Day 12

Day 12

June 4, 2011

Weekends seem to just fly by so quickly when you are here. I think it is because during the weeks it can be overwhelming to complete certain tasks as well as to see such sites that pictures can do no justice. The weekends thus far have been a chance to get out and explore the areas close by and just take the time to have fun with friends and explore. Today was another great adventure that will be remembered. We took a rickshaw to Charminar which is the historic gateway into the city of Hyderabad. It was definitely more or a touristy sorta thing, but something definitely worth seeing if you are in the area. Charminar makes its presence known way above the city skyline. After you pay you rupees you are allowed to walk up into the arches and see the city from a whole new perspective and admire the architecture. We waked through the different bazaars and shops. Although we didn’t want to pay to go into the mosque and palace we still had the chance to peek in past the gate. Hyderabad itself was hustling and bustling on the streets today. Most of the people there were tourists native to India, but apparently some were amazed by the site of seeing a white person. We were asked to pose in pictures and I think by now we’re becoming immune to the stares. Hyderabad is also a primarily muslim… I don’t know how the women do it being covered head to toe in black sheets and not sweating to death…However at the same time for once in my life I wouldn’t mind wearing one of those while walking along the streets. You never realize how irritating it can be to be judged or admired for your skin color or what you look like until you go to a place like India.

After that we met up with some more of our friends at city central to decide on dinner plans. We finally came to a place that was highly recommended by the Hyderabad post. It did not disappoint. It was so nice to have good Indian food at an amazing price. We all decide on a couple of dishes and split them. In total including bottled water, appetizers, main course, and dessert in came to 250 Rupees each… that breaks down to about 4 dollars. The best part of the night though was our rickshaw ride on the way back to base. It is always a hassle trying to bargain with these guys and Indian traffic is crazy to begin with. For whatever reason they wanted to split us up into two autos when we were content with squeezing into one. It turned out our drivers had no clue where they were going and they also happened to be the craziest drivers ever! The whole ordeal turned into a rickshaw race. It was so much fun! I took a video of it all but I have decided not to show anyone until I get home so I don’t worry my mom too much! What ended happening though is that we ran into another rickshaw and almost hit pedestrians… the funny thing though is that this is normal for India. Although I am very happy to be alive after tonight it is moments and laughs with friends like this that I will never forget. God strategically placed all these great people in my life! I feel so lucky to be able to share this experience with them. When the time comes to go home having them to talk to will help ease the culture shock a bit or so I hope. I hate the thought of all of us having to depart to different areas of the world when it is time to go home.