A massage, a shower ...

This morning, Michael and I went to a reasonably priced mini-spa to get a fantastic massage and genuine shower with hot water that runs nonstop. I was also treated to a steam bath to help clear out my lungs from whatever condition my sinus infection has turned into.
Our first real (for us) shower in about three weeks.
I believe I made inappropriate noises as I scrubbed my hair and other essentials.
Ah!
That will probably be our last until we arrive home next weekend.
Then I got the three of us - Michael, me and our driver Singh, treats from Evergreen Sweets - great dessert stuff, small portions and not too sweet!
This is Singh. He loves kids. He has three of his own with remarkable age separations - 38, 23 and 12.
Then we're off to an exhibit of a 23-foot iron cast pilar that was made about 400 BC - that has *never* rusted. Pretty amazing.
It's part of an exhibition of ancient ruins from the Indian Valley associated with mosques, including a 238-foot tall sandstone tower with inscriptions at all five levels.
The collection of ruins of the Qutb Minar is protected as international historic heritage - preserved and protected by international law.
We also stopped at the Lotus House of Worship of the Baha'i faith, which is memorable and profoundly spiritual. Baha'i faith includes the equality of men and women, religion working with science rather than opposing it and other very progressive points of view, considering it is 157 years old. I covered stories when I was a TV journalist of Baha'i believers who escaped Iran and Iraq because they were being persecuted and even killed for their belief in equality of humankind. Very loving, courageous people.
Inside the House of Worship, it is beautiful, bright, and glowing with powerful spiritual energy. One must be silent upon entering, wearing neither shoes nor socks, and remain silent until you leave. A memorable visit, and one I made with a 12-year old Indian boy - the son of our driver. We actually had an adventure as well as sharing a very tender spiritual experience inside the temple.
Tomorrow we head to the Red Fort - where the constitution was signed in 1950 for the New Republic, then to the Taj (we know each other so well by now, I call it the Taj rather than the Taj Mahal)...
Here are a few photos Michael took of a village near the Rai School for Girls.

New Republic Day

A day I shall never forget.
New Republic Day is one of only three national holidays in India.
It is the celebration of the newly established constitution of India, the largest democracy in the world (currently 1.1 billion people population) as of its implimentation January 26, 1950.
If you are not familiar with the history of India, it would be time well spent to learn about the extraordinary abuses and indignations suffered by its peoples over the centuries at the hands of Great Britain, the Catholic Church and others they overcame, as well as an historical page mirroring the US past - turning on each other.
To think that out of that vast and tumultuous history comes a *democracy* thrills all political scholars. Can it be done? All that freedom with the most diverse population of any nation in the world? All those languages? All those points of view? All the dysfunction that preceded the establishment of the New Republic?
Tuesday evening, January 25, Michael and I arrived at the Rai School for Girls. We wanted to be there in time to enjoy the civic celebration the next day that they had been preparing for weeks. Music, dance, some speeches, awards and more. It was going to be a joy to behold.
As we ate dinner, Michael read the program for the next day's ceremonies.
"Oh, look at this. You're speaking," he said.
"I what?"
"You're speaking. See?"
There was my name - with a ten minute slot for speaking. One of three people, including the head of the school, the wonderful Rinchen Dolma and long-time Indian politician, Dr. Jaswant Singh Ji Yadav.
Me? Speak? This is one of India's most important events - I'm an American. The fact they would even think of me is flattering enough, but to give me the honour of speaking? Seriously, was this something I even deserved?
Michael also discovered that he was sitting at the table of dignitaries - with a turban! We assumed he was going to be eye candy '-).
Well.
To work. I first spoke with my closest friend at Rai, Shweta, about why this event is so vital to India's history. I did not reveal that my grades in history and government were not my highest when I went to school; I did not want her to have unnecessary concerns about her new American acquainantance saying something completely inappropriate.
I was left alone to write my speech; half an hour later Shweta and Michael returned, I read it to them, and except for on word pronounciation, it passed her whiff test!
Here is the speech I delivered the next day at the New Republic Day ceremonies:
"Happy Republic Day!
"I was at once honored and elated when asked to speak at your Republic India Day celebration.
"Coming from a young Democratic Republic still finding its way to fulfilling the promises its constitution makes, including the right to pursue happiness, I'm not in a position to tell you what to do!
"But I do have some heartfelt personal thoughts.
"First, while I've never visited your country before, I feel at home here.
"There is a sense of India, a tone set by its people and animals that says, 'Please, make yourself at home.'
"That is, I believe, a quality all democracies must have, that too many do not.
"The Rai Foundation is correct to say, 'Empower a woman, you empower a family.' That gender equality is the gateway to both world peace and a stable global economy.
"A real democracy works only if its family of citizens works together - informed, collaborating, compromising, laboring on behalf of all its family members; but especially protecting and encouraging our children.
"To fully participate here in what American constitutional authority Granville Austen called 'perhaps the greatest political venture since that oritiginated in Philadelphia in 1787.'
"UK Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden noted: 'Of all the experiments in government since the beginning of time, I believe the Indian venture into parliamentary government is the most exciting. A system of a free democracy. It is also a brave thing to do!'
"After being with you girls, women, faculty and staff here, I know that with your leadership - in politics, business, communications, fashion, social care, finances, industry, media, culture, family care and so much more - Sir Eden might amend his comment. Rather than saying it's a brave thing to do, with the ongoing graduates of the Rai Foundation - its success is a certainty!
"Every day, as you take a step forward, toward fulfilling your dreams and aspirations, you take a step forward to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of your nation ... as well as providing the inspiration for generations to come.
"I am blessed that Mr. Rai asked me to speak with you.
"I am blessed to know you.
"Humbly, I thank you again for the magnificent honor to share your significant day with me.
"Namaste."
Michael and I were also given beautiful Indian shawls as a thank-you for our work with the girls at Rai.
Here's what the day looked like: Jai ho!

