Hyderabad - Day 1 (Rest)

Well, not truly restful, but getting there at least.

Naveen's dad, Sai Babu, came at around 10 (after I'd had about 3 hours with my breakfast and newspaper) and we went around booking tours, bus tickets, and train tickets. He looked at me while I made decisions, we sat down and had tea while I thought. It was quite pleasant.

After all my tickets were bought and everything was planned, we went down to Hussain Sagar, the lake with the giant Buddah that was rescued from the bottom. He bought me a superspicy snack that was too much for me, then had to take off to supervise the construction going on at his house.

About Naveen's parents: they seem oh so nice. They've been very kind to me and are worried like crazy about me. Krishna (mom) doesn't seem to want me to leave the room without escort (which I don't have, so sorry on that one). Sai Babu (dad) speaks slowly and repeats everything at least twice. It's nice to be treated like a child, but not - they're very nice and since it's very temporary I'll let it work for now. I was surprised to learn that Sai Babu smokes and rides a scooter - just didn't seem like the things someone with his education would do ;). But it means I got to ride sidesaddle again on a scooter (silly skirts) - first time in India though - scary.

So he dropped me, I enjoyed a leisurely meal, then went in search of internet. Crazily hard to find here and less and less people speak English. So a nice polite man told me where it was... then offered me a ride. Hmmmm. Oh well. Yes, please. 'Twas actually working - he took me right to the internet place, asking only a few questions on the way, no illicit comments, no trying to touch me, nothing. I was happy. I smiled too soon. He escorted me into the place, got me a computer, I smiled. Here's where the light went off in his head *wait you can't let the white girl go without harrassing her first* "Oh you're so beautiful. Can I kiss you? No? Please can i kiss you?" ...sigh. no. go away. thank you. He was cooperative - yay for public places - but came back bringing me his number and email address and begging me to contact him. whatever. bugger off now.

I enjoyed my internet world for a long while and then it was late, more importantly dark. I hopped into a rickshaw but it seems I chose the wrong driver. His accent was so strong that I didn't understand his requests for a kiss until we had arrived and he made hand signs. I didn't immediately get out because it's my habit to pay before I get out, where I can see the meter and don't have to handle money in the street. Mistake here. His hand found its way to my chest and was immediately removed and i hopped out. Without an immediate request for money I started to walk away only to have him yell after me to give him money. I stopped and asked him how much. 100 rupees. Negative. I was not in the mood to be molested and outrageously cheated in the same 30 seconds. "I do not." Full defensive posture, hands on hips, yelling, with the whole street watching, I demand he checks his meter and tells me what I owe. The meter is off, he demands 50. Not my desire to stand around and chit-chat with him, I just paid it and walked away. Maybe don't give me a gun; surely there'd be a string of Indian men in my wake at this point.

Called to check it. Back to guesthouse. Shower.
Sigh. Not the most restful of days.

Head Motions

As I arrived in Hyderabad, i started to notice and odd movement of the head. It seems a large number of people here are related to the bobble-head dolls. Their heads move very loosely on their necks in the same general movement as a metronome does.
This movement does not mean yes or no and sometimes is used for both (very confusing to me). It is done while asking questions, while listening, while answering.
It's fairly disconcerting truthfully, mainly because I always think they're saying no.
:P

On the Move

The next step was a train trip, a long one. From Agra all the way to Hyderabad. Estimated time - 22 hours. Actual time - 23 hours.

Mmmm what I would give to have not had to go that last hour.

I slept the major portion of the ride, about 21 hours or so, and laid there for another hour. I sat up and kept myself awake at around the time the train was supposed to arrive, got my cute little Ipod out and sat around smiling and enjoying myself.

Uh-oh.

Is it the smile? Is it the fact that I have ankles? Might it have something to do with all Indian women being wrapped up and all the newspapers showing pictures of white girls wearing little to nothing - most noticabe the Miami heat dancer of a week back and loads of World Cup girls going nuts?

Indian guy across the way felt it his duty to whack off to my lovely self.

That was it.

End game.

No man in India was going to recieve the grace of my smile.

Start the countdown until I get out.

Don't travel alone here if you're a girl.

I get to say I survived it (knock on wood).

I am from Texas (y'all) and such are the things I imagine that inspire my fellow citizens to invest in nice, solid, death-inflicting guns.
My earlier thoughts about acquiring an electric shock stick for the mean, loose dogs in Taiwan, have now transferred to using it for men here. Unfortunately, this seems reasonable to me.

