February 19, 2008 - Tamil Nadu, India

The George Foundation – Shanti Bhavan

Weird snuffling noises are emanating from the other side of the room. The creature emitting them happens to be my sister. Now she’s decided to eat an apple. I can hear every bite being chewed with smacking loudness. Evy with major allergies.

Her nose is obviously completely blocked since she’s been blowing it loudly and frequently and she apparently still can’t breathe through it. Thus the loud, open-mouthed chewing. She’s been sleeping so she’s in one of those slightly grumpy I-slept-too-long-in-the-afternoon-and-am-totally-out-of-it moods. I, for once, think before opening my mouth and refrain from commenting. Instead, Ipod is rapidly extricated and headphones put in. I completely understand where she’s coming from, as yesterday morning I was in a similar state. We think it’s something in our room. It doesn’t make the sounds coming over the Ipod music any more appealing though. Ah well, there are certain times where travel companions, sister or no sister, are better left alone in their misery. There’s no point in prodding an argument, satisfying though acknowledging how revolting she currently seems might be…