Curry on my Wayward Son...

Well, I am happy that two of us got to experience an "Indian birthday." Lol.

I hope that Joe enjoyed his special day, one of which that started interestingly. I woke up early yesterday to buy Joe some syrup that could go with his pancakes that we were planning to make for him. I knew he would appreciate that, so I began on a morning run about a half a mile down the road to a nearby store called "Dreams." (p.s. that store has everything!!!)

We had saw syrup in there before, so I thought it would be an easy pick-up at about 8:30 a.m. Well, my joyous run was cut short at the appearance of shutters that covered the store. It was closed. 

Joy.

As a theme of this trip, I had to improvise. I decided to enjoy a walk back in the other direction to another nearby store, because I had to get something or the trip would be wasted. This store called "Queens" was quaint and I crossed my fingers for Maple Syrup. Well, I found syrup ...just not maple. 

I found chocolate!!!

I grabbed that along with a few candy bars and a mango juice for Joe. I ran back to be discreet, but by this point, I believe that Joe was already awake. haha Oh well...

I had enough time to place everything on the table only to discover that Michele and Annie had bought similar candies and juice for Joe as well. Haha. Joe got a double dose and enough chocolate to have for the duration of the trip.

The rest of the day was filled with quick trips to pick up the cake with our friend Bhumika and failed plans to surprise him with a game of Badminton at the nearby gym called "Marena." haha.

We wrapped up the day at Joe's favorite place of Spice 'n Ice and a night cap at Hideout. 

It as if time has just flown by....

Two months ago, we arrived in Mangalore for what seemed would be an extensive time: two months! In that two months were eight weeks and weekends that would would soak up a host of time. Since I have not studied abroad, those eight weeks would be the longest time and farthest distance I have spent away from home; however, those weeks have dwindled down to just 6 days...

I can't speak for everyone else on this trip, but this experience has definitely not always been easy. There have been extremely tough moments as well as moments of bliss. I have discovered so much about myself and have had to confront unbeknownst weaknesses. I cannot speak from a retrospective just yet, but what I can say is that I would not trade this experience for the world.

The thought of traveling to Goa definitely enabled me to imagine a picturesque get away perched on a resort that would seem misplaced in a country like India...

Well...Goa was definitely fun, relaxing, and enjoyable but nothing like I pictured. 

When we first arrived the train station, we were thrilled to anxiously await our late train for what seemed as the longest 45 minutes of our life. Nevertheless, we hopped aboard our car that was entitled "AC 2-tier (two tier means that the train had bunkers above the seats for sleeping)" to began the four hour journey to Goa. To our surprise, we were all able to sit in a cabin together, despite our assigned seats, where we could face each other for the journey. Finally, we got settled and looked out the window to find the a gift from God: an OUTLET. Yes, folks. This meant we could plug in our portable Wi-Fi named "Tata" for the journey. Essentially, the trip was made right there.

Upon our arrival, we had to take a Government Taxi to the hotel, which was about thirty minutes away. (Government Taxi meant that we would not get ripped off with an absurd rate, as it is regulated by the government.) So we hopped in the Sedan to be whisked away. However, that car ride might have been the MOST stressful ride I have ever taken. The driver was like a NASCAR driver trying to win the 500. We charged the meandering roads without brakes or warnings, speeding through blind turns, and almost meeting opposite traffic head first. I believe I was the only one bothered by this, but I made sure to hop out of that car, and thank God for keeping me alive!

The Ramada appeared lovely and inviting at first glance, and it was. We were greeted with juice and warm smiles, but that experience was short lived. Checking in at the front counter our passports were demanded without notice. Of course, none of us thought to bring our passports. We conveniently thought our driver licenses would suffice, but we were wrong. The next fifteen minutes would consists of us arguing with management to accept our driver licenses, and us reasoning with them that we had legitimate passports. Our juice became more therapeutic than enjoyable...

Falls hurt stay alert.

Stairway is the healthyway.

Safety is the only way of life.

You thought my bday was just one day?! Actually it is the whole week. haha jk.

This weekend we will travel to Goa, which is the most famous beach resort in all of India. Although it is rainy season here, we could not turn down the opportunity to visit this pace. We are excited to have nice accommodations, touch the Arabian sea, and experience Indian nightlife!!!!!