Twenty minutes later, the train pulls into the station and Naveen's dad stuck his head into the coach window, grinned like a fool, and waved.
He was clearly delighted to see me, I was delighted to see him, and the smiles started up all over again.
Oh well. I'll keep smiling, but I'm leaving this country.

Agra

The Indians call it the "City of Love" because it has the Taj Mahal. Francophile that I am, I know the real City of Love is Paris. Yes, back in Europe, where to be a white girl alone doesn't equate to being yelled at in the streets, in cars, doesn't mean that you will immediately be surounded by people demanding money, desiring sex, and are simply pushy and persistent in whatever they want. For some reason, I thought Agra, with it's high tourism rate, would be more behaved. It seems however, that the only thing they've learned is that they can easily get away with such things.

I spent... too much money. Oh well. The upside is that now I have the option of getting into financial troubles and having to sell my jewelry. :D Truly I have some very nice things now, I just feel uncomfortable spenging this kind of money when my life plans are so non-existent.

I spent too much time with men. As respectful of your space as they may initially seem, not gonna stay that way, just trust me. They also fed my driver and gave him drinks and kept him happy, therefore, wherever I wanted to go or whatever I wanted to do, it ended up being as close to them as possible, without asking me of course. In the end, I felt like he was pimping me out and I became generally fussy and yelled a bit.

I spent too much time not sleeping. When I finall escape the clingy men of the day, I rather enjoy my freedom. My only time alone, and I savor it. I end up staying up late late into the night to watch movies and just enjoy my own company. Yet, the lack of sleep didn't make the proceedings of the day any better, and I believe occassionally impaired my judgement.

Other things of note: my driver got bit by a rabid dog, despite men falling at my feet I can't seem to find the man of my dreams, random people expressed happiness to find an American that doesn't drink, and for good times, you have to take off your shoes and walk around the Taj Mahal barefoot, or for special tourists, you can get little plastic bags for your shoes.

Sunrise

Early this morning I awoke to go see the sunrise at the Taj Mahal.
Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.

I've been to, seen, touched, sat on, and photographed the Taj Mahal.
Check off my major goal in India.
:D

Side Trip

Ah yes, here we are again. To follow precedent:
I RODE A CAMEL!!! IN THE DESERT!!! IN INDIA!!!
It was really quite a thing. I was in Jaipur, out on a date at a rooftop restaurant with a guy who tried to sell me some rugs when a random suggestion came from him to visit the desert. Hmmmm. Why not? Next morning we take off.
As bad as my mother is with the lack of humidity in Colorado and the heat in Texas, I think she'd shrivel almost instantly in the dry heat of the desert. But Mum, just for you I'll get a bubble and a humidifier.. or at least, you know, a spray bottle of water - because you guys have to do some of this shit, and I'm coming with you when you do. I believe I'm now an official travel addict.
One of the most amazing things about my travels at the moment is the number of simple but amazing sentences that I can now say truthfully.
I have walked to the desert. (yep, just down that road and it'll be on your right. the desert - can't miss it.)
I have experienced sunrise and sunset in the desert. I have seen the wind blow sheets of sand across the desert (gorgeous). I have laughed at a guy trying to light a cigarette in the desert wind. ;) As before mentioned, I've ridden a camel in the desert.
I've had an Indian sugardaddy and a standing offer of marriage (the smile again - current nickname: Princess/Boss).
I've been invited into Indian homes with the utmost hospitality. I've had tons of chai and finally enjoyed Indian food.
I've had a beautiful Indian woman blow kisses to me (I was trying to find something better than a thumbs up for her food and she misinterpreted the Italian gesture of kissing fingertips - but I enjoy this outcome much better :D ).
I've been the 3rd person on scooter rides in Indian traffic (sorry Mum) and I've stopped counting the number of auto-rickshaw rides I've had.
I've seen sheep herders, mud houses, women carrying things on their heads, extreme poverty -lots of it, cows, hairy pigs, water buffalo, goats, camels, sheep, all wandering the streets.
I finally got to go out at night in India, escorted by four Indian guys to remain worry-free.
I've heard songs from nomadic desert children.
I've found a small tourist village in India that seems to be the destination of every hippie around and I have no doubts as to the existence, sales, and consumption of mind-altering substances there, the latter most likely in the desert for best results. Plus, there was a Pink Floyd Cafe and Hotel there.
I've put an amazing amount of trust in people and have been delighted to find that the outcomes are similarly amazing.

