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Published: January 30th 2006
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Elephant Ride
This was one of my favorite experiences in India. This elephant was a charmer! Hi Everyone:
Heaven...I'm in heaven! (Add music in the background here.)
We are in Pondicherry now...and thank god for Pondicherry! Ever since we got to India people have been saying, "Wait til you get to Pondy!" Pondy is a former French colony...and it is quite European for India. The streets are clean, some are even quaint cobblestone...and we can get Western food here...yay! Last night I had spaghetti with a fabulous meat sauce and Mags, Mike and Ryan had steaks. Everyone was so delighted we could hardly contain ourselves. Oh, and I had wonderful French red wine...yum.
And, get this...we had Pizza Hut for lunch! (Pizza Hut is another place I never eat at in the US, but it was so yummy...I can't even describe it accurately in words.) They don't have pepperoni, due to "import restrictions," according to the asterix next to it on the menu, but there were lots of chicken options (just like at McDonald's a few weeks ago in Bangalore). I don't even feel guilty anymore for wanting Western food...After 4+ weeks, I just can't have anymore food out of a ladle...all the spicy sauces at each meal come this way. Ryan says he never
An Elephant Blessing
After our ride (and his handler was paid), my elephant blessed me by placing the tip of his trunk on my forehead. Beats being blessed by a priest by a long-shot! wants to see a ladel again. (I think I may have to have one inscribed for him...as this has become a big joke for our team.)
I'd like to tell you about my day today, because it was just awesome. (Did I mention that I'm in heaven here?!) I got up at 5:30 am and went for a long walk on the beach with my host father (Mags, Deb and I are all staying with a wonderful family in a really terrific high-end home. They are quite modern, well-off and the house is new and clean. We have been more "native" in recent homes, so this is a much needed break, particularly at the end of our trip...truth be told, we're all about to lose it...or maybe we already have! You'll have to let us know at the airport.)
My host father ended up hooking up with some friends who were walking on the beach (and Mike was along and wanted some quiet alone time) so I took off for a power walk all by myself...this was such a treat! In the more traditional areas of India (where we've spent most of our time), women don't walk alone
Pondicherry Host Family
This is us with our host family in their garden. They are a wonderful family...I particularly enjoyed a late evening of girlfriend chat with Saugeetha, the wife and mother. and my host families would not ever allow me to be out and about alone...so I just stopped asking. But he just sent me off on my own...yay! I walked, watched the sun rise over the sea, looked at the people, stretched...it was divine!
Then we stopped at a little tea, coffee stand to grab a wonderful cup of chai on the way home. At home, I took a fabulous warm (Gotta love it! I'm telling you, it is the little things like hot water that make my day!) shower and then we had a great combination breakfast of scrambled eggs (made by our very own Mags!), toast and jam, and the noodle and coconut milk combo I've described in a past blog. The best of both of our worlds.
On our way to pick up Ryan, I got to ride an elephant! Mags has such an adventurous spirit...she saw the elephant across the street, hopped out of the van and went running over to it. Before we knew it, she was up on top and riding the elephant. I ran across the street to get photos. And, once she was down, they asked if I wanted to ride. I said no at first, because we were already running so late for our program today, but Mike yelled out of the window of the van from across the street, "Do it!" I'm so glad that I did...it was just awesome. By the way, this was a happy elephant. Past elephants we've incountered (and other animals) sometimes seem sad and potentially abused. This guy radiated happy energy and was clearly very well cared for...he even seemed excited to have us ride...if the trumpeting trunk was any indication. After we paid his handler ($100 rupies/about $2), the elephant blessed each of us by lifting his trunk and touching us on the forehead...Mike got a great shot of the elephant doing this to me...wait til you see! This was truly one of the highlights of my trip...so much fun. The elephant was a "baby" at only 26 years-old...did you know that they generally live 100 years or so? (I learned that today after my ride.)
There is more to my day...and I'll tell you more, but I want to send this blog first. I'm always a bit afraid of losing what I type, since it has happened a few times...more coming....
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Niko
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Jody - Fast Food - Yummy... ????
(Jody - Fast Food - Yummy) never thought I'd see those three words in the same sentence. Maybe you should spend an extra month in India... lol... Just kidding...!!! Cant wait to see you in a week. Love, ~me