Inscense and patent leather

So yesterday was valentines day in india, and it was a sight to behold. I tried to post yesterday, and it doesnt seem that it worked. if it did and i am repeating myself, i am so sorry, but if not, here is an account of the last few days of my life.
School is different every day, and its really relaxed which is such a plus. I have a regular rickshaw walla who picks me up at 8 and we drive to joannas house to get her. For those of you who are wondering, rickshaws are little three wheeled golfcart like things that make a racket, and dont go faster than 30 km/hr. in fact, none of the traffic goes faster than that. two days ago we walked to a fancy hotel and sat on a bench facing a beautiful courtyard and got drinks. I think it was a beautiful time to decompress and just see a peaceful, very touristy area of india without any harassment. India is so hard to explain, and i am sorry if i am doing a poor job of it. If you can imagine, there are people everywhere, and there is never silence. There are many more men in the city, and especially out in the streets, so most of the time we are being stared at or cat called to. what is funny are the phrases, and some of the things that people will do just to get our phone numbers. The roads are a mix of pavement and dust, and the sidewalks, if they exist, are mostly blown apart and reduced to rubble. The women that are out in the streets wear the most unbelievable colors, and rajasthan is known for its vibrant clothes and jewelry. So mostly it is desert, with really exotic looking plants peeking out from the gardens, and then amazing saris and salwar suits. Other than that, there are dogs and pigs, and cows everywhere, piles of trash line most of the streets, and people tend to use the bathroom wherever they see fit. Everyone spits because everyone chews pan, so the roads have bright red stains all over them. there are beggers and vendors everywhere so it is hard to walk down the street witout being accosted. The other night we were standing waiting for the rickshaw, and were targeted by two small girls. they were beggars and one of them had a fistfull of heart shaped balloons which she used more as a weapon than a selling point. For 20 minutes the girls tried to touch my feet, which, if anyone might already know, made me want to pass out. It was a strange mix of sadness and frustration that this goes on constantly. This country is so beautiful, but so frustrating sometimes!! people never show up on time, and just because I am white, i am immediately expected to pay 6 times the amount that others have to pay, so instead of being able to buy a drink, i have to bargain for a drink. Those of youi with access to a CVS, count your blessings.
The other thing that i am not sure i explained in depth is the indian toilet. It was made very clear from the start that we were no long allowed the luxury of toilet paper, and this includes in homes and in school. The system here is to gracefully spray yourself with a provided hose, and hope for the best. I, having no coordination, tend to walk out a little flustered, and horrifyingly wet. its embarrasing to say the least ,but is the topic of constant conversation among us in the group.
Valentines day was low key, we walked to a little coffee place and got coffee which tasted a lot like india, and not like coffee. everything here takes on a spicy flavor, and the "sweets" are mostly made of milk. we spent a few moments mourning the loss of cheese, wine, and chocolate, which are rare here, and toasted to the romantic holiday. I would sell some of my fingers for a good piece of chocolate, but felt a little better when we climbed into our rickshaw on the way home, and sat on bright blue patent leather seats and rode home in a fog of inscense...i think india is worth it.
anyway, we are heading to the taj mahal this weekend which will be a healthy tourist romp, so i am looking forward to it. i am heading to an indian wedding tonight, so i have to sign off. So much love, and so many thanks for all of the emails and notes. It means the world to me.
I will try and post photos soon, and until then, happy valentines day.