One-month anniversary

I can’t believe it, but as of yesterday (Thursday) I’ve been living in Bangalore for an entire month! Easily the quickest month of my life by far. It honestly feels like I just arrived last week, but when I stop to think about it I’ve experienced so much and learned such a great deal about not only this country and its culture, but about people and life in general. I don’t want to get too philosophical on you guys, but it’s amazing just to think about all the food I’ve eaten in the last month that I probably never would have experienced had I not come here. It’s those little things that keep this whole experience interesting.

Speaking of good meals, I went out last night to a restaurant called Sunny’s. Whoa! Really incredible food!!! I felt like a baller and was trying to impress my friend so I opted for the imported bottle of wine, we had appetizers and deserts and the whole thing ran about Rs. 1800. Not bad, eh? I promise a meal at this restaurant to anyone who actually comes here to visit me. If anyone actually comes and visits me here I’ll buy them much more than this meal, but let’s just be realistic…that’s not gonna happen. A few nights ago I went to an Afghani restaurant called Samarkand. Interesting place with an authentic Afghani atmosphere, caves and all. I’m not kidding. The wait staff wore traditional Afghani garb that will be giving me nightmares for months. I didn’t think I’d like it, but I’ll surely go back there. Here are a few pictures of that night:

Prakash and Winnie

Josh, Pete and my hand, appropriatly enough holding a glass of wine.
Two new guys showed up last night. Juan from Harvard and Scott MacPherson Stapleton from Georgetown. They didn’t get in till pretty late, but we were all hanging out in Winnie’s apt anyway so we just waited up for them. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, really impressed with every single person that has come out here. By the way, here is a picture of Pete and Laura on the bus ride home after getting doused by a torrential downpour. Welcome to India!!!

Also a picture of me being very wet, cold and hungry. Are we having fun yet?!

Today at 2:00 we all get in our car and head to Hampi. I guess it’s about an 8 hour drive to Chikmangalur, where we’ll be staying in the Taj and then doing some sightseeing on our way to Hampi. I really have no clue what to expect, but it’ll be interesting to see more of the country. I’ll make sure Winnie takes plenty of pictures so I can post them when I get back. The government has clearly confiscated my pants, shoes and digital camera. Sonofabitch!