I have only about a week left here.  This is my last week of classes; I leave next Thursday for Delhi and Bangalore.  I have picked up private Hindi lessons with my tailor’s daughter, they have been going well and really helped my conversation because she tells me what people actually say versus what is written in my textbook. 

This past Sunday was a Hindu holiday.  The god Shiva’s wedding anniversary was on Saturday, so the temple in Landour had a celebration on Sunday.  Some of us decided to go.  It was a huge feast. We all sat on the floor cross-legged on these long narrow carpets while volunteers came and slopped food on our plates.  It felt like I was at the Golden Temple, just on a much smaller scale, and of course here they weren’t used to seeing foreigners.  I was happy that I went with two Indian friends, so I didn’t feel too out of place.  People of all religions are welcome; the food is prepared by volunteers and served by them as well. In fact, one of the girls I was with is Hindu and wanted to help after we ate so we waited for her in the sweet shop around the corner while she served rice for a while.  The food was great and it was a nice way to spend my Sunday. I had forgotten how hard it is to eat soupy dhal and rice with my fingers…   

The weather has been exceptionally wonderful.  I have seen sunshine for the past two days.  It doesn’t last long before the clouds and fog roll back in, but it’s nice nonetheless.  I’m hoping the truly heavy rains will continue to hold off until I am out of here on the 11^th. Wishful thinking I’m afraid.