It is amazing how one's environment can change so radically, yet their level of work remain the same. Classes began yesterday and I already have enough work to keep me busy all night and all day (its like I never left my apartment in Ann Arbor if you just think about books and dictonaries.) There is relatively easy access to the internet, so my usual procrastination techniques are also available. There is also a mall relatively close to my school, and I have been there quite a bit lately. This is mostly because the mall is air conditioned and I can buy clothes without having to bargain. I enjoy bargaining, but no matter what, you are told after that you paid too much (kinda like buying a new car) and sometimes, especially after 5 hours at school, bargaining is a little overwhelming and taxing on the soul. The mall also has a cafe and there you can get as close to a cup of coffee as I have found in India. I am currently on the (not very fruitful) search for a french press, if I find that (keep your fingers crossed), then I get to start looking for coffee beans. It is funny how much I enjoy coffee and how coffee powder just doesn't seem to be doing the job.
Classes are pretty good and I think I am getting better at understanding Urdu and speaking Urdu, although I still have a long way to go. Free time has been quite enjoyable, too, and I have done some very interesting things. Most of these interesting things revolve around shopping for clothes, but I hope that I now have enough conservative Indian outfits to last the summer and can take a break from clothing buying. The clothes are amazingly important on how people talk to you and react to you. Yesterday, I wore a long skirt that I brought from America. I guess it looks a little bit like a sari petticoat, and two different women stopped me and asked me (basically) why I was outside in my underwear. :)
On Sunday, two friends and I went to an older part of Lucknow and looked around the bazaar. It was beatiful, with vendors selling many wonderful items, narrow streets, unique homes, and nice people. While we were there, the monsoon rains (finally) came and we got very wet riding on the bicycle rickshaw back to the house. The rains have cooled the weather a little and everyone seems to be in a carefree mood.
I miss you all a lot and think about you often. The next time it doesn't rain, I am going to bring my computer to school to post my pictures, so keep an eye out.
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