Karen,

Loved you photos! The people we are beautiful, the cows too. I really love animals. Was wondered if you saw a lot of stray dogs wandering about? How did you deal with this? I bet it must have made you quite sad?

.........Christine

Hi Christine. Yes, there are lots of stray dogs, and yes it's sad. They don't approach you (or at least it never happened to us). One day in Varanasi there was kind of a tiff between 3-4 dogs. Growling and chasing. I was worried there was going to be a dog fight, but it quickly calmed down. I'd never approach one for fear it might have rabies, but I never felt threatened or anything either. Basically, sad - most were pretty skinny. But lots of poverty among the people, too...

I just have to post a quick update to let you all know that I recently returned from a (mostly work) trip to Australia, where I had a reunion with three of my tour buddies in Sydney - Lidia, daughter Kathy, and Robyn.

We had a wonderful time catching up. Our day together, including lunch and a walk around the harbor area, followed by a quick boat ride, was full of laughter and hugs. I then got to spent the night at Lidia's home (along with Kathy) and met the rest of the family. They took me on a tour to the Blue Mountains the next day.

We just picked up where we'd left off last December - it was so easy and fun being together. It's amazing how the experiences we shared in India formed such a strong foundation for lasting friendship.

what grade will blip be in this year?

Bob - Blip already has his sheepskin....

:-)

(sorry, couldn't resist.)

how about a doctorate in international travel? harvard

Thank you so much for your wonderful report and photos. We leave soon!!