December 30, 2:45 p.m. - Udaipur

Ok, so know I missed a whole country but, honestly, Jodhpur sucked. It was actually painful to breathe the air, so we (the Aussies and I) rarely left the confines of our hotel balcony, which was far enough out of town that I didn't inhale a gallon of gasoline. We did visit an awesome omelet man on the side of the road, Vicky, and met a cool couple couple from Europe. Then we headed to the obligatory fort and memorial, then back to the hotel for Pizza Hut! I know, but after a week straight of Indian food, a cheesy pizza starts to sound pretty good. So that's all there is about Jodhpur.

If someone asked me what my favorite thing about India is, I would definitely say the colors. There are colors everywhere...houses, food, clothes, birds... it's nothing like the US. Yesterday, we were on a bus from Jodhpur to Udaipur and we were driving through these desolate farmlands and the women working in the fields had the most beautiful, brightly colored saris on. It's like that all over, just when you think something is going to blend in with the barren desert, a bright blue rooftop with a green door grabs your eye. It's really fun.

Saris are in the category of things that I really want to buy but WTF would I do with it? I can't wear a Sari! In the same vein, it's amazing how no matter where you travel,they seem to be selling the same crap. Sure,I bought an imitation Pashmina, but it's pretty annoying seeing them at every shop. I am realizing how much crap I don't need to buy, which is nice! Now, my money is going to food.

So, now we're in Udaipur, which is apparently the most romantic city in India. I spent most of the day alone (which is fitting since I love myself!) and went to the biggest palace in India, saw a Ganesh museum (my favorite goddess),and then just walked. I didn't really know where I was going, but I walked and stumbled across these steelworkers who were hand hammering garage doors and other heavy steel items. It was so great. Usually I only see that stuff at the OC Fair!

In the city there are these huge man-made lakes and a big garden, which seem to make everything a little cleaner. I feel like I can actually take a full breath,which is refreshing. Yesterday we went to this funny little restaurant for dinner that had jazz playing and horse saddles for bar stools. Good times and very India. :)

So, today I almost died, twice. Once by a car,which rammed my arm with it's side mirror, and once by a herd of burros that a 10-year-old girl was herding. I would much prefer to be crushed by donkeys. Think of the Hi-larious headlines!!! Then, when I was walking in search of internet, a man was riding an elephant down the road. Just like it was a motorcycle. No one was jumping out of the way or trying extra hard to be quiet, in fact they were honking AT the elephant. Can't those things go all crazy and just start crushing people?!

So, as luck would have it,we are spending New Years Eve in the holiest of the cities we are visiting, which means no meat, eggs or alcohol! Usually I would be appalled, but I have only had one beer since I got here (I know, I am going to be a cheap date when I get home!) so I was not planning on getting plastered in India. Our tour leader is setting us up with his friend who is throwing a big party with a DJ and dinner and dancing. We'll be joining some other groups, so hopefully it won't be a bunch of older women and married or gay men (not that there's anything wrong with that!). So, all this is going to cost us about 500 rupees, which is about $10! When was the last time you spent only $10 on dinner on New Year?!

Ok, so now it's nap time for me. I am fighting an ear infection, which isn't actually too bad, since it makes the honking seem quieter. But,that's the only health problem as of now. As long as it stays out of my tummy, I am a happy camper!

Oh, and I know some people are freaking out about the whole war thing, but let me tell you, nothing is happening. How do I know? Well, everyone here WANTS war and they're extremely disappointed in the gov't for not doing anything. So, please, just relax, I am having a great time and have never felt unsafe.

That's all for now. Early train ride tomorrow morning, cross your fingers that I have a seat!

Tara: are you engaged yet?

Natalie: Indian BFFs ROCK!

xox
amy