Silly Interns in the rickshaw!
Me, Nancy and Vijay doing yoga
Student's Dance Class
Group discussion at the UNAIDS Conference
Looking professional at the UNAIDS Conference
The Whole Gang! (and the dogs)
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Okay, let's be honest...this summer has been amazing!
Some of my favorite photos from the last few weeks....it's been a while since I've posted pictures!
Silly Interns in the rickshaw!
Me, Nancy and Vijay doing yoga
Student's Dance Class
Group discussion at the UNAIDS Conference
Looking professional at the UNAIDS Conference
The Whole Gang! (and the dogs)
Silly Interns in the rickshaw!
Me, Nancy and Vijay doing yoga
Student's Dance Class
Group discussion at the UNAIDS Conference
Looking professional at the UNAIDS Conference
The Whole Gang! (and the dogs)
Last Day of Work
It is that time of summer-time for the final goodbye to the wonderful Maitri Team. It is my last, bittersweet day of work today and I am astonished at how much I have changed this summer, and I know that I won’t realize the depth of change until I’ve arrived in Salt Lake City and get back to “real life.” Already though, I have started to notice my life blending into the Indian way-of-life. No longer am I blatantly aware of the poverty and living conditions of my neighbors or those who come to beg at my car window. I no longer register that I am on the streets of Delhi; rather it seems to be the streets of a place called home. Everything is strikingly familiar, and yet, so temporary to me. I leave on Tuesday, and won’t be waking up to the racket of the pigeons outside of my bedroom window. I won’t be squishing into the tiny, antique rickshaw that inches me through Delhi pollution and traffic to get to work. I won’t be blasted with the most blissful wall of air conditioning as I walk through the doors of the Maitri office. I won’t be greeted in the high pitch, whining voices of the students “GOODMORNINGMA’AM”. Nope. Instead, at this time next week, I’ll be somewhere unknown again-somewhere that I become blatantly familiar of each new thing, and where I feel like an outsider looking in. My routine is going to shift drastically, and instead of focusing on work-related issues, and becoming accustomed to new living conditions, I will be sightseeing as a bona fide tourist. Upon arrival from Africa I experienced reverse culture shock, and similarly I worry that I will go through the same feelings. Only, instead of being in the comfort of my home, I will be among strangers and on the road (or in the sky, or in a river). So, how will I cope with reverse culture shock while simultaneously coping with regular culture shock?
What an amazing experience this has been! This India place sure is intoxicating. I caught glimpses of my love for India throughout the trip. Sometimes, the glimpse even lasted a couple days, or a week. But you never realize the extent to which you love something until you don’t have it. And I am realizing, while packing up all of my belongings and wrapping goodbye presents, that this is one of those places that I’m going to reminisce forever.
Stay tuned folks for another country another day!
Peace.
What an amazing experience this has been! This India place sure is intoxicating. I caught glimpses of my love for India throughout the trip. Sometimes, the glimpse even lasted a couple days, or a week. But you never realize the extent to which you love something until you don’t have it. And I am realizing, while packing up all of my belongings and wrapping goodbye presents, that this is one of those places that I’m going to reminisce forever.
Stay tuned folks for another country another day!
Peace.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
HIV Workshop at the Modern School
This morning, we woke up really early, and went to this beautiful school to conduct our last HIV workshop-this one focusing on drug and substance abuse. The group was about 30 students in "class 12" who were participatory and eager to answer our questions. The workshop began with a brief summary of HIV/AIDS, then we talked about discrimination and stigma. The students brainstormed adjectives for how they feel when they are accepted in a group and when they are discriminated against. We explained that people who are HIV positive often deal with discrimination on a daily basis. Then, we discussed how to balance power and fight stigma. The students had encouraging responses, such as, "treat others the way you want to be treated" and "become educated and aware of HIV." After a brief skit about a girl who became HIV positive after having unprotected sex when she was drunk, I transitioned into drug awareness, ways to talk about drugs with your family and friends and ways to say no. The students seemed to have a strong grasp on the subject matter. Even though they said that they didn't encounter pressure to do drugs, they made it apparent that it was an issue that other students at their school face and that they would likely face if they went to college. I always get a sense of gratification after the workshops. If I helped keep one student drug free today, it was a success. If they can remember one message about discrimination that was discussed today, it was a success.
Also, some promising news on the dance show....it looks like it will possibly be happening on Wednesday! Blog readers: KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED FOR ME!!!
