Everyone breathe a sigh of relief- I am not hating life nearly as much as I was when I arrived :)
Some of the girls came over for dinner in our room last night and we had a little party. I felt better almost instantly, knowing some of the people I would be spending my time here with (and also as soon as I got internet...). Sadly I didn't sleep well even after being up for 30+ hours. Our hotel is right on the road and honking is very popular here. I have high hopes for this evening :)
We all met at the center this morning to meet our advisors and do some workshoppy things. We broke for tea in the courtyard. It was marvelous! We had the most delicious tea I've ever had, and delectable samosas. Om nom nom (just for you, Mom. lolz) We all had a meeting with a psychologist specializing in culture shock, and with the doctor associated with IES for some medical advice while in India.
We made two excursions today, one being Humayan's Tomb (I love wiki). It is a truly beautiful place.
I took sooo many pictures (you'll be proud Dad).
The next place we went was an arts and crafts bazaar called Dilli Haat which was incredible. There were scarves, musical instruments, hand carved boxes, beautiful loomed cloth and so many other wonderful things! I noticed that it was very clean, there were no beggars, and the staring/harassment was nonexistent. I then discovered one has to pay to enter, and this is a movement started by the Indian government to give craftsmen a city-wide scope to sell their wares (and amp up positive tourism...). So it was a bit of an extenuating circumstance, but I appreciate IES slowly assimilating us into the local culture with baby steps :) I didn't take any pictures of Dilli Haat. I felt like it would be like someone walking up to me in Hallmark and photographing me doing my job- it just seemed odd. There are a few pics on the website I linked however.
Tonight was my first real mishap here in India (it really could have happened anywhere, I suppose). The shower is a bit...quirky so that was already one challenge. Well when I try to get out, I discover I cannot turn the water off- the handle was stuck!!! Naturally I fly into full-blown panic mode for absolutely no reason and call the front desk, realizing that if someone comes up it would be horrendously improper of me to be in just a towel so I run around trying to find proper clothing and decide to try one last time. I fixed it! But in the process ripped up my hand, and I had try to explain to the person who arrived JUST as the water had been turned off that I am an idiot and can't work a shower. Just another day in the life.
I think that's all for now. I just wanted to let you all know that my spirits are up and things are going well...except showering.
ttfn
Some of the girls came over for dinner in our room last night and we had a little party. I felt better almost instantly, knowing some of the people I would be spending my time here with (and also as soon as I got internet...). Sadly I didn't sleep well even after being up for 30+ hours. Our hotel is right on the road and honking is very popular here. I have high hopes for this evening :)
We all met at the center this morning to meet our advisors and do some workshoppy things. We broke for tea in the courtyard. It was marvelous! We had the most delicious tea I've ever had, and delectable samosas. Om nom nom (just for you, Mom. lolz) We all had a meeting with a psychologist specializing in culture shock, and with the doctor associated with IES for some medical advice while in India.
We made two excursions today, one being Humayan's Tomb (I love wiki). It is a truly beautiful place.
I took sooo many pictures (you'll be proud Dad).
The next place we went was an arts and crafts bazaar called Dilli Haat which was incredible. There were scarves, musical instruments, hand carved boxes, beautiful loomed cloth and so many other wonderful things! I noticed that it was very clean, there were no beggars, and the staring/harassment was nonexistent. I then discovered one has to pay to enter, and this is a movement started by the Indian government to give craftsmen a city-wide scope to sell their wares (and amp up positive tourism...). So it was a bit of an extenuating circumstance, but I appreciate IES slowly assimilating us into the local culture with baby steps :) I didn't take any pictures of Dilli Haat. I felt like it would be like someone walking up to me in Hallmark and photographing me doing my job- it just seemed odd. There are a few pics on the website I linked however.
Tonight was my first real mishap here in India (it really could have happened anywhere, I suppose). The shower is a bit...quirky so that was already one challenge. Well when I try to get out, I discover I cannot turn the water off- the handle was stuck!!! Naturally I fly into full-blown panic mode for absolutely no reason and call the front desk, realizing that if someone comes up it would be horrendously improper of me to be in just a towel so I run around trying to find proper clothing and decide to try one last time. I fixed it! But in the process ripped up my hand, and I had try to explain to the person who arrived JUST as the water had been turned off that I am an idiot and can't work a shower. Just another day in the life.
I think that's all for now. I just wanted to let you all know that my spirits are up and things are going well...except showering.
ttfn
Love it!! Thanks for sharing:) heal fast! Sweet dreams.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mom
take care of you, love the blog, thanks so much
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear things are looking up take care and keep posting! Love the blog!
ReplyDelete