Sniffle, Sniffle

It's Christmas morning in India, and I just ate a cold pancake and followed up breakfast with a cold shower. They said the solar panels would heat things up by 11 am, but they lied, and I just couldn't wait any longer. There were no gifts under the tree this year. There was also no tree. Brendan and I are in Bundi, Rajasthan, and things are decidedly un-festive around here. Some monkey was screaming its lungs out around 4 a.m., but I don't think it had anything to do with Jesus.

I woke up in a funk today. Obviously I knew a long time ago that I'd be spending Christmas far, far away from home, but now that the day is actually upon me, I'm feeling pretty homesick. Christmas has always been special to me. I didn't grow up in a religious household, but we had our own Christmas traditions that brought our family together and made us all happy. When I was younger, the best parts of Christmas were all the presents. As I got older, it was my mom's almond cookies, or my dad's favorite Mannheim Steamroller album, or the way the air smelled of ham and wood stoves that brought me the most joy. The phone call from my best friend who was on her way out to the movies with her folks, but wanted to meet up for a beer on Main Street after our respective dinners. The way someone always forgot an important ingredient for the pumpkin pie and we'd have to drive around forever to find a store that was actually open on Christmas, and feel so sorry for whoever was working the register and make an effort to be really nice to them. Kids riding their brand-new bikes. Twinkling lights. The joy of togetherness on a holiday that always delivered, year after year.

Brendan and I agreed that we wouldn't buy each other gifts this Christmas. It was a practical decision. We can't carry extra bulk in our backpacks, and our money's already been allotted to other things, like train tickets and guest houses with hot showers (ha!). I thought I'd be fine it, but in all honesty it's made me a little sad. Christmas means something to me, and here I am treating it like any other ho-hum day in India. Brendan thinks I'm being melodramatic. He says things like "well, at least you have your health," and "it could be a lot worse."

I know it could be worse. I could be dying of malaria on top of not singing "O Come All Ye Faithful" around the dinner table this Christmas, and that indeed would be a lot worse. Thanks, honey.

l guess I just miss my family, friends, and the comforts of home a little more than usual today. Traveling has its ups and downs, after all.

-Sarah

Comments

But do you regret the trip?
I sympathise, but keep in mind that I would kill to experiance what you are right now.

You've just lead a more colorful life than I can hope for. Don't let one poop-sad day ruin that for you.

keep living that amazing dream honeymoon! just think, your have had the chance to sample nasty bad food and bad hygen conditions (out-house in loas cold shower in india no shower on a 7 day train ride) from all over the world!

What a life!

As a brand-new married couple, maybe this is simply the opportunity to create yours and B's own new holiday traditions. Okay, I'm typing this three days past Christmas, now, and it's probably of little comfort. Yeah, I know it would be tough to not have so much of what you're used to for the holidays. Just be sure to treasure the new companionship the two of you have--and there can't be a much better Christmas gift than that, eh?

Merry Christmas Sarah. I know just how you feel. Due to some complicated family drama, I'm in England where I'm studying in uni, spending Christmas with my English relatives, while the 2 people I love most in the world, my parents, are in Malaysia right now, avoiding Christmas. Although it's a long story and none of this is my fault or my decision, I know what it feels like to miss the traditions and the familiarity of being with those you love at Christmas, even if it was out in the Far East.

But all I can say is, you do have Brendan with you, and there can always be other Christmas's.

Take care! xxoo

Uh, luckily for you, you're getting to experience places many people will never be privileged enough to see. Also, luckily for you, Christmas comes every year. Appreciate India and eat your darn cookies next year.

Wow, always amazed at how people are so quick to jump on someone when they are simply expressing themselves. Sarah has a right to feel homesick, even if they are having one-in-a-lifetime experiences. Everyday isn't going to be a picnic, whether your travelling the world or doing a typical 9-5 job. That's life. If Sarah and Brendan only wrote about good stuff, people would complain about that...

Thank you Sarah for being honest and sharing your adventures with us. Hope you and Brendan have a nice New Year. Stay safe!

Sarah, I totally empathize. I think it would totally suck to be away for Christmas. After all, Christmas is meant to be spent with family at home! You can listen to the "I'll be home at Christmas" song, but it might only make you feel more depressed. Anyways, hope things are looking up for you! Have fun traveling . . .

God help me, but I agree with Doony Dog. Get off your high horse and get on your man.

