A Bumpy Road

This is an exert taken nearly verbatim from my travel journal. Location: back of an Indian Rickshaw;

"The most frustrating experience so far has occurred (I say 'frustrating' as if it was the end of the world I had gone through...) I am writing this from the backseat of a Rickshaw. Alone. I am by myself somewhere in the middle of Mysore and I am relying on the good graces of my Rickshaw driver to get me where I need to go, safely.

"Earlier this week, I realized my computer charger broke - and I am in need of a replacement (so, so silly to be in 'need' of a computer, especially given everything I have learned about how people can sustain life simply the past few weeks). Nevertheless, I need one to communicate and (most of all) do my homework. Anyways, I called Dell Support Center, assuming my computer was under warranty, to get a new charger - no problems. WRONG. My computer is only covered by the warranty in the United States, since I purchased it there. So, I needed to buy a new charger. Ok - no worries. But, they couldn't take my TD Bank Debit Card (even though it is a VISA?!) so I, instead, needed to travel into Mysore to go to a particular bank to deposit my rupies. Ok - just one bump in my road. So that brings us to now, traveling in my Rickshaw in the middle of bustling Mysore.

"When I spoke with the Dell representative on the phone, he told me the particular account number I would need to deposit my money into. So, naturally, I wrote it down and double checked it with him 5 times over the phone. When I got to the bank, I THOUGHT I had the 1) money, the 2) information and the 3)confidence I needed to make my deposit. I did not. The account number was 7 digits short. And the bank had no internet for me to even try to look any information up. Great. Bump #2.

"I was fighting back the tears as I left the bank, empty handed. The Rickshaw driver was in the process of taking me back to the hostel when I decided to quickly inquire: 'are there any internet/cyber cafes, near?' I figured I would go, log onto my email, and PRAY that the dell service representative sent me a confirmation email of sorts with the account information contained within it. For Rs. 10 and a bit of searching (until we came across this kind of sketchy internet-cafe), I was able to access my email and retrieve the correct account information. By the way, I copied down a completely (and I mean completely) different account number from what I had been told at that cafe.

"Then the driver took me back to the bank. I would not have been this persistent (and I am already/currently late to Hindi class) but tomorrow and Thursday are Indian religious holidays (Ganesha Festival) and everything is closed, including this particular bank. And I was never going to make it back before it closes for the day at 4:00 pm to make my transaction. Dell needed the money (obviously) AND a scanned version of my receipt before they could/would even mail my charger. And then actually receiving the charger through the mail would be another journey in and of itself. I got a little slip of paper that I will try to email to that (not very) competent Dell employee (actually - I just didn't understand him.. and shame on me for expecting perfect English) and we will see come 4-5 days. Bump #3.

"This is what misinformation/bad communication in India will get you. I would love to point fingers and say 'he gave me the wrong account information,' or what-have-you... but this is the way things go sometimes. Some days you need to have your independent melt-downs in the back of a bumpy Rickshaw (which I did). OR (maybe?) question why you didn't double/triple/quadruple check the information yourself? Perhaps, before leaving...  Rohit - the man with the thick accent from India did what he was supposed to, in a sense. OR, maybe, just simply appreciate the good (and very patient) nature of this Rickshaw driver who has been pleasant and cooperative navigating me around Mysore, only trying to help.  And to think: all for a computer charger. How silly?

"Oh, the things we ask from life. I have learned the best thing you can do is just roll with the punches - or the uneven, bumpy Indian roads, especially. I hope my Hindi teacher rolls with the punches when I enter class 15 minutes late...

"His name is Raju, by the way. The Rickshaw driver. He told me what it was after I got out of the auto. He insisted the trip was not that big of a deal, though I kept showing appreciation and even paid him an additional Rs. 50 for the fare. The last thing he said to me was, 'enjoy the rest of your stay in India.' That is a good last though. Because, after all, this was only ONE bumpy road... "

Bright Eyes with an Empty Smile; The Indian Paradox

There is so much beauty around me all the time. The colors are vibrant. The food is spicy. The religion is integrated into every aspect of people's lives. The horns from the cars and bikes even seem to carry a stimulating flare. The chants and songs and dance routines all incorporate a magical and romantic energy. There are things that are peaceful, loud, calm and bright. Bright eyes.

