The Eagle Has Landed

It's been a minute, I admit. The only thing I forgot to bring with me to India was the camera to computer cable, which means that for the time being, this blog will be pictureless. I expect to replace it within the next week or so, so just keep checking back for photos. They are worth a look.
My situation in India is different than expected. I will be staying with the same host family for the entire year, and there are no other exchange students in the entire "city" Luckily, my host family is very patient and generous. I don't think that living with them for a year will be a problem.
The poverty in India is staggering. As told to me by my host father, Laxmikaant, "the cheapest thing in India is a person"-- which might explain how we have 10 servants. In Maharashtra, the wealthiest state, you can hire somebody for a full day of work for 50Rs, or $1. As you go further east and India gets poorer, people cost a mere 25Rs per day.
I spent yesterday at the temple to Sai Baba and then with H.H. Sri Sri Sri Vidyanarayana Thirtha Swaminaha, a Hindu guru, or living saint. He spoke to me in a very soft voice about how observant Americans were and about the virtues of simplicity in life and religion. He gave me a large yellow cloth to symbolize friendship and told me to come back to his ashram to ask and answer life questions. It's difficult to describe how special the whole meeting was, but I am as close to accepting religion now as I've ever been. As religions go, I really like Hinduism's emphasis on individuality and letting others practice as they wish. Everyone is deeply religious, but the tenets of Hinduism are very livable:

Don't harm others, including animals (this is why my family is completely vegetarian).

Do not interfere with other's religion.

Guests should be treated like a god. (cha-ching)

A close family is crucial to a happy life.

I'm sure I'm missing some things, but I'll fill you in as I find out. Other than my underlying anxiety and discomfort, things are going terrifically. I'm told that I'll get happier in time. It's probably true. If nothing else, my life in India is interesting. Of course, there is no effective distraction to loneliness. But I don't want to worry anyone, things should get better (Meaning, I will find some loophole to the stringent dating restrictions and preference to arranged marriages in India.) Until later.

That's Chiclet. Like everyone else I know, I won't be seeing her for at least another year. I guess while I'm stateside it's only natural that I dwell on missing my life in Jersey, but I expect to get happily distracted once I leave for India.
Beach week just ended and was a solid finale to senior year, complete with teenage debauchery, Sleazside Heights, and enough light beer to fill a lake. I'm doing my best to cram in my summer fun before I leave on the 15th of July, which only gives me 12 more days. So far, so good. I plan to hike solo in New Hampshire sometime soon and nab a few White Mountain peaks before it's too late. I basically view the trip as my one-man, mountain-conquering Goodbye America tour. Hiking on the Appalachian Trail is about the most American thing I can do short of eating McDonalds while watching Nascar on the 4th of July. Besides, a cracker needs some open space after all this time in suburbia.
I'll do my best to keep this blog loaded with interesting pictures while I'm gone, but be warned that I have a habit of prefering to remember things than to document them. Really, nobody likes the kid at the party who stops you mid laugh to take a picture. Sorry, kid--I know you mean well.