greetings

We're in Kathmandu right now.  It's been a really long few days.  Too much really to write it all here.  We're all keeping journals and taking pictures.  Everyday has been packed with activity and new experiences.  It's amazing.

Longest flight of my life.  13hrs to tapei and then 6 more to delhi.  The first day in delhi i was on my own and at the mercy of this crazy place.  Most people that we're friendly and wanted conversation were really looking for something more ($$$).  Can't blame people though.  Even though I feel like a poor student, I have so much more than almost everyone here. 

The sights, sounds, and smells are overwhelming.  There are so many people living so close together.  We're very far removed from the struggle for survival where I'm from, but here people are just trying to live.  Things are generally less expensive here.  $1 US is equal to around 42 rupees.  The average income is around $700 a year.  Thats less t han a few bucks a day. 

I walked about a mile to the national museum wuth my huge ass backpack.  saw beautiful sculptures from india's history.  really cool.

Its really hot.  One day in Delhi was at 110 F for sure.  The hotel I stayed in the first night was Rs 200, less than $5, and I loved it.  It was great.  I met some interesting people, and got up at sunrise to walk around and take pictures.  Turning a corner in an alleyway I came face to face with a cow the same height I am and was very surprised. 

The traffic here is intense.  So many people going all over the place in every type of vehicle imaginable.  It's truly wild.  We begin our race at 12 noon tomorrow, and its going to be a challenge for sure.

I met sonny and brian at the airport the next day. It was really great to see them.  we stayed with sonny's cousin pooja and her husband asheesh in a beautiful home in the suburb of gurgaon outside of delhi.  this house was extremely ballin.  they treat guests here like family and we were given very nice treatment.  we visited sights of historical interest, went to bazaars where we were hasseled pretty much incessently, and ate indian food that is infinately better than the substitutes back home.  and i love indian food back home.

there really is too much to put down in this blog.  i already have TONS of stories to tell you all when i get back.  hopefully we'll start updating more often and when we're not as tired to paint a more vibrant picture of our journey.  we just got done with a party before the race.  the other teams that we've met are really cool.  theyre from all over the place and all have the same mentality we do.  adventurous and fun-loving.  the pictures so far have been great and we'll upload if/when possible.

really, you have to come and see these places for yourself.  they're mind-blowing.

much love to everyone.  you are on my mind often.  just so you know the time difference here is 12.5 hours ahead.

comment if you want any particular gifts.  they have really awesome crap here.

allen