Yesterday was our last day with Winnie and the General. They left for the USA last night so they had us over for a delicious, mouth-watering lunch. I will truly miss the tomato paste paneer. It is my most favorite Indian dish, with such a savory medley of sweet and creamy flavors. The squares of cheese squish between your teeth with an almost squeaky sensation. This other dish, which resembles white chunky lumps, has been slowly growing on me as well. From what I can tell, it is chick peas mixed with sour cream and something else to make it rather watery. Dripping this on top of red beans and rice is such a lovely combination of tang. Then, it must be mentioned...the vanilla ice cream (unlike any vanilla I've ever tasted, a heavenly, out of this world delight) and mango dessert is truly a scrumtrulescent highlight of the meal. I will definitely miss Winnie and the General's powerful presence in the office. They are the most kind and generous people, yet without words, they demand respect in a way that is unmatched. I've never felt so welcome and comfortable and yet simultaneously on the tip of my toes and uneasy in my life.
I can tell that I am getting anxious for the next leg of my journey. I received the documentation and travel itinerary yesterday and last night, I couldn't sleep because I was so wound up thinking about how much room I will have in my suitcase, and what I need to bring. There is so much to think about! This part of the trip has been poorly planned, likely because it is at the very end and because I figured it would all be taken care of through the tour agency that I'm going with. But after reviewing the information, I'm realizing that I need to focus on what is in my near future....Bangkok, Cambodia and Vietnam.
And, I'm homesick. Terribly homesick and tired of traveling. My whole body is tired and I am yearning for the comforts of home. I know that I just need to buck up because I will look back and think of this trip as one of the best experiences of my life. However, at this point in the summer, going on a trip where I'm traveling somewhere new every day and sightseeing from sunup to sundown sounds like death. I'm just ready to sleep in my own big bed, see my beautiful dog and eat a burger. Enough of this vegetarian shit.
Peace.
Also, some promising news on the dance show....it looks like it will possibly be happening on Wednesday! Blog readers: KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED FOR ME!!!
Yesterday was our last day with Winnie and the General. They left for the USA last night so they had us over for a delicious, mouth-watering lunch. I will truly miss the tomato paste paneer. It is my most favorite Indian dish, with such a savory medley of sweet and creamy flavors. The squares of cheese squish between your teeth with an almost squeaky sensation. This other dish, which resembles white chunky lumps, has been slowly growing on me as well. From what I can tell, it is chick peas mixed with sour cream and something else to make it rather watery. Dripping this on top of red beans and rice is such a lovely combination of tang. Then, it must be mentioned...the vanilla ice cream (unlike any vanilla I've ever tasted, a heavenly, out of this world delight) and mango dessert is truly a scrumtrulescent highlight of the meal. I will definitely miss Winnie and the General's powerful presence in the office. They are the most kind and generous people, yet without words, they demand respect in a way that is unmatched. I've never felt so welcome and comfortable and yet simultaneously on the tip of my toes and uneasy in my life.
I can tell that I am getting anxious for the next leg of my journey. I received the documentation and travel itinerary yesterday and last night, I couldn't sleep because I was so wound up thinking about how much room I will have in my suitcase, and what I need to bring. There is so much to think about! This part of the trip has been poorly planned, likely because it is at the very end and because I figured it would all be taken care of through the tour agency that I'm going with. But after reviewing the information, I'm realizing that I need to focus on what is in my near future....Bangkok, Cambodia and Vietnam.
And, I'm homesick. Terribly homesick and tired of traveling. My whole body is tired and I am yearning for the comforts of home. I know that I just need to buck up because I will look back and think of this trip as one of the best experiences of my life. However, at this point in the summer, going on a trip where I'm traveling somewhere new every day and sightseeing from sunup to sundown sounds like death. I'm just ready to sleep in my own big bed, see my beautiful dog and eat a burger. Enough of this vegetarian shit.
Peace.
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
No title.
It is the second to last week here and we are still working on the dance performance…hoping, somewhat in vain, that the show will happen, though at this point I’m highly doubting it. I need to think optimistically though. It is amazing the way that things are pulled off here!
We have also been asked to compile a couple of reports for the OMAXE project. One on health concerns such as health equity, and another on social capital. Working with these interns has been extremely efficient. We are able to divvy up work and finish whole reports in a matter of hours! If only I was able carry them with me for the rest of my life!
