We decided that we just couldn't hack the four days by train and 24 hours by bus that it would take for us to get to Kathmandu from the south. So today we splurged and bought plane tickets for a flight from Bangalore to Kathmandu. We'll leave India on September 1st and... we're pretty enthusiastic about it.
I must say though, India is growing on us. Despite insect wings found in train desserts, pollution, and crabby touts, there is something about this place that is intriguing and beautiful. We have found that the south is much easier to digest than the north. The people here are more laid-back.
I never did mention the way women dress in this country but I think it is worth noting. There really is no Western-influence in terms of dress here. Women are always seen wearing their salwar kameez and saris. Trish commented about this saying that it's like India is its own little world, separate from the other Asian countries that have been so heavily influenced by the west. Safeena said that India could be called "The USA of Asia" because it is so disconnected and uninterested with what's going on outside its borders, culturally speaking. Coca-cola and Pepsi signs painted on people's homes but signs for Mirinda and Limca sodas are just as plentiful. Also, we have seen one (just one!) McDonald's. These are just about the only American things we have seen here (aside from people). Men dress in khakis and "polo" shirts but still remain rather traditional looking. Here in the south, women are often in traditional dress but also wear colourful, shorter dresses with puffy sleeves and bunches of jasmine flowers in their hair.
It's been raining steady almost all day. We're going to rustle up some grub and then retire to our room (a German couple moved in next door, so maybe we'll chat with them awhile).
tothesea,
k&m