So today I learned a valuable lesson: women aren't allowed to walk in front of men around here. Go figure. The lady that helps my grandmother out kept pushing me in front for some reason. It then dawned on me that it was a cultural thing, because unless they're walking WITH the man, women don't lead around here. Of course, this is a relatively rural town too, so ya can't take it to be any sort of generalization of India.

On another note, I've noticed that India's been a great place for my sister, my mom and I to bond much more. Since there's not much to do in this town, we spend a lot more time chatting with each other, annoying each other, etc. Definitely a nice bonding experience. Will probably skip out on blogging tomorrow, so I'll blog once I get to BANGALORE!

WOW. So I spent yesterday and some of today (along with my sister) at our friends' house and boy howdy was it fun. We went to this place that was basically a hilltop, which overlooks a vast spanse(sp?) of Kerala forest. Absolutely gorgeous, esp. because there were tiny waterfalls at the area too. Oh yeah, and I've got tons of pics. Comin as soon as I get to the States.

But here's another kicker: I found out that Justin, one of our friends who is my age, had 3--count them THREE- marriage proposals. He met with THREE different girls who could be potential brides. This arranged marriage thing sure is interesting. Ironically at the same time there was a new bride with her husband staying at the house. Lots of fanfare with a lot of relatives crowding around the new couple and dinner was served--

bread and curry.

Huh? Why so basic? I asked around and found out that it's customary around here to do that as a pre-meal as a measure of good luck for the marriage. Errr.. a bit confused, but go figure. Whatev.

All I know is that I dont think anyone will have to worry about me getting married off or betrothed by the time I get to America.

THIS is going out to all my homeys in the U.S of A.

Alright so I'm at a dingy hot cybercafe in India. Okay fine it's not horribly dingy, but it's definitely hot. My sister is sitting next to me and she says hello to..well..the homeys.

So here's the status: we're all pretty much acclimated to the time difference right now and have gotten our sleep schedules pretty much down. The only problem? THERE'S NOTHING TO DO IN OUR TOWN SO ALL WE DO IS SLEEP. Soooooo, we're going to Bangalore Thursday to party it up. How much partying can you do in a place that closes its nightlife at 10, you ask?


Much more than here.