Rough Day

It has been a week later since I have been able to blog. I spent the past week in a very nice place, but i had no rupees (cash) to pay for internet. My bank did not free up my account so I have not been able to get out any cash, and this place does not take plastic anywhere. So, I finally was able to use a phone today to call my bank and see what was going on. They confirmed, I have cash and internet now, so, needless to say, i owe some people cash, and i would love to update you all on what is going on!

Today was a rough/tough day becuase it seems as though spirits are down and stomaches are upset.

We traveled today, 3 hours north of where we were. We took a train. There are not very many tourists here, so for the natives to see 10 white people walking through the town is "quite a spectacle." It has been commented by other students that it is like a parade, we however walk in Christ and let his light shine and reflect off of us, not us.

I went into some temples the other day. Sihk, they were. A peaceful religion that practices many service-works. They like much water, prayer, and singing. They like yellow, too. and purple.
I was in the temple, and children would smile at my friends and I. Men dare not look at us in the eye, and i must keep my sunglasses on so that it is not easy to "see" me. But children would come up to us, and mothers with their babies. We prayed for them and shared cultures, learning about each others. We had to take our shoes off and dip our feet in the water before we entered in. There are people of all kinds in there, and outside of there, there is quite a contrast. Inside is peaceful and clean, white and marble. On the outside is a literal dumpster that smells and is extremely dirty. The crippled are there, and the caste that believes can't do anything but beg.

We also went into The Lotus temple, of the Bai'hai faith, religion, and tradition that was begun rather recently. A peaceful place as well. Simple, but beautiful. Here in the towns there are beautiful parks all over the place. These are the clean and orderly parts of the country. Outside of these is chaos, noise, and threat. I have heard over and over that this country is The Land of Random. I shall experience this more as i am in it. Anyways, we were at this beautiful grounds of the Lotus temple, roses and flowers all over the place. and a path way to the gorgeous building that makes you feel like you are in Australia. Inside is a sanctuary, with a podium and chairs. When teachings are not given, words are not allowed, cameras either. Shoes had to be taken off here as well.

Our stomaches are messed up, but the food is good here. There are some nice places to eat that like to serve American food such as pizzas, pastas, and sandwhiches. Sodas, of course, and salads too. I am sure not to eat anything that is not cooked, although salads and such are tempting for me. I have eaten a few apples and plenty of ice cream. My favorite so far, however, is the nan bread. Eggs are considered a meat and it seems as though all food is categorized into "veg and nonveg." I hear they have alot of buffalo milk products. hm. that is interesting. I have only had cow and goat.

Tea is drank alot around here. Chi, that is. And they have masala everything, which just means spices. masala tea, bread, ice cream, dinners, just as long as it is mixed spices, it is masala.

Today we walked the city, met more friends and are learning alot.

We rode owattas, we fit four people in one! it is like a little motor cart. no fun, especially if riding for an hour with four people, just keep all limbs inside of the vehicle, for sure. traffic is a mess, no lanes, and honking is their communication. On the back of trucks and stuff it says "please honk."

It is quite late here. 10 hours difference. but peace to all of my homies!