I finished 20,000 leagues under the sea last night, so I have nothing new to read now. Talk about an end-weighted book, all the action is in the last 50 pgs. It seems the beehive has set itself up next to this guesthouse. The horn players are as bad as those in the beehive. And as fucking loud.

I'm sitting back reflecting on everything I experienced in India - the best and worst moments, ones of absolute luxury and absolute filth. My whole experience in India really has been a play on those extremes of extreme wealth and extreme poverty. Among them:
-flying over Delhi with fireworks during Diwali
-using water to wipe in the outhouse/washroom of my homestay
-using a bucket for a shower and clothes washer in solan and dolanji
-having the best chicken curry and butter naan of my life in solan
-having absolutely wonderful and rotten experiences with Indians
(in reflection of what Kathryn said she loves this part of the world for - she's helped me not condemn everyone)
-having cockroaches crawl all over the train seats I was sitting in
-The Hyatt
-all the dingy hotels I stayed in - I think pinjore still takes the cake - esp. in terms of shock value
-fainting for the first time in my life

I like travelling at my own pace, but solitary travel is lonely. I can see already though that travelling with Zach would be soo much fun. Mahi said she was really proud that I've done this whole trip, as am I. Earlier I was scared - I think I'm most afraid whem I'm in transit but temporarily stationery. For instance, this afternoon, waiting for this evening's train. I was so, so, so happy to talk with Mom and Sarah though - it gave me a self-confidence. This afternoon while I was resting I had a dream that I was driving around Evanston on a saturday night and everyone I ever was friends with (basically a cross-section of friends) were doing something or had plans, meanwhile I was wandering aimlessly around town. I chalk it up to be a representation of my feeling lost while it seems like most other people are well on their way, doing stuff. I feel good going back to the Tibetan settlement - I can't put into words how much more at ease I feel when surrounded by Tibetans as opposed to other people. I'm so glad to have all the friends I do - helping me out in each of their special areas. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and it will most surely be a sad one, though mom said their's won't be much better. Yay indian brand names - Tata, Vicco, asian paints, LG, fruiti. okay I'm ready to go. c'mon train!