I didn't end up going to the Taj - it was easier to stay at my friend's cousin's place for a few more nights in a quiet village near Khajuraho (called Gora), then take the train directly to Delhi. I may get a chance to see the Taj later when the tourist season has passed. It was quite an experience staying in the village. I think they all loved me, esp because of my dancing. They put more henna on my hands. While out and about, the men and women stay pretty separate, but the kitchen is where the women get to let their personalities out. It was fun to hang out with them and make puris/chapatis. The women want me to bring them black bras from America if I come back! I slept in the same bed on the floor as two girls, ages 15 and 20. The 20-year-old was quite a character! She farted several times and we all laughed. Our conversations were a funny mix between English and Hindi. I taught them the English word for fart, and they taught me the Hindi word: padana. Teehee!
My friend Raju also gave me a Hindi name: Muskan. It means "One who smiles/laughs a lot". It stuck, so everyone in the village called me by that name.
Much Love and Namaste,
Melissa
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