Cereal Killer

Kelloggs breakfast cereals set up a branch here in India several years ago they thought would catch fire among the 1.1 billion people who inhabit this country. Lots of brands and industries are hot for the Indian market because it is rife with promise and pioneering new markets!
Thing is, Indians start their day with hot cereals - my favorite is their porridge. Hot milk and wheat grains. Yum.
Apparently the Kelloggs folks did not do their homework, so their experiment has been the brunt of many a breakfast joke here.
You see, when Indian consumers tried Corn Flakes, the flakes died when hot milk was poured on them.
Like the Chinese, Indians tend to believe that starting the day with something cold is a shock to our system, so they prefer warm meals in the morning.
Well, I'm sure to give us something "American," the Rai School folks gave Michael and me some sort of Kelloggs cereal this morning for breakfast.
It's nothing we've ever seen in America - I'm sure Kelloggs does not sell this there - in fact it looks a lot like dog kibble. It was some sort of chocolate cereal whose only resemblance to taste was that of a crackling cardboard, even after pouring hot milk over it.
So we asked Tony the Tiger what he thought!
He said, "It's ggggggrrrrrrrrOOOOOOOOOSSSSSS!"

Doing what we love, appreciating all we have

Spend time in India and, at least as an American, I become more appreciative of not just what we have that makes our lives easier, but those things we take for granted. Mind you, I don't get upset about having/not having; it is what it is, but I do realize how much of it I take for granted back home in Seattle.
Water. I never know from one day to the next if my New Delhi bathroom will have water. Sometimes there is a tiny flow, other times there's nothing. Michael's bathroom had water - some of it even hot - this morning, so I showered in his room. Quickly, because the hot water vessels are small. Ahh.
Electricity. It comes and goes throughout the day. When we're out and about, it doesn't matter, but when we're inside, it is surprising how much electricity is interrupted. That affects all electrical appliances, of course - including refrigerators, TV's, radios and of course computers. I don't use a TV or radio here.
Wifi. Wireless connection is available, free. It's low quality and unsecured. When the electricity goes out, so does the wifi. Note to self: back up files.
While I have seen people here with precious little - what they have is obviously precious to them. They treat their clothes with respect - a respect I admire and now emulate.
Clean air. How grateful am I, who suffers from sinus issues, that our Northwest air is primarily so pure (there are pollution problems within Seattle and other NW industrial regions, but where I live it is near pristine). I thought I appreciated this fact of life every morning as I arose to do my daily gratitude list - but it's nowhere near as grateful as I am now, being in an area that is ... well, not so pure. Michael says wind would help clear the air - but wait! That would also just stir up the dust, which three inches thick! Anyone with sinus, lung, asthma, or breathing issues should prepare well for a trip to India.
Regarding what is apparent here that I would love to see more of back home:
The politeness of people everywhere is impressive. We are always thanking each other. For everything. And nameste is more than a "slogan." It means I see the God in you, and if we say it enough, it becomes a reality - whether you're a believer or not!
People help one another reach their goals and destinies.
Whether on what appears to be the madcap roadways (there's actually an orderly chaos if you look for it), or walkway or in the hospital or a market. Someone is there to help. Sometimes maybe a little too helpful in stores and markets, but of course they are eager to sell you their wares, because it seems that everyone in India is an entrepreneur.
This one falls in the middle: the inability to hear "no."
