Day 57-Monday 30th September 2010

Today I went to the local dentist for a check up and to have my teeth cleaned.I have not got the world's most perfect teeth but I try to keep them in good condition. I got a ride part way with MT and Kumar. He dropped me right at the stinky, putrid smelling spot and it made me gag as I got out. Luckily the road was fairly clear and I only had to dodge one auto rickshaw to cross the road!

I have been meaning to go to the dentist too as I had been worried about a small lump I had on the roof of mouth. I had kind of convinced myself that it was mouth cancer but the dentist said it was nothing and had probably always been there-phew! He offered to laser it off but I was like no thank you. I thought whilst it seems very clean and proper I am not taking any chances!

When all was cleaned I was chatting to the dentist's wife. I asked her what people do here if they cannot afford to pay for treatment. She told me that people walk for miles from the villages to the surgery and that they treat them for free. She told me that they charge paying patients a little more so that they can offer this service. Also people here in India don't usually suffer from rotting teeth because they do not consume a lot of fizzy pop and sweets like we tend to. Gum disease is more of an issue here.

I also chatted to a man from Delhi in the waiting room. He seems to think that everything is really corrupt here from the top down. His wife and family are still in Delhi but he is planning on moving them here in the not to distant future. He looked like he had real bad tooth ache so I said it was okay not to chat but he seemed to want to so I just went with it.

I can't quite remember where i got up to with my blog so if I repeat myself you can let me know in the comments section at the bottom or just skim read. I have once again begun to enjoy my time here. I think its kind of the relief that I have got a ticket out of here. I feel a bit bad because MT will still be here and he is working super hard, in fact he is not home form work yet and its not far off midnight! And we have just had a power cut so I am actually sitting in darkness. It happens even more frequently when it rains.

Muhan will be leaving on Wednesday to go back to China. I am quite sad that she is going but am ever so glad to have met her. Its been fun exploring with here and a really nice to have her about when its sometimes been a bit lonely and felt a bit isolated here. This evening we went to a shop where you can buy all sorts of Indian goodies from rugs to pashminas and multi colored elephants. I did not buy anything but Olivier bought Muhan two rings which are rather lovely. One is particularly sparkly and nice, its a sapphire from Kashmir surrounded by diamonds.

A few of the salespeople asked me about where I came from and about my husband. Both asked if it was an arranged or love marriage. I told them that we had only been married for a few months but we had been dating since we were sixteen! One of them told me that he was engaged to his second cousin which seems to be quite normal here. He told me that he really likes his wife to be but he gave me the impression that he did not love her, I could be mistaken.

Stepping back in time now. On Saturday I went to do a workshop with some of the teachers from the schools I have been going to. It was in Kaminahalli which is about an hours drive away. I quite like the drive there as you get to go through what I would describe as real India. I still really struggle though when beggars come and knock on the car windows.

I think the workshop went quite well. The teachers seemed to enjoy doing the presentations on various newspaper articles and pictures. I had asked them to do this in hope of improving their English speaking skills and confidence. We also talked about different teaching methods and target setting for the students.

At the end they gave me a card to say thank you and a rose. I was really quite touched. I was also so glad to go because I still had a rotten cold and felt embarrassed about blowing my nose too! And once more some of the teachers were wearing the most amazing saris. I sometimes feel quite a scruff next to them although they seem to like my scarf which was made in India but I actually bought in LA!!!

Spoke to Mum earlier and it was all a little hectic as I have booked to fly to Dubai and then onto London before going back to LA. I had kind of booked on the basis of her holiday plans so I would see her before I left but the holiday plans kind of changed, well the dates shifted. I think it will all be okay. They can still go away as planned and I can see mum for a few days when they get back.

There is also our Grandma's ashes to collect. She died last December around Christmas time so I made an unplanned trip back to he UK. I knew this was on the agenda, the ashes that is, but had sort of forgotten. But I do need some of Grandma as I may have her made into a diamond! Yes some may think grim but I think she would quite like to be something sparkly. There is all of our stuff in storage to sort through too. Its been nearly a year now since we packed it up so it really is time to get ourselves organized!

I think I have caught up now with the last few days or at least with a few snippets. I need to find a picture now. It may be just a random one as I have not uploaded/downloaded whatever it is you do to the pictures from your camera for the last few days! Maybe an animal? I think I have a picture of a cow outside of the school.

Oh and Liz has had a baby boy! Joseph he's called and he has the most adorable looking fluffy black hair!!

Day 53-Thursday 26th August 2010

Yes this is rather sad but I just read on the BBC entertainment page the last ever contestant of Big Brother has just won! I am guessing that was maybe at the weekend but have kind of lost track of the days! I did think it was refreshing that she is giving maybe 20 percent of her winnings to a cancer charity. Some may say she should give it all but some is better than none.

Just booked my ticket to Dubai to visit a good friend on route back to the UK. We actually met each other at University when we were working in the Admissions office so that's 10 years ago! We always seem to miss each other back in the UK. I think it may be 5 years since we have seen each other, I think possibly before we moved to Belgium! It was in London and we went for sausage and mash which is funny because I will come to that again later in this blog.

Today was Yoga day number 2 but I have woken up with a cold and a runny nose-just great! So I have decided that not only could I not manage the positions without having to blow my nose but that the other ladies would not appreciated me sneezing in the middle of an om! I guess I could try a few moves/ positions at home with my new Yoga mat that I have not opened. I thought buying one would encourage me to go. However, I did make it to the gym on Tuesday, did 40 mins on the tread mill and it did make me feel better-hooray!

So its a bit gloomy here again today in terms of the weather. Kind of overcast and almost a dampness in the air. The minaret should sound in an hour or so. You can hear it calling at certain points of the day. It calls at about 4:30 am, that's when I seem to wake up. Its quite atmospheric in the evening too as it starts to get dark. Its like this loud but muffled sound of deep singing through a poor quality speaker and it transcends through the air as the light begins to fade.

Just need to go and blow my nose and then I 'll be back.......

Muhan and I went to find the dentist yesterday but I had got the directions wrong. Anyway, it was quite exciting venturing up the the wrong road as I got to see shops and stores I had not seen before.

There were shops selling materials to make saris, chickens sitting in their squashed up cages, mutton freshly killed and hanging up to be purchased, coconut sellers, jewellery shops, auto rickshaws, motorbikes, horns beeping, rubbish that had been dumped in tidy piles of mess and lots of people waling up and down the road and of course the staring! Rose just told me to pretend we are celebrities to deal with the looks!

It was good to go out because I feel like a bit of a hermit at times. I think its maybe still the knock on effect of the dog and the bag incident plus the weather has been rather pants. Its not quite so intimidating walking about with Muhan because there are two of you. Its a bit more of an exciting adventure and there is time to look and appreciate your surroundings rather than just hurry along to where you want to get to.

