Halfway...........Cathy's reflections

There are so many things to say but I think will just comment on a few.
First: The Women..............Oh the women. Always beautiful, no matter what they are doing...........building highways, gathering firewood, working the fields, sitting on the ground preparing meals, or loving their children..........they look fresh and beautiful in their saris. Women work hard, all day. That is their life of survival. Carrying enormous weight on their heads is just a part of their normal routine. We have seen caravans of women carrying firewood, rock, vegetables and water. They smile shyly when you say hello. They are the backbone of this country.

Second: The Children.......Oh the children, they are so beautiful, even under layers of dirt and noses running. Babies are held all the time by someone in the family or the community. Once a toddler, they venture out to learn to maneuver and survive in the chaotic streets which will first be their playground and then their space for commerce. Older siblings look out for younger in such a loving and protective manner, it is so wonderful to see. They love to say hello to us and shake our hands (we are pretty strange to them). They squeal with such delight if you take a photo and show them. Of course our hearts have been saddened over and over as we see what their daily lives are about. When you look at a child their eyes sink deep into your soul.

Third: The Men.......Oh the men. Yes they are handsome but man oh man do they like to sit around. There is usually a fire at the centre of their sitting circle. Not far away are the women working. Must be fair to the men, however, they do haul some pretty heavy loads themselves via every means possible. Oh, did I mention they were gorgeous. Not as handsome as you Dave.

Lastly: The Streets.........crazy chaotic and I love it. We have seen some amazing sights but the heart of India is clearly on the streets. Narrow and jam packed. You live on the edge, staring in amazement at the life and activity around while at the same time trying not to be hit by cow, car, motorcycle or tuk tuk. You stand aside as an eight year old herds his donkeys through the traffic. It is just an electric experience. Love it, love it. I am not sure that Shelley feels the same as she watches Leslie and I waving our cameras wildly apparently oblivious to all the dangers around us. She looks out for us. Speaking of Cameras...........this is a photographers dream. Really, how many pictures of a cow can one person take. We just won't go there.

Thinking of all of you following our journey and just wish you could see, hear, smell, and feel all that we are. It is beyond our many words to describe.

Oh, we just arrived back from a two hour camel ride. Kerry and I rode our camels while Leslie and Shelley were queens for a day riding in a cart. I was riding a fast camel named Jimmy so asked my riding partner, Soudi, to run. WOW, heaven on earth. Will sign off now but be assured, we will talk again tomorrow.