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the Tata Sky lately. For those of you who are not aware of what Tata Sky is, it is basically direct TV, only with far fewer English channels. When I’m not at work, I’m letting my mind go to waste in front of the tube watching nonsense. And just a note on the commercials-because it must be said…horrifying does not begin to describe them. This month is “Shivers and Shakes” month, so they are featuring scary movies every evening. In the USA, previews to scary movies can be eerie and give you the gist of the movie. Here though, they show the most disgusting, bloody, violently shocking moments in the movie! There really is no point in watching the movie after you have been forced to watch the vampire rip out a bloody heart and lick the blood about a dozen times each time the commercial airs. If you switch the channel, it is likely that you will see a commercial with a “To Be Continued….” I’m not kidding, they actually leave you in suspense. Will the sexy man find his dream girl radiating of Oil of Olay soft pink shimmer moisturizer? Talk about advertising!
Finally, I must voice my pathetic little frustrations with our cook. I have transformed. I used to be completely uncomfortable with the idea of hired help, which sounds bizarre, since I have worked as a house cleaner and a nanny. But at my age, I never dreamed that I would hire help. I mean hello! I’m 22! However, I no longer feel the need to sympathize with my cook. In fact, I wanted to scream at her yesterday.
First of all, we found out the other day that she is completely overpaid. It’s okay because she speaks broken-English and makes a damn fine meal. Still, I am get slightly irritated at this news. Then, when we ask her to start making lunches (because they stopped bringing lunch to the office for us) she pouts. Pouts and complains! Even though it is her job, and we give her mornings and weekends off, she pouts! Then, we all got sick because of some potatoes that she cooked. When confronted, instead of accepting the blame, she made excuses and suggested that it was something else that we ate. She is the only person that cooks for us! We weren’t even mad or rude; we just wanted her to cook the potatoes longer and at a higher heat! Finally, last night was the kicker… I was in a deep sleep and feeling under-the-weather, and she comes waltzing into my room and wakes me up to come eat dinner. I tell her I’m sleeping, and she continues to wake me up. I tell her I’m still sleeping, and she continues to wake me up. I tell her that I AM STILL SLEEPING, and she CONTINUES TO WAKE ME UP! Ooohhhh I was so bugged! Is it too much to ask not to be forced to eat? Is it too much to ask to be left alone when I’m face down in a pillow?
What is my deal?! Am I allowed to get frustrated? I think the difficult thing, is that Winnie and Sonal make it quite clear that our cook is completely pampered by us. It is hard to be stuck in a triangle between us (unknowing foreigners), our pouting cook, and our bosses who are in disbelief by her overly-ideal situation. I think back to when I was a house cleaner, or a nanny, and if my bosses asked me to do something, I would, of course do it! No pouting involved! It’s a job! It’s what you get paid to do! It’s what you are hired for!
Okay, enough venting.
Breath.
We have also been asked to compile a couple of reports for the OMAXE project. One on health concerns such as health equity, and another on social capital. Working with these interns has been extremely efficient. We are able to divvy up work and finish whole reports in a matter of hours! If only I was able carry them with me for the rest of my life!
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the Tata Sky lately. For those of you who are not aware of what Tata Sky is, it is basically direct TV, only with far fewer English channels. When I’m not at work, I’m letting my mind go to waste in front of the tube watching nonsense. And just a note on the commercials-because it must be said…horrifying does not begin to describe them. This month is “Shivers and Shakes” month, so they are featuring scary movies every evening. In the USA, previews to scary movies can be eerie and give you the gist of the movie. Here though, they show the most disgusting, bloody, violently shocking moments in the movie! There really is no point in watching the movie after you have been forced to watch the vampire rip out a bloody heart and lick the blood about a dozen times each time the commercial airs. If you switch the channel, it is likely that you will see a commercial with a “To Be Continued….” I’m not kidding, they actually leave you in suspense. Will the sexy man find his dream girl radiating of Oil of Olay soft pink shimmer moisturizer? Talk about advertising!
Finally, I must voice my pathetic little frustrations with our cook. I have transformed. I used to be completely uncomfortable with the idea of hired help, which sounds bizarre, since I have worked as a house cleaner and a nanny. But at my age, I never dreamed that I would hire help. I mean hello! I’m 22! However, I no longer feel the need to sympathize with my cook. In fact, I wanted to scream at her yesterday.