Then, there is so much poverty that seeing the way some people live makes me so incredibly sad. Not just sad - I've had a tough day away from home, but sad. Gut-wrenching, tear-jerking - sad. On the same street that you might see gorgeous temples, beautifully sewn Saris, and those bright eyes from a child, (or a young mother, or the older street vendor) I see flies buzzing around piles and piles of garbage. I see animals defecating in the middle of a beaten up road. I see bone-thin, stray dogs running around in search for a full meal. More so, I see empty smiles on the faces of Indian people who look at me and just see a white girl smiling back at them.

What else do they have to think about me? I am a privileged American who walks around dumbfounded by how 'cheap' things are here. What? - this cereal, juice, toothpaste, AND shampoo only cost me Rs. 285?! (that translates to about $6.15) Incredible! Little do I acknowledge, in the midst of my celebration, that 75% of Indians live on less than Rs. 20 a day... or, when I push aside my Rice Curds (which are far less than kind of appetizing) that 74% of children and women suffer from iron deficiency/anemia... or, when I wake up and grab my sore back to rub away the stiffness from my full-night's sleep when 26% of India's population lives in recognized slums (recognized meaning the government here acknowledges them). Legitimately, slums: one-on-top-of-another, poop-covered, disease ridden shanti "houses."

I am not naive. I know poverty exists. I understand how fortunate I am. I realize how comfortable my life has been. And I knew what I was getting myself into when I decided to come to India...
I consider myself to be a compassionate and empathetic person. I enjoy giving back to others. I'd like to think I have a big heart. But my heart is feeling really swollen.
It gets exhausting sitting in class everyday being told the harsh realities of India's current situation. To hear how big corporations have taken away India's tradition of small farming to provide food locally. Or how the WTO (something the United States has a huge hand in controlling) prohibits the Indian government from subsidizing any export because developed countries need to import so many of their raw materials. Or even how traditional means of water security or food security or education systems have been changed by colonialism (EVEN THOUGH THEY WORKED for thousands of years) because they were too "primitive" to the white man. India has been thrown into an over-developed, over-urbanized, water and food-scare "developing nation." And yet, in light of all the travesty, the people here are able to preserve some of the most incredible religious stories and lessons, dress better (collectively) than Americans do on any day of the week, and the children here carry the brightest glimmer of hope I have ever seen reflected in a human being's eyes.

Welcome to India, and it has only been week two.

Oh, What a Life...

 So, this is where I live!

Room 128; first door on the left

I thought (especially since I have not posted anything recently) it might be nice to take people on a journey through a typical day for me here in India! I don't have pictures of everything, but most days here are structured the same way so you can get the jist of things. (Fun fact: Sarah in Sanskrit means total or jist)

It all begins with an obnoxious buzz of my wind-up alarm clock. At 5:40 am! All of my group needs to be up (and active) by 6:00 am for our yoga class. We are instructed by a man named Ramesh Kumar; we all know him as the Sassy Yogi though. He sure has attitude, and often uses expressions like "this is easy pose" or "control your mind, control your body, and control your breathing." Okay-okay already, Yogi. I have confirmed some things in all of my very challenging yoga classes: I have absolutely NO balance, I have TERRIBLE posture, I am the LEAST coordinated person on this planet, and I cannot follow long Indian Prayer-Chants very well. Whatever I am saying is not accurate, in the least; I basically murmur comparable sounding English syllables and hope that he doesn't notice. 

After Yoga may actually come the most mentally challenging part of my day: preparing for the ice-cold bucket (yes, I said bucket) shower. You may think I am kidding... but I am definitely not.

 

Isn't she beautiful?

  

Yes, here at our hostel we bathe with aid of a bucket and small pitcher. Nearly every morning the water is legitimately freezing. I awkwardly stand up against the wall and wince as I pour ice-cold water over my body to rinse away soap and shampoo. It took me a while to figure out the best way to wash my hair, though I have decided the best way is just to stick my head underneath the water spigot until my hair rinses clean. Classy, I know. Unlike in the United States, there is no such thing as jumping in for a "quick" shower. No, here it is a process. And since there is no curtain, the floor becomes a wet mess quickly; cleaning up the tile at the end takes just as much time as fighting through the cold (take-your-breath-away) water. One morning there was actually hot water! That may have been the most exciting thing I have experienced since I have been here (half true). I will never take warm water for granted, ever again. Oh, and thank goodness for Western-style toilets... Ps. We do our laundry in the same bucket - an equally difficult experience.