We failed in the attempt to find the dentist but Kumar did take us later and show us and he laughed that we could not find it. We had gone down the road with the bakery on the corner that sells yummy looking Indian sweets rather than the next road. I think I have a picture of it so will try and find for today's visual installment.

I did think that we might get soaked as one of the motorbikes went by and drove through the muddy puddles left after the rain in the early hours of the morning. But we were fine and just ended up with wet, dirty feet again. Also I had just washed my shoes, well they are kind of like partly open toe trainers in the washing machine and put them on clean. Should have known they would not stay clean for long!

We went to a little local cafe but could not decide on anything. I had ordered some tea and humous, slightly odd combination I know but some would say I am a little odd at times! I felt bad canceling my order and also bad because there never seems to be any one in there. I think its just in the wrong spot. It's off Whitefield Main Road as you go down to the post office, that's how I discovered it. I am not sure its a hot spot for the locals especially too when its just opposite the hut where people line up for their rice rations.

We called Kumar to see if he was around to take us to the mall as there is a whole floor of different eateries. Muhan seems to have a thing for dosas at the moment which are kind of like pancakes I guess. There are two types, papery thin ones and then ones that are a bit more like American style pancakes. We had the paper thin Massala dosa . We could not eat with our hands because I had forgotten the anti bacterial hand wash and I would see my hands were grubby.

It was odd not to use our hands to eat, well the right one, and to be using a fork and spoon to eat, there were not any knives! Is that strange that now there are some things I just expect to use my hand to eat? My mum always said that she had difficulty getting me to actually use cutlery to eat when I was a child. Should have just brought me up in India or told people that she was embracing Indian culture! I am guessing it was probably rather embarrassing to have a child who insisted on using their hands to eat when out in public. I think she was worried what would happen when I started school and maybe made friends and was invited for tea at their houses! By tea I mean evening dinner here rather than a cup of tea.

Bought some courgettes and peppers in the supermarket to add to the rice for dinner. My rice making skills have actually improved and I am no longer cooking rice that is more akin to mashed potato than to rice! I did but some potatoes thinking I would make mashed potato and maybe sausages, comfort food I guess, but then I remembered MT is vegetarian and actually I don't think I have seen any sausages for sale here.

Oh and on the subject of meat, they are trying to make beef illegal here in Bangalore. I read it in the paper at the weekend. I am not sure how the law quite works here and I am not sure how it will take to be implemented. I wondered if It would start some kind of a black market. I think there are enough rich folks here who might still indulge. Would there be a meat police?

Lots of people have told us that it is all very corrupt here but that's here say rather than knowing for sure. There are lots of places that are corrupt, I mean we paid the police officer in Egypt to be allowed through the hole in the fence to ride a horse across the desert by the Pyramids! Gosh can we be had for that now?!

I just thought he was part of the organizers. Kind of a look out post to make sure that everything was okay with the horses and riders. I thought it was a little strange having to pay again but didn't question it, too excited about riding a horse to see the Pyramids. MT later told me the reality of the situation-sooo naive at times! And to be honest sometimes its better not to know.

Oh and this really did make me chuckle-when we went past a McDonald's the other day there was a cow stood right outside the entrance! Would have been a genius camera moment! You'll just have to picture it!

Day 50-Monday 23rd August 2010

Just been on FB to see if Liz's baby has arrived and he has not. Must be rather frustrating as I cannot imagine that however much you want to be a mum you would want to be pregnant for more than nine months. I would pop some extra strong India spices in the post but I think they would take two weeks to get to her by which time hopefully d day will have happened.

Friday was our brother's 30th! Yes the big three zero. Felt a little sad not to be celebrating in Brighton with him. Weird thing is though when back in LA I had thought that I would have left India by now and have gone to his party. Does this mean things are going well or have I just lost track of time?

So what's been going on for the last few days here? Well Mr T has been rather poorly and I know this for sure because he has not had a sick day in about three years. When he said on Thursday morning he was and could not go to work and he really did not look good, whiter than his usual shade of pale, I thought it must be bad.

Anyway, the doctor back in the States had given him some ultra strong anti biotic, cipro something which when researched via our good friend the www, can be use on patients exposed to anthrax!! It seems to have done the trick and to have blasted the bug away but has left MT wiped out. He should not have gone to work today but I know he has a lot on and a six month deadline here.

We actually stayed in a hotel on Saturday night. A bit frivolous especially in the context of where we are I know but I just though it would do MT some good. It was a beautiful hotel, and had a neat steam shower. Thought it might have got rid of the spots/pimples on my face but no. My skin I feel is destined to be manky for the rest of my time in India! The gardens at the hotel were beautiful and although it poured down with rain there were these tiny frogs about the size of a giant ant hopping around. Had to be careful not to tread on them! It really was nice to be away from the constant car tooting and the dust just for night and day.

Most days I go out and come home feeling dirty and my feet, oh dear! And goodness knows what I must have trod in-could be cow plop, could be dog plop, could be any number of waste products produced by both animal and human. My feet just seem to be dirty all the time. I have tried and tried to wash the apartment floors and sweep everyday but it is just a relentless task. I actually might give up because it seems futile apart from the fact that it is some exercise, well that's what I try to tell myself.

And on the subject of exercise, yes I did got to Yoga. It was nice, the other ladies seemed nice, maybe ten of us in all and I may well go back again this week but still think I would prefer to go to tap or swim or bop around to some music! Yoga is supposed to be good for you BP too and as mine has been known to be high I think I should maybe pursue it a few more times-maybe I will fall in love with it!

Also went to a wedding on Saturday. It was a Christian wedding. Of course it was amazing to see a wedding in India and Remya, the bride, looked absolutely stunning especially in her second sari. Not that she did not look stunning in the first which was white and looked like it may have been encrusted with swarovski crystals, its just the pink and gold of the material together with the gold bangles were just wow!!! I mean we were sat at the back of the hall and you could still see it.

We had decided that we would just go to the ceremony due to poorliness but ended up going to some of the reception. After the newly weds arrived at the reception which was maybe an hour after we arrived, there was the cutting of the cake, the whole family got up on the stage and various bits and pieces were read out about them. Then there was some lighting of candles, oh and there was a throne type thing for the bride and groom to sit on which did remind me a little of a Posh and Beck's type thing and I also thought it was a bit of a waste of time given that they had to keep standing up for various little ceremonial things and photos.

The hall also reminded me of a school assembly hall as the chairs were set up in lines facing the stage although it was decorated with pink and white giant ribbons.There were also huge bunches of flowers in pink and white too. It was all a bit pink and white and also reminded me of marshmallows!! I guess that's not a bad thing apart from when you eat a few too many and it makes you feel a bit sick!

We went to give the bride and groom, Robin and Remya, their gift but never got to see them because the line was about a mile and a half long of guests. Then one of MTs colleagues asked us to wait for some other colleagues so they could all go together. But after we had waited for them for an hour which was an hour after we had arrived, we gave our gift which was money as this is what we had been advised to one of MTs colleagues to give on our behalf. Just so you know we did put the money in a rather lovely blue handmade envelope with little red flowers. Oh but I forgot the sticker to seal it-woops! Just hope it stayed in the envelope.

