Mamallapuram

Each of the two weekends we're here on campus, we go somewhere exciting.  This weekend was Mamallapuram, next week is Delhi!  Stay tuned.  When we first got there, we had the opportunity to look at some old stone carvings, and do some shopping.  There were lots of stores, and lots of eager salesmen.  So far, I haven't seen any salesman more persistent and persuasive than an Indian salesman.  I went around with a group of girls (seeing as there are 12 girls and 3 guys), and collectively got everything from jewelry to shoes to clothing.  I got a shirt custom made... as in from straight fabric to a finished shirt... in and hour and twenty minutes for 450 rupees (about the equivalent of $10).  It was pretty incredible.  After our shopping spree, we went to an Indian beach resort.  For Indian standards, it was really nice.  I went swimming in the Bay of Bengal... it's not every day you can say that.  On our way back, we stopped at a restaurant and had parotha.  One of the other volunteers described it as a croissant tortilla.  I thought that was the best description; it's flaky, and buttery, and delicious.  They served it with a little egg omelet.  So for a full meal, I paid less than $1 US dollar.  Awesome.  Once we got back, we went over and watched a movie with the kids for their movie night.  That basically meant we were couches for them, while they watched "Meet the Robinsons".  They were given a choice between two movies at the beginning, and the voting consisted of who yelled the loudest.  It was so much fun to see.  This week has been wonderful.  It's late, so I'll post some pictures tomorrow after church or something.