It's Tough to Talk About Pads

I have been frantically trying to finish all of my internship work. As excited as I am to get home - to family, friends, snow, and Christmas cookies (not to mention, a belated Thanksgiving Day meal promised to me - mom's the best) - I still have a lot to do to complete my internship.  And so far, things are going really well!  At first, I wasn't so sure how this whole experience would pan out, but now that the end is in sight, I am pretty proud of what has been accomplished.

I have been working really hard on completing the Teacher's Manual and curriculum content, and for the exception of a few edits and a final binding of the book, I have finished it.  I am pretty happy with it, given it took me a lot of time - I think the whole thing looks nice.  My hope is that the teachers will be able to use it in their classrooms; after all, that's the whole purpose in creating something, right? So that it will be functional and user-friendly?

Yesterday was a really great day in the wonderful world of, Sarah's Internship.  It was the day I met with several mothers in the community to discuss menstruation and menstrual issues.  I thought it would be really important (given how close SVYM likes to keep the community and the health/education efforts connected) to get the mothers/female family members involved in the topic. I have had the chance to work with the teachers and students very closely in the school, but meeting with the mothers would bring in an important element to the coverage and scope of my project.

Through a conversation with them yesterday afternoon, I learned a lot about their own menstrual histories, and found out that they are much more willing to let teachers do the talking when it comes to anything regarding puberty than taking the conversation/engaging their daughters about it themselves.  The women in this community feel really uncomfortable dealing with it all, and their knowledge on the matter seems very limited.

Nevertheless, we sat around in a circle discussing the importance of teaching young girls menstrual health and hygiene.  Dr. Sridevi helped deliver the messages from my power-point in Kannada, and I was able to observe the faces, the conversations, and watch the whole concept of discussing puberty out in the open unravel before my eyes. ...and what a concept that is, in India.

After meeting with the mothers, alone, we brought in all the female teachers of the school and all of the 6th-10th standard girls.  They came piling in the one large classroom and sat with their eyes fixed or Dr. Sridevi standing at the front.  "How many of you remember meeting with Sarah before? What were we discussing?," she prompted the room staring back at her with nervous and shy-looking faces. "Menstruation," they recited back to her, as if it killed them to say the word.  Everyone talked, in a mix of Kannada and English, back and forth about questions they had regarding the topic, how much more (or less, I suppose) comfortable they feel discussing the issue, and how their mothers - the same women sitting right behind them - could get more involved/be more helpful in the transition from girl to woman.  Although there was a lot of nervous energy in the room, I was happy to be in a setting where women, of the same community, were talking (ACTUALLY TALKING) about an issue that is deemed so taboo.  Not just around this country, but around most of the modern world. Still...

All eyes fixed on the front of the room, as Dr. Sridevi answers some questions from the audience

Both girls and mothers, alike, asked questions regarding the physical changes that take place in their bodies

It was even wonderful to see one of the older girls offer an answer to a 6th graders question

After one school block of Q&A, the girls were dismissed from school but the mothers remained in the room. It was great to see a follow up discussion take place. Although I could sense many of them were still uncomfortable, they seemed happy that something was happening. After all, every single mother in that room had said: I had NO idea what was happening to me when I got my first period.  It was kind of like trial and error, until I learned what to do. I am happy, and proud, to at least say that I was able to stimulate some conversation for their daughters.  Hopefully no girl who goes through the Viveka School of Excellence in the future will ever feel as ill-prepared for this change as those mothers did.

After the mothers had left, I was able to present my manual (and the accompanying teaching aid: a flip chart) to all the female teachers at the school. We sat, yet again, in one large circle. I spoke to them about what I have learned, and showed them how I compiled a teaching manual, organized by grade level, to help them feel more comfortable and prepared when talking about these topics with the girls.  They seemed happy to have something. I know most of them could use a little push of encouragement in talking about it... after all, it is a tough thing to discuss. Even I got a little red in the face.  Nevertheless, it is important and the conversations need to take place.

And through it all, I hear the best news of my internship so far yesterday.  I had contacted a few companies that manufacture sanitary napkins in India and asked if they would be willing to make a donation (large or small) to the school I had been working at.  Some of the girls are fortunate enough to manage the (fairly expensive) purchase each month. Others however, are not as lucky.  In India, where 74% of the population lives in rural areas AND where 70% of the people live on less than $1.00 a day... it is often unreasonable to purchase sanitary napkins from the stores.  Not to mention, in rural areas, there are no shopping centers to speak of, so the girl has to work up some courage to ask for them behind a glass counter from an older man who likely owns the corner shop.  You can see why this is an issue...

