Virus!

I still have not gotten sick here in India (except when I drank old milk), which defies all logic.  One would have thought that the kind of "bugs" here would be new to my immune system, and I would spend my first year getting sick all the time.  However, not even one cold or flu.  Even in the US I got sick at least twice per year, so it is a big surprise.

Before coming to India I got all sorts of vaccines and warnings (don't eat street food, don't eat cut vegetables, only drink bottled water, use insect repellent).  I have not followed any of these warnings.  This is my home now, I can't live in a bubble.  I was beginning to think that all the warnings were due to paranoia and hype.

As it turns out there were thousands of malaria cases in Ahmedabad during Aug/Sep.  My coworker's grandfather got malaria (mosquito borne).  My friend here got Chikungunya (insect borne) this week.  A coworker in Indore got typhoid (water borne) in August, and is still suffering with fever and joint/organ pain.  An expat from Denmark in my area got Dengue fever (insect borne) this month.  These are all well-off people, who live in similar neighborhoods/flats as me with similar lifestyles/eating habits.  In fact my eating habits are probably worse as I eat street food with abandon.

I am not sure if I am willing to change my lifestyle, but I may opt to at least get my immunizations up to date next time I visit US.

Not kidding, I just not now got bitten by a mosquito...

Udaipur, Navratri, and other...

ANOTHER festival, Navratri, where I celebrated at coworkers home.  Basically 9 days of dancing with very gaudy traditional costume required.  It was fun to shop for the dress at the outdoor markets, with my indian girl friends driving a hard bargain for me (2500 rupees down to 700).  My coworker's wife and sister-in-law helped me dress and let me borrow jewelry.

Also travelled to Udaipur, Rajastan by bus for a weekend adventure.  Pics of both below.  I do love India, but I can understand from a blog reader's point of view that all these trips and festivals must look the same...

As I was coming home from Navratri celebration last night, my bike stopped working.  It was 3 am, but there were lots of people on the road due to the festivities.  As always, people immediately stopped to help.  I thought I was out of petrol, but my spark plug was malfunctioning.  People here are good at knowing how to fix things with the most basic tools, and I was on my way in no time.  However, even with a bike tuneup being done recently, I have constant trouble with my bike.  It is fun to have such an old bike.  I kind of like taking it to the shop all the time, as it gives me a way to be involved with the real people of india.  However, I am worried for my safely on the road.  I really need a more reliable bike.  But what if I leave this place in 6 months?  Should I really buy a new bike now?