My apologies to the geography buffs out there--or anyone checking a map. We were NOT swimming in the Bay of Bengal--which is on the east coast of India. We were in the Arabian Sea!!
Just had to make that correction.
We are in Hyderabad, India, staying with a wonderful family (the parents of a friend of Benny and Amanda's). Indians are so welcoming and treat their guests like gods and goddesses--truly! We are so fortunate for all our wonderful experiences here. Can't wait to get back and share them all with you.
Be home soon--we hear it's very cold there. . .
Namaste,
Connie

India!

Okay, I know it's been a while. Yes we graduated and are currently in India. Been to Delhi, Agra (saw the Taj Mahal--a wonder!) and have spent 3 days in Varkala, Kerala, India. Sunshine and WARM Bay of Bengal waters. Actually Bonnie, Benny and Amanda spent 3 days there--I somehow lost a day due to intestinal distress. But I was VERY well cared for and recovered quickly. Now we're on to Trivandrum where we'll spend two nights before boarding a train to head up north again to Hydrobad. Train ride will take about a day, but should be fun with good company. We may head to another beach tomorrow since the town of Trivandrum seems to be just another big India city.
Here's a few thoughts I jotted down on traffic in Kathmandu (but never had time to publish. . .):
*There are very few sidewalks in Kathmandu--those that exist are very narrow;
*It's not unusual to come across a motor bike driving on the sidewalk;
*Cars drive on the left side of the road in Kathmandu;
*Pedestrians walk on whichever side they please;
*The roads are very narrow--and shared by cars, buses, trucks, taxis, rickshaws, bicycles, motor bikes, and pedestrians;
*If you are driving a vehicle and something (or someone) is in your way, you go around (either side--wherever there's an opening);
*There are no traffic signals in Kathmandu;
*There are no dividing lines on the roads of Kathmandu;
*There are no stop signs in Kathmandu;
*If you wish to get around another vehicle, you honk your horn;
*If someone cuts in front of you, you honk your horn;
*If you are driving fast and want another vehicle to get out of your way, you honk your horn;
*If a pedestrian is in your way, you honk your horn;
*If you want to pick your nose while driving, you honk your horn.
. . .just kidding, but you get the picture.
Hope all is well with everyone back home. We miss you all. Only a few days left, it's all going so fast.
Namaste,
Connie

We are sooo ready to start a VACATION!!!

Not much time--it's 10:30pm (wayyy past our bedtime. . .) but I just had to write something. We are doing well. Actually did go to the wedding in Chitwan (long bus ride, interesting customs, and did I say really long bus ride! No pictures because my camera ran out of battery just before we left. And even tho I was able to purchase batteries, they didn't work--either too old, or just the wrong kind. Who knows?) This past weekend we flew to Pochara--very nice, peaceful town with a fantastic view of the Annapurna range and beside a pretty lake. We got up early on Sunday to climb to the World Peace Pagoda and got a fantastic sunrise on the mountains--it was beautiful. But back to classes on Monday and the hectic pace of lesson planning and teaching! Tomorrow we take our grammar and phonology test, then GRADUATION!!!! We are so ready to be done--but not really ready to leave Kathmandu. Luckily we have all day Saturday to go around and say goodbye to all the wonderful people we have befriended here. Tomorrow night we are being treated by our teachers to another Nepali meal--this one is in a restaurant where there will be a lot of traditional dancing and singing. Should be fun!
We are excited to be seeing Benny and Amanda soon and look forward to lounging on the beaches of Kerala in southern India! Will write more soon--I promise.
Con