transportation

I travel back to the states Monday am. I tried to leave last night but the flight was over sold. So I have had another day in Delhi. The universe most of wanted me to. Its been well, hot but well. Most time to see the contrast of this colorful world with a big mall on one side of the street and a village on the other folks practically living on the street. I wish I could take a photo that showed the contract but I'm sure I'll be able to post some of mine once I'm back in the states.

I have not posted in a while because of my traveling and the electricity going out a bunch at the Ashram. I'll have more time to reflect on my travels during my flight that is about 15 hrs but for now here are some travel thoughts, reflections....
- being white I get charged like a bunch more then India's in ricksaw autos. You have to bargain hardcore. I've gotten used to that. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_rickshaw
- you need to go with the flow as folks are driving fast in 8 lanes of traffic and driving fast on the opposite side of the the street with cars coming at you.
- I road a scooter and a motorcycle in Hairdwar ( it wasnt as crazy with the traffic) and touched the Ganges River with my feet and hand!
- I've taken a bicycle ricksaw to Pink City in Jaipur
and used Yosif as my driver for the day in Jaipur going all around town for hrs and hrs. I paid him well and it was great to have the comfirt of one driver for the day.
- Traveling fancy style on the train you can do if you have money
- The train station in Agra - there where a bunch of kids/ young adults with Polio that I gave food to and talked with . Really sad.
- I met a Polish guy on platform 2 in Agra going to Delhi and hung out at the Taj Mahal with 2 Canadian Poles in Agra!!! The world is so small.
- I've eaten train food and see folks go to the bathroom from outside my train window. Tons of folks.
- I've used the India Toilet on the train while it was moving and am very good at it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squat_toilet
- I have not taken a bus and i'm fine with that. I have taken the metro
- I've walked a bunch on the side of the road with cars flying by you.
- I've loved my train travels and hope to visit the Rail Museum on my next trip here.
- Anuradha is a good driver
- It will be interesting to be on an American road sooner then later and see how that feels.
In general it will be interesting to feel the difference in rhythm from here to there and from there to here.

for now, signing off and will reflect more as I fly and will type more when I land on the other side of the sea.

Much peace to all from a little Internet cafe down the street from anuradhas place with cows and dogs and people and temples and mango's outside in the heat.

Laura