John! John! Are You READY?!

Is everyone ready? Take careful note.
I RODE AN ELEPHANT!!! IN INDIA!!!
Here is where John, my good friend in Taiwan, will do something extraordinary (in accordance with the statement - "Allison I will pee my pants if you ride an elephnat in India.")
I rode an elephant up to a hilltop fortress and, as is my way with animals, ended up getting something more. Elephant snot. Originally just from his sneezes and the wind, but also from a parting where the elephant (whom I officially dub Mikey) explored my hand and leg some with his runny snout.
:)
Totally forgiven.
Totally better than when a fake Disney camel spit on me.

Jaipur, Day 1

So I arrive in Jaipur at 9:30 this morning, blindly trusted an auto-rickshaw driverto get me to a hotel and checked in. The desk man was very friendly, gave me a huge room at a low rate, gave me his home number in case I "felt uncomfortable in the city", and told me he'd be back on duty that night. I took off to an internet cafe to get connected after my 36 hour lapse, updated my blog, and attempted to finalize my get-away tickets, etc. I come out to find the driver waiting, like I'd told him not to, but he leads me to a drink place and introduces me to his very good friend, another driver. He aske dme a question that I was very 'bleh' on, and provided the answer 'comme ci, comme ca'. French?! Turns out he'd spent a month in France and knew some. I was without guidebook (grrr Lonely Planet, just grr) so I decide to just hire him. What the hell eh? We'd entered the hot part of the day and I was dirty and tired, so we arranged to meet at 5PM.
Instead of sleeping though (I think largely due to the effect of the first Mountain Dew I've had in about 5 months) I played around. I downloaded and organized pictures, took a shower, read some of Matt's essays and - holy hell - a journal that, had it been mine, probably would never have found it's way into the possession of anyone else.
The journey begins. My guide is all spiffed up now and ready to drive me wherever I desire. All the monuments are closed, so off we go to Tiger Fort to see the whole city from above, and in a bit, the sunset. He takes me through the center of town, introduces me to the "Pink City" - so dubbed because everything was painted a "lovely, ambient, and warm" shade of pink to welcome the visit of the Prince of Wales. Needless to say, they aren't all the same pink nowadays. They range from brown to orange to lilac - we'll say an extended pink family. Tiger Fort takes a while to get to, being at the very top of a large hill, showing the view of a very very large city. My guide serended me to the top with very loud hindi dance music, and at the top starts in with words. Yes, yes, I know, you like my smile, my laugh, my 'good heart', I am nice, yeah.
There were other tourists there so I escaped him to chat it up. There was a cute couple there from South Korea (the woman was as beautiful as their soap-opera stars and I told her so) and they talked to everyone who came within their range. Even more fun was an Indian guy from Chicago with his parents. Both he and his parents were very well spoken and we had a chat about the parts of India to see. He was very personable, another guy I was sad to see leave (I need to stop travelling alone, I have noone to talk to, and when I find someone I enjoy talking to, they always leave :\). We all stayed up there until sunset, when the sun put itself to sleep... into a thick purple layer of smog. eww. ;) Photos to come. There was some hoopla and counting down by some crazy ladies over the way. They were chatty as well later, and I'm glad that someone enjoyed the sunset so much.
After that the tour became aimless fairly quickly. More roaming through pinkness, a floodlit museum, then to his house? He gave me tea and introduced me to some his family - and his wonderful dog! One of the greatest dogs ever. Then we went for food, and one more stop at the internet for me - I'd missed it you know. Somehow in the course of this...he'd managed to fall in love?
Sigh. Again with these Indian guys.
I had a flower and a massage and words of devotion and infatuation. I tried to pay him but he said my company was enough. I wonder at the implications of such a thing. Regardless, I told him I would pay him the next day and said goodnight.
I thought this would be the end to my day, but there was oddness yet to come. The desk man, the same as from the morning, calls my room and practically begs to come to room. I steadfastly refuse (a sound policy I believe) and go downstairs to see what's up. Turns out he's bored and wants to be my friend. I didn't inquire into the details of this 'friendship'- it's only gotten me into trouble before, it was nearing 1 AM and I had the whole of Jaipur to see bright and early the next day, so I wished him goodnight. He had asked if I wanted to make Indian friends and I said yes.. to a point. He told me I looked smart, cute, the smile was good. He offered to book a bus ticket for me, for free if I'd be his friend. Good grief. As I walked away he kept saying he was coming with me. I kept shaking my head.
Bizarre this country, these men. Good Night! (Yes! Alone!)

