The Spell

Angie told me that Bill Clinton says there are 2 kinds of people in the world. Those who have seen the Taj Mahal, and those who haven't. That really says it all. It's like nothing I've ever encountered. Something about the shape and the color, and the way the light just hits it. Amazing. Keith had asked for a few pics of it, so here's another one.

Today I really felt like I was in India. All the talk about filth and the negatives gave way to feeling comfortable here. We arrived in Rajasthan yesterday, which is a state mostly in the desert. it's enormous and there is tons to see. In Jodhpur, it all came together. Millions of people everywhere, cows and goats and dogs on the street, the overwhelming feeling you're soimewhere you've never been before. The market was full of activity- people selling everything, and colors that were out of control. It wasn't stressful, it was exciting. I finally got it.

We stayed in Jaipur yesterday at a guest house run by this awesome couple. The man, who went be "the Colonel" was a really interesting guy.

I mean, look at him! I went in last night to ask to use his computer. We started talking and ended up chatting for 2 hours (I never even got to go online!) One of the stories he told me was really enlightning. He said there was a guy that started staying with him almost every year about 10 years ago. All his friends always ask him why he always wants to go to India. They say it's dirty, it's crowded, it's hot, there are mosquitos. All the same things people said to me! But these people have never been here! What they all don't see is the good stuff- the genuineness of the people, the honesty, the respect for one another, the colors, the food. I think I totally get it now.

Ok, so it's dirty. And it's crazy. And it's chaotic. True. And nothing better makes this point then this picture:

What do you do when you're looking for something with a sign like this?

Today when we were driving, we saw this truck full of people in the back:

But look closer at the picture below. We were shocked to see filmmaker Al Maysles with the group!

And here's one more, just cause I like the picture.

Thanks to everyone for writing to me on the blog. It's really cool to hear from you all. When Angie leaves on Saturday I've got almost 3 weeks by myself. Keep em coming.