India

Hi!

I am now in chennai india which is by far the most different place i have ever been in my entire life. They kept stressing that before we got here because I think they have had some trouble in the past with people hating it and such because of the poverty, overcrowded streets and the filth of it. However, i wasn't too concerned about these things and came in with a pretty open mind which in turn led me to love it!! When we arrived, there were about 50 men at the gate waiting for us to get into these little rickshaw things where they physically pull you and you sit in the back. there are motorized ones as well. They pretty much attacked us, very funny. We found the coolest driver and rode around with him the whole day. i even got to drive one!( and about hit 5 people). Anyway, we went down to the beach to drive where just EVERYONE sits all day by the water, except no one swims and everyone is in long pants and long shirts. So different. Trash everywhere as well. We just took in the sites all day, pretty overwhelming. So much poverty. but the people are so friendly! We are having dinner at our rickshaw drivers house Wednesday. Haha. A lot of people went to the Taj Mahal, but i didn't really care to because its like 1000 dollars to just see a building. I would rather stay and experience the culture. Last night, we went to a reception with indian students who gave us traditional food/dance and henna tatoos! Danielle and i also wore our brand new sarees (and had them on completely wrong and had to get them redone by the indian ladies). Good times. I also had the best lunch ever for a total of 2.50 American dollars. nuts. Anyway, today I am going to an orphanage with my friend Claire so I am very excited. Hope everyone is doing well!!