Wrapped up in the arms of India

So. Where to start. I've experienced more new and different things in the past few days then I have ever have. The only way I can think of explaining it is to list some of the things that stand out the most in order of what I experienced first

1. Indian architecture- gorgeous. It's amazing how long many of these impressive structures have been standing. I'm saving the Taj Mahal for a little later in my trip but I'm really excited to see that one.
2. Hospitality- I've never experienced anything close to this level of welcome and caring from people I don't know. Ankur devoted every spare second he had to my enjoyment and comfort and here in Chandigarh Gagan's family (my AIESEC friend) has been absolutely amazing. This has made this already challenging journey much easier. Like I said in the title of this post- it's like India is trying to cradle me and put my fears to rest. I'm trying to let it. :)
3. Food- all I can say is YUM. Though I'm not going to lie... I'm getting to the point where I'd enjoy a nice turkey sandwich from Leon's with a tasty cool cocktail. But I can't think about that. In general my food experiences have been interesting and delicious with only a few moments of discomfort for my taste buds. There was that one meal where I unknowingly ate a freshly picked thai chili. I was in midsentence, trying to make a point when I put food in my mouth without looking and was suddenly enveloped by this very strong burning sensation. And through blurry vision (it's hard for me not to tear up a little when something is that spicy) I asked my friends what I'd eaten and they said, "oh, there are thai chili's in that." Yeah... psh, thai chili's... easy. I can handle some spicy food. But THAT was spicy.
4. Delhi- I traversed all over that sprawling city in the company of my life-saving natives. Thank goodness I had them. Probably the most daunting area was old delhi. This is the land of cow pulled carts, bicycle taxis, and one of the oldest still functioning markets in the world, complete with the tiny alley ways everywhere packed with vendors. However, I was in love with it all- fascinated by everything.
5. My trip to Chandigarh- I was unprepared for the Indian countryside. Ankur and Nirnimesh (ankur is navin's cousin and nirnimesh is his friend who has been with us most of the time) and Nirnimesh's wife all drove me the 5 hours to my next city (they wouldn't hear it when I tried to tell them I would take a train or bus). In a place where lanes don't really exist and speed limits are more like suggestions, a 5 hour trip was pretty intense. It was also on this trip that all my fears, exhaustion (I've been getting around 4 hours a night for the past 5 nights), and homesickness took over me. Needless to say it has been a rough 24 hours. But I knew it was coming- I just wish it would've waited until I was settled into my house. But the family here has been very welcoming. This morning Gagan's mother found out I hadn't had a shower or sleep since I arrive in Chandigarh and insisted on me taking their room for the day to sleep. When I started refusing, she said, "No no. Here in India, I am mama and he (pointing to her husband), is Papa. You are welcome here." I was very touched.

However, I think what has stood out the most for me is the culture. I've never seen so many contradictions living in harmony. Here, people will swerve out of the way for a cow (I got really excited when I saw my first road cow by the way) but force their fellow human beings to dodge traffic while crossing the street. You can walk down the street and see a billionaire's home on the left side of the street, and then a makeshift tent propped up on the right. Then there's the practical/logical approach to life here mixed with the emotional and heavily relationship based social structure. This contradiction is harder to explain. But from what I've seen (which really isn't much yet) I've seen that Indian's tend to be very stubborn, proud, and aggressive people while also being some of the most caring and light hearted people in the world. But I still have so much to learn- I'm sure my opinions will change or at least alter some during the rest of my trip.


Today I will talk to the project manager in Hoshiarpur- the district where my NGO is- and will get my official assignment. Then tomorrow I'll hop on a bus for the four hour ride there. The reaction I'm getting from people when they find out what I'm doing is very different than in the U.S. Social work is much less common here it seems and with a corrupt government it's easy to see where the doubt I've received about my motives comes from. I'm not saying the U.S. doesn't experience corruption... but it's more prevalent here, especially on the lower levels. For example I saw a news story the other day about a government program that's supposed to be paying workers around 50 rupees (I think) a day- which comes to about one dollar. However, in actuality, the local officals are only paying them a couple of rupees (which doesn't really buy anything here) and pocketing the difference.

Alright that's all for now. It's time for me to pass out. More later!

mind block

Hello all. I'm sorry it's taking me a while to put up a post. I've had a few people harass me about how I'm lacking in the blogging area. :) I've been so overwhelmed that it's hard to figure out what to write! I just wanted to let you know another one IS coming.

Delhi

So I'm here. And what a trip it was. The farthest I've ever flown before now has been to Paris and the trip to New Delhi was twice as long. First off, I would just like to say that Charles De Galles international airport is one of the most disfunctional places I've ever seen. Finding the way to my next gate was like going through an obstacle course. Maybe some of you can feel my pain. The flight from Atlanta to Paris was made much more relaxing by the free and delicious French wine that Air France provides. But as soon as I was on the plane to Delhi the reality of what I was doing really started hitting me... like with a giant baseball bat. Not being able to sleep much didn't help either.

However, it did help that I was sitting next to a very helpful Indian man who was chatting with me, giving me tips, and teaching me useful Hindi words. Then at one point he offered me a mint which I accepted. He THEN went on to say I should never accept food from strangers in India. He said that they befriend you and then offer you food that actually knocks you out so that they can rob you. Of course by this time I already had the mint in my mouth and was looking at him with wide eyed fear, wondering if this was a friendly way of him telling me I was about to be robbed. I actually almost spit it out but figured that might be a little offensive/gross and I'm glad I didn't- it turns out he was actually just a nice man giving me helpful advice. But still, lesson learned.

One fun thing (not) about flying for 16 hours is that you feel like you're still on the plane long after you've landed. I did not know this would happen so after I'd strapped on my 30 pound pack and exited the airplane I very nearly topple over multiple times. I think people thought I was drunk- I got some very strange looks. I was picked up from the airport by Navin's (my boyfriend) cousin who lives here with his father. He brought along a friend and they both were very friendly, making me relax a little. They're trying to convince me to stay in Delhi for longer than I planned- a week actually. I'm very tempted. This way I'd have a local guide that I know to introduce me to the customs and culture. I'll have to check in with my organization today and see what they have planned for me before I make my decision. I wanted to go out and about today but papa Ankur (the cousin) firmly suggested that i take this day to settle in and rest. Now that I'm doing it I think he's right. I'll spend today watching movies, arranging tours of delhi, making appointments with Yoga instructors, and reading my travel guides. Time to jump in!

One week before take off

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

...I'm a little nervous. But also excited. And probably every other emotion.