Glue & Packaging

One subject that I have never mentioned in my blog is Indian packaging. It is something we noticed in the beginning, but just felt it was us and not the packaging. There is some kind of super adhesive glue that is used to seal all plastic bags and packages. We first noticed it while eating at McDonalds and trying to open the small packs of ketchup. Almost impossible to open without a scissors! Then we realized it is EVERYTHING in plastic wrap. Bags of chips, cereal box bags, cheese wrappers, and even some juice boxes. I see the Indian locals just rip it open with their teeth, but I wouldn't put my mouth around anything that was touched by a stock boys hands. Another quirky example of Indian living and the little things that frustrate us.

April 30th, 2011

We can now see real light at the end of the tunnel. Our visas have been extended until April 30th, 2011 and we both promised we would never set foot in the FRRO (Indian Government Office for Foreigners) again. It is a great feeling having an idea on when we will leave. The time will go quickly especially after Christmas. This week I realized I need to complete my original to do list. I still need to learn to crochet, juggle, and lose 20 lb. Oh, I also want to teach Ben to play pinochle. My grandma Polak would be embarrassed that I married someone who doesn't know how to play.

Everyone is asking "Where will you move next?" That is an excellent question that we don't have a 100% positive answer, but we are 85% sure that we will be:

A) Living in a country that starts with G.
B) Eating lots of delicious pork.
C) Flying to South Dakota to visit the farm.
D) Speaking two languages.
E) Living within driving distance of the 5 a.m. Sunday morning Hamburg Fish Market.

We Flew the Fox!

This weekend we ventured 100 km down the NH 8 highway through the Jaipur Toll Gate and into the state of Rajistan. A very relaxing 1.5 hour journey on decent Indian roads. We arrived at Neemrana Fort Palace to discover an ancient palace on the side of a hill that is hidden from reality. A jaw dropping Indian moment to see such a magnificent structure. In the moment Rajistan is very green due to the heavy monsoon season this year. We were lucky to see a beautiful blue sky, green landscape, and even smell fresh air, a rarity around Delhi!

Seven of us shared a beautiful palace room and took in The Flying Fox. A zip lining company that is setting up zips all over India and South Asia. We were a bit hesitent at first, but after reading their safety standards and learning that both the owners and operators were European we decided to give it a go. Five ziplines in all ranging from 100 to 400 meters in length over a pretty large hill side. A person scared of heights could definitely not handle what we participated in. We hiked 30 minutes to the top of the hill and got a complete safety briefing from Paul and Becks, our fearless UK guides. I honestly think they were just excited to see 7 Caucasians. They both live and work right at the palace so they don't get out much. It made me feel greatful to live in Gurgaon/Delhi and have access to peanut butter and other amenities that they only get in their monthly shipment.

The zip line was amazing! Paul strapped us in and Becky unhooked us after we crossed the canyon. We had full harnesses and a very fancy pully that flung us straight across. The heavier you are the faster you go, the more you lift your feet the faster you go, and the heavier you are the more you have to break before hitting the wall on the other side. It was a good lesson in physics. We enjoyed two hours of zipping and then relaxed for an evening birthday party for our friend John from Chicago. Fun had by all!