The Indian entrepreneur will show you six ways to Sunday why you should buy something or do something. Of course, all in your own best interest! While it is inspiring to see someone work so hard to achieve a goal, no matter how minuscule, there comes a time when negotiations must cease. For some reason when that time comes, I start speaking French. It is amazing how many people here speak French! But I terminate the discussion by saying, "Pas 'au revoir,' 'adieu.'" (Trans: This isn't "see you later," this is "good bye. Forever.")
That never give up spirit, never quit mentality is admirable on so many levels, but self-defeating at its tilting point. Still what's the worst thing that can happen? Someone says "adieu."
I definitely paid attention to this philosophy!
Off to the Rai Foundation Girl's School - where we will celebrate Indian Republic Day (this is the day the new government was formed with a democratic consitution - India is the largest democracy in the world).
We're doing more workshops Friday. It will be wonderful to see the girls again - they are marvelous - and such winners!
Then it's on to other adventures!

Getting better!

I think all the back-to-health drugs are kicking in. I wanted to go outside and sing this to a camel passing by, but decided Michael would start to worry about me, so I'll just share it instead....

Hack, wheeze, sneeze!

As Michael and I went over these photos of his visit to a Krisha temple - where food was blessed that we ate to heal ourselves! - we sounded like a seal colony. We returned to the hospital where this time I was prescribed antibiotics - which I know will get rid of this bug!
We've also decided to find a spa where we can take a hot tub, steam bath and get a good massage. Should help us heal briliantly.
All this coughing is very tiring, so we're planning on resting as much as possible today. We started out feeling better - for about 5 minutes, then.... for some reason we were not given any antibiotics two days ago for what we both believe to be sinus infections. In our experience, antibiotics get rid ot the problem pronto.
Last night there was a crazed celebration - with fireworks and cheering! Turns out Inida *almost won* a cricket match! the World Cup Cricket matches are being played now. People were happy - but the monkeys were beside themselves! Running and jumping and flipping about - they were very upset with all the noise and fireworks!
Here's the Krishna temple Michael visited - where the Dance of Bliss was performed.

Singh's healing elixir...

OK, it's been a rough day, health-wise, for me.
Did someone get the license of the truck that mowed me down, dragged me through the desert and left me under a pile of rubble?
The good news: photographer Michael Conner tells me I look *fine!* You'd never know how sick I feel. Always more important than the facts, I say. And I *hate* inconveniencing anyone when I am ill.
We're both going back to the hospital tomorrow morning because we are not feeling better.
Well, our wonderful driver, guide and becoming a good mate (friend) Singh did not need any cues.
He tells me he's having the kitchen make an old family healing elixir; apparently this recipe has been around for centuries, passing from one generation to the next. He described making it - gesturing as he did. Since I speak almost no Hindi, it's a stretch to say I understood what he was describing.
But I did make out that he was stirring a pot with several ingredients, guaranteed to help me feel better.
"Wonderful!" I said. I can hardly wait to feel better, trust me.
Finally he reached for the English words .....
I was thrilled. An ancient Hindu elixir, which I knew would help me because if anyone knows how to take care of anyone or anything, it's Singh!
I was excited to taste the exotic spices, the rare Indian ingredients!
Finally, he found the name, reaching back into the centuries, of time immemorial!
He gleamed, "Chicken soup!"
Of course.
That ancient Hindu elixir. Chicken soup.
I felt better, just smelling it when it arrived. And was delicious! Thank you, Singh!

