I wish these pictures captured the feeling of this place. There's so much to write about and describe. I enjoyed every moment of the trip, including the overnight bus ride home, during which the door/my window refused to close. Even when our teeth were chattering as we took sharp turns and breakneck speed we enjoyed our little adventure. India is so diverse in its landscapes, its people, its experiences. I really loved Ooty and am eager to travel and learn more from the varied people and places here in this vast country. 

On our second day in Ooty we were lucky to come across  Sheriff, a trekking guide recommended by Lonely Planet. He was an incredibly kind, interesting man who has been leading treks for 25 years. He took us on his favorite route, through the Nilgiris to Toda Villages. We stopped at one woman's home, Nastamali (her name means natural flower) and she made us buffalo ghee tea. The Toda have been living in the Nilgiris 'forever' and are incredibly interesting people. They worship buffalo and use buffalo milk for nutrients. Otherwise they're completely vegan. Also, 'marriage' among Todas is very unique. At 8 or 9 they become engaged to each other, and then they sleep together around 13-14. If the woman/girl becomes pregnant, the couple gets married. This process is then repeated again and again, because both the woman and man may leave/enter into marriage whenever they chose. According to Sheriff, "If a woman does not like her husband, he gives her back her buffalo and shawl and she is free to leave." A very interesting contrast to most Indian marriages. Nastamali was married at 13 and is currently 65 and on her fourth husband. 


Sheriff also brought through tea plantations and to the lake. The whole day was amazing. The highlight being meeting a Toda woman and learning about her life. The people her are as beautiful as their mountains. 

We spent this past weekend in Ooty, known as the Queen of Hill Stations, in the Nilgiris (Blue Mountains). It was the best weekend I've had in India so far!
The questionable bathroom and bright lime green walls of the Krishna Lodge made for a memorable night. We each paid 100 rupees...so I think we got our $1.25 worth. The second three pictures we taken during one of the many stops our bus made....a "6-8" hour journey turned into 12 hours. At this stop in particular we made many friends....

I haven't really been updating regularly with thoughts/news of daily life so I figured now would be a good time to start. First: Some frustrations we've experienced, starting with the most recent. 

1) I just got back from the IT office. I went at 9am because, after three weeks of persistent badgering, two of our girls convinced the tech guys and the "Fathers" (catholic priests) that those living at Jonas Hall with the USAC program should be allowed to have Skype. This may seem like an obvious fact, however, Father didn't want "girls chatting" on his campus, and has subsequently blocked most modes of online communication, including facebook. Of course Skype is the cheapest/most convenient way to keep in touch with people back home, so this is a huge victory. I do not, however, have Skype right now. Because I must return this evening. "When?" "5:30" "Why so late? Why not now?" "Come back in the evening?" "I need it earlier." "4:00. " .....was the exchange. Why 5:30? Why 4:00? Why not now? because nothing is logical, nothing is convenient, and you must bargain for everything/anything you want. ((only slight exaggerations). 

2)  Right now, at this very moment, we've just lost power. obviously. I'm typing in the dark. And this happens at least three times a day. Ok....its back on...

3) My internet problems have been a constant hassling/bargaining process. I've gone into the IT office numerous time and left frustrated and ignored after nearly all of them. Hopefully tonight, at four, will be the last time I ever go there....this issue of "the Fathers" and their control brings me to my next point: This is a patriarchal society in the extreme and the administration (all Fathers) strive for complete control: exemplified by the recent 'weights scandal'. A program advisor from USAC, Michelle, visited us here in B'lore for a few days and gave us free weights for our "gym"....which consists of one treadmill, one elliptical, one bicycle, and one row machine, as well as one yoga mat. All of these...wrapped in bubble wrap which must not, at any cost, be removed. The weights were removed by a the "warden" and her cronies as well as one man....via the elevator, and are currently being held in "custody" to use their words. I asked where our weights are going and the man answered "Father did not give his permission for their use." I asked what the issue was that he has with them and the man replied "Well, two girls might fight over them. Or something might happen." .....enough said. 

4) The nonsensical reasoning continues to astound....after spending four hours at the bus station, and various travel agencies, we were told that no seats, on any buses or trains, going anywhere, are available for this friday. After a few exchanges that consisted of "We need to go to Wayanad" "No Wayanad. Wayanad no." "Do u have tickets anywhere?" "All full. Where do u want to go?" "Where can we go?" "Where do you need to go?" "We need to go to Wayanad." "Ok, one minute......*proceeds to call his friend*.......1200 rupees on special vehicle. ok?" we decided to try the travel agent nearby campus. at this point, because the long weekend is so close...it will be cheaper to hire a driver than buy a seat on one of the "sold out" buses. 

we experience all of the frustrations on a smaller scale every day with Rickshaw Drivers who pretend to not have change or pretend to know where a place is when they don't have a clue. All in all...this post has been a complaint session. But its made me feel better. India is actually pretty cool....maybe  I'll focus on that in my next post. Right now, I'm really eager to get out of the city. The smells of trash fires, sewage, exhaust, urine, heady temple incense, and the constant beeping/screeching of traffic and the persistent crush of thousands of people have made me desire a break from the city. Wayanad...where we hope to go, is a wildlife preserve a night train away. I just need some nature. I'm also getting really excited about traveling up north to darjeeling and nepal this April. I need mountains. I'll write again soon and maybe try to post more pictures!