(No photos, the internet in our Surat hotel is horrible and I just can\u2019t get anything uploaded. My apologies)<\/p>\n
Now, so let\u2019s talk about Grandpa and family.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t 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!!<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 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.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 This trip has made me realize that spending money on things like new iphones or having to get the latest and greatest isn\u2019t 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.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 I need better luggage.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 I need to activate a world data plan with my cell phone.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 This Leatherman Tread is an amazing Photographers tool.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 Always change your battery pack in the morning before leaving for your daily adventure. Even if you only took 5 pictures the day before. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 Be an open person. Try new things. Be willing to adapt to change when you are traveling. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 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.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 Smile at everyone.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 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\u2019t 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.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 Drink more water!<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 Stay more organized so when you move from hotel to hotel, it is a faster easier process.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 Travel with people who are adaptable and willing to try things.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 Travel alone. See the world without the need to be on anyone elses\u2019 timeframe.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 Make notes about the places you visit and review the places online so others can hear your thoughts.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 Buy a 6ft charger for your phone.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 Buy a nice camera and lens and learn how to use it months before going! <\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 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. <\/em><\/p>\n