Travel Log

Getting from Aurangabad to Jaipur - not the easiest or quickest task to do in India. No direct train or flight, lots of distance to cover.
Aurangabad to Indore- 9:30 PM to 6:30 AM
Indore, waiting for next bus - 13 hours
Indore to Jaipur - 7:30 PM to 9:30 AM

Total time - 36 hours
Current India Index - blah

From my hotel I get an autorickshaw - my first! Wheee! Nothing too special in the end - pretty breezy, kinda comfy and nice actually. I will have to try one again when there is traffic on the roads.
In Indore I questioned the men at the bus station as to things to do in town. They could think of nothing to do, denied the existence of an internet cafe, and told me to rest, relax, freshen up, and spend my day at the bus station. This would have been lovely if there had been A/C, but as it didn't, I sat in the heat all day. After being super-cold all night on the bus, the non-A/C bus station all day gave me an incredible headache. I shall try my best to take trains from now on, the reason I didn't this time was because I would have had to change trains at least 4 times, something unpleasant as well.
The unexpected lull in travel was good for me though. It reminded me to schedule time for it. I was just breezing through from site to site and wasn't considering the time I scheduled for travel important. Perhaps I'll get to see more of India than I thought. HAH! Back to putting in large amounts of time dedicated to getting me from one place to another.

By Candlelight

After the rains, I return to my hotel. No electricity. Trees fell during the rains and cut it off. At first, I am told 10 minutes. I believe them and try to occupy my time. I later go down to retrieve a candle that was offered before. A guy lights it and walks upstairs with me. We get into my room and he is thinking where to put the candle when -oops - it goes out. He has to go downstairs and get a match. As he goes, he brushes past me. I feel his body and his hand brush past my butt. It wasn'y unpleasant and I'm fairly amused, so I just wait for his return. He does return, but doesn't immediately light the candle. He asks my name, gets a little closer. Pulls me in and kisses my cheek. Then asks for a kiss. He has boatloads of charm but all he gets is a flattered decline. I need to pack, it's why I went to get the candle, and he is unaware that my packing anxiety trumps his sexual appeal. He finally lights my candle again. Oops. Out again. This time I'm fairly certain I saw him blow it out. He regales me with more charm but is still refused and finally manages to light a candle and leave.
I pack by candlelight, amused as usual.

Rainy Patch in India

To those of you who didn't know, it rains in India. ;)
What you might not know is that it rained this afternoon, cutting short our tour of the sights of Aurangabad. I'm not too sad as I actually leaped out into the downpour to see the "poor man's Taj Mahal", and the other was a watermill (waterfall out of a pipe turning wheel, grinding grain - seen 'em).
India's streets, not originally any great showcase, immediately turned into rivers. Not pretty, clean rivers, but rivers that reminded me of the streets - dirty. In our jeep, we roamed the streets, splashing everything in our path. Like back home, I gave pause to the warnings not to go into running water, not to cross bridges with fast water - even as little as 6 inches. Here, we went through without pause, even at breathtaking speeds and still honking, passing, even as the driver wiped away the inside of the glass. The poor people walking, the people on scooters, the riskshaws, all were subject to the massive spray of our path.
'Twas nice, but at the same time, I continue travel later tonight and I wouldn't want it to still be going. Monsoon season is coming to India. Wish me luck in missing it when I don't want it.
Latest India Index: Thumbs Up.

Wheee

I'm in a whirlwind of activity, on a public computer, and I'm wiped. The thing you should know : I'm getting an international tan! Happy Father's Day!!! My Daddy's the best! :D
Don't worry, you'll hear all about my travels soon.
Still alive, signing off. Allison