Then I get dressed. I have already posted a corny picture of me in my silly clothes...but it is basically a similar kind of outfit everyday. Big pants (sometimes I wear pants that resemble leggings) underneath a Kameez. Also, all women here wear a long scarf draped over their neck. I additionally wear sandals everyday; they are easier to take off as you enter a room (custom here).

 These are photos of my room! It is actually very spacious.

Notice some silly Sarah things: orange sheets and my green blanket (obviously), my prayer flags, a Mason Jar full of Q-tips, and a Syracuse banner

Also, take note of the orange Yoga mat up against my desk...

Then it is off to class. This semester I am taking a wide variety of classes: Culture and Civilization of India, Health & Environment, Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (this class is by FAR by favorite), Introductory Hindi (नमस्ते, Namaste!) and Karnatic Singing - in addition to the Yoga class each morning.

 

This is the building where all VILD Classes are held

It is a beautiful, beautiful facility

 

This is the room we have all of our classes in

Can you imagine all of your college classes in ONE room?

Most classes are in a formal lecture style. The professor will deliver a lecture for about an hour and then will open the floor for questions at the end. Some classes are more interactive than others. Additionally, sometimes a guest speaker will come in to give a presentation; this especially happens when the lecture topic is more specific - they will usually bring in a specialist on that day's lesson. Understanding the Indian accent provided a challenge for the first week, but I think my ear is tuned to it now because I rarely have difficulty understanding what the professor is saying. All classes emphasize 'field-learning,' so we have several field trips lined up during the course of the semester.

Perhaps, the best part of the school day is our daily Chai/Coffee and Cookie break. I'm serious when I suggest this is a tradition American schools take up...

Today we had a really interesting guest lecture from a woman on Indian Festivals and their Accompanying Foods.  At the end of the class we took part in a traditional festival ritual. This typically involves lighting oil candles, saying a prayer, honoring a specific god/goddess with gifts (Jasmine flowers, bangles, food, etc), and then applying the red Tikaka powder to the forehead. I find these ceremonies beautiful.

 This is Brie (one of the girls in my group), Sindhu and Dr. Jayachree lighting the candles

I have Karnatic Singing (a southern Indian classical style of music) three times a week in the performing space (it kind of looks like a hut) behind the school. Our Guru, Vidishi Radhika is a young, current performer. She is easy to understand and fun to learn from. I really think I am going to enjoy this class in particular; though, it is NOT easy. 

Today we had an additional class. Our caretaker, Sindhu, gave us a cooking lesson in the kitchen of the Hostel. She showed us how to make a traditional South Indian dish: Umpa. It actually seems relatively easy to make, and I would love to make it at home. I love all of the food here. Everything is very organic and fresh - and being Vegetarian is not half bad. I feel healthier - and I don't mind the spice.

I did not take this picture, but this is kind of what our dish looked like at the end

Of course we got to taste!

Sindhu garnishes her's with dried coconut, coriander and lime juice

Delicious.

Most days, after class, it is homework, dinner, responding to emails/hanging out with others in my program, more homework and journaling before an early bedtime. 5:40 am comes around quickly, and with so much packed into one day, I get really tired here. Occasionally, we will take a quick walk into the town of Hebbal. OR if we are feeling ambitious, we will take a trip into the city of Mysore. 

There is a lot I love about the values of this school. VILD's vision is "to serve India by building the potential of individuals and Institutions for the development sector." They "influence and promote developmental initiatives in the country..." which "...lead to 'Sustainable Processes of comprehensive positive development.'" The school works with Government, NGO's, Youth groups, and Corporate organizations to research and create sustainable societal developments. As a policy kid, I love that. Additionally, the school is founded on 4 simple (I say simple, but they have their challenges in the world) ideas:

If you cannot see the small print, the English translations to these values are: Truthfulness, Non-Violence, Service and Sacrifice. Everything at the Institute is done with a purpose, and I enjoy going to class everyday. I am being opened to new perspectives and new opportunities every class.

Jungle Love: "it's drivin' me mad, it's makin' me crazy"

Today, my group went on a field trip for my Environment and Health class. Many of the classes I am taking this semester emphasize 'field' learning, so we have several small trips planned throughout the fall in order to take advantage of local sites. Today, we traveled (nearly 120km) to get to the Jungle via both Bandipur National Park (in south-south-east Karnataka) and Mudumalai National Park (in north-north-west Tamil Nadu).

