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.