(No photos, the internet in our Surat hotel is horrible and I just can’t get anything uploaded.  My apologies)

Okay, so maybe this is just the head cold hitting me but I am starting to feel like myself being here in India and the traffic is normal. This isn’t a good thing. Don’t get me wrong, I love being here.   But things should not be normalizing for me!! This means when I get home, I am going to miss not being able to breathe!

Family…Lots of Family

Now, so let’s talk about Grandpa and family.

These people are so amazing! The fact that they are giving me a trip of a lifetime like this, it is truly something there are no words.  I can’t find any  to use that express how thankful I am to be here with them. My grandfather is amazing person and I wish I could share him with everyone, but he is my grandpa, so BACKOFF!!

Yesterday we took a van ride from the Gir Jungle to Ahmadabad.  From there we hopped on a train that took us here to Surat where our family lives. It was a very long trip for two people with colds to take, but we are badasses and we pushed through it.

Catching some ZZZZZ’s

Today we slept soooooo late (845am). We managed to make our way down to breakfast before we walked over to our families home. They took us to visit my grandfathers old home from the 1930s. This house is still owned by my family from my understanding.

It is 4pm local time and I am chatting with a friend of mine back home who is Indian. I am looking forward to being home and sharing this adventure with them. I am not loving the bouncing from hotel to hotel. I understand that it is a small sacrifice to be able to see as much as we are.

Notes for Traveling & Adventure:

· Unless I know I need more than one than one button down shirt, I need to trade them in for nice looking long sleeve shirts.

· This trip has made me realize that spending money on things like new iphones or having to get the latest and greatest isn’t always what it is cracked up to be.  I should be saving that money to visit other places in the world. I see that now monkey.

· I need better luggage.

· I need to activate a world data plan with my cell phone.

· This Leatherman Tread is an amazing Photographers tool.

· Always change your battery pack in the morning before leaving for your daily adventure.  Even if you only took 5 pictures the day before.

· Be an open person. Try new things. Be willing to adapt to change when you are traveling.

· If you take over a weeklong trip to another country, you should always have one meal that is from back home. I had a subway sandwich yesterday and wow was it different.

· Smile at everyone.

· If you meet an elder, even if you are not related, point your camera and gesture that you would like to take their picture. They love it! I am not keen on taking pictures of children, as that is seen as stranger danger back home. I don’t want someone mistaking my actions as less than appropriate. However, this is okay if the kids pose for you to take their picture. Or they are just too funny to miss.

· Drink more water!

· Stay more organized so when you move from hotel to hotel, it is a faster easier process.

· Travel with people who are adaptable and willing to try things.

· Travel alone. See the world without the need to be on anyone elses’ timeframe.

· Make notes about the places you visit and review the places online so others can hear your thoughts.

· Buy a 6ft charger for your phone.

· Buy a nice camera and lens and learn how to use it months before going!

· Have a laptop that you like and know how to use well. This goes against what I said earlier about not needing the best and newest gadgets.  These have been important for me to be able to share my thoughts with family back home. I am working on getting a new laptop when I get home.

· Remember that everything costs.

· Have the balls to be the first to try something. Don’t be a follower.

· If you are single, use dating apps like tinder when visiting new places. You’ll always meet new friends. You can use them for dating but if you have no plans on living there, use it for friends and be open and honest about that.

· Listen to music. Create a playlist that you can have playing in your ear while you relax for the day and share your thoughts. Even if it is with no one but yourself in a journal, listen to music and put your thoughts down on a laptop or on paper. It makes for an amazing way to reflect.

· People are nice but always use the safe in your room.

· Be happy and smile, you are visiting places that are incredible in their own ways.

Song of the day:

Mumford and Sons – Believe (Acoustic)

As I said before, this has nothing to do with India, but it is the song I am listening to while writing this.

G, I think even you would like this song.