Relax in the Chaos

Hi Everybody Thanks to those who've been writing comments and e-mails, its great getting them. Lets see, since last entry (its kind of hard keeping track of time/date etc when you have no schedule)... I believe I left off with having nothing to do for the rest of the day. That day I ended up going out window shopping with Simones brothers. We, or I should say they, drove into an area know as "New Bombay" and we went to a mall there. It was quite crowded and they had parking lot attendents directing the traffic in and out. Which is funny because the parking lot is just a huge field of rocks. I didnt get much, just a few pieces of jewelry and some ice cream. Mmmmmm Baskin Robbins. I am so glad they have ice cream in India, I'm so addicted! That took pretty much the entire evening because it was an hour drive each way. Ambarnath is farther from the city than I had remembered. Then yesterday Simone, her mom, Lynn, and I went into Mumbai by the train to do some shopping. I would never advise anyone to go into that city alone if you dont know the language. You will never, I mean never figure out the train system on your own! It is insane! And the trains are just like in the documentaries with people hanging out the sides and mobbing onto and off of them.It is a massive stampeed. And it doesnt really change any time of day, is is a city that never sleeps. There are also beggars on the trains and also people selling trinkets of all sorts. I bought some earrings for really cheap. My gosh, I can't do justice in my description, you just have to experience it! In the city, it is also chaotic. That city is Gungula! There are several markets, of which we only made it to like 3. The markets are also something else. Extremely crowded with people, little stalls lining the streets, people harrassing you to buy this that and the other little trinkets. Not once in a while, but constantly the whole time you are there. And if you are white then they really want to talk to you because they think you have lots of money to spend. The prices are dirt cheep and if you bargain they are even cheaper. I was dizzying with all the colors and people trying to get my to buy stuff and noise and dust. I wish all my girlfriends could come shopping with me there, its really crazy, but a lot of fun. Anyone want to come with me next time?? I bought some stuff, but not too much since I have to carry it with me. We went out to lunch at a nice place. The service at restaurants in India is very nice and very formal. And you pay about the same as going to Mickey D's in the US! Much of the culture in India comes from the British because of the British presence in India (I cant remember exactly how long it was governed by them but it was up until like 1947...I think.) So they have tea time in the morning and afternoon. Indians are crazy about their tea. I like it ok but my gosh I'm getting fed up of it. Anyway, so after a lot of market shopping and some eating, lots of walking, several taxi rides (oh did I mention that one hit me! Yeah! Not hard, it was going like 1 mile an hour pushing its way through a market!) and we went to Gateway to India, which is on the Arabain sea. It is a big monument built by the British. We got there when it was dark and then took a boat ride around the bay area there. It was nice to be out on the water and feel the breeze after a day of sweating my tail off in the city! I could litterally rub the grime off of my skin. The combination of the heat and the dust make for a sticky combo. Today I guess we are going to Simones aunts house for lunch and some of her friends are coming over. I am supposed to be leaving for Goa as soon as they get me either a bus or train ticket - I'll let you know when I know! Oh! Another bit of Indian culture: Everybody older than you is referred to as your relative in some way or another. For example, to Simones nephews, I was Auntie Kait. To me, Simones mom is my "Auntie". An older man clerk at a store, I refer to as "Uncle". Its kind of funny and weird until you get used to it. They use the terms out of respect. Well, thats all for now. The fan at the cyber cafe is drying my contacts out so I better go! Take care all , thanks for the emails and prayers