An "easy does it" day...

Instead of heading out for a long day of sightseeing, I'm staying in, recovering from a severe sinus infection. Photographer Michael Conner, also suffering from a sinus infection, is getting out a bit - he has to buy a piece of camera equipment to use for the rest of the trip.
The dust and pollution in the air surrounding metropolitan areas is tough on those of us prone to sinus infections - and if anything with the name "sinus" feels like a minor intrusion, it's not.
We have profylactic medication we can and should use to prevent them - for some reason we did not. India just didn't feel like a sinus infection kinda place. Our bad.
So if you have sinus problems, when you come to India, be sure to use your nasal squirts to prevent infection. Lesson learned.
After receiving our meds yesterday, I took mine and slept until 2am, when I got up to see if there might be some running water... there was! Even hot water! So I took a quick "shower" and washed my hair, using only about four cups of water for the whole job. Oh, but do I feel better.
Back to sleep. then up at 8am for breakfast, ready to Skype with a coachee/friend in Washington state, who has a big performance coming up.
I heard from my conscientious pet care person! The pups and kitty are splendid! Missy's full of energy, apparently taking advantage of the opportunity to get a million additional hugs, pets and kisses from someone with a soft spot for senior fluffballs.
A couple of the folks I coach are also dropping by to say howdy; I'm glad these little guys are so pupular; Allie Cat is likewise being snuggled. It's such a relief not to have to worry about them, and in fact to know the people with them are spoiling them silly!
I forgot to mention that our trip to the hospital yesterday was *painless* - we just needed our passport and visa (as in visiting India visa, not the credit card) numbers. We were also given the business card of the doctor with numbers to call in case we have any problems.
Our host also sent two assistants to escort us through the process, which made it even more expeditious. Nothing worse than having to sit around in a hospital when one is sickly.
The Appolo Hospital was busy but not anywhere near crowded.
Of course the staff was busy, but when they deal with a patient, they stop, devote all their attention to you, and listen carefully. They gave us no prefferential treatment - it's the way they deal with everyone.
For those who have msged and emailed: I am only using bottled water for brushing teeth and whatnot!!
Michael and I have come to love Indian porridge. It's not thick and pasty as our American oatmeal normally is, it's kind of runny. But oh, my. Is it delicious. Just a hint of sweet. It's grains cooked in milk and water. Apparently it's an adaptation of the British breakfast porridge.
Well, I'm off to nap the day away - hopefully waking up tomorrow refreshed and ready to take the country by storm again!
Namaste!

Oy vey.

As I was coughing, choking, sleepless, sweating with a fever, followed by an attack of the chills, I realized - I have a *sinus infection.*
So, as it turns out, does Michael.
Many people here wear bandannas and scarves over their faces not from modesty but to prevent breathing in junk in the air - a lesson well learned by this traveler.
We go to the doctor today, who should get us medication and something to help us sleep; we should be up and raring to go again within a day or two.
As we walked the street/highway near the student hotel at which we're staying early this morning, I noted that despite all the animals wandering about, despite so many people not looking squeaky clean, that - unlike New York City and other US metropolitan centers - there is no smell of urine. Public urination is frowned upon. I would say forbidden but I don't know that for a fact. I know our driver told Michael, who just wanted to pull over and pee one day we were on the road many hours, "No!" And took us to a squat toilet.
Today was another wake up to no water day. Hopefully it will be running as the day moves on.
One thing I've decided here - when I return, I'm limiting my energy to positive people, activities, business dealings, projects, and more. Fortunately there are very few people in my life who are not positive or reliable, but I'm moving awat from situations that lack integrity.
We noted something about the mainstream media here - like the US, it has too much celebrity gossip, rumor and non-news, but still plenty of international news.
World Cup Cricket matches are underway! If you've a mind to catch them, check this out!
Something that distinguishes India is its positive, solution-oriented mindset. There's no such thing as a "problem," just things to be worked out in a positive way - sort of like their driving. It is refreshing; imagine all the time we could save if we just went for the solution and didn't moan and whine about the "problem."
Hey! That's what my book, "The 100% Solution" is all about! No wonder I resonate with people here!
One of our new friends is going to let her parents select the man she will marry. Her older siblings have done this and are very happy. Her family is very close, educated and enlightened, and have never pushed her to get married. So when she wants to get married - whenever that is - they will go into action and select someone they believe will make her a great husband and life partner, as well as a terrific father for their kids.
Imagine not having to date? And having both families making sure each is treated well?
I know most westerners would object, but for these families, it sounds like a good deal because nothing is forced on anyone and she'll have a say in the final selection.