I've spent three Christmases in various foreign countries away from my family. So I know from experience that it's hard, period. But the good thing about it is that it makes the holidays that you DO spend with your family that much more special. At least you have your husband with you! I hope you're feeling better. Hang in there, and happy new year! (almost)

I hate to be negative, but I came to this blog to hear about the joys of being a newlywed, and then I read all of these negative posts.

SARAH and BRANDEN....why so negative....you should be in love. I think the Doony Dog and Chicklit went to far with their messages, but there on the right track. Why don't you 2 spend the next 24 hours naked and then post something more up beat

I think Pax is on to something. My wife and I once were fighting during vacation. She had caught me with a hooker and she was all bent out of shape (totally uptight). So, after she stopped yelling at me, she got in the shower. I jumped in there with her and we did it so much that night...let's just say we forgot all about the hooker....at least she did. I never forget the hooker because she had the most amazing legs...but that's a story for a different blog.

Anyway, my point is this: Sarah, its impossible to be sad in the tbroes of passion. You just need to add a little juice to your sex life.

Henry... your post, although mildly interesting, is not welcomed here.

This is a travelogue!!!! If B & S want to tell us about their sex life then let them do it on their own. Something tells me they don't, so your comments are uncalled for.

Sarah, it's okay to be sad during the holidays. Heck, I would be even if I was experiencing one of the best things in my life. You're human and I wouldn't expect anything else from you. :)

Happy New Years!!!!

Happy Holidays you two. Thank you for sharing your very interesting travel exploits. It sounds like a wonderful adventure that you will remember for the rest of your lives together. Thanks again so much for sharing.
cfield76

When you get home you will need to do Christmas. Make up for the lost time. I would hate to miss Christmas :(

Think that you will do it when you get home.

DJ

I have a feeling a handful of these ridiculous posts are coming from the same IP. Anyway, you're not going to read details about my sex life on this blog. Don't even bother asking.
:)
s

While I don't think you at all need to talk about your sex life, I do think you need a little friecken perspective, dear.

While a personal blog is about personal reflection, you need to remember that it's also a choice, just like your travels. Try to remember how fortunate you are to be able to travel and write about it.

I was wondering what happened with your other site? I'm noticing that each time I go to visit to read about your next adventure, it's been down. Just curious. I love to read about your trip/experiences. :-)

Personally, I don't think it's anyone's place to tell you what to write in YOUR blog. If they don't like it, they can go somewhere else. Sheesh. This is the last time I'm going to bother reading comments here. Your posts and Brendan's are the reason I continue coming to your blog, not to hear the ridiculous complaints of others.

Just remember that not everyone who comes here thinks like those who comment negatively. I enjoy reading this blog as well as both of your separate blogs on brendanandsarah.com. Good luck on the rest of your travels and I'm looking forward to future posts (and podcasts)!

Sarah,
I hope that you are feeling better. It is a New Year and you will have many new adventures (just stay away from the monkeys - they cannot be trusted).

I can relate to feeling bad for the person having to work on Christmas Day (or even Christmas Eve). If I am eating at a restaurant on Christmas Eve, I try to leave a little extra for the waitperson.

Sarah,

I read your travel blog while at work and was IN STITCHES reading about the monkey's. What a discription! I found your writing to be very entertaining and engaging.

Thank you for sharing the details of your adventure!

Stacy

It is only human to be sad away from those you love during Christmas. Every 3 years we stay home away from family. Because our daughter 12 wants to stay home . We travel out of state the other two years to visit family. I enjoy this year staying home not fighting the hazzle of the airlines and being able to host a few Christmas parties including having Christmas dinner here with friends was nice. But it is normal to feel a loss as well esp. when you know your parents are getting up in age. So our stay home year went well and a week later we flew out for my Dads 73 birthday surprise party! It was awesome! Family should never be forgotten... but when you get married you have to make compromises. I know it has been almost 19 years now. Enjoy the excitement of your travels. A once in a lifetime experience! We have only been to Europe twice and the Caribbean 3 times. Appreciate all you see because when you have children it is harder to be away and you miss them so much. Good luck ..take care..be saf

That's hot.

Hi, friend

Bundi is a small town near Kota. Bundi was the capital of Hadoti region. Bundi is 36

km from Kota is and is one of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once

a part of Kota,Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is

circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. Interesting monuments including

impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and

chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town,

add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

Dear,Friend
Bundi is a small town near Kota. Bundi was the capital of Hadoti

region. Bundi is 36 km from Kota is and is one of the unexplored

cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by

the Had Chauhans- an offshoots of the famous Chauhan clan who

ruled Delhi and Ajmer.
Please visit for more detail
http://www.desidirectory.com/india-travel-guide/