First of all, we found out the other day that she is completely overpaid. It’s okay because she speaks broken-English and makes a damn fine meal. Still, I am get slightly irritated at this news. Then, when we ask her to start making lunches (because they stopped bringing lunch to the office for us) she pouts. Pouts and complains! Even though it is her job, and we give her mornings and weekends off, she pouts! Then, we all got sick because of some potatoes that she cooked. When confronted, instead of accepting the blame, she made excuses and suggested that it was something else that we ate. She is the only person that cooks for us! We weren’t even mad or rude; we just wanted her to cook the potatoes longer and at a higher heat! Finally, last night was the kicker… I was in a deep sleep and feeling under-the-weather, and she comes waltzing into my room and wakes me up to come eat dinner. I tell her I’m sleeping, and she continues to wake me up. I tell her I’m still sleeping, and she continues to wake me up. I tell her that I AM STILL SLEEPING, and she CONTINUES TO WAKE ME UP! Ooohhhh I was so bugged! Is it too much to ask not to be forced to eat? Is it too much to ask to be left alone when I’m face down in a pillow?
What is my deal?! Am I allowed to get frustrated? I think the difficult thing, is that Winnie and Sonal make it quite clear that our cook is completely pampered by us. It is hard to be stuck in a triangle between us (unknowing foreigners), our pouting cook, and our bosses who are in disbelief by her overly-ideal situation. I think back to when I was a house cleaner, or a nanny, and if my bosses asked me to do something, I would, of course do it! No pouting involved! It’s a job! It’s what you get paid to do! It’s what you are hired for!
Okay, enough venting.
Breath.
Thursday, 17 July 2008
TGIF
It’s finally Friday! What a week! The kids have got me tired out! We have had 2.5 hour rehearsals every day this week and that means a whole lot of yelling and organizing while they run around like hooligans. But, the week is over and now relaxation can begin.
Vijay came over last night and taught us about chakras and meditation. I was in the mood for some asanas, but I think the theory behind the chakras are pretty fascinating. Each "zone" in your body has a specific chakra color and when you do the "om" chanting, it is supposed to cause vibrations in three different body zones. This is why chanting the "om" is so good for your health. Interesting! After the lecture, Vijay negotiated with Nancy to buy her laptop off of her, and I thought about food.
I only have two more weeks of work, which is a strange feeling. I feel like there is still so much that we can accomplish. For example, I would really like to make it over to the vocational school to hold a workshop with the women for the campaign. I’ve talked with the kids about the campaign, so I hope that they understand the concept behind the dance show, but that’s not enough.
I’m a little nervous about traveling after this internship. Mostly worried about my luggage situation (I feel like I have way too much that I am bringing with me, and I’m not sure how to downsize) but also nervous about the people that I’ll be traveling with. I have no idea who these people are and I’m going to be spending 20 days with them! I guess this is how I always feel before departing on a new journey though.
Nothing more to say.
Peace.
Vijay came over last night and taught us about chakras and meditation. I was in the mood for some asanas, but I think the theory behind the chakras are pretty fascinating. Each "zone" in your body has a specific chakra color and when you do the "om" chanting, it is supposed to cause vibrations in three different body zones. This is why chanting the "om" is so good for your health. Interesting! After the lecture, Vijay negotiated with Nancy to buy her laptop off of her, and I thought about food.
I only have two more weeks of work, which is a strange feeling. I feel like there is still so much that we can accomplish. For example, I would really like to make it over to the vocational school to hold a workshop with the women for the campaign. I’ve talked with the kids about the campaign, so I hope that they understand the concept behind the dance show, but that’s not enough.
I’m a little nervous about traveling after this internship. Mostly worried about my luggage situation (I feel like I have way too much that I am bringing with me, and I’m not sure how to downsize) but also nervous about the people that I’ll be traveling with. I have no idea who these people are and I’m going to be spending 20 days with them! I guess this is how I always feel before departing on a new journey though.
Nothing more to say.
Peace.
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
The Show Must Go On
We have started yoga at the office. Every morning for 15 minutes, we stretch and meditate with Vijay amidst the dogs. Surprisingly, it actually wakes me up and energizes me for the day. Energy is definitely something that I have been in need of lately. I’m on a strict schedule these days with yoga, Pilates, LSAT preparations and applying to jobs and walking downstairs for my daily popsicle. I don’t know how I’m fitting in dinner!
Yesterday, work had me completely pooped! I taught approximately a zillion kids dance for 2.5 hours. My voice was hoarse from yelling directions and my body was damp with sweat. By the end of the day, I felt like ripping out my hair. However, I’ve been informed that the dance performance will definitely be happening either: this Friday, next Friday, or the Friday after that. Sigh. Either way, the kids are working hard and have learned all of the choreography. It’s pretty impressive and I’m proud of them. I’m getting anxious to see how they perform and who attends the show. It will be held at a local school, so I wonder if Maitri will be inviting other community representatives. I don’t want to make a complete fool out of myself if they just get up on stage and act goofy. (This is definitely a possibility) And I’m afraid that with the language barrier, I won’t be able to demonstrate how serious this is. It is definitely a chance for them to have fun, but they need to understand the vision behind the show.