I am not quite sure how to approach the wedding ceremony in describing it because I certainly do not want to sound like a I am mocking it but some of it was kind of comical. I also have no clue about the technical names for clothing or aspects of the ceremony so forgive me for not getting it right and of course as always leave your comments at the bottom of the blog. I am more than happy to be corrected or helped out. Also I think today's picture might help in explaining a few things I will attempt in writing.

Firstly, the ceremony seemed to be more about the group of religious men at the front of the church who were largely dressed in black habits/cassocks with beards and almost and I don't know if this is okay to say but looked Muslim, rather than the bride and groom. There was the main religious chap dressed in a rather nice gold and orange alb type thing with a hood. He held a gold staff, like the stick the Shepperd holds when herding the sheep except it was gold not wooden as I imagine it might be in real life.

He chanted and sang away sometimes facing the altar sometimes facing the couple who incidentally had to stand there for a good hour and a half. MT leaned over to me about half way through to ask if they were married yet and honestly I had no clue. There wasn't any ring giving or I do's, well there may have been but we would not have understood it. But I did understand amen which sounded like armein. I think the point at which they were married was when Remya had a sari put on her head and there seemed to be some placing of necklaces/chains around the bride and groom's necks

There was also the incense man who wafted incense around at the altar and then at the people sat in the pews at various points in the ceremony. He wafted it around in this round golden globe on a chain that also had tinkling bells which tinkled and then the electronic piano man came in with his little bit.

These electric piano interludes reminded me of the music that you get at a pantomime in between scenes. Here they seemed to signal a new reading or passage from the Bible or section of the ceremony. Oh yes, there were the compulsory power cuts throughout the ceremony as we so often get here in Bangalore. You'd have thought they could have sorted it out for a wedding and given the church electricity for the afternoon.

The main religious man who I have mentioned also had a large gold cross, yes as well as his gold staff, and at times would sort of wave it around at his helpers gathered around him, stop at one and them and then the chap he had stopped at would kiss the cross. It was like a fairy waving a magic wand around and then casting its spell. This seemed to happen many times and I have no idea what it was about but I did giggle, silently to myself of course. It reminded me of a scene in Shrek, don't know which one and Donkey is jumping up and down saying pick me pick me!!! Its like they all wanted to be chosen because their heads sort of followed the golden cross in anticipation of being the chosen one.

At the end of the ceremony we went down to the main church area. We had sat upstairs on the balcony which was neat because it meant we had a good view and there also were not as many the staring people around to stare at us. It happens a lot here and its making me a feel a little self conscious. I know we are different but I am not walking around in anything provocative, my shoulders, top half of my arms and legs to my ankles are covered and most of time I wear a scarf.

Sometimes I feel like saying to people and please excuse my language here, what's the f*****g problem! I wouldn't of course but if people want to stare couldn't they just give a little smile or gesture of friendliness. I like to look especially here but I like to think I am discreet or if they see me looking I smile.

Its also interesting here in terms of cultural differences in behavior. If you are introduced to some one they are really very lovely to you. If you are not introduced, people just stare and come across as being a little rude, sometimes more then a little rude. Even in the shops, I might have mentioned this, I have seen customers talking to the shop assistants in quite a derogatory way, they might as well snap their fingers at them like they are some kind of servant. I am not sure if this has anything to do with the caste system.

Best just finish the wedding as I feel I am going slightly away from this. So it was really neat to see a wedding here and very sweet of Robin and Remya to invite us. MT works with Remya here. Despite the missing shoes when we came out of the church as the neatly placed footwear seemed to have turned into what looked like a shoe jumble sale, we did find our shoes and I am glad we made it to see both the wedding and some of the reception. I have to say though I would love to go to a Hindu wedding here. We drove past the preparations for one today at a temple and it looked so stunning decorated with fresh flowers in a whole array of vibrant colors.

Been into one of the schools today-Carnation. Taught a lesson on numbers. I was trying to show the teachers they don't just have to do learning parrot style. Its okay to get the children to move, get them into groups and get everyone involved. I am not sure that they knew I was coming in as they looked a little surprised to see me. The kids though were great. I gave them their numbers , told them to keep it a secret and then they ordered themselves correctly. They also did little presentations about themselves, really quite cute. Oh and one boy decided to have lunch early in the form of his number card I had given him!

Think I have just about caught up with the last few days now and I think maybe its time to make plans to come home, although not quite sure where that is these days!:)

Day 45-Wednesday 18th August 2010

Despite what people might think about loosing weight when coming to India I can say even with my constitution that I have found this not to be the case. Yes I have had some tummy disagreements but nothing that has caused any weight loss. In fact, I think I have put it on! I am a little disappointed with myself as I thought this might be the perfect opportunity to get super fit and healthy and even convert to being a vegetarian but I seem to have failed. I have got spots or pimples however you wish to refer to them-it's time for some action!

So, tomorrow I am going to a Yoga class, healthy body and mind and all that jazz! I can't say that I am a huge fan of it but here seems as good a place as any to give it another shot. The lady I spoke to on the phone seems super nice and the place is only a five minute walk away. I have not opted for the early bird session at 06h00 but for the slightly later class at 10h30.

Finally finished my book called Two States about a young Indian couple who fall in love at university. If you are planning on reading it maybe skip the next little bit.

The boy is from the North and the Girl is from the South so its about a clash of the families when they announce that they want to get married. It's quite a good way to explore the different cultures here and it its refreshing that it all ends well. There is one section when Krish and Ananya go to one of krish's cousins wedding and the wedding is put hold because the girl's family have not bought an expensive enough car for the groom. The girl's family have to dash about madly gathering all the gold they can from the guests as a sort of down payment.

Not sure if this does still happen, maybe it does in some families but the weddings here do seem to be super elaborate. I am also judging that by the amazingly beautiful wedding invitation that we received, well MT received at work. Its hand made paper in red with gold patterns, very beautiful and I have to say I did get cross with MT when he sat on it and squashed it!

The wedding is on Sunday so it will be fascinating to see. Not sure what to wear. If I go dressed like an Indian lady I think I will look silly, well feel uncomfortable. I think I may just do a fusion of east meets west and maybe wear my pink dress with some leggings and a pink duppata (scarf). I think that will work.

MT does not have a suit here but then he did buy his wedding suit on the day of our wedding in Las vegas! Oh and when we went to our friend's wedding in Egypt we also had to go to an Egyptian department store to buy something for him to wear. So why not throw an Indian one into the equation! Its a little stressful as you might imagine especially on the day you are getting married or attending a wedding but things always seems to work out and he always looks really quite nice! Why can't I do that?!

