9/20/97 (D4)
Venturing Out with Fellow Travelers
Well, last night I ventured out with a few of the travelers who are staying here at the Sunny Guest Hotel. We went for a meal… (Ham Sandwich!) I guess I’m just taking it easy with trying new foods. After dinner, we moved to a bar and had a few Black Label beers. The conversation was excellent. Before and after, the buzz was apparent. It seemed to be strong beer, but I didn’t feel drunk. I guess I’m so high from being alive that I couldn’t tell. I could tell this morning, though! Since I had a headache, sleeping was difficult. Plus, I had slept all day yesterday… maybe the time change too. I think I’ll sleep like a baby tonight.
It’s funny; I find that I don’t have to talk about my feelings or my inner self here because everyone feels similar. Kind of like… is this reality, or am I dreaming?
Morning Conversations and a Post Office Trip
This morning, I was talking with an American guy who got back from hiking in the mountains of Pakistan while a European guy sang a song about “Cheese on Toast.” It was a very catchy tune and made me feel better about my food choices.
The American said he was going to the post office, so I asked if I could follow him. He said, “You don’t have to follow me; you can come with me.” I told him I want to follow him so I could feel like I was alone. He looked at me and shrugged his shoulders… “Sure, man, whatever you want. I’m leaving in 5.” It was a quick trip but productive. I followed 20 or so feet behind him. I felt like a little bit of a dink, but I think it gave me confidence because… I left the protection of my home alone later on and walked around Connaught Place.
Man, is it fun being hassled and approached. I saw my first and last cobra being seduced out of a basket today. I just don’t find it worth the 20 rupees. But really, it’s not a big deal. Beautiful snake though… I prefer to see it in a basket, thank you!
Reflecting on the Amazing Place and Its People
I can’t describe how amazing this place is.
The children are just like little people; they seem like they have an adultness about them that I can’t explain… maybe it’s the confidence they have in the way they approach people for money. It was hard not to think negatively about their future. Then again, who am I to say that? I guess it’s my first thought when I see them and watch them working the crowds. It doesn’t upset me that much, be it good or bad, it just doesn’t. What’s wrong with me? I think I need to slow down a bit and let my thoughts and feelings catch up with my eyes.
Meeting College Students
As I walked around and familiarized myself with my surroundings, I was ‘finally’ approached by two college students who were curious about me. I’m sure I stuck out like a sore thumb. But the whole experience was interesting. I’ve never been stalked before, so it felt like a weird game of hide and seek. I felt like I was in a spy movie pretending not to notice the person following me.
I wonder if this is what it’s like being famous. You walk around living your life as people stare at you and watch your every move. I finally stopped, looked at them, and smiled. They walked through the crowded streets and introduced themselves. We talked for a few minutes, then walked around talking a little. It was very nice. They were well-mannered and intelligent. He was handsome, and she was pretty, and they wanted to write to me in the USA, so I gave them my address.
Exploring Temples and Gaining a New Friendship
We dropped the girl off at her class and continued walking the streets, learning about different temples and prayer buildings. We gave a prayer and a donation in a small Buddhist temple. We spoke a bit about the Hindu religion… a bit more than what I read in the Lonely P. Then out of the blue, the boy… I guess he’s not a boy since he said he was 19… gave me a gift of friendship (a calculator). I didn’t want to take it… I actually felt uncomfortable doing it, but something told me it would be more insulting to say no than my feeling of uncomfortableness taking it. So, I thanked him with a nice handshake and a big appreciative thank you.
Digesting the Day
We parted ways a little bit after, as I got tired. The sun was very hot, my jet lag is strong, and I was ready to sit and hang in the chairs at Sunny’s and digest my day. It was nice to feel free. I’m getting better at saying no, which is something you must be good at… it’s all fun and games until you give all your money away. I don’t know how I feel about venturing out on my own, but I’m very excited about trying.