"When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it -- always." - Mahatma Gandhi

Thank you to Lindsay for sending me this quote, as I think it's fitting for the occasion and also of course for where I am. It's not everyday that you hear about bombs going off in your city, and it's not everyday that you hear about bombs going off across your country, but it's something I've lived through here this weekend and it's been a unique experience. I don't want to downplay the scale of these attacks because any activity is certainly too much, but at the same time I don't want people at home to be too worried because in the grand scheme of things it's what happens after the attack that really was the goal here rather than the attack itself from what I understand. What those ramifications are remain to be seen, but we all plan to be very careful for the duration of our stay.

I don't want to go on too much about the attacks as an ignorant American because I know that I don't and can't understand the full breadth and scope of what has transpired, but I did want to take the opportunity to reflect a little bit and just try to let people know what I know. All I really know, though, is that I can continue to hope and pray for the end of terrorism around the world, and for us to, as Ronald Reagan once said, "work without tiring for a world at peace, in which justice and freedom prevail."

All that being said, and taking nothing away from the tragedy of the bombings in Ahmedabad and elsewhere this weekend, our group actually did have an enjoyable time at Jog Falls this weekend, which is what made it a bittersweet two days. It was really a shame that we hadn't yet done any type of exploration/adventurous weekend yet in India (in a place where there are tons of opportunities for awesome hiking and views and outdoor enjoyment) so we had to make sure to plan for a weekend like this. One of the reasons that we'd shied away from this type of weekend is the fact that it's monsoon season, but that actually was one of the draws for Jog Falls, as it's advertised as being much more impressive during the monsoon, and it certainly did not disappoint.

A scene that's very difficult to describe in words, it will be much easier for you all to see pictures (which are forthcoming I promise). The falls are the highest waterfalls in India, and are much higher than Niagara Falls. They are impressive in a different way than Niagara Falls, though, in that it's a smaller quantity of water dumping down, but the way they run is beautiful, and the access tourists have to them is much better, mostly due to a lack of regulation. 

I definitely don't think you're supposed to hike to the bottom, but it was awesome and I'm very glad we did. A little more daring that I would normally be, it was well worth it. After about 1 km or so of pathways, there is another 2 km or so of just steep mud/rocks/grass that could make one slip disastrous, but we were all careful and were fine. The sight from the bottom is awesome, and could rival the Taj Mahal as the most awesome thing I've seen in India. It's probably fair to say that at least five of the ten most awesome things I've ever seen in my life I've seen this summer in my European and Asian travels. It's hard to describe, but it was a great feeling of being in touch with nature without a lot of the tourist trap aspects around that you'd find at a place like this in the West, and it was so cool to just stand at the bottom and look around in awe at everything surrounding me.

We all got soaked from off-and-on rain throughout the afternoon, but that was worth it, too, and just added to the experience. I have no regrets at all about spending the weekend in our state of Karnataka checking out these awesome falls. Our plans for next weekend (our final weekend before going home!!) are still in limbo due to recent events, but we'll plan to pin them down tomorrow. Everything is booked; we just need to all decide if it's something we want to pursue or if it's better to just stay local.

I want to thank everyone again for their concern over the weekend, and I do appreciate all the emails I received and all the kind words sent my way. I will be sure to stay safe here, and I hope that everyone else is staying safe as well. I will keep everyone updated. God bless.