I have no clue about what major teams are in Phoenix. I'm not sure if the basketball team is called the Suns or the Heat. All I know is that it is freakin' hot. 110 degrees hot outside. At least, it is a dry heat. A far cry from the jungle conditions of India. I miss it. I miss the fact that I could have gotten some really good Indian coffee. I miss the curry anything. It's just not right here. Maybe it the combination of the curry and kingfisher, the humidity, and the conversation that just made it perfect. Waves breaking in the background also perfects the memory.
Driving around Phoenix in the oppressive heat does something to the brain. Call me crazy, I think I miss the lorries not completely on your side of the road, the buses not completely stopping to pickup or drop-off passengers, the bustle of people not completely sane, the cows not completely making baby calfs in the street, oh and let's not forget the goats. GOATS!
I miss the beach. Being in Malvan in the water, getting yelled at by the "lifeguard" to not stray too far away. Not going too far because I'm a big scaredy cat. I just wanted to lay in water and just let the waves take me away.
What do I have here in Phoenix? Okay, there is a pool at the hotel here. But its not the Arabian Sea.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Late Breaking News...
Jen and I in the news:
http://www.newkerala.com/july.php?action=fullnews&id=51882
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEK20070810020704&Page=K&Title=Southern+News+-+Karnataka&Topic=0&
It's so hard to be hounded by the press, especially the Indian press.
Mixed feelings about returning home....
Kids,
Hello America!!!
I arrived late last night. Tracy and Brian were so kind to pick me up at the airport. They surprised me with cake and champagne. I passed out after my second glass. Frankly, I was in no condition to drive back to MD. Picked up my car and drove on the Beltway....I've never felt so safe to drive.
I'm back at my home. Glad to be back, but having some mixed feelings. I think I'm missing the cows on the street. I can't really describe the feeling. Shell Shocked? No, it's not that. Culture Shock? Maybe. I think I need a nap or take a walk. Maybe it's restlessness. I'm so use to getting up early and hitting the road. Do I miss the noise, the smells, the insane participants of the autorickshaw rally? Maybe. I'm definitely missing the people. Jen and I have met some incredible people on this trip. And after intensely "hanging out" (lack of a better term for it) with them for the past two weeks, its weird not to have them around. Of course, we'll try to stay in touch, which requires me to have to register on Facebook....ugh.
Jen will be returning to the States later this week.
I'm beat. I feel like I'm not making much sense at the moment.
later,
raj
Hello America!!!
I arrived late last night. Tracy and Brian were so kind to pick me up at the airport. They surprised me with cake and champagne. I passed out after my second glass. Frankly, I was in no condition to drive back to MD. Picked up my car and drove on the Beltway....I've never felt so safe to drive.
I'm back at my home. Glad to be back, but having some mixed feelings. I think I'm missing the cows on the street. I can't really describe the feeling. Shell Shocked? No, it's not that. Culture Shock? Maybe. I think I need a nap or take a walk. Maybe it's restlessness. I'm so use to getting up early and hitting the road. Do I miss the noise, the smells, the insane participants of the autorickshaw rally? Maybe. I'm definitely missing the people. Jen and I have met some incredible people on this trip. And after intensely "hanging out" (lack of a better term for it) with them for the past two weeks, its weird not to have them around. Of course, we'll try to stay in touch, which requires me to have to register on Facebook....ugh.
Jen will be returning to the States later this week.
I'm beat. I feel like I'm not making much sense at the moment.
later,
raj
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
I'm out of touch and out of time....
Kids,
Thanks for the emails of support. Jen and I really appreciate the worry emails. I'm sorry for not being in touch more often. The road can be trying and then there is the social aspects of trip. And then there places where internet just doesn't exist. Or electricity for that matter.....
Break downs have become our "thing". If the autorickshaw, did not break down at least once within the day, then I would worry. Its an adventure to find a mechanic (or anything for that matter) in small villages along the route. Of course, Indian ARC provides their own mechanics but it could a few hours till they reach the rickshaw.
Best thing to is take the bull by the horns and find what you need out there.
I have video to upload. I have photos to show. I have stories to tell. Unfortunately, I just don't have the time right now. Other autorickshaw riders are waiting.
Much love,
Rickshaw Raj
Thanks for the emails of support. Jen and I really appreciate the worry emails. I'm sorry for not being in touch more often. The road can be trying and then there is the social aspects of trip. And then there places where internet just doesn't exist. Or electricity for that matter.....
Break downs have become our "thing". If the autorickshaw, did not break down at least once within the day, then I would worry. Its an adventure to find a mechanic (or anything for that matter) in small villages along the route. Of course, Indian ARC provides their own mechanics but it could a few hours till they reach the rickshaw.