Ventured up Whitefield Road on Monday to the travel agent. It's the first time I have walked that way since the bag and dog incident last week but I can report I walked there and back with no problem and even negotiated two duppatas in the local shop for 200INR. One's the pink one I will wear to the wedding. Also walked past the spot that always smells so gross and it spelled just the heaving way I remember it with a hint of fish-yuck, yuck, yuck!

Went to Herbs and Spices for dinner last night. I had this fish curry which was a bad, bad idea as it reminded me of the fishy smell on Whitefield Road and had a bad tummy when we got home. Also had confusion as to whether we needed roti or rice. I thought we had settled on a few rotis and some rice but we seemed to end up with far too many rotis and no rice at all! Should have known that when the whole meal began with confusion over the wine that it would go this way.

But on the flip side was a pleasant evening with MT, Muhan and Olivier. We tried to work out why China is so rich and came up with a few suggestions but not one real concrete answer. So if anyone reading this has the answer then please post your comments.

Still on the amazement front here in India, I am amazed at how few road accidents I have seen. There are not really any clear road markings, there seems to be no speed restrictions and everyone just seems to drive a bit crazily and beep their horns all the time. And on top of this there are the cows and stray dogs to watch out for.

There is no way I would drive here. Kumar asked me if I would like to try and I said never! Which reminds me that once back in the States I will actually be allowed to go for my driving license now that I have a different visa. Mind you, can't say I am all that enthralled by the prospect of driving in LA. It always seems to be bumper to bumper!

You know, I still can't get over that you never see two women in the same sari or even close. I always hesitate about buying clothes with patterns because I would not want to go out and have the same on as someone else. That certainly is not a problem here. Today I saw a lady in a turquoise and pink sari and my it was so beautiful. I was wondering too, when did Indian women first start wearing saris, how did it come about that they always wear such happy colors? I know sari literally means strip of cloth but I feel I need to do a little investigating now. Maybe I will report back later?

Oh gosh, I nearly forgot too the monkey was here! I went to get the washing from the machine, its on the little balcony out the back and as I looked to my right there it was just sitting there watching me. We sort of looked at each other, I am sure we made eye contact, I grabbed the washing because it has been known to pee on peoples' things and ran inside. Boy it made me jump! I watched it for a moment through the door making sure it was firmly closed as I have been told it can open them, it had a little scratch and then disappeared over the wall. I have no idea how it managed to climb up elven floors but it did! Maybe I should name it Spidermonkey!!!

Day 43-Monday 16th August 2010

Being here is like total sensory overload. This weekend we have gone from seeing what some consider to be a Seventh Wonder of the World to seeing naked children running through the streets in the rain in New Delhi!

On the plane to New Delhi on Friday night I cam across an article in the in flight magazine suggesting books to read about India. In the opening paragraph to the article, the writer described a first timers visit to India akin to Alice in Wonderland falling down the rabbit's hole and into a world of chaos and wonder. It's exactly like that!

I honestly don't know where to begin with this weekend. Tourist India or real India? I think I will do Tourist India first, although as I write it may just mix all into one, let's see how it goes.

So we had 3 hours sleep on Friday night and were up at six to drive to Agra. The driver actually arrived just before five so we got a call from reception to say he was there-might as well not have gone to bed! Plus I had a head ache.

It took maybe 4 hours to get to Agra. Although I had wanted to get the train to Agra I was actually really glad we had opted for a driver given the sleep situation and the sweltering heat! Non stop dripping all weekend-gross! But was refreshed to see that everyone Indian and tourist were in the same boat and there was a constant whipping of foreheads with hankies!

We stopped for breakfast and I had a massala omlete-tastey! There was a variety of mango options on the menu which is why I was quite surprised when they told us there was no mango! Not a huge problem on the grand scheme of things.

Oh and we saw one of the men I had read about dressed in a sari! It was a little bizarre because he was hardly petit, in fact he/she looked quit butch and masculine even with the red lipstick. I have been told its bad luck not to give them money so was a little relieved that we only saw he/she from the car. Apparently they have also organized themselves into gangs to get money from people!

As we got into Agra the driver stopped and this guide just got into the car. He made it out that this had been organized. I texted MT's boss who had sorted the diver for us and he said that this was not part of the deal. He could have been any random just hopping in. We kept him in the end as he was somewhat useful especially the tip on seeing the Taj Mahal from the other side of the river in the evening, but I think he realized we were not that interested and left us to do most of the Taj Mahal ourselves.

I think he was probably put off us by the fact that I asked questions that were out of sync with his tourist scpheel and when he asked us about the Taj's optical illusion MT in true Mt style was able to tell him the answer. Well he does work in 3D!

On top of that and this is really silly I know but I carry this little cow around with me wherever I go. MT gave it to me one day at university so it's about ten years old and he just came up behind me one day as I was walking home and popped it in my hand. It was just meant to be a cute little gift I think.

Then when our Grandpa was in hospital I gave it to him and it sat by his bed and the same for our Grandma and I have given it to various friends when they have needed a bit of luck or have had some one they love who has been poorly. It is small enough to fit in your hand so you can play with it, a bit like worry beads.

Sometimes I hold it in my hand when I fly alone. The cow is a bit like taking our Grandpa with me, I guess its kind of a way of keeping him alive-my gosh I must sound like a real fruit loop now! It's also funny that its a cow being in India because here they are sacred! Grandpa said that he would like to go to the Taj Mahal and I said if he could not go then I would go for the both of us some day.

So when the security people looked through my bag and told me I could not take my moo-cow in as I call it, I actually cried! The fact that they seemed to laugh too really did not help the situation. What a baby! I had a headache too and last week had been a bit pants so I think this was just the cherry on the cake. Anyway the guide said he could leave it with someone and I could get it back afterwards and I did-phew and hooray!

So as I am having a grandparent moment, I was also determined to take some some great shots for our Granny to send to her. She likes to paint so I try to take pictures of things I think she would like to paint. I always have these good intentions but sometimes don't get round to printing them! In fact she even has a group of ladies who go to her house once a week and she sort of has a class-most impressive I think considering that she was not well so long ago and she is in her eighties now. She always makes us birthday cards by hand too. Must call her again and tell her where we have been this weekend.

I did wonder what I would think of the Taj Mahal, would it be as amazing as all of the literature and people say and yes it certainly was! It really is quite breathtaking and stunning and so beautifully made. To go inside they give the tourists these funny sock things to go over your shoes. I would have been happy to take my sandals off. I think its actually a secret ploy to polish the floors as you go around!!

I also worked out that it must have been built around the time of the Restoration period in England when Charles II came back to the throne. I like to know what is happening in terms of history and kings and queens so I can put it it all into some perspective and have some understanding of what was going on at that time.

Afte a sweltering few hours although well worth it, we left and went for lunch and after that to Agra Fort. Its made of red sandstone and was built around 1565 so James I was King of England and Philip II was King of Spain and I think maybe doing battle with the Ottomans. Need to check this so if any history buffs are reading then please leave a comment at the end of the blog.

