Thanksgiving Day....November 24th, Varanasi India

As most of America sits down to feast over my favorite
meal of the year, I send you greetings from India.
Namaste...

In my short time here I have grown thankful for many
things of humor and I share these with you:

I am Thankful for understanding that when Indians say
"yes", they really have no idea what you are talking
about...

I am Thankful for understanding that rickshaw (taxi)
people have no idea where you are going, they just
want your fare....

I am Thankful that my nose and stomach reflexes are
not attached because it would be miserable...

I am Thankful that in all the other countries I
visited that restroom time is personal time, I only
wish it would transfer to India....

I am Thankful that I understand that when a child says
hello, you must repeat your gesture over and over again with a
smile and it is wonderful...

I am Thankful that I have learned how to avoid the
direct stares of hundreds of men a day...or is there
really something on my face..

I am Thankful for the Dehli connection which will give
me a reprieve to the masses...

I am Thankful that I have convinced myself that the
fog is a romantic mist rather than pollution,
unfortunately my stinging eyes and throat decieve my
whimpsy notion way too often..

I am Thankful for mastering the turkish squat position
even on a moving train (my brother should be
proud)....

I am Thankful that I have gained a sense of patience
and flexibility on this trip or else I wouldn't have experienced half
the enjoyment;

I am Thankful and surprised that I don't scream out in
horror at the rat that crossed my feet or near my body
on numerous occassions;

I am Thankful that I have learned how to dodge the
traffic of hundreds just to get to the other side;

I am Thankful that I have learned how to say "no" with authority on the
third try even with the understanding that everyone is just trying to
make a living;

I am Thankful that I have avoided every cow "pile" by
looking down rather than up;

I am Thankful to know that I am not so cheap even
though I am watching my budget (I met one girl with a
$10 day budget and one couple walked out because the
$2 main course meal was just "too expensive");

I am Thankful that my Ipod can block out some of the
noise even if it is for 6 hours;

And for today, my favorite meal day of the year...I am
thankful for Imodium!

In many ways, particularly as I sit at this internet site..alone, I
wish I was there feasting with the family and smiling with the friends..the
things I am most Thankful for!

Wishing everyone a safe and love filled Thanksgiving,

Paulina

I am Thankful that I have convinced myself that the
fog is a romantic mist rather than pollution,
unfortunately my stinging eyes and throat decieve my
whimpsy notion way too often..

I am Thankful for mastering the turkish squat position
even on a moving train (my brother should be
proud)....

I am Thankful that I have gained a sense of patience
and flexibility on this trip or else I wouldn't have experienced half
the enjoyment;

I am Thankful and surprised that I don't scream out in
horror at the rat that crossed my feet or near my body
on numerous occassions;

I am Thankful that I have learned how to dodge the
traffic of hundreds just to get to the other side;

I am Thankful that I have learned how to say "no" with authority on the
third try even with the understanding that everyone is just trying to
make a living;

I am Thankful that I have avoided every cow "pile" by
looking down rather than up;

I am Thankful to know that I am not so cheap even
though I am watching my budget (I met one girl with a
$10 day budget and one couple walked out because the
$2 main course meal was just "too expensive");

I am Thankful that my Ipod can block out some of the
noise even if it is for 6 hours;

And for today, my favorite meal day of the year...I am
thankful for Imodium!

In many ways, particularly as I sit at this internet site..alone, I
wish I was there feasting with the family and smiling with the friends..the
things I am most Thankful for!

Wishing everyone a safe and love filled Thanksgiving,

Paulina