Matt and I always talk about our `tipping point`for each city; the moment when we are just so over it and are ready to move on. Some cities bring us faster to that point, others not at all! And some places we have our best time when we go past this point and really force ourselves to experience it just that much more.
I have almost reached my tipping point for India in general- and my tuberculosis has not helped! Ok - I may have a slight flare for the dramatics. What I have is a cough that started shortly after we left Delhi. A lot of people get it from the pollution - what is funny though is that all the foreigners we meet who are smokers don`t suffer at all from it! Ah well, it`s much better having this than tummy problems.
Pushkar has been a wild city - for there are rules here! No meat, no eggs, no booze, no skimpy dressing and no affection!!! You can`t snuggle with your significant other at all or even hold hands! I can live with all of it, but not one beer or vodka soda? Why???
I have also developed a lot of disdain for the Brahman priests here who swindled Matt and I out of 10 bucks - which is not a lot of $ but a lot in India. And they scoffed at that saying most people give hundreds of dollars!!! We were somehow sucked into being given a flower that we should throw into the holy lake, from which point we were then seperated from each other and given a blessing. That translated into wanting 200 rupees (5 bucks) for the health of each family member. We were then dabbed on the forehead with powder and rice and hounded until we gave $. I burst into tears b/c I was having a minor melt down moment and scratched my blessing off immediately (not in front of the priest though, that would be somewhat rude). India does wear you down a bit I must say, but then you have a peaceful, magical moment that makes up for all of it.
So we leave tomorrow for Jaipur and are currently hotel-less - apparently an email confirmation does not mean an "actual confirmation". So we are currently looking for a new place. Shanti, shanti.
Missing you all!
xxoo
Vee
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Veronica you scared me with the title of this posting but having seen you today on SKYPE I know that you are doing well despite the nasty cough. It was so wonderful to see you both and hear your adventures first hand. You look so well both of you. What an adventure despite the difficult issues. It is said by many that India changes you. I know your grandfather felt that to be true Matt. I wish I had kept his black and white photos of India so you could compare them with yours. From what I remember of them and from what I see in yours nothing seems to have changed much. I guess the best thing to remember when you are experiencing difficult times is that you can leave Inida and the poor people who have to live in squalor and desperation cannot. It is that which must be so humbling. Safe travels tomorrow to Jaipur.
ReplyDeleteLots of love
Mom/Anita
Talk to me Beast!
ReplyDeleteNo vodka and sodas?? If you want I can see what we can do about organizing an air evac. I think your desperate situation warrants it. I'll get back to you!
Well, I have to say that the photos and posts have been fantastic. At the end of your epic adventure you'll have to organize a coffee table book of your travels. I'm sure Anita already must have some ideas.
Just keep an eye on the cough...while I have my doubts of the local hospitals...if you bump into a group of Israelis soldiers don't be shy!
The Smash an I miss you tons!
Hugs and pokes!
Love the idea of an air drop of vodka! Ye Paul I will be on the coffee book idea!
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