I’m leaving India tonight at 2:15am. I am very sad to be going. For Bombay, I’ve only begun to begin to know the city. And it’s a great city to know. Really bizarre and rich. I wish I could figure out how to get NDTV and the Times of India in the US. I’m very involved in tracking several news stories right now. Outlawing Dance Hall Girls (not even strippers–they just dance!), Outlawing Plastic Bags (the cause of the monsoon devestation) and the Buildings That Keep Falling Down (3 in the last two days). And for India–I haven’t figured all that out yet. I know I want to come back. And I’ve pretty much planned the trip out.

I understand now (and for the first time) why someone would want to get a tattoo. I feel like something in me changed, and I wish there were an external sign that it had happened. Right now all I have is an allergic rash, weight loss, and a sunburn. Wouldn’t a Ganesh or OM across the forehead be a clearer signal? Alas, with blood-borne diseases and poor hygenic conditions here, it probably won’t happen. But now I understand.

I’ve got to go buy another suitcase for all the stuff I bought. I’m not going to pay more than 700 ru for it (he’s asking 900–I’ve been scoping it out).

I know I have more India stories waiting to bubble up to the top, and I intend to use this format to continue “processing” my trip. Be forewarned.

Now, of course, for those of you interested in the next adventure…to Mississippi!! I’ll be driving cross-(half the) country with my White German Shepherd, Max, starting on Saturday. We’re headed for Columbus, and I start at Mississippi State University on Thursday, the 1st. One week away!

ACP