Sanjay

This:

is Sanjay.
Sanjay drives a rikshaw and this is how we met: Yesterday afternoon I was looking for someone to take me sightseeing around Pune (pronounced "Poona"). Sanjay stood out from the crowd of eager drivers - I think it's his friendly face and demeanor. Once we agreed that he would be my driver, we almost immediately developed a fun and lively relationship. One that wasn't so much based on verbal communication, but rather subtle more profound methods including various arm and hand gestures... Anyway, off we went! Sanjay's tireless rik tore around Pune with enthusiasm and speed that can only be fueled by loud, noxious diesel gas.

First, he took me to:
The Aga Khan Palace (Gandhi was held in detention here for 2 years, his wife passed away here, as well):

Then, to The Saras Baug Park:

Rushing past the Lal Mahal (another palace where a famous Indian historical figure was held in detention for a while):

Nearby was Shaniwarwada (which is an old kick ass mansion, but really a fortress):

Lastly, we went to The Pataleshwar Caves:

After that, we called it a day, but not before we promised to meet up early tomorrow (this) morning to go to The Osho Commune:

And to check out the Laxmi Market:

Sanjay and I just bid our final farewell where he overcharged me for a second day in a row. Sanjay, thanks for the goodtimes!

-Katie

Transportation in India

I'm in India!
A couple first impressions: it's not as hot as I expected, it is relatively easy to navigate around, and the transportation here rules.
For starters, they drive on the right.

Weird:

Next, there are rickshaws that drive around willy-nilly. They are like covered tricycles. They are driven with motorcycle handbars inside.

In other words, they are rad:

My final observation about the transportation issues in India I've discovered thus far is that people like to honk. A lot. It's like they are communicating all sorts of little things to each other, things that I don't normally see people honking about in the US. For instance, if you are turning right, HONK. Or, if someone else is merging, HONK. Or, if things are just too slow, dammit! HONK! Or, you're bored, just honk. I think it is hilarious.

It can all be summed up with this bumper sticker that I saw:

I love India.
-Katie