Well, THIS is different.
I am in Hyderabad India. I'll post a longer summary eventually, but for now, I just wanted to log the fact that I am overwhelmed by India, particularly the poverty. I've never seen anything like this before and it is really causing me to think carefully about what is important and what it means to be fortunate. I am thinking more than ever that those of us who are lucky or blessed enough to live a successful, healthy life have an obligation--not a choice--to help those who are not as lucky, blessed or whatever. I believe I have done a good job of helping people locally, but I've done virtually nothing for people in nations such as this one who make beggars in the U.S. seem positively wealthy by comparison. I read earlier entries in this blog and feel very shallow--there are people here who cannot afford to see a doctor and receive treatment for serious diseases, and I'm bitching about having to spend $300 to replace my broken iPod.

I am still processing all of it, obviously. It is terrifying and overwhelming and depressing, but at the same time, I feel it is important for me as an American to face it head on, come to terms with it, and in the end, do something about it.

On a lighter note, here is a photo of some schmuck who has obviously been wearing the same clothes for three straight days standing in front of Golkonda Fort at sunset.