From the Fort you can see the Taj Mahal and there is a bit of a sad story that goes with this that actually my friend Rose told me. Shah Jahan who had had the Taj Mahal built for for his favorite wife Mumtaz Muhal spent the last years of his life imprisoned here looking out to the mausoleum he built for his wife. There had been some conflict with his son, money spending issues and his son had said he had spent far too much money on the Taj Mahal and not enough on the people-he could have well been right!!!

It was his third son I think who had him put under house arrest at the Fort and that's where he died. His son refused to give him a state funeral and he was floated, maybe he was taken in a boat, in a sandalwood coffin to the Taj Mahal to be buried next to his wife.

History lesson over and moving on. So after the Fort we drove to a spot the guide had told us about where you can see the Taj Mahal from across the river. We wanted to see it in a different light in the evening. I was really surprised by the lack of tourists, there must have been maybe twenty of us so it was real gem of a spot. Not sure if this is correct but I think its the site where there had been an intention to build a black Taj Mahal.

We stayed for maybe half an hour and then left because I think the driver was a bit annoyed that we had wanted to stop. Plus it had been a super long day and I think we ere all feeling rather pooped!! On the way back to the car a young girl asked me if I first had any sweets, then chewing gum and then salmon! Yes salmon of all the funny things to ask for!

Then she asked me for a pen and I had one, quite a nice purple one so I gave it to her. She was joined by a few other children. I had brought a packet of pens with me to give to children and so I said we had some in the car. The children followed and when we we got to the car I gave them to the the boys to hand out. I kind of knew it would be hectic and there were not enough pens in the pack for all of them . I should have taken two packets-next time I will.

So we made the four hour drive back to New Delhi. It was busy when we got back to the city, lots of construction work going on of roads and flyovers, there were people sleeping in rickshaws, on make shift beds, on the floor, under the partly constructed overhead roads.

This is what I mean by sensory overload you just go from extremes of wonder to chaos. People everywhere, crowded into buses, onto the top of lorries. Its like a competition to see how much stuff and how many people you can get into one vehicle. Horns beeping all the time, stray dogs, make shift homes made of plastic or corrugated iron.

It was all a bit much and I found myself wanting to just close my eyes and sleep but was compelled to watch the people and the scenes as we were stuck at night time in grid lock traffic in New Delhi!

No more for now. Maybe I will do New Delhi tomorrow, maybe later. Also need to write some postcards.

Day 40-Friday 13th August 2010

It's blog time! Friday 13th, unlucky for some but I think this week I have had my fair share of unlucky incidents given the dogs, the bag incident, the ass hole at the travel agent and so on.... But time to move on!

Oh and I also saw picture of a very good friend on FB and because of the way she was standing and also I know that she would like to have a baby I thought she may be pregnant. So I emailed her to ask. I thought maybe because we are inIndia we had missed out on some exciting news-she's not and I honestly feel really bad. She also said that she would have told us which I should have known. Big woops, just hope the little present I bought for her makes up for it. I think she is okay about it.

Then one of the teachers at Daisy had asked me to help her find resources for pre writing skills so the children could take some work home. I found some and as I did not have her email address I mailed them to the lady who coordinates the curriculums at the school. She mailed me back to say that she had already told the teachers to just go to the market to buy some exercise books. I felt like I had got in the way a bit.

So yesterday I went to Bluebells to teach a lesson with the little ones. On the way I counted 21 temples. Some of them are tiny and they are kind of placed by main roads and dotted in quite remote places where there are just fields. I guess people walk to them although there were a lots of motorbikes parked outside one. I think Thursday is the day a lot of Hindus visit the temples as there were several that seemed really very busy especially the one with the motorbikes. Kumar told me that he had been to the temple yesterday when I asked him if he was going.

When I arrived at Bluebells it was all hectic, well from my perspective, because they are rehearsing for an Independence Day celebration dance. You can imagine trying to teach twenty 3 to 5 year olds to dance and keep them all under control! Some were thoroughly engaged but others were off in the classrooms playing and just running around, It was a little chaotic

We gathered the non performers in one of the classrooms and sat them all down on the mats. I was not entirely sure what I was going to do with them as my experience is not really with teaching very little ones but I thought as they had asked me to I would give it a go.

Once they were all quiet and the teacher had spoken to them in Kanada which is the local language here I took off my colorful scarf and asked them about the colors. They called out the colors and then we counted the colors. Next we gave them all a number card. They came up one by one and collected their number card and were told to keep it a secret.

Then they arranged themselves in rows from 1 to 5, 6 to 10 and so on up to 20. We called out the numbers and they had to stand and go to the correct place. After each series of 5 they sat down in their line. I am not sure I am explaining this very well.
Then each student had to say their number and we timed how long it took them. We did this maybe 4 times until we got it down to 18 seconds.

Next we gave them picture cards, one between two with the letters of the alphabet which is when it all went a little wrong! The children/students are not used to having to share or hold the cards so we ended up with a few arguments and a few torn pictures-woops! Eventually we got each pair to both hold the picture card. One said the letter and one said the picture.

We took all of the cards back in and it was toilet time. Lots of the children just hold up their little finger on their left hand as a sign that they want to go to the toilet. The teachers at most of the schools I have been to are trying to get them to ask to go to the bathroom/toilet in English.

When they returned , we played Simon says.... and that went far better than the picture activity. Then we did some clapping games sort of 3 claps to the right, 3 in the middle and 3 to the left. Its a sort of follow my lead but this seemed to work and go down fairly well.

Over an hour later it was time for lunch and I was quite glad. All of the children have to wash their hands so they all lined up and left the classroom one by one. as there is only one hand wash basin. Getting them to line up without pushing each other was a little challenging but we got there. At Daisy the children all sit on the benches to eat whereas at Bluebells they all sit in a large circle on the floor of the main room. They are all then served , its a military style operation.

I did not stay for lunch and we gave 2 of the teachers a ride up to Silkboard Junction where they could walk or get a bus home. It was a little odd because as they left it only left one teacher plus the lady who cooks to deal with all of the children for lunch.

I stopped off at the supermarket to get some water and then walked home. There were some stray puppy dogs on the way home, quite cute but I am rather wary of the dogs now although the ones on the main street remain quite docile and unchallenging. Also passed the Pani Puri man.

We have had some interesting discussion this week about standards of living and what is acceptable and what is not. Detlef pointed out that since Bangalore has developed and many companies have come here it has actually provided a lot of opportunities. Many people have benefited and their standard of life has improved. And yes I certainly acknowledge this and maybe if Bangalore does continue to develop maybe the slum areas will eventually disappear.

My concern is that it will make the divide between people even bigger. There will still be people who cannot get out of these areas and they will become poorer and poorer. Might be wrong, after all India has survived for this long and there is no sign of it slowing down so even if by some of our standards some things are not right then there are some things here that must be working.

