copy/pasted What I Did On My Weekend

more in-depth description to follow?

also, there is a job site commercial here that has what sounds like the pepto bismol jingle if it were frightening, and it doesn't make much sense. the caves were very cool and i have gained leg muscle. the train was also fine although non-indians in sleeper class is such an oddity that we gained a crowd in whatever compartment we sat in. and having an unconfirmed ticket just means that you might not have a seat, but most people will be very pushy and also take advantage of confusion? perhaps. and the hotel was good, much nicer than i expected for $12 a night for three people. they also made good eggs. kind of got ripped off on transportation though, because for some reason we did not haggle. renting a car for the day was 1500Rs ($30) on the first day and 900Rs ($18) on the second. still the best way to get around, and they took us to fairly nice places, like weaving schools and bidri makers, at which to spend money on traditional aurangabadi things. oh, went to the mini-taj mahal in town and had my sneakers stolen, so now i have some new flip-flops. apparently there was a sign that said "at own risk" but i did not see it. not too big a deal. there's a cobbler on campus that i've been meaning to visit, he makes very nice sandals for $4 (and i think dress shoes for $6-8).