A cheesey Wikipedia map picture to put the forests into visual perspective

In this Environment and Health class, we have been discussing the wonderful diversity of the flora and fauna in India. This little trip helped us experience some of the wildlife being preserved in National Forest Parks.  It was actually amazing to even make it to the outskirts of the forests because the air quality changed for the better so dramatically.  Everything was so lush and green and the new sights made me re-evaluate a lot of the India I was living in and had seen for the previous 10 days.

A picture I took looking out the window on the way to Bandipur

Everything is so picturesque here

As soon as we got out of the van, there was so much to see. One of my favorite signs (perhaps of all time) was this wall of "Eco-Commandments" It was actually hilarious.

As we were waiting for our eco-tour (this was at Mudumalai National Park as part of their Tiger Reservation Tour) we hung out in this little gondola, which actually was the village bus-stop for all of the local school children! It was very exciting to be able to see/hang out with kids. I loved it. They speak Tamil, because at this point we were in the state of Tamil Nadu, so it was difficult to communicate with them. But, combining the English they did speak with charades, we were able to meet one another. 

Sindhu, our school care-taker, told me something really interesting yesterday.  She said, people tend to notice the really extreme differences in people. Especially the physical differences (which explains the staring - on my part and their part). However, what can be really special, and usually most memorable, is when you begin to find subtle similarities cross cultures. She encouraged me to do this, because it is only then when people begin opening up and become interested in sharing something about themselves.

So, that is exactly what I did with this group of kids! A group of girls quickly circled around me and I tried to get to know them. You know, "what is your name?" "how old are you?" and "do you like school?" I tried saying their names back to them, and realized I was completely butchering each attempt because of the gigglish response. I noticed that all the girls were wearing in earings and bracelets. I was also wearing a pair of earings and had a bracelet on. I showed them and let them touch my jewelry, and then they became eager to show me what they had on. I commented on how beautiful their braids were, and then they reached out to touch my hair. I asked the girls if they liked to sing. They pointed to one of the older girls (she must have really liked to when they were all in a group together). I asked her if she would sing me a song, but she seemed really hesitant. I told the group, if she/they sang me a song, I would sing them something. All of a sudden she started singing such a beautiful song. I was captivated. So, to comply with our deal, I started to sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, something I thought was so silly (and such a cop-out). Much to my surprise, they joined in!! It was such an incredible moment for me.

 

They loved having their pictures taken

They liked seeing their face on YOUR camera even more

One of the girls in my group, Kate, had a journal with her

She let all the kids sign their names

They loved that too

 It's a little tough to see, but this is me with all of my new friends

This is the entire group of girls I was talking with

They range from 12-17 years old

Simply beautiful people

Oh right, we went to a National Park... to visit a jungle. I got a little side-tracked.

 Monkeys just started appearing from every which direction

Although this one isn't the best quality I got...

...look how cute :)

 Another species of monkey sitting up in a tree

I think it is called a Langur Monkey

 The forests were really dense and beautiful

 RIGHT?! You've never seen one of these before...

I just think they are beautiful, even in India

 A more long-distance shot of the National Park we were in today

It's really beautiful how the clouds set on top of the tree coverage

So although we did not see any wild elephants, or tigers, or jaguars, or really anything spectacular, I thought I would share a picture of what we did see a lot of: deer. But not any deer, these were Indian deer, so it was cool nonetheless.

I am really excited for all of the other field trips we have planned with our classes. Taking this trip confirms how incredibly diverse of a place India is. Major cities AND National Parks. It was a good way to spend my second weekend in India.

First Ride in a Rickshaw!

So, although the quality is terrible, I wanted to post a silly video of my first ride in a Rickshaw. I try to tell people how crazy the traffic is here (and how it is just like videos you may have seen of Indian traffic flow), but I don't think anyone will actually understand how chaotic and terrifying it can be without actually BEING in it. It's night in this video, and I don't know if you can actually tell, but there is no organized fashion to the way cars, buses, motorcycles, bikes, people, rickshaws, and cows move around. It's absolutely insane! Anyway, this is just a taste. You'll have to come to India to get the full feeling.

Yes, sorry. You will have to tilt your head to the left.

New Clothes!

