Jodhpur

Jodhpur was the next trip I made, rather, Craig and I.

This guy saved me more pain than you can imagine. We were walking through the main part of town and my flip-flop breaks, you know, that part that runs between your toes. My first thought was "what happened?" My second thought was, "I'm screwed," and I started imagining all of the wonderful diseases I might pick up in the next two days as a result of not having any shoes and the fact that NOwhere in India can a size 14 be found. The first thing out of Craig's mouth is, "maybe there's one of those shoe repair guys around." To which I'm thinking, "yeah right." But, and I can't say I was that surprised, 15 FEET away were 3 or 4 of those dudes! You'd have to know Craig to know how excited he was at having an excuse to see these guys work. The repairman, I've forgotten his name, left the price up to me. I was obligated to hook him up because, 1. not even Bill Gates has the timing and location of this guy 2. I was impressed by his skill 3. I was soo screwed.

Maybe you've heard that India is a very diverse country. Part of this distinction can be found in clothing, something I'm learning more about as I move around. In Rajastan, the state Jodhpur is located in, part of the elaborate dress includes these crazy arm bands that cover the upper and lower part of the women's arms. Combined with the local speciality "tie and die" saree and the more familiar jewelry and you have one of the most beautiful outfits I've ever seen.

I think the highlight of the trip was the Muslim evening call to prayer. It goes without saying that different states have varying degrees of sub-cultures, if you will. Well, the first evening we were sitting on our hotel rooftop, right underneath the big fort in the picture, as the sun was setting. It was the first decent day, temperature wise, we've experienced on the Indian plains to this day. The town was quiet with the exception of the song. I can't really put into words the emotions that overcome a person like me, someone who empathizes and sympathizes with a people too often misunderstood. It was tranquil, surreal, and even forced anxiety upon me.

I'm at a loss to come up with a decent way to close this letter. I want to talk more about that evening, but my thoughts and feelings turn political.