It was Sunday.
We left Frankfurt for Cologne to meet daughter-in-law's cousin. While his wife got busy cooking an Indian meal for 'in law's' folks, we went sight seeing.First things first.and therefore to the Dom.Thousands of tourists and devotees thronged the precincts and all kinds of people were to be seen-junkies,punks, hobos. Multiple nationalities of different complexions,and indulging in all kinds of activities.
The Dom was bathed in brilliant summer evening sunshine .
After a walk around we went to a kiosk for something cold. Having placed an order for ice sream the host and Lalita looked around and found a shop selling Eau de Cologne 'No 4711'. Feeling nostalgic - that was a most sought after duty free item available in Naval ship's Canteens in 50's (20th Century if you please !).
From the table behind one suddenly heard a conversation in Marathi. I looked back and found these 2 obviously Indians who were around wherever we were .At that time I thought they were Turkish or Egyptians.
 |
| राणे from पुणे |
Hearing the lingo ....
I couldn't help myself.
" काय भाऊ कुठले ?" I asked.
"पुण्याचे , तुम्ही? " I answered.
He stated that he was राणे from पुणे !
It transpired that 'Rane from Pune'was working in Cologne for last 9 years.
Soon the host returned and I introduced him to Rane and his colleague.When Rane discovered that my host was also from Pune he asked him.
"कोणची शाळा ?" "अभिनव ,तुम्ही ?" 'मी पण " "Principal कोण ?" "Mrs Chandavarkar".
We were delighted conversing in Marathi thereafter.It's really a pleasure to meet a co linguist so far away anywhere ion this earth.
And guess what we had for dinner?
वरण भात
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