Merry christmas!

Hello all!

I know I haven't been posting much, it's hard to find reliable internet cafes.

I am spending christmas in Goa, today. it was 39 degrees, clear skies, beautiful, and laurel and i celebrated by going parasailing and sitting on the beach with a little swimming. It was very nice.

I have to admit, i am getting a little homesick. I was chatting with mum on the phone last night and she was telling me about all the festivities and the preparations for dinner and stuff, and i got a little teary eyed.You find out how much you take for granted when you're not there for things like christmas. Mind you, it's nice being in a hot place, but i would almost forego the hot weather for just the one day with the family. I never thought i would say it, but i actually miss doing the christmas chores, because i know they result in a lovely meal with the people you care most about.

I'm glad i get to spend the holidays with Laurel, though. We're really having a fabulous time together, we get along so well. With our weird quirks and dorky jokes, we make the perfect pair. :)

I miss everyone lots. We had a phenomenal christmas dinner last night - a mixed tandoori grill with curries and rice and salad. it was the best meal we have had so far i think.

Goa is fabulous. Very different drom delhi. You can wear a sundress and get oggled at probably 75% less. Lets be honest though, we're still in India, there is an inevitable amount of oggling that will go on. It's very laid back, very relaxed. No one is in a rush to do anything. The architechture here is very neat, you can definitely see the influence of portugese imperialism. Interesting!

The people here are very kind, but both Laurel and I are having a hard time letting our 'Delhi Guard' down. You can never tell if someone really means 'hey how are you' or if they have alterior motives. In delhi it's always the former, but in Goa we have found that the people here are just genuinely interested in how you are.

We are constantly getting mistaken for English. That is the first question we're asked as soon as we hit the beach. Actually, second. "Would you like a nice sunbed!?" "No" "Where are you from? England!?" "No" Pretty much the extent of the beach conversation. The food here is really tasty. Lots of curries and rice. DELICIOUS! i am worried i am going to be a food snob (moreso than i am now, if thats possible) when i come home. Everything here is so flavourful. I can understand why so many indians find other types of cuisines flavourless.

We leave here in two days. We're back in delhi for one night and then we are going to take a train to the city of Amritsar, which is the Seik capital of the world. They have the Golden Temple, which is the 'hub' so to speak of the whole religion. Very cool. HEre's a link. :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Temple

After Amristar we are heading up to Dharamsala for a couple days - really looking forward to it.

I think it is safe to say i have the travel bug. I want to travel the whole world. It's crazy, I mean i have always said i want to travel, but after taking a big trip like this you start to understand what traveling does to you - how it can change your whole outlook on life, and shape the person that you are.


Hope the christmas season is treating everyone well, hope everyone is relaxing and taking it easy. I know my hardest decision i made today was whether i wanted a fresh lime soda or a sweet lassi. Tough tough tough.

Lots of love to everyone. I don't know if i will be able to post again, so if not, happy new year! I hope that this year turns hopes and dreams into reality for everyone!!

LOVELOVELOVELOVE!!