There are dichotomies here - some more modern practices such as the one I just described are welcomed by all parties, and some that hail from the stone age such as bride burning - where brides are burned when the woman's dowry is seen as too meager or the bride's father has fallen behind on dowry payments. This abominable practice kills and maims thousands of women every year.
A developing nation with eyes to become the #1 world superpower can't afford to have such barbaric practices.

As I said, Michael and I were taken to the Appolo Hospital today for an exam and medications. We've been resting and medicating most of the day. We are on the Indian medical service program now, which is public, in case we must return for this or other medical problems. Our care was fast, conscientious and helpful. We'll see how effective it is over the next day or two.

The hospital has a sign, "Fear less, hope more; talk less, say more; eat less, chew more; worry less, breathe more; hate less, love more and all good things will come your way." Many such signs dotted the hospital walls; pigeons flew freely around the high roof inside the building. I'm sure US hospitals would never permit this, but it did feel good to be reminded of life as it should be lived. He wasn't supposed to, but Michael did capture a photo of the pigeons. Coming later!

My motto: Rest more, cough less.

A day in New Dehli

Starts early with the distance sweet sounds of a mosque calling the faithful to prayer.

Monkeys are heard sashaying outside my window, probably heading for a nearby restaurant that may have tossed some uneaten food. Birds are everywhere with distinct, different and unusual songs.

There's laughter and discussions passing by with the Doppler Effect.

My room has a TV; I only turned it on once when I arrived. It features few channels broadcasting mostly upbeat Indian music which I have come to enjoy. It's fun and now I tend to bounce to the rhythm. I have some favorite TV shows back home, but have not missed them. I tried to watch one online, but programs can't be viewed in other places so they are blocked.

I never thought I'd say this, but I have come to like curry. Before arriving. Um, no. Today? It's great, especially being used in so many ways and here it does not scream at you; it just mixes well with other spices.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the hotel for students at which we are staying. They have served food to Michael and me in our rooms, but we prefer to eat in the dining room. The men who work here are very conscientious, courteous and take very good care of us. Some of the meals have been *outstanding!* Indian desserts are the best.

It takes 2 full days for laundry to return to us at the hotel, but it's clean and *soft,* not harsh or stiffly starched.

I'll have photos of where we're staying soon - Michael has this habit of making everything he shoots look *beautiful,* much better than it actually appears in real life. I'll mention this again as I post the pictures...

We also visited a tailor in Jaipur; they made me an outfit for me at a very reasonable price, and I bought two more ready made. All with Nehru/Mandarin-type collars, generous jackets and loose fitting pants. When I return, you will definitely feel the Indian influence in my wardrobe!

Many Indians wear scarves - men and women. I often wear scarves and mufflers already, but I can see how they make it a fashion statement as well as a practical way to stay warmer.

It has been unseasonably cool this year so many people wear gloves to ward off the cold. The weather is attributed to the global climate crisis.

We visited an open market - too briefly - but we'll be back to shop at a new one soon. A MacDonald's restaurant is about one block away from the hotel. Michael and I will stop in before we leave - obviously they do not serve burgers, here!

I can't ever imagine driving here, but our driver, Singh, is brilliant. Michael and I cannot get over all the human, vehicle and animal populations that converge on the roads. We've encountered one stop light. Red light means "danger-use caution" not necessarily that you must stop.

We make it to our destinations in record time because there is no stopping. Everyone continues to push forward without benefit of traffic cops, signal lights or stop signs. And there's no road rage. Everyone is of one mind - that we are all trying to get somewhere in the shortest time possible, so everyone is polite and doesn't take anything - like being cut off - personally. No one has any more right to be on the road than anyone else.

