New calf work out!

Our instructors taught Katie and I how to use the pedal machines. It is a work out! It's kind of like driving a motorcycle. You have to use both hands and both feet. And if the wheel starts going the wrong direction, then you are out of luck. I had to use my screwdriver to take apart the machine because of an operator error (my novice experience). Upside- I can now put on my resume - antique sewing machine mechanic.

The rate at which everything is going is a little frustrating. The orphanage has become a little more of a priority than my class. I totally understand that... oh well. Currently there are 7 volunteers staying at my house. 3 from Holland, 2 from the UK, 1 from Spain and me... the sole representative of the US. The other day we all woke up super early and went to the orphanage to help clean and paint. The walk is about and hour and a half, but as we were walking an empty bus offered us a ride, and we had a personal bus ride part of the way. Because of the petrol shortage, the buses are usually super packed - sardine packed, so this was a treat. The walk is still cool. We have to walk through fields - with corn as high as the elephant's eye, etc.

P.S. I really want to take one of these orphans home. It's legal now - do you think it would be too scandalous?

I gave my family their gifts - they loved them. Sugandha didn't think the Tobasco sauce was hot. I gave Babish a guitar slide, which he loved (thanks Sal for the suggestion!). So, Babish was just diagnosed with Hepatitis A. Fortunately I am vaccinated, and fortunatelly Babish doesn't live with us, but it is still crazy. We looked up the Hep A causes... contaminated water and food. So even the Nepalis shouldn't drink the water apparently. My health is fine though. I think I mentioned that there was a doctor's strike for a couple days - he had to wait to get diagnosed.

I'm sleeping with a mosquito net around my bed. I love it - it's like a little cave. I also don't get bitten, but I didn't before either.

In our class room there is a yoga pose poster. Katie and I went through each pose - we're pretty good! One of the volunteers is a yoga master, and he's been training in India. Starting from today, we're having yoga class with him! Namaste