Brunch, and the tragedy of cooks

Brunch is as much of a to-do here as it is in Atlanta. I suppose it's probably a tradition that was brought over by the British. Most of the expats meet up on Sundays for a rotation through the big hotels in the area. Sometimes I don't go because of cost - it runs $30 - $50. But it's probably worth it. We end up with all you can eat and all you can drink for about four hours. I like that it's a very social event. I wish all meals could be as much of an event as Sunday brunch!

When I came back to Bangalore my apartment was covered in a layer of dirt. It's not a clean city. And my maid/cook Vijaya didn't show up that day - or the next day, or the next. So I assumed that she flew the coop, and I made other arrangements. My doorman knew a girl working nearby and set me up with Roopa, my new cook.

On Saturday Roopa showed up for work - and so did Vijaya! Apparently she had been trying to come, and the doorman had turned her away. I pretty much believed her, but I let her go. Then Vijaya's eyes got teary, and she explained that her husband was also recently out of work. But I didn't feel like I could go back on what I'd said. Roopa is also excellent in her own right - better than Vijaya, and she speaks English.

Roopa is clearly an upgrade. But I feel like I should've shown more loyalty to Vijaya, and I feel terrible about her situation.