Amritsar

Yesterday we went to the Red Wall which is like a fort/palace and this mosque that I forgot the name of in Old Delhi. They were both built by the same guy that made the Taj Mahal. The mosque was absolutely breath taking. It had huge marble arches and a huge courtyard and water pool that everyone was washing themselves in. We got to go to the very top of a tower in the building and were able to see all of Delhi. It was weird to see such a beautiful building and then look at the slums surrounding it. We also took our first rikshaw ride through the city. It was really fun because we rode through the market and were able to see all the funky shops and bright colors. It was a very relaxing day which we all needed after the jam-packed days we have been having and the intense lack of sleep (the night befor eI only slept for a couple hours as well) Last night we left Delhi and took a night train to Amritsar. The night train wasn't as bad as I thought it would be...the beds were rock solid and stacked on top of one and another and it was kinda loud but I somehow managed to get more sleep there then I did any night in Delhi haha. The most embaressing thing happened to me while I was on a squat toliet on the train (which are basically just holes in the room so you are never supposed to touch the railroad tracks in india..fun fact!) I guess I forgot to fully lock the door and an old woman opened it up and screamed. I am not sure how much of the train saw my butt but we were all joking about whoever did was definetly impressed because it is so pale hahahah. The reason why this is so funny is because India is so conservative towards women. My friend Austim got really sick last night. He ate dinner on the train last night and has been throwing up ever since...the reason why we are able to use the computers is because they have to take him to the doctor. I feel so bad!!! Later today we are going to visit the golden temple and then help wash dishes because everything here is free as long as you help out (plus Peter says it is good Karma!) which I think is really really cool. Then tomorrow we are going to the Pakistan India border for the flag raising ceremony. It is not a dangerous area and it is actually supposed to be alot of fun. They say that there is alot of dancing and fun. My group leader Deb has chilled out a bit since I last wrote to you which is nice. I think she was just suffering from a lack of sleep or something. In a couple of days we are going to go to Dharasmala and do homestays/hindi classes/independent studies.I was thinking about taking Yoga and Jewlary making for my independent study. I haven't been terribly homesick for a while which is good. Of course I still miss you guys but it isnt as bad as it was in the beginning. I think that as long as I can sleep I am happy haha

Lots and Lots of love
miss youuu - Jess