Best thing to is take the bull by the horns and find what you need out there.
I have video to upload. I have photos to show. I have stories to tell. Unfortunately, I just don't have the time right now. Other autorickshaw riders are waiting.
Much love,
Rickshaw Raj
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
I think I'm alive
Dear Friends,
Thanks so much for the concern emails. I apologize for not writing sooner. I thought that Jen and I would have easy access to the internet. Boy, did I have high hopes! I am in Manglelore. I'm glad to be out of rain, which we had quite a bit of it today. It's been a long, ardous journey but with some fulfilling rewards. On Tuesday, Jen and I were able to visit the Government High School in Banglelore. Originally, we were not assigned this school. It was an add on because we raised so much money ($4,277.41). That's all from the t-shirt sales, ice cream socials, and your sweet donations!
To say it school visit was overwhelming experience, is an understatement. I couldn't stop crying for a good few hours. It was amazing. The children were excited to see us, which in turn made us excited about the seeing them.
We sang, we high-fived, we laughed. It was crazy!!! Oh those crazy Americans. Jen talk the kids "Peanut Butter and Jelly Song". If you're not familiar, I will sing it you when I get back.
The road has been hard on us. The road is a life of its own with its potholes, washed road, cows, goats, chickens, bikes, motobikes, people walking in and out.....
Oh, it can be a real mad house! I've driven twice. Jen is such the trooper. And boy, she puts these rickshaw drivers to shame. Oh, the stares that we get!!! We did have an Indian drag queen come up to the car. It can only happen to us.
I have to run. I have to check in and see if my friends have made it. Oh yes, that's another story. I hope to have internet access on a regular basis.
Take care,
much love,
Raj
Thanks so much for the concern emails. I apologize for not writing sooner. I thought that Jen and I would have easy access to the internet. Boy, did I have high hopes! I am in Manglelore. I'm glad to be out of rain, which we had quite a bit of it today. It's been a long, ardous journey but with some fulfilling rewards. On Tuesday, Jen and I were able to visit the Government High School in Banglelore. Originally, we were not assigned this school. It was an add on because we raised so much money ($4,277.41). That's all from the t-shirt sales, ice cream socials, and your sweet donations!
To say it school visit was overwhelming experience, is an understatement. I couldn't stop crying for a good few hours. It was amazing. The children were excited to see us, which in turn made us excited about the seeing them.
We sang, we high-fived, we laughed. It was crazy!!! Oh those crazy Americans. Jen talk the kids "Peanut Butter and Jelly Song". If you're not familiar, I will sing it you when I get back.
The road has been hard on us. The road is a life of its own with its potholes, washed road, cows, goats, chickens, bikes, motobikes, people walking in and out.....
Oh, it can be a real mad house! I've driven twice. Jen is such the trooper. And boy, she puts these rickshaw drivers to shame. Oh, the stares that we get!!! We did have an Indian drag queen come up to the car. It can only happen to us.
I have to run. I have to check in and see if my friends have made it. Oh yes, that's another story. I hope to have internet access on a regular basis.
Take care,
much love,
Raj
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Where in the World is Jen?
Just a few hours till I leave. I have no clue where anything is packed in my bag. And frankly, I have no clue where Jen is?
Where in the World is Jen?
Where in the World is Jen?
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Elvis has left the Building
What was that Raj was talking about? Perspective?
You know how when you know when you probably should have listened to the combined voices of friends and family when they warned you against some boneheaded idea of yours? Okay maybe it's just me.
Well, I am happy to have ignored words of wisdom against this trip. Already it has been an adventure.
The united front against my bringing a hand painted plaster bust of Elvis however....maybe I should have listened to reason.
A very polite security fellow informed me that Elvis would never be allowed on the plane as a carry on as he was a "blunt object, you know, like a baseball bat." And because Elvis could be used as a weapon he would have to be packed in my luggage.
Feel free to place bets as to how long I will be picking plaster out of my stuff.
Perspective. It is all about perspective. Do good. Have fun. Pick plaster out of luggage.
You know how when you know when you probably should have listened to the combined voices of friends and family when they warned you against some boneheaded idea of yours? Okay maybe it's just me.
Well, I am happy to have ignored words of wisdom against this trip. Already it has been an adventure.
The united front against my bringing a hand painted plaster bust of Elvis however....maybe I should have listened to reason.
A very polite security fellow informed me that Elvis would never be allowed on the plane as a carry on as he was a "blunt object, you know, like a baseball bat." And because Elvis could be used as a weapon he would have to be packed in my luggage.
Feel free to place bets as to how long I will be picking plaster out of my stuff.
Perspective. It is all about perspective. Do good. Have fun. Pick plaster out of luggage.
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