- Honking and headlights flashing should be considered one of the 700 languages of India. One Tuk-Tuk driver explained how you need a good horn, good brakes, and good luck to drive in India. He wasn't kidding, but his list of needs was missing "a good amount of courage".
- Much of what was built by "the Britishers" seems to be going the way of the sidewalks, to rubble and dust.
- Lotus Temple, like the Eiffel Tower, is a feat of architectural innovation. The aesthetics are in the structure, rather than in any decoration.
- Cows wander off in city streets, and their owners do not worry. Apparently, each cow likes to return to its favorite spots and meet up with its closest cow-friends, so they are easy to find if necessary. Traffic just avoids the cows, even if they choose to walk down the middle of the highway or lay down in a busy traffic center. I love it!
- Crossing the street and riding in Tuk-Tuks are best described by two popular video games when I was young: "Frogger" and "Mario Cart". Crossing takes courage at first. Of course, I was eager to try it. Like in the video game, you win by reaching the other side of the road without getting squished. Real life Frogger is fun! As for taking a Tuk-Tuk in India, like Thailand, drivers almost always seem to be in a race. It's silly how fast these little things move. They are not safe at all, but they are thrilling. When you get a real nutbag for a driver with a seriously worn-out Tuk-Tuk, the thrill can quickly turn to holding on for dear life.
One driver in India prompted me to question if he was a genuine psychopath. We had a long trip, and the whole time he drove like there was a pot of gold waiting for the winner of his race with everyone else on the road. He even stared drivers down as he buzzed by them. I'll never forget his face. The risks he took were epic. When we got to our destination, I jumped out and proclaimed in astonishment, "that was awesome!" You don't tip in India, but I tipped him well. I probably encouraged his awful behavior, but I thoroughly enjoyed feeling like Indiana Jones ducking and dodging every boobytrap, just barely escaping. Still, I hope to never get in such a Tuk-Tuk again. That was insane.
- Being a vegan in India is surprisingly easy!
- All of us in the Hostel, our last night in India, decided to check out the night life. We went dancing as a large group, and all was fun until five different Indian girls wound up unconscious and throwing up. My travel companion has a medical background, so he and I helped. I cleaned the girls up while he made sure they were not in any danger. Their heart rates were normal, and their pupils were not strange either. So, we left with questions as to how five young women in separate groups of friends could all wind up so drunk. This is a reminder of why I do not drink and travel.
- ATM's are empty. Good luck finding one with cash in it, hooked up properly, or takes your card. Tourists are not the only ones struggling. You see the locals frustrated as well. It is a pretty serious issue here.
- Monkey Temple has 2,000 monkeys. Many of which have babies this time of year. They constantly jump on you and try to steal your things. The young ones are less aggressive, so they pretend to cry for treats. All are spoiled monkeys!
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