Response to email questions

I get some great emails with questions about my trip. Rather than re-writing, I thought I'd cut and paste my responses to one of my emails. (More photos this evening).

How are things besides little sleep?

It is a beautiful country with very hospitable people. It's very quiet (as long as there aren't Americans around!!). I don't know if you've traveled in Mexico (away from the border) but it reminds me a lot of Mexico. Rich and well to do or very poor. It shows in the street maintenance, buildings and such which is very sad. The people in general are very kind and gentle.

Have you done any sightseeing?

We went shopping and sightseeing but our driver took us to places where he is paid in advance to take us. I am now armed with names and addresses of places that are better to go to and the driver will then be required to take us there. We toured the Bangalore Palace (very sadly in disrepair) and toured around the city. The state government is close to a state of colapse and there were buses and buses of protestors outside the congress. (That was cool - kind of exciting). While shopping we were invited to tea with the owners of the shop. It was very good. We will go to Mysore this weekend which is slower, more peaceful and more beautiful than Bangalore. Bangalore was not prepared for the HUGE growth. Mysore hasn't had that kind of growth so it still retains it's more pastoral feel.


How's the food?

The food is VERY good. I've been "educated" by the people that I've talked to on the subtlties of the regional foods. There's SO much to try and so little room in my pants!!!! I actually haven't eaten too much, though. Yesterday we only had one meal. It was very very good. It's nice to sit in a restaurant that doesn't attempt to rush you through your meal. You can really enjoy what you are eating. Today, we'll be going to MG (Mahattmah Ghandi Road) where there are even more varieties of restaurants and shops! I have an extra long day tomorrow due to the early morning live meeting so I'm taking this afternoon off to shop.