That includes: horses, camels, donkeys, trucks, buses, tripeds, bicycles, dogs, pedestrians, elephants, cows, pigs, goats, cars, motorcycles, hand-pulled carts, monkeys and more.

Oh, and if you have to go the other way, against traffic, because.... well, because you need to? Feel free. No one thinks you're a putz.

Michael saw someone actually get out of a car in the midst of wild traffic - coming back in about 20 minutes to retrieve his vehicle.

I've not seen any accidents, yet, but a motorcycle did smack our car a couple days ago in Jaipur. Everyone got out, assessed the non-damage, agreed it was no big deal and we moved on. No insurance companies notified, no police called. They handled it amicably on their own; the motorcycle driver taking responsibility, our driver seeing that no real damage was committed and we all move on.

Because of this free-for-all art, everyone seems to be more alert to others while they're driving.

This is one of the reasons I see India as a very progressive state. I swear, I have been teeming on road rage in the US when. traffic. does. not. move. Because of all the traffic signals and people interfering with us being able to reach our destination in as short a time as possible.

The US is far too up tight to incorporate India's driving skills and patterns, but when I'm back home, stuck in traffic now, I shall reminisce about how sweet it was to just go someplace in India without someone trying to control drivers and traffic so much that our progress is continually hindered or even halted. It's actually bad for us psychologically and physically, for our businesses and commerce. But I have the feeling traffic engineers would consider India's free will driving near barbaric, when the reverse is actually true.

Next week I'm with the girls and faculty again at the Rai Foundation school for girls. I'm speaking about bias in journalism - how it can be avoided, no matter how intensely you feel about a subject, as well as a couple other subjects and finishing the story of the little girl who could!

Photographer Michael Conner will be conducting another camera workshop as well. The faculty and students are eager to learn about his first class equipment! I'll take photos of that for you!

I *hope* I feel better tomorrow. Michael has also succumbed to this cold/flu. We're trying to find some place that offers health massages - that may help. Medical care has been offered, and if we are not feeling tip top tomorrow, we'll see a doctor.

Meanwhile, we're taking care of ourselves, resting, drinking lots of bottled water, taking advantage of all that comes from being still and gearing up to get out and about again, discovering all we can about the splendor of India!

Namaste.

Michael rides an elephant!

Since I've already ridden elephants, I wanted to take pictures of photographer Michael Conner as he took a walk on the mild side in Jaipur! The walk is long, dozens of elephants walk both ways, covering a large area around the Amber Fort.
Henry Mancini's "Baby Elephant Walk" is included for your viewing and listening pleasure!

Back to New Delhi a day early....