Rollercoaster Continued

As before, my views on India still fluctuate wildly. Today, it became more personal though. I had some moments of victory today, and sadly, some moments of defeat. Freak that I am, the heat of Mumbai was occassionally enjoyed instead of detested. I successfully booked a train ticket to my next destination. I'm toughening slightly I believe - enjoying cold showers, becoming a little more tolerant of the filth, less annoyed by the majority of horns, and adapting to people who plant themselves in front of me demanding I buy something or give them money. I've seen the Arabian Sea. I've seen a beautiful temple that becomes an island at high tide.
I went to the Prince of Wales Museum and spent about 4 hours there, roaming. It goes in chronological order roughly, and the first things I ended up seeing were about 2200 years old. I had to pause and think about that for a moment. The exhibit showing (Eternal Ghandi) distracted me for quite some time. According to some Indians I talked to there, I am sadly lacking in details of Ghandi's life. For the special price foreigners pay (about 300 rupees compared to 10 for Indian nationals), we get a free audio tour. It was one of the most enjoyable things about the museum really. The man who did the guide said some delightful things, with just enough situational humour to make me laugh out loud in a museum. :D The museum even had a nice little cafe there, so I could spend even more time wandering around. Believe me, I had nothing else to do for the day, so there was no rush.
The people there were exceptionally friendly. I'm in the cameras of no less than 6 people who approached me wanting to take a photo with the white girl. The best though I must say was the first of the day, the two brothers. First a picture with one brother, then the other, then someone is pulled over so they can both be in a picture with me. Goodness do I feel special. In the Ghandi exhibit, I toured it with a group of three men, who later got my name, email address, and also told me I was beautiful and one loved me. I bopped him on the head for the last comment with my museum map and he smilingly retreated "A joke! It was a joke!"
At this point, I was thoroughly enjoying India I must say. Unfortunately, then I left the museum.
Implanted into my happiness was just one man, odd how the bastards of the world seem to appear just when you're not prepared. He appeared on my elbow speaking English and asked how I was. Mrr. I don't particularly wish to discuss it right now nor repeat his words, but some men should seriously be castrated. And sexual harrassment charges, verbal or otherwise, I am all for them. Either the guy is a sicko, and people should be warned, or he's an asshole, and people should be warned.
So, yes, India's getting better....and not.

15th

I headed off today... later than expected. I had plans, they were just delayed due to severe headache issues. I woke up and winced in pain. I took some drug and went back to sleep. I woke up again... with a headache. I took some drugs and headed out. My taxi driver spoke English!! It cheered me significantly and he took me through a shorter route that had lots of things I hadn't seen before. We chatted. 'Twas lovely.
Today was dedicated to finding a place that would exchange Taiwanese money. My findings - the international airport when you arrive. There's officially a no-go on exchanging something as foreign as Taiwanese money. Fortunately, my ATM card works. Here's hoping that it works all over India!
After withdrawing monies, I wandered South Mumbai more. I made it to Victoria Terminus. Gorgeous! It's a world heritage site you know. ;)
Seeing that was my second main goal of the day, then I just wandered more. The pain in my head made other annoyances seem less intrusive. The horns were okay for awhile, the people shouting at me, even the heat and dirt didn't regularly make it past into the realm of irritation.
I made it to High Court and wandered around inside a bit. It was pretty awkward in some places but cool overall - got to see some judges and stuff... court records. Mostly I just tooks pictures of the building. You'll get these pictures one day, promise, promise. Bombay University (probably the only entity in this city to not have changed its name to Mumbai) - more pictures.
Wandered over to a "western" food place and tried out some extra spicy pizza and fries - not labelled as spicy, but what here isn't?
Wandered back to the apartment. Took a shower. Finally no more headache. Thinking of a leaving date, possible side trip to Hong Kong on my way home. To remind me that there are places with ridiculous amounts of people that aren't hell and/or mass chaos.
I started reading again, a book I've already read but a good one. Mmm the joy and comfort in a book. Cheers for that.

Oooh A Drink

For those of you who know me, you might have guessed that the bright pink drink carefully carried over to my table would have something to do with strawberries. No dice. 'Twas rose. I tried a rose milkshake today. The greatest drink ever?! Perhaps not, but it had its moments. I used to have some really nice rose water travel lotion and shampoo. It tasted kinda like that. At times it was good, at times just disconcerting. "Did I just eat soap?" A repeat? ...Naw, not for a while. Vaguely like the kiwi milkshake, they need lots of space between consumptions, just so you know how special they are. ;)

