Lessons On Poverty In India Leg Of The Amazing Race

After 51 minutes of 60 Minutes it was FINALLY time for the Amazing Race. After last weeks naked run through Russia who knew what was gonna happen as Jodie/Christie were set to face the seasons first Speed Bump. For their next location the teams headed off to India where promos promised emotion and life changing experiences. Being that they arrived first, Margie and Luke were first to learn about heading to India. Their location is known as the “Pink City” since it was painted pink for royals in the past. Luke wasn’t too happy to be heading off to India while Victor/Tammy were happy for warm weather. As teams headed to the airport we learned they had to first connect through Moscow. That means everyone would equalize there and most likely arrive in India around the same time. Jodie and Christie must be happy about that as their speed bump, plus being behind, would have meant sure doom.

After skipping all the airport drama, teams arrived in Jaipur, India. It was then time for taxis which seemed an issue for all. Mel and Mike wanted out of their taxi, but their driver ran off with their bags in the trunk to find directions. That put them in last place but their taxi promised to speed at least. Jodie/Christie were having issues as well as their taxi needed gas, forcing one of the two to ask for a “hurry” button. Gotta love the culture Staples has brought to America. Over in Luke/Margie’s car it was time for some more culture shock as they remarked about the smell. Others noticed the deplorable conditions as one of the reds cried about the poor animals and Luke broke into tears as well. It was a great edit for showing issues in India and I’m sure it will go down as a potential Emmy nominated clip.

Victor and Tammy were first to find the tree clue and found a telephone. After calling a number a voice told them, in Indian, the location they should head. They had their driver, Baboo, translate and they were off to the next clue. Everyone else then arrived at the tree at the same time and walked right past the telephone. Um didn’t they wonder why a phone wouldbe sitting in the middle of nowhere? Kisha/Jen were the first to try the phone and everyone followed. None of the teams really understood what it said and all followed Kisha and Jen as they were the first to leave. Jodie and Christie were the only two to not follow the pack and went off by themselves. Good luck girls!

Back over with Victor and Tammy it was Road Bock time and time to feed some camels. Victor chose to do the task and had many issues moving the camel food. He’s not too smart for a lawyer. As the taxis raced to the location Mark and Mike passed everyone. They seemed to know where they were going though, so doing so was actually rather beneficial. As the cabs pulled up Victor was almost done, putting he and himself in an early lead. The rest were then off to feed the camels where Jaime had language issues yet again. Mel and Margie were also having issues, this time simply caring the buckets. If only there were drunk locals in India to cheer them on!

Once the water was running through the troff, Victor and Tammy were able to fall… I mean race to their next clue: a puppet store. Jodi and Christie arrived as they left and they hoped their physical stamina could pick up some speed. Mel was really having issues moving the water back and forth so they have a shot at least, but don’t forget the Speed Bump ladies! With the water done for most it was onto the food. They too missed the baskets and tries carrying the hay in the bucket. Mel was first to try the basket, proving he’s smarter then most there and allowed him to pick up the pace a bit. Back over at the first placers, Tammy/Victor learned their Detour was Movers or Shakers. They had to either move barrels on the back of a bike and then search for an elephant in the barrels or join a dance troupe and “shake their hips for tips” to collect money. Go Phil and his witty descriptions.

Tammy/Victor chose the dancing to break the stereotypes of lawyers. While they begged and danced for cash the others continued their food hauling. Everyone else finally realized they could use the baskets as the two crazies continued to boogie. It ended up that Mel finished the Road Block first, thanks to his mind, putting Mel/Mike in second place. Jaime/Cara were off as well followed by Margie/Luke, Kisha/Jen and Mark/Mike. That left Jodi/Christie still in last and still having to do their Speed Bump. It was then a taxi race to the Detour as the pack was still together. When Jodie/Christie finished the Road Block they were told a Speed Bump was ahead and as they wished bad luck, Mark/Mike were shown. Oh how I love foreshadowing.

After gaining 100 rupees Tammy/Victor headed off to their obvious first place finish. Guess they got their groove back, literally. Mel and Mike were second at the Detour and also chose dancing to let Mel rest. It’s strange to have people asking for money in such a poverty stricken country but at least is’ fun to watch! As the rest arrived at the Detour most chose dancing as Jen felt right at home. Mel/Mike were the only ones to take the biking task as they road through the city. While the others did their Detour, Christie and Jodi found their Speed Bump. They had to decorate an elephant for a festival and were actually excited about doing so. It was a fun task but had much importance to it.

With monkeys and a nose playing native, Tammy and Victor arrived at Phil in first place for their second time. That didn’t mean the others were out of it yet as Mel/Mike rode off to the Pit Stop and Margie danced around with pink teeth. Yes, they really were pink. Jaime/Cara were third to complete the dancing only to lose their taxi with their bags in tow. Could this be the bad luck Christie and Jodi needed after they completed their Speed Bump? Margie/Luke finished in fourth but headed to the Pit Stop in third as Jaime/Cara finally found their taxi. Oh darn, I so wanted another “my passports gone!” moment like last season! Jodi and Christie started their dancing with only Mark and Mike still doing the Detour. Since the guys still had to search for an elephant, the ladies had a chance of staying and the foreshadowing is starting to make sense.

As the brothers continued their search for a small elephant in a huge barrel, Mel and Mike checked in second. Jodie/Christie were able to finish before Mark/Mike which allowed them the chance to actually stay in the game. Mike was able to finally find the small statue though which forced the two to a taxi race to stay in the race. Others were also close in placement as Kisha/Jen, Margie/Luke and Cara/Jaime all arrived at the same time in that order. It was then down to either Mark/Mike or Jodi/Christie. Either the ladies pulled off their Speed Bump in time or the guys were first to find their elephant. It turned out Mark and  Mike found the elephant just in time, only a few minutes before Christie and Jodi. The two friends then learned they were being eliminated from the race. Both were proud for being on the race and loved the experience. Although they had some trouble early on Jodi and Christie made it far, proving they deserved to stay and they were good competitors in the end.