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Published: December 26th 2006
Always nice to see family again. I'm afraid this post will not have any photos attached since this computer doesn't have a USB connection. Perhaps this afternoon or some other time I can find a computer with a USB connection.
I cant even remember what all has happened in the last few days. I think the last time I posted was in Kolkata, so I guess Ill pick up the story from there.
I spent the day in Kolkata lugging around my pack with is now getting unwieldy. Next time, only one sweater, one rainproof layer (no need for the huge jacket), and no tripod. That would save a whole lot of size and weight. Also, towels are key. I forgot to bring one and there have been a number of times that I really could have used one. Luckily Im at Nates now so I dont have to worry - hes got everything taken care of.
I flew from Kolkata to Chennai, and it was quite uneventful. It looked as though my flight was going to be heavily delayed, but to my great happiness and suprise the flight left quite close to when it was supposed to. I spent the morning walking around Chennai, and taking photos on the street. This is really my favorite thing to do when I travel. All temples begin to feel the same, but you really get a feel for a city by your time walking around the street. The beggars in Chennai are quite tricky, because they act like they just want you to take their photo, but as soon as you do they start hounding you for money. This was something that has been unique to Chennai in my experience. There was one extended family that was really friendly, so I took a bunch of photos, and then they asked me to get some bananas. I did this, but I didnt understand that they wanted it for their little Hindu temple. So I gave the bananas to the kids who devoured them. They put the rest on their little temple.
Then they asked me to take them all out for a meal at the restaurant across the street. It was actually quite a lot of fun as the kids were really hamming it up for my benefit. The whole meal, for 7 people wound up costing 100 rupees, which is a little over $2. The kids were starving. You really arent supposed to do what I did, but I couldnt in good conscience not help them. Food is something that is hard to be abused. Once you eat it, you cant be forced to give it to a boss. So I have no problem feeding beggars, but its always questionable whether giving money is good.
I then took a train from Chennai to Madurai and for the first 5 hours of my 8 hour train I was talking to this Indian-American from Boulder. We had a very interesting discussion that spanned a wide variety of subjects. Really amazing the people that you meet when you travel. Traveling by yourself makes it easier for you to meet people too because they do not feel like they are butting into a conversation. Its going to be sad to be back in the US.
On arrival in Madurai I found a touristy dive hotel. I paid 200 rupees, but Nate said it shoudl have been like 20 rupees. At that point i didnt care though, I almost went to a really nice hotel, the idea of a hot shower that doesnt involve a bucket sounds quite nice. Yesterday Nate and I went to the temple, but we couldnt stay long since they close from 12-4 (dont ask me why, it doesnt make any sense). So we went for a walk up into the paddies, it was really quite nice. I took some photos which will be forthcoming.
In two hours 2/3 of the Bell family will be reunited in Madurai! Exciting times
Ian
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anonymous
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hey ian- just wanted to say that your photos are incredible, as are the stories. good luck with the rest of the trip! -jennifer