Temples, tattoos, and time management probems

My father woke me up this morning when he got up to do his yoga- 5:30. Needless to say, I was not happy about this. I promptly went back to sleep and my mother then awakened me at 7:40 ish. Shower time. Or... time to figure out the hot water heater and the shower.

I will give you a lesson. (Montessori method- hello)

First you turn on the switch at the outlet. When you flip it on the light should glow orange. Next, wait for about 20 minutes for the water to warm up. After 20 or so minutes, you can step into the shower- or into the bathroom. Turn the water nozzle labeled "H" and wait about a minute. Check the temperature with your hand. If it is still ice cold go see your host. If it is burning your skin because it is really hot turn the wheel labeled "C" until the water feels "just right."

{ Side effects may occur. India's shower system is not for everyone. Please stop reading this and cosult your local doctor should harsh reactions come from these directions. }

Anyway. Once we figured that out - my mother had to consult our host- it was breakfast time. Toast, potatoes (kind of like hash browns) and an omelet for each of us.

Then off in the little cars we went. Very long drive (country roads - for india anyway) through lots of jungle area.

We finally arrived. Guess where? Our driver's storage manufacturing plant. My first reaction: Oh. Um. Great? But it was pretty cool. We got to see how different factories are in India compared to the US. This plant made storage units- for example cabinets and industrial shelving for businesses and homes. The main thing that made our whole team take a double take were their feet. Most all of the workers wore flip-flops. They also wore no hearing protection and no helments. "Wow..."

Then we were supposed to go to a mueseum, but since it was Saturday, it was closed. It looked nice from the outside though.

Back on the road for a while until we came to a farm. Plantation type A. They grow all sorts of vegetables and about every single variety of mango that there is. We also got to go on the roof of the house to see a grad view of the farm. Pretty neat, but I think I'm farmed out now.

Next was lunch. Inside = fans or air condition which then = heaven. The place mats there had a commercial for Thumb's Up soda (google it) with pictures of food from all over the world. So, we were all excited for some grilled cheese and french fries. When the indian rice and sauces came out it was a pretty big let down. Haha.

Our ride had to travel to another part of india to visit with his 5-day old grandson. So, we rode to Dr. Nilax's clinic with someone else.

We went to Dr. Nilax's clinic for.... Henna tattoos!! I got a band around my arm and a more elaborate design on my ankle. My mother, however, went for the whole hand-arm design. I'm surprized people aren't asking her if she's getting married. :P

Once we got home we were then transported to a PDC of Innerwheel's home. And her husband (of course.) A delightful little man who calls me "My dear" and is so very, very gracious and respectful to everyone. Oh. And by the way- we went. to have...tea. Brittish influence? Check.

His wife, was also a very wonderful and nice lady. And yes, we did in fact have tea. Tea and cookies (biscuits in england). Also some wierd rice and potato dish- don't know what else but it was fabulous. Well, we had a short visit- took lots of photos and toured their 100 year old house. I've also been invited to come stay with them for a month- them along with 4 other families. :)

We hurried home in time to meet the rest of our group and get in cars to go to the beach. Only then, we didn't go to the beach. We went to another temple. *sigh* Temples are great, really pretty, super nice. But we have seen so many temples...

Anyway. Rreally pretty and some great gardens and fountains (which they turned on for us, even though it's their winter- no rain season). Then we went to the beach, even though it was allready dark. My camera was crap at night shots, but I think Annie got some good pictures.

Tonight's dinner thing event was at our host's house. My "mom" was cooking and preparing food all day. Well...almost all day. But the nice thing was that she made things more western. So, we were more accustomed to them and we were all very, VERY grateful. I need a lot of recipes for indian-changed western food now. :)

So, then we watched Dance India Dance again tonight. Apparently it comes on every night there. I don't know. But it was still great.

Lights out, campers. G'night.