(no subject)
Just a quick update from my aunt's computer to let everyone know I'm alive and well =) We've been in India for one week as of today and things are more or less like I expected them to be, only better. So far we have travelled through North India, staying in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. I saw the Taj Mahal (!), the Amber Fort, and many other gorgeous places. I have also been shopping like crazy, due to both the low prices and very pushy salespeople. We took a plane last night to Hyderabad (which is in the South), where my father grew up and my family lived for several years. Today I slept most of the day, and went out to the circus with my uncle.
There has been some things which took a little getting used to, of course. The heat, for example. When we arrived in Delhi, the temperature was a little above 45C. My cousin fainted during our sightseeing, and my mother was not far behind her. Also, the poverty here is absolutely overwhelming. It's very strange how we seem to be seeing two different worlds - the huts made out of garbage and starving children we see on the streets and in the countryside, and the unbelievably posh hotels, restaurants and shops we've been frequenting. Talk about humbling.
I have to say, the coolest thing about arriving in Hyderabad is encountering strangers who speak Telegu! When I was younger, I honestly thought my parents had invented the language, since every Indian person I met who was not family either spoke Hindi or Punjabi. It is a sort of strange, yet very good feeling. I don't know quite how to put this without sounding stupid, but it is sort of like although I always knew I was born in another country, it didn't really seem that relevant before now? Or something.
We'll be in Hyderabad for two more weeks, visiting family and attending many parties re: my cousin's' wedding, and of course shopping some more. I will have net access, so you'll probably hear more from me soon. I've been taking lots of pictures, so expect to see lots of those later as well.
There has been some things which took a little getting used to, of course. The heat, for example. When we arrived in Delhi, the temperature was a little above 45C. My cousin fainted during our sightseeing, and my mother was not far behind her. Also, the poverty here is absolutely overwhelming. It's very strange how we seem to be seeing two different worlds - the huts made out of garbage and starving children we see on the streets and in the countryside, and the unbelievably posh hotels, restaurants and shops we've been frequenting. Talk about humbling.
I have to say, the coolest thing about arriving in Hyderabad is encountering strangers who speak Telegu! When I was younger, I honestly thought my parents had invented the language, since every Indian person I met who was not family either spoke Hindi or Punjabi. It is a sort of strange, yet very good feeling. I don't know quite how to put this without sounding stupid, but it is sort of like although I always knew I was born in another country, it didn't really seem that relevant before now? Or something.
We'll be in Hyderabad for two more weeks, visiting family and attending many parties re: my cousin's' wedding, and of course shopping some more. I will have net access, so you'll probably hear more from me soon. I've been taking lots of pictures, so expect to see lots of those later as well.