I exhausted myself (7 workshops, seminars and talks for the girls and the faculty in two days) and am sick with what feels like a typical cold/flu with a severe sore throat. So it's back to New Delhi to recuperate, then see more sights and return to the Rai School for Girls next week to finish my work and celebrate an anniversary with them.
I'll also be meeting with a filmmaker who wants to do a documentary about this unique and marvelous place.
Yesterday I showed my comedy feature The Whole Truth - my host insisted the girls see it, even though many don't speak English well and I wasn't sure if it would translate, since it's a satire on the American judicial system. He thought just seeing my film, which is well made with some fine acting, would be an additional inspiration for them.
Well, they got *all* the sight gags! There's a lot of physical comedy in it; they laughed at every one of them. And even if they were being polite, they still applauded enthusiastically at the end - twice. Once at the end of the film, again at the end of the credits.
They have a mass communications department here - journalism for TV, newspapers and radio. Being a former journalist (wait - a journalist is an unemployed reporter, so I guess I am *still* a journalist!), I was asked about the difference between India and US journalism.
I told them I find that India has far more international news than the US; that Americans by and large are not informed or informed accurately about other nations and all too often that leaves them more ignorant of the world at large. The reason for this is because US news departments believe that Americans are not really interested in "foreign" news and that they go for ratings and sales first, which influences their decisions.
It may not even be the truth - that is, if they were exposed to actual news from other nations they might well be interested and ratings/sales would increase, but it is assumed they're not because the stories they present from other nations don't seem to boost ratings or sales.
My belief is that it's the type of news they present, not the actual news of the nations themselves.
Practically all other nations know about the US and present US news. However, that door does not swing both ways - and the loser is the American public, as well as American media who could increase interest in their media if they reported the actual news from other nations.
Also, there are no "hate talk" radio stations in India with ultra strong political biases.
Censorship is an issue of their *own* news in China, Tibet and other governments who uber-control their people. And often that is accompanied by biased accounts of news from other nations.
Censorship happens in the US by the omission of valuable news in favor of gossip, celebrity stories and the like based on the belief that there's no interest in "real" news, even if that means we leave the public poorly informed.
A democracy (or democratic republic) relies on well informed citizens, but when money precedes the best interest of the nation, unwitting censorship and bias prevail.
On a separate note, much as this is a nation heading toward superpower status (I think any nation with nuclear arms already has "super powers"), there are interruptions of water service, electricity, wifi connections, no hot water on tap in many locations (at the school we are brought one or two buckets of warm water with which to bathe or shower), and no sitting toilets in numerous locations. They have squat toilets, which is basically a hole in the ground (they are also used in Europe, Asia and other nations). My aim is getting better.
Thus far at the school I've discussed: my problem-solving book The 100% Solution, showed them how to put together a personal business plan (as opposed to a business-business plan), which was not only the key to all the girls opening up - declaring their life purpose - but also a perfect addition to their academic business classes. One of the business faculty members told me she had never heard of such a thing and how valuable she sees it can be; she's adding it to her curriculum.
I chatted with faculty about their work and goals; I started the story telling process with the girls, about a little girl who started with nothing and ended up happier than she ever dreamed. We'll finish that next week, preparing to record it with sound effects and music.
I showed The Whole Truth and discussed all aspects of filmmaking.
I chatted with a large group of girls who want to become writers - I explained everything from novel writing to journalism to TV writing to screenwriting to essays, short stories, romantic stories, poetry and more. I'm meeting with writers again when I return next week.
Because there are so many girls from such a variety of nations, just about everyone has a different accent - when I'm rested, I can follow easily. When I'm not, it's difficult to translate quickly, and some of the girls who speak English well help me out.
But for now? Time to get some R&R so I can get cracking on some sight seeing and more time at the Rai Foundation School for Girls.
Shortly after returning to our hotel in New Delhi, eight monkeys frolicked underneath my window!
I love this place!

Michael pets a snake...

My traveling partner, Michael Conner is afraid of snakes.
So when we came across a couple of snake charmers in Jaipur, India, he practically jumped in my arms!
Our guide convinced him this cobra was "rubber. Not real. Pet him!"
Actually, lots of so-called snake charmers in India use rubber snakes to collect money from gullible tourists. The snake charmer pushed the head of the snake to prove it was fake. I took pictures of the snake to determine the truth - close up, rubber snakes do not have real eyes.
So Michael, shaking, touched the cobra's head as the charmer winked at our guide. Michael, despite his misgivings, was pleased that he petted the snake, proving it wasn't real. He could relax.
As we walked away, I looked at this tight close up I took of our cobra friend on the camera.
The guide laughed - hard.
"Take a look, Michael," I said. The close up of this real live snake speaks for itself.
Michael can't stop reliving the sensation of the real live cobra that he "petted."
We laughed - and now Michael's not quite as afraid of snakes! (Photos by Colleen Patrick)

Monkey business in India!

Here are some captivating monkeys just hanging out in Jaipur!
Monkeys run, jump, flip, swing and dash about freely throughout India. It's fun to see them living large and in charge! (Photos by Michael Conner and Colleen Patrick)

Kiss "shy" good-bye!

OK, I was cautioned that the girls - some 700 from 20 nations, many of whom speak little English - at the Rai Foundation School would take work for me to "draw out." That they would be quiet. Shy. Fearful. Hesitant. Skittish. Timid. Diffident. Afraid to speak up.
The girls told me they had been. Until now.
I have no idea what I said to change that, but... look at them now!
These are the leaders of tomorrow - the world will be in very good hands.
Photos by Michael Conner.