In Jaipur!

Finally!

I don't even know where to start. I was able to negotiate the New Delhi Railway Station at 6:00 a.m. this morning and boarded my train without much trouble. I rode first class AC and I think it might have spoiled me for future train rides in India. I was expecting something completely different, so I made sure to pick up some potato stuffed fried thing called a pakora, and filled my thermos with chai. I know, how cool is that? Anyway, I boarded my train and was immediately served more chai, breakfast and lunch. Oh, and I was given a news paper to read during the ride. The air conditioning was such a nice change from the Delhi heat.

Now I am in Jaipur and I am amazed, and my spirits are very, very high. I checked in to my guesthouse at about 11:30, took a walk, and came back for a short nap. I had dinner with the volunteer coordinator, Mr. Vinod, at this awesome restaurant. If I had my camera I would have taken a picture of my amazing feast. I am so, so, so stuffed!

Oh! And I have some amazing news. A while back I emailed Mr. Vinod and asked him what my final price would be for ten weeks at my program. I mentioned that I was on a very tight budget and wanted to know the total cost before heading out. As a volunteer, I knew I would have to pay for my room and board, and make a contribution to the organization that is offering me the privilege of volunteering. On the website, the cost for 10 weeks is just over USD $1000 . Mr. Vinod wrote back that it would be less than was listed on the website since I am staying for so long, and not working as an English teacher.

So, what is the opposite of getting ripped off? The last few days I have had to constantly bargain for everything, and always keep an eye out for scams. Mr. Vinod sat me down in the guest house lobby and broke down what I will need to pay to his organization and my host organization. Just a side note - Mr. Vinod and his organization simply acts as the coordinator, lining up international volunteers with organizations in India looking for help. He explained that since I was on a budget, he found a community development organization that would house me and feed me for 10 weeks for only 5,000 rupees. Doing the math, that is about $107. I had to ask again if there are any additional fees or costs. He explained that the only other costs I will have to pay for would be personal expenses and touristy stuff.

What?!

I really don't know what to say.