A Day in South Mumbai

I had decided I couldn't take the heat, so I set my clock for when it would be pleasant outside - early, 5:15 early. I was up and down to the Gateway of India by 6 AM. Nice, quiet, deserted, cool. A couple people, a lot of pigeons, European architecture. Things were looking up.
I waved over a lanky white guy and asked him what he was doing that day. Turns out he was leaving, going home, so plans for a day with him were non-existent. However, we did spend about the next 2 hours together before he had to pack and take off. He was amazingly chill, introduced me to Indian cha, told me where to get weed in India, imparted the amusing news that he stole napkins form restaurants when he had to go to the bathroom, and the unfortunate news that the horn thing is all over India. He was 19, English, doing his gap year, and had visited 4 continents in 3 months - North America (New York), Australia, the Eastern Coast of Africa, and India. We had some breakfast from a street stand. It was all very pleasant, companionable. I was sad to see him go.
So that gets me to 8 AM. Problem - nothing opens until 10 or 11. So I wander. I am, by my own account, an expert wanderer at this point. I go by the huge docks of Mumbai, all the old buildings, garden in circular roads. I made it Churchgate (train station) and the Oval Maidan (park-like place). Here's where I make my directional mistake. I head back in the supposed direction of the Gateway, except not. It takes a long while, but eventually I make it to the very south of South Mumbai, the military complex. The roads are open but all the buildings are prohibited to me. Wandering as hard as I could go, I still couldn't find a way out. I was trapped in a military complex. Not cool. I was also very hot and grumpy at this point. Day turns thumbs down.
Caught a cab out, back to my starting point. Immediately went to the National Gallery of Modern Art for some cool. I really started to dig most of the stuff. Whenever, I get around the presence of really good art, I start to aspire to create something, to be artistic. It hasn't really happened yet, but it is keeping this blog/journal afloat.
Hungry now - set off in search of food. Everything is alive and jumping now, so I'm harassed on the streets for money and people wanting me to buy things. I'm looking for Churchill Cafe but I find McDonald's first. What the hell, I'm dying of heat, so I go in and have a strawberry milkshake. There are no seats left, so I sit onto he bench next to Ronald. Ahhh American. Sorry to all you hamburger fans, the McDonald's in India is 100% beef free, even using vegetable oil. I continue down the road and actually find Churchill Cafe. I went and ate there too anyway - too hot to do anything else. Next stop - I found a convenience store! Thank goodness. Being without them is so... inconvenient! ;) I found wet wipes (an admission of defeat to their toilet system) and a snickers bar.
I felt I'd accomplished enough for the day, it was 5 PM and I'd been wandering Mumbai in the heat for 12 hours. Time to get off my feet and relax, plan the next day. So I start looking for a taxi (I'm never on the right side of the road - silly British/Indians). A guy selling maps of India starts trailing me down the sidewalk (nothing new with vendors or beggars). I intermittently answer questions from him. He is very friendly and his English is good, plus he has the eyes (ooh the eyes). He also knows he has the eyes and smile of a very handsome specimen. Chetan has given me the address of the apartment, but in English (for some reason refusing Hindi and most taxi drivers don't speak or read English) so I get the guy to help me. When we finally figure our where I'm going he says he will come with me. One of those split second decisions I'm so bad at, but he seems harmless; I scoot over and he hops into the taxi (another thing that will get me killed one day - oh well. I'm not supposed to be traveling India alone either). So he's charming, cuddles up to me, wants to be my friend, wants to show me all over India, promises never to hurt me, takes my hand a lot, moves his arm around my shoulder, looks into the eyes of the "beautiful American". I ask him shortly into the journey how he is going to get back and he replies he will go to my apartment with me. I tell him he certainly is not but he doesn't seem phased. They don't seem to understand that just because they can make me laugh, it doesn't mean that they can change my mind. His touchy-feely was kept at bay as I declared myself hot and threw him off, but it crept back from time to time. He did the silly Indian guy thing of telling me I HAVE to do something. "You have to say you are my friend" - do not- "You have to promise you won't ever make me sad" - not a chance. In fact, I'm sure I'm about to make you sad as soon as I find my apartment. A pleasant diversion but when I reached my destination I said goodbye. He was sad, but I could deal with that.

India, India, Land of....