That’s all for now. Peace.
Yesterday, work had me completely pooped! I taught approximately a zillion kids dance for 2.5 hours. My voice was hoarse from yelling directions and my body was damp with sweat. By the end of the day, I felt like ripping out my hair. However, I’ve been informed that the dance performance will definitely be happening either: this Friday, next Friday, or the Friday after that. Sigh. Either way, the kids are working hard and have learned all of the choreography. It’s pretty impressive and I’m proud of them. I’m getting anxious to see how they perform and who attends the show. It will be held at a local school, so I wonder if Maitri will be inviting other community representatives. I don’t want to make a complete fool out of myself if they just get up on stage and act goofy. (This is definitely a possibility) And I’m afraid that with the language barrier, I won’t be able to demonstrate how serious this is. It is definitely a chance for them to have fun, but they need to understand the vision behind the show.
That’s all for now. Peace.
Sunday, 13 July 2008
Om.
This weekend was a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of our busy week. The most noteworthy thing that I accomplished was some studying for the LSAT. I have decided that I’m going to concentrate on this thing that I want, and approach it with a positive attitude (channeling The Secret) and will work my tail off until I’m satisfied with the results. Unfortunately, this “thing” is the LSAT, which just might be the most difficult thing in the world to study while I’m in beautiful, exotic, enticing India. Regardless, it is the only immediate solution to the stress that I have been feeling about “THE FUTURE”…that dreaded thing that is looming in the very near distance and haunting me constantly. I shouldn’t be worried about it while I’m here. I can hear Colin telling me that I shouldn’t worry so much, that I can’t really do anything about it now, that I need to chill. But, to be quite frank, it takes a lot of energy to chill right now. I keep thinking that I have time, but really, "real life" starts in a mere six weeks. I feel like I’m spiraling out of control.
Another solution to the whirlwind, besides studying for the LSAT: yoga. We have started a full time yoga-thon with our personal yogi, Vijay. We’ve kicked it into high gear folks, and have been practicing yoga daily from 1-3 hours, complete with stretches, breathing, visualization and "oooommms." Yesterday, we had our first meditation lesson. As I was escaping to the “dark place” behind my forehead and letting go of everything, but simultaneously becoming aware of everything, my body was tingling. I was carrying myself through the universe, visualizing the stars, and landed on my family’s dock at Walloon Lake looking up to the midnight galaxy; only the galaxy was being harnessed within my skull. About a half an hour later (which felt like three hours), I was snapped back into the dirty and bug filled carpet in the living room in my apartment. Vijay explained that women have an easier time channeling our spiritual “one-ness” because we are connected to the cosmic mother. Women are noble, which is why we have been given the ability give birth. Okay, I can buy it.
Vijay isn’t messing around…unless he is. And if he is messing around, it involves us sitting around in our bedroom listening to Timberland. He’s quite the hip little yogi. SO, in conclusion, I’m actually really getting “into” this whole yoga thing. It is finally clicking with me…my long hiatus from a religion/spiritual connection may just be ending.
Peace.
Another solution to the whirlwind, besides studying for the LSAT: yoga. We have started a full time yoga-thon with our personal yogi, Vijay. We’ve kicked it into high gear folks, and have been practicing yoga daily from 1-3 hours, complete with stretches, breathing, visualization and "oooommms." Yesterday, we had our first meditation lesson. As I was escaping to the “dark place” behind my forehead and letting go of everything, but simultaneously becoming aware of everything, my body was tingling. I was carrying myself through the universe, visualizing the stars, and landed on my family’s dock at Walloon Lake looking up to the midnight galaxy; only the galaxy was being harnessed within my skull. About a half an hour later (which felt like three hours), I was snapped back into the dirty and bug filled carpet in the living room in my apartment. Vijay explained that women have an easier time channeling our spiritual “one-ness” because we are connected to the cosmic mother. Women are noble, which is why we have been given the ability give birth. Okay, I can buy it.
Vijay isn’t messing around…unless he is. And if he is messing around, it involves us sitting around in our bedroom listening to Timberland. He’s quite the hip little yogi. SO, in conclusion, I’m actually really getting “into” this whole yoga thing. It is finally clicking with me…my long hiatus from a religion/spiritual connection may just be ending.
Peace.
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