It's amazing how when you are in a new place, what you wear often determines how comfortable you are in that environment. Even at Syracuse, you begin to notice how people wear particular brands or styles.  They influence what you purchase and how you begin to dress (although, I don't think I will ever adopt the leggings and over-sized shirt combination). Often, it's silly, but dressing appropriately really helps you fit in. I am blonde(ish) and the whitest girl alive, so I still stick out like a sore thumb. But, having new clothes really helps me feel more acclimated. Silly? Maybe. But don't I look spiffy?

 

This new outfit from a store called Parampare only cost me about $15 U.S. dollars!

You can also see a bit of my room here

Yes, dorkalert

Feeling More Comfortable

So, although today was the first day of classes (yes, my junior year of college has officially begun) I figured I would talk about those courses more once I have a greater idea what they are all about.

One thing the group I am studying with does a lot is take walks into the little town of Hebbal that we are close to. It is not a huge area, but there always seems to be a lot going on.  It's definitely a big change from tiny Henniker, New Hampshire.  I thought it might be cool to post a series of pictures because I feel they give a pretty accurate description about what I am seeing/experiencing. I just feel a lot more comfortable walking into town now. Even though people still stare, a lot, I think all of us Iowa-programmers, feel more confident getting/walking around. That's a good feeling, for sure.

Bananas by these little hanging-trees are frequent sightings in Karnataka

Fruit stands, like this one, are also everywhere

 Colorful powders are everywhere!

They are mainly used for religious purposes, but also for food dye

 This is just one example of what a free-standing house looks like in Hebbal

Many houses in Hebbal are not as complete-looking as this one

Houses in the city of Mysore are much smaller

 Shops of all kinds line the streets

Each shop specializes in something

This photo shows a man (hard at work) in a hardware/blacksmiths shop

 I think our group has been to this particular store every single day

It is kind of like the Hebbal CVS

Crackers, juice, soda, shampoo, laundry detergent: it fills all our needs

(although, one time the computers crashed while we were waiting in line. It took them over an hour to fix the problem. I guess some people just really wanted a chocolate bar!)

There are dogs everywhere! Some belong to someone, but most are stray

I am careful not to touch them, but it doesn't make them less cute

Especially as they nap outside a corner store

 Even the trucks are very colorful here

 It's not all pretty

There is a lot (and I mean, A LOT) of garbage that line the streets

Even for a pleasant town, there is trash everywhere you look

It makes you tempted to throw your trash on the group too, but I refuse to

It makes you wonder how/if/when they will ever properly dispose of all the garbage

This is part of the reason India smells most days

I swear, it was about to rain

It isn't usually this dark-cloudy

This is the view of Hebbal/Mysore area from the town on the way back to the hostel

Happy Independence Day, India!

Mohandas Gandhi, recognized on Indian Independence Day

15 August 2011

65th Independence Celebration

This morning we woke up to a wonderful celebratory event; today marks the 65th anniversary of India's Independence from British rule.  At V-LEAD a beautiful ceremony was occurring, so we got up early to observe the hymns, prayers, and speeches regarding this momentous day for Indians across the country.

One of the teachers at the school prepared a very meaningful speech for the occasion. He acknowledged how wonderful it is to celebrate independence, but questioned how far India had come since 1947.  He remarked how India still observes some British laws (namely the Land Acquisition Act and the Police Act - similar to Eminent Domain by police force) and how those should be changed.  He also commented on the poor social state of India today.  He questioned how much we can really celebrate Independence if 70% of India lives on less than Rs20 a day (about $0.44).  He encouraged everyone who gathered to think about those people, and he emphasized how BOTH a democratic-social government and a socially responsible India would make for a better India.

At the end of his speech, they released the flag.  Inside the wrapped flag, there were colorful flower petals (it almost looked like confetti) that dropped. It was so beautiful. (I use "beautiful" a lot, which doesn't even begin to describe certain things here)

After tea, of course, there was more celebrating to do inside V-LEAD. The school had organized a number of competitions. The first was a photo-identification contest; they showed various pictures of places across India and you had to name them. Each correct answer won a prize.  Everyone in the room got really excited and competitive. I cannot wait until I can understand Kannada, because they were shouting and clapping and it was all just great fun. The next competition was a Patriotic Song/Singing competition. A number of Indian students performed anthems and traditional songs; they were beautiful to listen to. Then, the host invited me up to sing the American National Anthem (no idea why me, except for maybe that I put music on my "about me/interested" form). I was very hesitant to do so for two reasons. 1) I panicked and momentarily forgot lines 3 through "and the rockets red glare" in the song, and 2) it is THEIR day for celebration, and singing an American Patriotic song felt awkward. But, I got up and did it, and Sindhu (our caretaker of sorts) seemed really happy that I did. Afterward, they gave me a special recognition, in which I was given a manuscript of Swami Vivekananda's Messages and Life Story.  I am actually so excited to read it, given that his theories make up a lot of what the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) at V-LEAD are.

