India Trip: Land Of Great Contrasts

From guest blogger Mark Brandt:

India is a "real trip."  Land of great contrasts.  Some jaw dropping poverty and filth, but a seemingly vibrant economy on the upswing.

You can find any consumer goods you want. Each small store sells only a few products, but they're well stocked. No big box stores have been seen (yet). Like China there are people everywhere. We had a three-hour bus ride today which was pretty exciting. We only almost crashed 30-40 times. Actually it wasn't that bad.

We've been to a couple of Hindu temples, a Catholic church, a 16th century palace and we got blessed by an elephant who laid her trunk across our heads.

The group seems congenial, although all of us have our idiosyncracies. Abhi is working hard at being a good tour guide. I've asked him about 50 questions a day. I hope to remember some of the info to share when we return. I have become an involuntary vegetarian, although I am eating some chicken. This is not a vacation; it's an adventure.The hotels have been fine, with AC and other amenities, even if they've been pared down a mite. Despite the warnings, the toilet paper is fine.  More later.