Hmm
What up fools?
So yeah, we're in Jaipur, which is a radically different side of India than what we've seen so far. India is a country of many faces...
Jaipur is the cleanest and most sophisticated city we've been to. It still has Indian traffic, pollution, etc. but by Indian standards it's pretty nice. And there are definitely some affluent areas of Jaipur, including the area we're staying in. There are lots of very big, very beautiful houses.
My family is awesome. I have two adorable little sisters, a mommy, a grandfather and grandma, and two very sweet servants. The family life is quite a contrast from our previous homestays. We get waited on! The servants cook and bring us most of the food, which is crazy delicious.
We had my elder sister's birthday party this Sunday (Sweet 16 omg!!!). We blew up lots of balloons, cashed up on the junk food, and had a good time. The only thing that wasn't American was their version of Happy Birthday, which sounds quite off to me. There was also this ritual where after the mom cut the cake, she would take pieces of cake and feed the men in the family, from eldest to youngest. I got some cake, which Tracy told me means I'm important!
So yeah, we had a great time. I got stuffed full of more food than I've ever consumed in my life.
In other news, we've been missing Natalie very much. She's been sick and in the hospital. Her mom flew here from the States to be with her, which is an astonishing display of love to me. Natalie was discharged two days ago I believe, and she's with her mom now. It's still unsure whether or not she'll stay, but we're all pullin' for her.
We're pulling into the twilight of our time here in India, which is wrapping up so fast. It feels like we just got to Jaipur, but relatively soon we'll be leaving. I've really treasured the bonds we've created within our group. I hadn't really realized how close we'd all become. These things sneak up on you, and then just when you realize how great they are it's time to move on in life. I'm glad I've recognized what we have here, in this group, and in India.
I was looking back at some of my first journal entries from the trip to Delhi from the States, and I was absolutely astonished at the change I've undergone in this time in India. I'm not entirely sure how I've changed, or when it happened. I just know that when I look back at those first journal entries, I don't recognize that person. I know it's me, but I feel so completely different, like I'm looking back 2, 3 years.
How have I changed? All I know is that I'm never going to complain about doing my laundry again (hand-washing laundry is quite the experience). I've realized how precious my family is, and how valuable so many things in my life are. There's more that's changed, but I feel like I'm grasping for vapor. I just know the change is there.
Well anyway, I think that's all. We'll be on the plane to see you parents before we know it. Eat some turkey for meh!
Comments
It's that fresh fruit juice we got in Amritsar from that street vendor that's making everybody sick. Only Natalie, Sandy, Kate, and Amit will know what I'm talking about, but I swear it's the damn juice!
Posted by: Doug B. | November 27, 2008 6:20 PM