Craving curry

Hi all,

Well, I hate to admit I went through a bit of a self-pitying lonely stage the past few days, but I think I have made a full recovery. :)  India is a challenge for me, which in and of itself is challenging, if that makes any sense.  Normally while traveling, and in Mexico (although maybe I am seeing that year through rose colored glasses as well) I like to think I don't have many difficulties.  I usually meet people easily, I can adapt to situations, and I thrive being in new places.  Being here, while not what I expected, is difficult, but it also has some great aspects.  I don't want it to seem like all I do is complain about being here.  Some good things:  The food is fantastic, the people (once you can get to know them) are very friendly and willing to help you out.  I may not have made as many friends as I normally do, but to be fair, I am not in school or attending class or working anywhere that would make it easier for me to interact with people.  However, I have met some very nice Austrian women while touring a temple alone, some great people from IJM (International Justice Mission), my translator is a fantastic caring man, Sudy (my Indian lifeline).... and the almost 30 households I have interviewed so far who have been kind enough to talk to me about their personal lives without asking for anything in return, even knowing I can't really do anything to help them or change their circumstances.  The weather, while hot, is absolutely AMAZING at night.  So while this is a stressful process, I guess I just wanted to let everyone know that I am generally doing pretty well, and I am glad to be here.  It is definitely a learning experience, and that's what it is supposed to be right?

This weekend is apparently Hindu new year which is a time for family, food, and temples.  It really makes me wish I had a "host-family" like I did in Mexico because it is so nice to experience culture from the inside rather than viewing it from such a detached position.  Since I don't really have the opportunity to do this, I am looking for somewhere to get away for the weekend so that I don't sit in my room the whole time.  The problem is figuring out where to go, I have covered all of the places within day trip range I think, so I would need to take my first extended trip out of the city... a little scary.  We'll see what happens.  Maybe I will just go to Bangalore, and find a movie theater with American movies and go all afternoon.  Even something as comforting and normal as that would be nice.  I went to a traditional Indian dance show last weekend, I am going to add a short clip, I thought it was actually very nice and interesting.  Hope you all enjoy it.

Happy Birthday to my wonderful grandma as well, who means the world to me.  Wish I could be there to celebrate with you grandma and all of you better take her out and show her a good time!  (Which I know you will :) )  Love you all.