and comfortable in the company of our host and the young cook Apam. This is the real reason we all Manipuris ..wherever..whenever we meet, food is always a must and its a good way to connect, for real !! Dont you all agree ?? We all love eating our traditional dishes & think its the most exotic dish in the whole world!! All you hot food eaters, Amen !!

Anyway, the next day was for us to attend the 4th of July celebration for the NAMA Convention at Maryland. The main host Oja Naba had wanted us to stay at his place but we thought and decided that it was better to pay Mr. Simon & co. a visit first as it is on our way and more convenient than doing the reverse visit after the NAMA meeting.

We did the tried amd done method of -----("lin su sinaba cheisu su tek tanaba" to kill two birds with a stone. I know uncle Naba felt bad about it , do forgive me for that, but hey, we dont get to drive out there every day & I like to meet up with friends and alike if possible on my way to my destination especially if that falls in the planned route that I was taking !!

This place Reston in Virginia is a very calm and quiet neighborhood. I wandered outside the house to look around its surroundings. There was a a kind man who was Simon's neigbor. He asked me a lot of questions as to why I was in a backward state like OKlahoma & why not move to VA. I told him that it was ok but he was insistent, I dunno why. He then handed me his card which indicated he worked for the US defence agency or something.

In just one breath he told me that he was newly single, available & financially secured & was looking for asian women !! As if I was looking for a date .....!! ha..ha..ha..!! He doesn't know how much I love to go on road trips in summer & meet up with friends and do something worthwhile !!

Funny, how some men can just yak away like that without even knowing me nor my name. Just cos he saw me at Simon's place, he must have assumed that I could be persuaded as most westerners have preconceived notion that asian women were passive & submissive !! May be he felt I needed a burly man like him for protection or something....he doesn't know I may look tiny but not tiny in mental strength..

He has approached the wrong female for his advances, Boy, I tell you....a Manipuri one at that..........but to be nice to him, I listened instead !! and he was happy to get something off his chest for the moment !! He should have gone and taken a good look at his physique which needed serious consideration for exercise before he even indicated his singledom !!

Not to offend him or anyone, I would rather be pole dancing than be with a paunchy guy !! This includes all our Manipuri men too.. high time all our guys start taking care of their health & look good for yourselves & your wives & your GFs !! It would give you all a real high to be in good physical shape !!

Or am I touching on some raw nerve ? In these times and age we all should be doing just that as we all lead too much stressful lives with work, family & others !! We hardly have enough time to enjoy life as we are all so caught up with life !! Natro ? (right?) mayam yabi ning bro? ( all agree or not?) koi sak ya sawaal ?(any questions/concerns ?) so far....?

To be Continued.......