Flying to New Delhi tonight and then going to see the Taj Mahal tomorrow.

Day 38-Wednesday 11th August 2010

Yet again a few days to catch up with! Today's picture is just of a few local shops on Whitefield Main Road that I pass on the way going to either the school or travel agent. The stairs lead to where I had my clothes made the other week.

Monday I went to Daisy just to do some work with the teachers. I asked about the stray dogs and one of the teachers told me that there is an initiative to get rid of them in the slum type areas but it has not been very successful here. She also told me that a few weeks ago a little girl had been attacked by a group of dogs not far from the school-I am not sure if she died and I am not sure I want to know. It's making me rather sad here at the moment to be honest.

On the way walking to the school I saw several young children working on a construction site. They were lifting or rather trying to lift large pieces of stone. I just can't believe that this type of thing is going on. Also on my walk I saw children in a school yard rehearsing for Sunday's Independence Day celebrations. The were all lined up military style and were trying to get their marching legs in sync in time to a drum. Some of them waved because I had chatted to them last week. They had called to me over the wall asking my name and where I came from. Quite sweet really that they are so fascinated and remembered me. Mind you I don't think there are that many white girls like me walking around the area!

So when I left Daisy I walked up the usual dirt track and past the make shift houses with women washing and men hanging around and children playing, barefoot of course! It was then that one of the dogs started to follow me barking. Several others seemed to join in as I continued to walk. I had never had a problem before but always thought there could be as the dogs here do look a little more hostile than the docile ones that always seem to sleeping on the street.

They were really quite close so I sped up a little and still they followed maybe 5 or 6. I did not want to turn around because I thought they might jump up at me or try to bite me. There was such a noise by now of barking dogs that a man came out form his make shift barber shop and shouted at them. Some retreated and dispersed but the original continued with one other to pursue me. I could just about see them over my left shoulder but was genuinely scared that of I turned round they would attack me, they were still barking, in fact, I might even say snarling. Whatever it was aggressive and I just wanted to get out of Ambedgar Nagar.

I thought that when I got to the top of the track they would go away but it was not until a man with his plough and cows came along that the dogs retreated. By this point I was just about at the dirt track that leads to Whitefield Main Road-phew. I still walked at some pace, I was not quite sure if they would reappear. There has been a man at a small temple who has always said hello to me when I have been to the school but this time I scurried past him and did not stop to look or say namaste.

When I reached the main road I was not quite sure what to do. I thought about calling Kumar and the decided to walk home. As I began walking this man came towards me, lunged for my shoulder and I thought he was going to steal my bag. I kind of grabbed it close to my chest, my green M&S bag with Twiggy on it, and broke into a small run. I felt silly because people look at you here anyway but this was double reason to look. So I stopped for a moment and then crossed the road back to the school where they had been rehearsing earlier. Then, I called Kumar and he picked me up.

He dropped me at the mall, I just felt like I needed some familiarity and went to buy a juice-mango. Then I had a little mooch around the shops and then came home still feeling a little bit shocked by the incidents!

I called Muhan to see if she wanted to meet at the mall but she was up at MG Road. When I got back I decided to go for a swim, it was hot and I like swimming so I thought that would make me feel better. It was a bit odd swimming because there was this Indian guy just sort of hanging around, He sort of appeared by the pool for a bit and then disappeared. I guess he could have been the maintenance chap but it did not look like him. Swam a few lengths, showered quickly at the pool shower which doesn't really work properly and then came home and had a proper shower.

Went to Muhan's later and we watched Kick Ass, at least I think this was all on the same day. That evening there were a lot of power cuts. I had called my dad and while on the phone I was sat in darkness!! I kind of just wanted to talk to someone after the dog and bag incidents.

Should have gone to Bluebells yesterday but for various reasons it did not work out and so I am going tomorrow. Today I was supposed to meet up with the lady who coordinates the curriculum for the nursery schools but she sent a text this morning to say she could not make it. Oh well, I will see her at Bluebells tomorrow. I am going to teach a lesson. Something on numbers I think, maybe food too, perhaps we'll play the market game?

Finally tried Pani Puri yesterday at the mall. It's yum. It 's made of a round, hollow puri, fried crisp and filled with a mixture of water, tamarind, chili, chaat masala, potato, onion and chickpeas. It is small enough to fit completely in your mouth although I did struggle to get the whole thing in! Not something you'd want to eat on a first date! Pani comes from the Hindi word for water and puri (or poori) is the name of an Indian bread made by frying dough in oil.

MT came home rather late and went into work rather early again. I think its all a bit hectic and stressful at the moment! At least we have the Taj Mahal to look forward to this weekend. Oh and I made the final payment for the holiday but still have to go back to collect the tickets-maybe I will do that today, not sure.

So now today is today. Looking into the possibility of going to China which could be quite an adventure as I would go with Muhan . It all depends on finances, visas and the knock on effect for my new visa for the States which has finally been approved-I have seen it in writing, well the scanned version! Also may stop off to see Amy in Dubai on return to London. Lots of possibilities which I guess is good but there is a part of me now that kind of wants to be home-not quite sure where that is at the moment!!

Slightly overcast today! I think this maybe reflects today's blog!

Day 36-Monday 9th August 2010

I actually can't believe it is the 9th August today and that also means I have a few days to catch up on. I am not sure if I should just do one big blog, or break it down. I think I will just see how this goes and then decide.

So today I am going to Daisy, the post office, the travel agent and really I should go to the gym and do some exercise. I am failing miserably on this and the prospect of doing a 10K at some point in CA is rapidly diminishing! Maybe now I have publicly announced this it might help?! Do I need a question mark there?

So, Friday night we went to Jalsa, that's the restaurant where I first ate with my hands and I have to say I think I have improved! We went with another couple who are here for a year from Singapore-Olivier is French and Muhan is Chinese and then there is Detlef too who I have mentioned as one of MT's colleagues from CA but he's actually from Germany originally. See this is the really neat thing about going to other countries because not only do you get to meet people from the country you are visiting/living in but you get to meet other people from all over the world and learn about them too.

Drank too much wine, although it was only three glasses, and on Saturday morning when we had to get up earlyish to go to the flower show I had to deny my feeling of roughness! To be honest I felt dehydrated and a bit grumpy but did my best to move on!

The flower show-we were told it only happens twice a year so well worth a look. I was more fascinated with the people than with the flowers. The saris and clothes are equally if not more beautiful than some of the flowers. I think also because we come from the Uk/ England we have been spoiled for beautiful flowers and gardens at out parents and shows that this was not as amazing as others thought. I hope this does not sound bad and like I did not appreciate what I saw.

I was impressed though with the huge India arch made of flowers. The glass house seemed a little too hot for me and think that's maybe why some of the flowers were not in their full glory because they had wilted. There were lots of orchids, very beautiful. I have always managed to kill the ones I have had but I have got two friends who both seem to manage to keep them alive-must be doing something wrong!

