It has been a couple weeks since I updated my website. This is partially because, relatively speaking, not too much has happened since I last posted, but mostly because the internet has been so unreliable between then and now. But the internet is back up and running, I am back on the grid, and I realize that I have some cool stuff to share with you all.

So let's see, two weeks ago: seems like ages ago to be honest. Kash visited us for the first time since dropping us off almost a month ago, so we headed to Udaipur for some shopping and relaxation. By shopping I mean getting Pringles, Lays, and any other food that reminds us of home. And by relaxing, I mean enjoying a cocktail or two (or six, don't judge; it was happy hour) in a five star hotel overlooking one of the city's lakes.

Going from Danta to this was a bit extreme, but who am I to complain?

After recovering from our trip, we got back into the swing of things as professors. Classes, still a challenge, are getting easier each day as we do our best to mold our lessons to the specific needs of the students. Such is life as a teacher: you must understand who you are teaching before you can expect them to understand what you are trying to teach them. For Peter and I, that meant understanding a totally foreign culture, but I think we are on our way to making everything work. Then, out of the blue, care packages from both of our parents arrived within one day of each other packed to the brim with meat products, mementos to remind us of home, and the always welcome boost that comes along with being taken care of by one's momma.

Everyday life in India is kind of overwhelming with harsh juxtapositions, even after being here for over a month. Everything from the people among us to the vegetation surrounding us has a sense of complicated beauty. The villagers, some of the hardest working people I have ever seen in my life, are also some of the happiest people I have ever seen. Adults perform backbreaking labor from sunrise to sundown for a fraction of the wages they deserve while their children joyfully frolic about as their parents work to feed them.

The obligatory Indian lady carrying stuff on her head. I know it's a cliche but I couldn't help myself.

And then there is the vegetation: India does not mess around. I have seen some of the most beautiful plants and flowers, only to approach and realize they are covered in thorns and insects that would properly ruin your day if you allowed them to bite/sting/poison/whatever those things do to you.

No. Think again before pushing aside some random bush.

And what the hell is this thing? We didn't hang around to find out.

Today we took a trip to Chittor, a city known for its beautiful fort and rich history. Built in the mid-fourteenth century, the temples, towers and walls of India's biggest fort are truly a sight to behold. Once again, I cannot stress the fact that pictures can't even begin to do the fort its due justice, but for now they will have to suffice.

The Vijay Stambh, or Tower of Victory, a 9 story structure covered in hand carved images of Chittor's Kings and Princes, Indian gods and goddesses, and local holidays and traditions.

*Intricate hand carved images, I meant to say.

One of the many temples. I was pretty blown away.

The view from the fort, overlooking the city. No wonder they decided to build on this location. If you want to read more about the fort's history, click on the image above.

During the course of this trip, Peter and I have been actively trying to find a few animals: camels, elephants, monkeys, tigers, and cobras (the last two are more optional than the others). Up until today, we had only seen one camel, which was cool, but slightly disappointing. Not even expecting it to happen, we were able to check two more off the list at Chittor.

...and a frickin' elephant! I have lived.

I know I sound like a broken record, but India continues to amaze me. Each day I learn something new about a country I knew very little about only one month ago, whether that be the name and significance of a new god or a new word in Hindi. More importantly, I am learning a ton about myself: how I settle into a new home, how I interact with people who I have a fundamental disconnect with, and most importantly how I handle the challenges that present themselves on an everyday basis. It's all a learning experience, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

A strange, new, ancient, beautiful learning experience.

As long as I get an hour of internet here or there, I will continue to keep you all updated. Thanks so much for the support, and until next time.

BJ