So, I’ve decided the new animal were getting when dad is out of town is an elephant! The experience I had today was a highlight of my life, and one never to be forgotten. Its not every day that you get to say you rode an elephant through the jungle, getting the chance to bond with an animal you usual only see from a cage. You mount this 5 ton mass, and fall in love, whether it be it’s little afro hairs, or the ever curious trunk, or the ears wrapping around your foot to feel what this bright white, fiery haired, looking being is on top of them.
We then enjoyed bathing and scrubbing every little tough wrinkle while it smiled, drawing you in to become lost in this animals great beauty…. and BAM! a gallon of water is chucked at your face – and yet I have never been happier in my entire life. It was like one of those slow motion movies, where you know its totally fake because no one could possibly be THAT happy with how things are today. But that’s another thing, in India, there’s not a care in the world, it is possible to be that happy on a daily basis. There’s no rules, no timeline to follow, its just the flow of life that keeps everyone happy. At home, the stresses of school, work, rules (police cars) and not being able to sit down and take a moment, takes us away from what’s really important – living life. I mean, I may just be happy because I just got over what I call a “stomach flu on steroids,” or the fact that it seems like the entire San Francisco Zoo was let out to roam aimlessly on the streets. Either way, its just nice to appreciate what is around you, in a place not many people get to experience. I could go on and on about this experience, and it would get repetitive, but the pictures are worth a thousand words I can’t describe!
After parting with my 5 ton friends, we had a little lunch before starting out on our first solo shopping adventure. The town of Periyar, has become by far my favorite town. Everyone is nice everywhere, but the people here have a different feel about them. All willing to help, aren’t forcing you to buy something, and most of all they all speak impeccable English. However, shopping in India is a no go. Anywhere. At least by yourself, and no guide to tell you when your getting ripped off or when the silver your buying is actually the stuff you get from a toy store. We barely made it 2 feet without a “mam, come look!” or a “shawls, good price for you!” Well they would tell that to any tourist when their “good price” is actually three times what you should be paying. We’ve had a few conversations with guides about bargaining, and were completely lost at what to say or do. We went into our last shop on the way back, because Mom to have ANOTHER freakin “kurta” to add to a collection she’ll never wear again back home. At this point, I know its just for souvenirs and proof she went to India, because in no way would that go with her usual attire of spandex and rowing clothes. We needed to GET OUT of that store and I started to feel a little weary. So we went for the bargaining. Asking for a shirt worth 2000 rupees for 1000 (aka 20 dollars off) not gonna happen, obviously. So we were free to go on our merry way, back to the serenity of our hotel, and off to dream of another little gift of a day, unwrapped and enjoyed to the fullest.
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