Oh India

Wow. Ok I just reread my past few blog entries! Intense, to say the least! You probably wouldn't know it but I am actually having a spectacular time over here. I am frequently asked why I love traveling and to be honest I don't have a clear answer. It's more often than not difficult and uncomfortable, but for some reason that's what I enjoy the most. Today I met a German woman who lived in Rajasthan for eight years as a social worker and has since been traveling around the world for the past four years, and her answer was: "Because traveling is the best University in the world." TRUTH! So now I'm going to answer a few important questions and dispel some egregious rumors. First and foremost, while some of my fellow volunteers have fallen victim to wearing MC Hammer pants in the Delhi heat a.k.a. jeany pants, I have not. Second, and I know most of you have been waiting on pins and needles for this particular update, my mini-travel speakers are a MAJOR hit in India! Everyone who encounters them loves them immediately, and me by default of course. The plan is officially a success! I have also been (informally) assigned to choosing a soothing song to wake everyone up in the morning...although this is sporadic since I'm usually one of the last to wake up. Third, and I can hardly believe I'm writing this, I have remained Delhi Belly free for my entire time in India!!! This I attribute to nothing short of a miracle. I really hope I didn't just jinx myself. Attached are some pictures from my weekend in Manali, a stunning city in the Himalayas. I did a short trek, bathed in hotsprings, and went paragliding---an amazing weekend! I'll end this post with one of my world-renowned lists that I love to come up with on my trips.

You Know You're in India When...
1. Three monkeys walk into your school and interrupt your lesson
2. You constantly play "Would you rather have Delhi Belly or..."
3. People vomit outside the window on a bus at least once per day
4. You have to carry a sweat rag at all times
5. The place to exchange Travelers Checks is also a bra store
6. Women sit sideways on motorbikes
7. You've sat at a traffic light for a minimum of 15 minutes
8. Mules and bicycles are allowed on freeways
9. Your bus driver stops the bus to offer blessings to a Hindu God
10. Indians are getting Delhi Belly
11. 100 people are riding in a 40 person bus....

Would anyone like to add anything?

Much Love,
Em