My New Indian Family

It's been a busy crazy time here since I last posted, which I guess might explain the long absence.  We have some great friends over here, and last Saturday night we had them over for dinner and just a fine time hanging out and laughing and dancing: Indian style.  According to Prem, in order for someone new to join into the group they have to dance.  I don't know whether he was pulling my leg or not, but either way, my two left feet just had to join in.  For those wondering, there are no pictures of me, but there might be some video hiding on my camera somewhere. . . . Below are some pictures of our good time:

This is the whole group, all of Prem's family, along with Courtney, Lindsey, Eric, Travis, and myself.  Needless to say it was a little crowded in the small living room.  But that didn't stop the fun!

After this great time it seemed that nothing could stop the fun, and I guess I was partially right.  My friends had to travel back to Delhi, and since we couldn't get train tickets, we just got a taxi.  We were supposed to leave Sunday night at midnight and they would have us there by 8 AM on Monday.  Well, we didn't count on a taxi experience that was something like a cross between NASCAR and Times Square at New Years.  Lets just leave it at what was supposed to be a 7-8 hour ride only took us 5. And I didn't sleep a wink.  Fortunately, we did arrive safely.  Oh, and for those who think that summer has not arrived yet, you should visit Delhi.  That might be one of the hottest, driest, dustiest places that I have ever visited.  I think the high got up to 107 or 108 yesterday, and a sign said it was still 99 at 9:30 PM last night.

But to make up for it, we leave in the morning for a nice little getaway.  Eric, Travis, our friend Prem, and I will be leaving tomorrow to go up to Gangotri to trek to the Gamukh glacier, which might be better known as the source of the Ganges River.  And the weather will be completely opposite of Delhi.  As far as we know, the highs are forecasted for the upper 30's with a slight chance of snow.  We will be up into the real Himalaya Mountains by that time, and should hike starting around 10,000 feet right up to around 14,000 feet at Tapovon, which will be one of our overnight stops.  We are all looking forward to this trip before the rest of the team arrives.

Because of this, it will be a few days before I will be able to post back on here, but when I am back I should have some spectacular pictures to share.

Till next time,
Josh