There were a few stalls outside selling gifts and flowers and plants including aloe juice and there was also a stand selling natural cockroach killer! And a white spider landed on me too, on my head, where it came from really not sure and there were super sized ants that landed on Muhan and MT. Oh it did tickle me that one of the flowers was called something like cockscombe!!!

Whilst we are on creepy crawlies, something has also bitten me again. It's on the underside of my elbow and my concern is that its going to swell up like when we went on Year 8 camp a few years ago. My arm looked like I had elephantitus, no idea how to spell that, and felt like it was on fire. It does not seem to have got any bigger today but my it itches bad! I guess on the plus side the one on the boney bit of my ankle has gone-hooray!

So after our trip to Bangalore's botanical gardens we went S's house for lunch-he's kind of MTs boss here. It was a really lovely afternoon. They have two twin daughters age 10 months and his wife is lovely too. Her name begins with a P I am sure but I cannot remember how to say it-I will have to ask and I hope that will be okay. They lived in CA for a number of years and they seem to have fused together the best of Indian and American. I said that I liked some wooden bowls that they had and the funny thing was is that they had bought them in America!!!

So we had an assortment of yummy Indian appetizers and then for lunch some more tasty Indian dishes-some veg and some non veg. There was a dhal dish, I think that's lentils and cauliflower and chicken and rice and paneer. Oh and this roti I like because it is thin and makes it easy to use to pick up your food and because its thin it does not fill you up too much. It's a bit like a handkerchief.

Yesterday afternoon I went with Detlef to do some shopping-he needed to get a few things. I can't remember the area, Taminahalli maybe? It's super busy on the street with food and trinkets being sold, cars beeping their horns, autorickshaws, cows, people. They are also more western style shops so you get a mixture of Indian people there some dressed traditionally and some in clothes more like we'd wear. But I have to say that most women I see are dressed in quite traditional clothing or at least a fusion of east meets west.

While I was sat in the opticians, yes the opticians in India I had a good chance to really observe some things. Firstly there was a lady and she was wearing a kurtur, dupatta, that's the scarf so I have got that wrong in some of my past blogs and salwars, the loose fitting trousers. It was very nicely put together. The scarf matched the trousers and the top had the same trim as the scarf and trousers. The top was black, knee length and the pattern was kind of paisley in a variety of colors. If I have the chance to have something made again here I may well opt for something like that. I am not sure it would look quite the same on me as she was rather stunning with long black hair, beautiful dark skin and just a few pieces of gold accessories-earings and bangles. Oh and yellow flowers in her hair too which was braided.

We looked at a number of beautiful materials and patterns in the market place too-I cannot believe all of the patterns and colors and how inexpensive it all is. It's like being in Aladdin's cave! Seriously, if anyone reading this is coming to India just bring a few clothes and have it all made here. If I had known what I know now then I so would have done that.

I also had the chance to watch the pani puri man creating his pani puris. So he takes the thing that looks like a profiterole, then makes a hole in it with his fingers, then stuffs it with some potato looking filling and then puts some liquid in it which I think is like a sweet water. Then it's handed to the customer in a little metal bowl. Most of the people buying them ate two, then paid, wiped their hands on a small piece of newspaper given to them by the vendor that I imagine he must have spent time cutting up because all of the edges were rather neat.

Saw my first rat, saw two men having a brawl which is not the first time here thinking back to the waterfall day and bought a hair clip with bells!!! Went for Chinese, it was not so good but finished the evening with a mint choc chip ice cream because that's the ice cream our Grandpa would have when we went to the seaside and who I hope in some kind of way is with me on this adventure!

And hear I shall end because if its too long it might be a little boring and I already feel I may have perhaps overdone it with the pani puri man!!!:)

Day 32-Thursday 5th August 2010

I wish I had paid more attention at school in English and especially in creative writing because I would love to be able to describe some of the sights and smells here.

Where I walk up the road and I mean walk up the road because there is no path, I go past one place and it smells so rancid it makes me heave. There is often rubbish dumped there, not a huge amount, and a few dogs and the ground is kind of that dusty, dry, uneven mud. It smells of farm yard and human waste mixed with rotting food and sort of acidy.

It's gross and I seem to be the only one with a need to cover my mouth although I have partly learned to hold my breath at that point! I guess i could walk on the other side of the road but that means negotiating the cow and fresh cow pooh that is often there. Its not the regal one although I think it may have colored horns-I'll check next time.

Went to Daisy today. They were running very late which was absolutely fine because I get to talk to the children and just be part of whats going on. They always say good morning miss. I think it could be night time and they would still say the same! Lots of them were interested to look at my bracelets which are not as many as I usually wear or anything special. I left a lot at home because I knew I would be going to some poorer areas and I just didn't feel comfortable with it. Someone also told me that it may be the case that anything shiny and dangly might be pulled off of you. I can't see that being the case given the people I have met and where I have been.

Mind you I have to say, the gold on some of the women here does not seem to be lacking. I think people must spend a fortune on it that is far beyond what they actually have. Its the gold for the weddings that is often so expensive. One lady told me that the reason for the baby girl killings is that parents know that one day she will get married and it will just be an expense that they could never afford. Not sure if I have discussed or mentioned this before now?

I knew this went on or had gone on in China but I never realized that it is here too. For the families that have a little more money they can go for a scan and then decide of its a girl to have a termination. Some girls born in the poor areas here are left with a long umbilical cord after birth so that it gets infected and they die! I just look at some of the girls now in the school and I am glad that their parents decided to keep them. But I also wonder if it was a difficult choice to make, what did they think when she was born?

There had been the usual power cut today both at our place and Daisy but earlier than expected so that made cooking lunch for 50 children rather difficult. Imagine cooking rice and various other bits and pieces which I have to say looked rather tasty for all those children and then serving it to them to eat with their hands. The children are age 3 to 5. It's kind of organized chaos swarming first to wash their hands at the single basin, although one at a time. And yes a single wash basin for all of those children!

The children really are rather good and wait to be served at the table in their metal bowls with matching cup and then they clear up their places of any spilled food , take their plate and cup to the washing up bowl and then go and wash their hands. I was really rather impressed. They teachers are also so good with them.

Today there was also a birthday and the cake at Daisy is done first! So we sang happy birthday to the little girl who is 4, I forget her name and really wanted to remember because its lovely, and then all the children sat down for cake. Apparently its just too much for them to have to wait for cake after dinner!!

I sat with some of the children and not far from the birthday girl. She is obviously a bright young spark as she seemed to be the only one to remember my name and pronounce it correctly; that's my first name, not my last name! She was dressed in a beautiful top and skirt, green and gold and red with little bells on the back and bangles to match. She looked like a little princess.

The birthday girl especially stood out because all of the children were given uniforms this week. They have two sets each. Girls have a little brown dress and yellow shirt/blouse. In fact they look rather like the original Brownie uniforms. Boys have a pair of grey shorts and a light blue shirt.

