Bodh Gaya: a slower pace
Greetings from Bodh Gaya, the town where Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, became enlightened.
Things go a little slower here in this small town compared to Kolkata, which is a welcome break. I don’t have to worry as much about being run over by traffic here, which is a relief.
Unfortunately, the internet has been VERY slow for the past few days. It must be the thousands of Buddhist monks trying to e-mail home (if you’ve ever seen a picture of the Dali Lama in his maroon robes and shaved head, multiply him by 10,000 and put them in a town the size of Coxsackie). I feel right at home with so many other shaved heads, though I stick out a bit due to my lack of robes.
Things are going well. I leave for Varanasi tonight and will be able to update this post more tomorrow, but I wanted to post something short for all of you who have become such loyal fans. 
Thanks for all of the comments. It’s good to know that I’m doing all this work for a good reason.
I’ve altered the page that used to be titled ”9th grade questions” to be “Questions and Answers about India” by Guru Roberg. I figure this will be a good place for everyone to post questions and see the answers. The page can act as a centralized location to find out all the answers to the hottest questions being asked. (Boy, does that sound like a cheezy line!) Check it out in the next couple of days for my update.
Until next time…
Mr. Roberg
Leif,
Your birthday is coming up…want a monk robe?
Seems as if some kids are using my name/email to contact you. I’m sure you’ll be able to tell which ones they are!!!
Hi Leif! It’s so cool to hear about your trip as you are living it. Stay safe! Have you seen any Dunkin Donuts?
Kelly
My Reply
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No Dunkin Donuts yet! Not even a McDonalds (though I haven’t been looking too hard). I don’t think Indians have discovered the addiction of great coffee and fattening donuts yet, and I hope they never do (we can keep that secret all to ourselves
Hey Leif,
I have just read your full blog. It is great that you and your backpack made it there o.k.. I think Flat Kat is having a great time. Thanks for taking all of us on your journey too through your blog. It is really interesting. I have a question. So far, what is the most surprising or unexpected thing that you have learn from being in India? I think you would blend in quite nicely as a monk, but you would have to hide Flat Kat under your robe. Happy Travels.
~ Heidi
My Reply
The most surprising or unexpected thing so far about traveling in India has been the ease with which most Indians seem to accept the contrasts of their country.
1. For example, I have seen extreme wealth and extreme poverty right next to each other.
2. For another example, some areas are very polluted and dirty, and yet the Indian people themselves are very clean and conscious about their hygene. Except for those who are extremely poor, Indians bathe every day and take very good care of themselves. Yet the water that is considered holy (the Ganges River), is VERY polluted.
3. One last example: India has an interesting mix of technology. Many middle class people have cell phones, but only the rich have a car. There are internet cafes all over the place where you can use a computer with access to the internet for only 25 – 30 Rupis per hour (65 – 75 cents), but the power goes out once in a while.
I can see why India is called a “developing country”. They have many conveniences, but they still have issues to deal with.
Thanks for writing.
Mr. Roberg
So, in short, I thin
HI there, Mr. Roberg!
It was the highlight of my day to get to talk to you this morning! I’m so glad I was busy stealing the “golden child” status while shoveling for mom and dad, and that therefore, I happened to be there when you called! You sound great and I am so glad you are enjoying your trip!
Love, Your Big Sis
HI MR ROBERG IM BORED AND WE ALL MISS YOU!!!