Bad bad Hyderabad

On David Bedards recommendation I put Hyderabad on my itinerary. We arrived after 5 amazing days in Hampi, and honestly Dave, I don't see what the fuss is about. I think I knew this would happen eventually. That I would arrive somewhere and just would not like it. But in the spirit of being open to new places and trying new things I gave Hyderabad a shot today. Alone. Darius is ill (I told him not to drink that water at the table last night...)and stayed in the hotel so I ventured out in the morning to buy train tickets to chennai and then later in the afternoon I went to Salar Jung Museum and Charmahalla Bazaar. I met a strange and very annoying Indian fellow who followed me around all day. This is when my faux wedding band came is really handy. But it was nice to have company and he did help me cross the insanely frightening streets. He seemed to be curious about me, as he asked a million questions, however he didn't really wait for any answers, just simply continued talking and telling me insightful info such as "In India, many people are Hindu". Now I know.
The museum itself was really beautiful and the items within were a strange mix of artifacts. Some exhibits were better than others. After I went to the Bazaar which was an exhausting strip of Saris, garments, Bangals, shoes and everything and anything else you could want. From the top of the Charmahalla I got a great view of the city. There are minarets sprinkling the city scape and you can see the avenues weave, the hundreds of yellow and black rickshaws, motorbikes weaving and dodging their way through the streets.
Making my way through the city without Darius was a real challenge. Not only did I have this annoying tag along (who I found out is also on the same train as me tomorrow!) but trying to get anything done, find directions, etc, without a guy is a challenge. The stares are more intense and linger longer than I care for.
Oh, here is a nice tid bit: the hotel we are staying at is in a bit of an alley. Which I have named 'Airconditioning Alley' because every other place is either a shop of air conditioners, fans, refridgerators, or repair shops for said items. In 'Ariconditioning Alley' there is 'public pee corner'. Upon a huge heap of garbage, which is sometimes delightfully set on fire, I have seen about 6 men peeing. Not all the same time. No, just pretty much any time I pass by, some one is peeing there. So, as I said, I look forward to Chennai (and maybe not the train ride there...)because I'll see Lauri (Julia's Mom) and we are then soon off to the Andaman Islands for some beachy laid back fun in the sun.

Looking forward to a more chipper post!
xoxox