First tears specifically about India...

It was bound to happen at some point- the first tears flow specifically about India. Right after writing my last blog I was definitely at a cracking point (you could probably tell). I think that Ang and I both start to feel the reality of traveling for three months right around week three of a long trip. She reminded me of a terrible night in Vietnam that was also around the 3 week mark of our trip to South East Asia.

Regardless, we sat down to have lunch and I burst into tears. As I started to talk it out with Ang- besides just general frustration, I am realizing that I am having some guilt about how much poverty there is here and how little we can do about it. I figured that this would happen- the feeling of being helpless amongst all of the poverty and I am still at loss for any major action steps to take. On the flip side, I also feel the most grateful I ever have in my entire life. I feel lucky to have been born in such an amazing country, for my family, friends and that at the end of this trip....I get to come home.

In addition, when you are walking on the streets of India people are constantly asking  you if you want a ride, directions or to buy something. We had just walked around town and were "hounded" for most of the walk. I was also feeling sad about how I was during these interactions with people. I felt like I was being disrespectful or rude- even though having a conversation with each person would be out of the question. We would never be able to move from one corner. However, most people want to know where you are from? How long are you travelling? What is your name? Simple questions- but I found myself almost ignoring people to get to where we wanted to go.

So, the guilt - coupled with the over-stimulation of India- led to lots of tears. And for some reason, the tears were somewhat uncontrollable. Our waiter came to take our order and said to me "Ma'am, why do you weep?" I was not only surprised that he was asking- but also I didn't know what to say. He followed up with "anything you need, any help you need, I can help." As the tears kept flowing, I mustered up the explanation that I missed my family. It was the only thing I could logically come up with at that point. The waiter then says "I understand. I miss my family too. No mother. No father. No brother or sister. Only me. But anything I can do to help?" I was amazed as his offer, his perception and with limited English his ability to communicate such care for someone he didn't know. Ang and I were both very touched by this interaction and both in tears by the time he walked away.  Here I am having all of these emotions about his home country and he is opening himself to a complete stranger. Life sometimes really knows what you need in the moment.

While in Mysore we were lucky enough to meet up with Kalpana's (Ang's friend from college) cousin. She was MORE than gracious in arranging a car for us for the day- while we ran around Mysore and tried to figure out my broken camera. The driver also took us to the Mysore Palace which is a spectacular palace in the middle of the city. It was used by rulers up until 1942 and has been kept in good shape. In the evening, we went to Kalpana's cousin's resort for dinner- which was SO beautiful! Not only great food but great company! We had dinner with Akshaya (Kalpana's cousin) and the general manager of the hotel- who was a wealth of knowledge. We were able to ask him all of the questions about India that you REALLY want to ask someone- but you are not sure if you are going to offend them. Examples include:

Q: What is an average salary of a waiter?
A. 4,000 Rupees/month ($80 USD)

Q: Who owns the cows that roam the streets?
A: Nobody- they are street cows.

Q: Why are there SO many people working in restaurants? (Just this morning- Ang and I were the only two in the restaurant and there were 8 staff)
A: Because you pay a monthly salary- not an hourly salary. So, even if you don't have work- you have them at work in case you need them.

We also asked him questions about the political parties in India and all of the corruption around the government. It was very interesting!  It was a great night and we were both grateful to Kalpina for the introduction!

We spent yesterday in Mysore- roaming around- seeing temples and sites and even seeing the worst English movie ever (Resident Evil). We took our first overnight train last night from Mysore to Mangalore. It wasn't my favorite experience ever. When we first got on the train- Ang and I were not in the same compartment. She was with 3 men and I was off on my own. I'm really glad that she spoke up and said she wasn't comfortable with the situation. At first the train conductor said there was nothing he could do- but soon he woke up the guy sleeping next to Ang's bed (who didn't seem mad)- and I took that bed- so we were at least next to each other. The only part that made the whole trip terrible were the 2 cockroaches we saw in the guys bed below us. EWWWW!!! I knew the trains were not clean...but cockroaches?!! Cockroaches- coupled with the guy below us snoring like a bear- allowed for 2 hours of sleep.

The trains are interesting in India. There are classes to the trains,1st class A/C being the best. In 1st class A/C there are two people in the berth and it locks with A/C. In 2nd class A/C (that we were in last night)- is 4 bunk beds with curtains down the hallway. From there there is 3rd class A/C (maybe more cockroaches?) down to bench seating. In a few hours we are taking a train to Goa which is 5 hours. I believe we will be in  Goa for 8 days- lots of beach time and reading!