They all have shoes and for some its the first time they have ever worn shoes.I think I spent maybe a good half an hour tying laces. Some of the parents have never worn shoes themselves with laces so its kind of hard for them to teach their children. I saw some very interesting attempts. But its again one of those stop, pause and think moments. Shoes and laces where we come from, well where I come from are just normal but here they are really not part of the furniture.

There were a lot of flies today so they have had to call the pest man. Imagine if we had to deal with this plus the power cut and that's just a part of everyday life here! Going back tomorrow as everything was all a bit hectic and late but Megha, that's one of the teachers is going to give me a call in the morning just in case things are not running so smoothly again.

But in all honesty its fine and I told her that they are doing the most amazing job working with the children-hope she took it on board because I mean it sincerely. This is the link to the organization that has started up the schools, aptly called starting point! http://startingpointindia.com/

Still not resolved the entire holiday /card issue. Today I had a stop put on my American bank card as I had transferred funds from my UK account to pay for the holiday. I tried to pay and couldn't! I will be so relieved when its all paid and sorted. I feel like I have exhausted many hours on this now and I never want to go to that travel agent again! Fingers crossed it will just be one more time.

I keep going back to this feeling bad situation like with the bags because here I am moaning about not being able to sort a holiday and just look at so many of the people around here and their lives. It's this horrible kind of dilemma-excited about the holiday but then there's this huge reality check when I think about where I have been today and what I have seen, oh and smelt!!

Today's picture is of the children but pre uniform. I will get a new one to show you.

And while I remember, its funny here, not funny ha ha, because everyone stares at you. But usually if you smile or say namaste, not sure if that is spelt correctly, then people seem to be fine. Lots of the children you see say hello and want to talk to you or ask you how you are. Their enthusiasm is quite heart warming.

Oh and people asked to have their picture taken with us when we were at Mysore at the weekend. You could also see people just taking photos of us too. Its a little odd and uncomfortable but I guess we are doing the same so fairs, fair! Closet thing I'm ever going to get to being like a celebrity!!!:)

Day 31-Wednesday 4th August 2010

Yesterday went to Azalea, that's another school. Muhan came with me too. Again we were offered food and politely declined but honestly I had had a late breakfast not long before I left.

The teachers were quite quiet and sometimes I am not sure they entirely get what I am saying. I try to explain as best as I can and ask them if they want to ask me anything. One of the teachers seemed more competent than the others so I am hoping she will take the lead.

While I was with the teachers Muhan after spending some time with the children there, did some investigating into Kumar's life. He is the chap who sometimes takes us places and takes MT and D to work and back. Anyway, he is 27, got married 6 months ago, his wife is 23 and 4 months pregnant and there are 9 of them living at his place including his parents and he is the only one who works. It's another world!

On the way back we stopped off to collect my new India outfit, salwar (scarf) included. In total it cost me 750INR that's like $15 or 13GBP. Really quite chuffed with it. Tried it on last night and I just look silly with all of it-trousers, top and scarf. Could def wear the top and scarf with some skinny jeans. The trousers look like I am doing an impression of MC Hammer!!

Went to a little coffee shop too not far from the post office. Doesn't look like it gets much business as its kind of off the beaten track. Had a cup of Earl Grey tea and a piece of pineapple cake. It was a little dry and not sure how long it had been there for but it felt a little bit like being at home and going for tea and cake with friends which I appreciated.

Watched Kick Ass when we got back. We tried to find an Indian film but its hard when you need dual subtitles-English for me and Chinese for Muhan. Bit of a silly film but very watchable and enjoyable. Muhan has also given us a wok to use as she has two-thank you very much!

Started reading a book today called 2 States by Chetan Bhagat about an Indian couple who get married. Not got very far yet. May well read if we go for another adventure at the weekend. May be that we have to drive through the night so it will be a long old journey! But the temple we are headed to looks absolutely amazing!

Day 30-Tuesday 3rd August 2010

Woops-missed a few days so a few things to write.

After the travel agent and card fiasco still no luck in paying. My bank say my cards are fine and the travel agent's bank say my cards are at fault and not their machine. Will sort that one out tomorrow.

Yesterday went to another school, Bluebells and met some children who do not go to school because their parents send them to work. They are probably between 5 and 11. One girl, maybe 6 works on a construction site and one boy had been living on the streets since he was about 4 because his parents died. There were also women making bags and scarves to set up their own local business and women learning to cook so they can earn 3,000INR a moth rather than 300. Never would have believed there was so much good going on under one roof but still made me sad that people are in this situation.

We had a bit of trouble finding the place because the slum kind of areas here don't really have proper addresses. You kind of find the area and then follow your nose! Another school today to do a bit of work with the teachers, lets hope we can find it. I think it's the one I went to the first week I was here not Daisy but Azalea.

Every time I have been to the schools they have offered me food and every time I have declined for two reasons. One I am worried that it might make me ill and two I am rubbish at eating with my hand. It makes me feel a bit bad to say no. I drank some water yesterday that they gave me and i was a bit concerned about this and finished it before I left as I did not want them to think I was rude but was still slightly concerned.

I offered the teachers a ride because Kumar had taken me there and I think he though it was funny that I reappeared an hour or so later with three Indian women in saris who all hopped into the back of the car! I knew that they had a bit of a walk home so it was the least I could do. They all jumped out as some junction on the road, not quite sure where they were going but they joined the other line of people walking up the road some carrying rice, some barefoot , some leading cows along!!

So on Sunday we made the drive to Mysore which has got an absolutely stunning palace that is lit up at night. It's a bit like Disney!! We also visited the Tippu Sultan's summer palace, the dam which has gardens often used in Bollywood films, an impressive cathedral and a silk shop. Oh and a bird sanctuary too. Boy we packed it in!

I left the silk shop as the man was too pushy and to be honest I feel bad about spending when you see so many people with so very little. I was tired and a bit grumpy! I have also seen enough pashminas now and have gained enough knowledge to last me a lifetime! I much prefer the fact that I have gone to the local store where we are living to have some clothes made. Which reminds me I am supposed to collect my new Indian outfit today. Will see if I have time after the school.

For breakfast on the way to Mysore I ate this sweet thing that I can only describe as a steamed pudding about the size of a poached egg that has got currents and pineapple in it-yum!!! Also by this point, half way that is, I had counted 91 dogs!!

Despite the fact we saw some really amazing sites I felt so sad by the time we arrived at Mysore. Why? Just the people and things I saw out of the window as we were driving. So many people looked dirty and no shoes and they were carrying water from the communal tap, men peeing nearby and kids playing in dirt and it just was rather distressing. There was also the sheep that had just been killed and had been hung up-I watched them doing it.

It actually made me want to cry not the sheep, I can deal with that sort of. In some ways I wish I had just slept for the journey but hey welcome to the real India!!