... smells. Most of them are very strong, and only a fraction of them are pleasant. Huzzah for incense!!
... horns. Constant, constant beeping of horns has become one of the more irritating things about this city. As some of these horns are louder than some rock concerts I've been to, I would diplomatically suggest a new plan. The more you use your horn, the quieter your particular should be; the more your horn is honked for no reason whatsoever, the more you should be slapped up the backside of the head.
... religion. I find sociologically that faith is always strong where people need to believe. Here in India, there's no question, even I'd like to believe that there's something beyond this. Fortunately for me, I call this place home, they call it Heaven or nirvana. Buddhism here makes more sense to me now - Escape the worries of your world, find peace.
... disorder. You want a queue? Just forget it. Those lines painted on the street.... there are lines?!
... the second largest standing army in the world (1 million). Beaten only by China.
... hard work. If I didn't feel like a bum before coming here, I certainly do now. If I had been born in India and did as little work as I do now.... it wouldn't be a pretty picture (we'll just hope that in my alternate life I married well).
... no toilet paper. wtf mate?

Ahh! India!

Terrificially overwhelming, India's largest and most modern city has me facing some issues. Mumbai/Bombay is the dirtiest thing I've ever experienced. period. I've cut my nails, bought a large supply of portable wet wipes, considered taking the pill to cancel my period so I won't have to deal with it in combination with the toilet system here, watch every step I take on the sidewalk in less touristy areas, and truly understand the ancient implications of having someone wash your feet (why? bc they're oh so dirty. mrrr I also stepped in cow poo today. ewww). I expected the dirtiness, I tried to prepare for the dirtiness, and yet.... still shocked to find it soooo dirty.
The dirtiness is combined with heat and humidity so intense I sense that if I'm not careful, I will become one with the puddle. Rarely have I experienced such longings for shade, breeze,and water; add in some A/C, you're reaching idol status. If the British tried again with India, I think all they would have to do is promise wide distribution of A/C and it would be a sure deal.
Ironically one of the first things I thought the night I arrived here was an empirialistic "Well no wonder the British left: Indians refuse to do anything in an orderly manner, and it's hot and dirty. No questions." I've thought a lot about the British lately as many of the tourist spots here are old British buildings, or built in honor of the British. South Mumbai with all its historic buildings is my favorite part of the city right now. The buildings actually bring me a sense of peace, a return to what know I suppose, but truly beautiful. I will see beautiful Indian buildings as well, and hopefully their architecture will inspire the same variety of relaxation in my mind.
The works of India are the greatest assets here. I find little charm in the country at the moment, but the works its citizens have produced often leave me in wonderment. My first place to visit was Elephanta Island, an island in Mumbai Harbour with a temple carved out of solid stone, making essentially a cave temple. It is very large in scale and very intricately done and just beautiful. It has pillars and columns and deities and rooms within housing more stone statues. I'm astounding by the number of people here but I realize that it sometimes takes an extravagant amount of time and people to create such beautiful things. I think of the Taj Mahal and I know it is the same concept.
At some point, people are said to fall in love with Mumbai, and indeed India as well. The logic flows that the best and worst of humanity are here, with many people and poverty and limited space. I hope I can jump the hurdle of the initial shock of my first encounter with a third-world country to truly appreciate all that India has to offer.
We shall see. Wish me luck!
Pictures will be added soon, I'm not on my computer so there's an added level of difficulty in this but it .. should happen. :D

Nice Smile

It's official - I have a nice smile. I've been told so by about a dozen men today, mostly Indian, some other random ethnicities. Plus, I've been told all my life. Just the frequency here is... well, it makes you really believe, you know? As an added distraction, it tends to be said like I'd accomplished something great, and also like they'd enjoy rewarding me for that accomplishment... :D

Signs of Hong Kong

For random reasons, I like to take pictures of signs....
Guess which one is my favorite!!

Bruce Lee!!

If my Tai Chi master hadn't been crazy about this guy and mentioning him every half hour or so, I wouldn't be nearly so excited to see him here. He truly must be special to get a star and a statue. Jackie Chan, slut that he is, can't beat that. He must be simultaneously crying himself to sleep and drooling with envy. (Awww Everyone loves you Jackie!) Other people were also excited...
Pictures!!!
umm for some reason the star won't cooperate and turn the correct way... just deal with it

Jackie Chan is the Official Slut of Hong Kong

So as I was introduced to the Avenue of Stars, what else could I do but notice that Jackie Chan is all over the place. He's on brochures, he's signed everything in sight, and he naturally has his own star (with handprints and signature). He's a cutie and I think he must love Hong Kong. It kinda makes you want to hang out for a bit, just to make sure he doesn't show up and you miss him...
Pictures!!!