Holy COW!

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  Jaisalmer, India
Friday, March 11, 2005

(Nicole) This is what I know if India from the U.S.: mango lassi, naan, and yoga. I have not, and will not, taste mango lassi during this trip b/c it's only available in the summer. I have yet to try yoga, and am very excited about the opportunity. The only thing that I like so far is NAAN. There's cheese naan (Peter's favorite), chicken naan, vegetable naan, you name it, it's available. So the things that I thought I knew about India before I arrived should be thrown out the window. I was very timid about visiting India, but wanted to test myself.
Holy Cow! Cows are everywhere--in the middle of the streets, taking a nap; on the side of the road, nibbling on nuts, grass, and trash. Although motorbikes, rickshaws, and cars bump into each other and give each other no respect, they all steer way for the cows. Cows rule here! It's so odd to see b/c I'm used to seeing them enclosed in a farm area from the freeways in California.
In terms of food, there is no such thing as mild, medium, and hot. It's hot, very hot, and fiery hot. When I asked if the samosa was spicy, the reply would be, "It's not so spicy. So, so spicy." But oh, was I in for a surprise. No amount of cold water that I drink can give sensation back to my tongue again. I am sweating spices from my pores. Peter's clothes smells like masala. I am inhaling and exhaling spices in all directions.

POVERTY

What do you say to a child that says "No papa, no mama. 10 rupees please." Then he moves his hand to this mouth to signal the need for food. An older woman does the same gesture, holding a baby-like figure in her hand.
We were told not to give anything to beggars as this promotes more begging. We should not even give out school pens (eventhough I have sneaked a few to their hands) and Peter has given them food now and then. The kids eyes look so needy and curious. I have so much guilt riding in me as I am taking this journey and seeing the poverty at every train stop, every red light, at every market place. I do not know how to fix this problem and I do not know how to ignore it.

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Eating Tibetan Food in the Fort...	Holy COW!	Inside the Jaisalmer Fort...	Looking out from the Jaisalmer Fort...

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