Incredible India indeed.

After 3 weeks predominately in Rajasthan our tour came to a close. Really this was enough and its time to come home dispite the cold temperatures you say. This is a crazy place - constant noise. Traffic, music, people...its truely wears you down.

I do not want to buy tacky tourist gifts or want a ride to a shop of their choosing. If you want me to take your photo, okay, but I cannot take one of each person in the village nor do I carry a suitecase of pens for every child in rural india nor can I support each person begging for money to feed their child or themselves.

The forts and palaces we visited were beautiful and each with their own story and uniqueness. Rajasthan ranges from Desert to mountain to flat farm land. The people are poor even for India standards. Its not uncommon to see working camels hauling grains, building materials and other heavy loads. It is also not uncommon to see cows standing or laying down in the middle of major roads; pigs & dogs rummaging through garbage along with the cows.

People here are superstitous - 7 chiles & a lime on the front door or vehicle to ward off bad luck; as well as tires & black tassels. Foot prints leading into the home, shop or vehicle to bring in good luck.

we saw many wedding parties this week. The groom sits proudly on his decorated horse while the marching band plays and guest dance in the street light by people carrying chandeliers powered by a generator. Later loud roar of fireworks filled the night sky.

We also saw two funeral precesssions - the men carrying the deceased on a board, wrapped in cloth down the street - the women remain at the temple weeping for the dead.

I will be home soon - glad I came and experienced India but greatful to go home to peace and sanity.

Maria