The latest adventures

So after we left the airport, I experienced driving in India for the first time. His dad had hired a driver who must have been highly skilled because believe me, it takes SKILL to drive in India. The only word I have  to describe the streets of India is Chaos! There are cars and motor bikes going in every direction and there is constant honking. People in India use their horns to prevent accidents and to let people know of their existence on the streets. Driving in India is very stressful and is a headache trigger unless of course you are use to it.

The kids were so excited because they didn't have to wear seat belts. Kids don't wear seat belts here and are often seen clinging on to their parents while riding on the back of a motor bike. Yesterday I saw a small child sleeping on it's Mother's lab who was riding on the back of a motor bike. It is difficult to imagine being able to sleep on the chaotic streets of India but I guess if you are use to it then it's just normal. Wow! When we got to Paul's parents house it was something like what I had imagined. They have beautiful marble floors, granite countertops and cupboards made of Teak wood which is very expensive here. However, it did not take long to be greeted by a variety of bugs and insects that live inside the house including: ants, slugs, cockroaches, dragon flies, mosquitos etc. It feels kind of like camping. One priceless moment was a good morning greeting by a slug slivering down the kitchen wall. It was 4:00 in the morning and I made Paul wake up to remove it. He went into the other area of the kitchen and was greeted by some other creatures which set both of our days off on a different note lol. We spent the entire day cleaning out his parent's kitchen and pantry. Part of it is that his parents are old and that they do not have reliable maids but living in the middle of a hot jungle and leaving the windows open all the time is sure to bring many creatures inside the house. People don't have AC here and if they do, it is only in one room. Power is a hot commodity and every night the electricity goes out for half an hour so that there can be enough power for everyone in the town. I am doing ok with all of this but there have been moments where I really crave a clean nice bathroom and a salted caramel late : ) . There is a real raw beauty about the landscape and city here. It's beautiful and ugly in a way you have never imagined. The people are very passionate and expressive and the culture is rich and warm. It's definitely fascinating experiencing the culture firsthand and helping me to put the Paul puzzle together lol : )