Later on tonight, we have a dance/music presentation to attend in the city of Mysore. Independence Day here is celebrated and meaningful, but it is not overdone (or as in-your-face) as it can be in the U.S. I have enjoyed this 65th celebration, and it just another way I am constantly learning about the people, the culture and the traditions on my journey here.

Mysore the Magnificent

Today we toured the city of Mysore (that is the city I am staying in)

As a part of our program, they set up a nice cultural sampling of Mysore to enjoy.  In other words, we looked like goofy Americans, dressed up in our traditional Indian garb, with our cameras out.  I loved it.

After breakfast, we left for Chamundi Hill.  At the top of this (relatively) high hill, that over looks the city of Mysore, there is a beautiful temple dedicated to Parvathi (the consort to Lord Shiva: the God of Destruction).  I know, it's a lot to take in. It's been a lot for me too. Anyway, the temple was gorgeous, and I learned that people from all over make the pilgrimage to Chamundi Hill to worship Parvathi's noble acts of saving the city of Mysore.  At the top of the hill people were being very spiritual. It was so beautiful. Also, the line to get into the temple was extremely long; we didn't go in, but I definitely got a feel for how much it meant to these people to be there.

 

The line for Shri Chamundeswari Temple

I was also stopped all the time. Although I know it is a part of being a white tourist, but I really wish I wasn't bombarded (so frequently) with the request to buy silly mementos by locals. I truly am there to learn, and it does get frustrating to always be the easy target. I am also, much more so than some in my group, easier to stop and ask.

A view of the temple

A view of Mysore from the top of Chamundi Hill

Next, we went to Somanathapur, which is a very religious temple in Mysore that honors all three main Indian Gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The pictures will speak for themselves. All I have to comment on is how I will never believe how humans were able to make something so ornate and beautiful as the stone etchings on this temple.  Our guide told us a lot about Hinduism while visiting, and I probably had an awkward jaw open the entire time. It is all so fascinating to me. Truly.  Also, I am very excited to learn Kannada so I can read some of the historical language all around the city.

 Everything is so ornate and detailed.

Parvathi; once again, taking names

(oh yeah, she's my favorite!)

 I'm such a dorky tourist

We returned to the Hostel for lunch; I will probably put up many food pictures, because everything is so delicious.  Do I miss some of my plainer American choices? Yes, naturally. Have I found something vile or something I really don't like yet in India? Absolutely not. Everything tastes so wonderful. Also, the eating with your hands (here, they scoop food into their mouths using the pointer and middle fingers with aid from the thumb) may NEVER get old!

The fruits, like this Guava, are so sweet!

After lunch, we went to visit the Mysore Palace.  One of the very interesting parts about Mysore is the rich history it has between British imperialistic influence, and traditional Indian values and culture.  In Mysore, a prince still lives in their centrally located palace.  Today, we were able to go on a tour inside. It is beautiful! We weren't allowed to take any photos inside the palace, but imagine rich golds and turquoises covering tall pillars.  The decorations are from all over the world, and everything just looks so fancy and well made.  Add some beautifully colored women's Saris, and it just became too much.  Although it was incredible beautiful, being inside the palace made me realize just how many people there are in India.  I started getting very claustrophobic by the end because everyone was constantly being shoved in every which direction.  I truly have never been around that many people in my life. It was overwhelming, and I still get stared at. A lot. Not just looked at, but stared down. It makes me uncomfortable to be looked at by so many people at one time, but I will just have to get used to being such an obvious minority.

 Two of my favorite pictures of the day!

Both are of the outside/front areas of the Mysore Temple.

Today was a very long (and very touristy) day, but I enjoyed the sights nevertheless. Once again, India delivers so many combinations of emotion.  I was paranoid walking around the Palace. I was inspired at Somanathapur. I get excited by mealtimes. I get frustrated with the constant begging and staring. Everything is just so much to take in, and I am slowly learning how much quiet downtime will mean to me while I am here.