Anyhow, two years ago there was a scheme through the government and community ASHA workers (accredited social health activists - basically like a traveling nurse and health teacher) in which one sanitary napkin company would provide ASHAs with low-cost pads to disperse to girls.  Given that several girls do not have access to these products, and instead use other, horrible, methods of absorbing their blood each month (literally... the worst you could think of: fertilizer, dry wall, wet blankets, old saris...) this would be one way to help girls afford the most sanitary and hygienic product available to them on the market. The plan sounded wonderful, but like many great plans involved with government help, the scheme did not take off. Long story short, I was contacted by Johnson & Johnson (yes... THE international company) via telephone. A woman intercepted my email and told me she wants to help.  She is making a donation to the school - it is awesome news! Now the girls will have an emergency stash they can count on at the school.  

Things are certainly moving along. It's nearly the weekend here... and I leave Sargur on Tuesday.  Then, it's back to Mysore for one last week of India. Although I am getting pumped for the holidays, and for the prospect of returning to Syracuse, I am so happy to know that my last 4 weeks shaped up into something I can be proud of.  Even if just small changes in one community, I truly believe that talking is the first step to doing... and who knows? Maybe this will become something of a trend, throughout India and, perhaps, the world.

"Are there puppies in the America too?!"

As promised: My Internship in India, Playing With Puppies Edition
Ok, not exactly. I swear, I do have a real internship, but come on....

ADORABLE!

Just a few yards away from the hospital, there is a little shed housing four of some of the cutest puppies I have ever seen! One afternoon, Brie, Joseph and I were walking back from a ice-cream-snack-break on the school's playground (yes, we sometimes go to eat Popsicles while playing on the teeter-totter... what of it?), and we heard some whimpering.  With a closer look, we saw them! Four cute, and very tiny, puppies.

The entirely black one is my favorite :)

Given that their home is so close to my home... I often go to check if they are awake and playing outside.  I am careful not to get too close when 'mama' is around, for fear of 1) rabies and 2) rabies... but if they are out, it is fun to see them trip clumsily over their paws, nervously come up to lick my fingers, and occasionally alow me to hold them and love them immensely. It is truly one of the highlights of my days here.  The best is when kids are hanging around the shed too (what?! kids and puppies hanging out with me = perfect life).  As seen in the title of this post, the kids get really inquisitive by my interactions with the puppies.

On a few other positive notes...

My internship is going really well! I have made a lot of progress on my manual, and I have generated some interesting data based on some of the surveys I created.  Next up on my internship check-list: to meet with the mothers/female family members of the girls and initiate a discussion AND host a "how to care for yourself during menstruation" demonstration session.

Brie, Joseph and I are going back to Mysore to join the others for an Indian Thanksgiving: Pizza Hut Rs. 99 Weekday Special! (though, I will be missing my mom's dressing and sweet potato pie INCREDIBLE amounts)

Given the previous note.. I have started going for runs again! That's right... I am running. Legitimately. And eating better. And doing ab workouts/crunches every morning.  I suppose something has to make up for my ice-cream-snack-breaks and pizza excursions...

Also, I will be home in 3 weeks from today!

Sunsets and Scenery from Sargur

 An Upstream View, just from the Hospital

 A view from the Hospital Parking Lot

Views from under the great Pepul Tree!

I know it should be hard to feel homesick when this is what I get to look at everyday (plus, it was 80 degrees this afternoon!) but nevertheless, I am ready for some New England again.

Although, hopefully I can get some pictures of the puppies that were just born outside the hospital... because I could stay here forever if I got to play with puppies all day.  Maybe I will just change my internship to: Dog Whispering? 

I'm Living in a Hospital...

It's been a while, but I am currently on phase three of my time here in India; the phases, of course, going something like this: 2 months of class, 1 month of travel, and 1 month of an independent research project/internship.  In a way, it is crazy how the time has passed.  At the same time, I am feeling so incredibly homesick at this point that I cannot wait to be back little 'ole Henniker, NH.

I am spending much of my final month in a rural village south of Mysore called Sargur.

Mock my high-tech image of the town... 

I took it myself

Way down on the bottom of the image is the Vivekananda Memorial Hospital, the place I currently call home.  I will admit, it is a little strange living in a hospital - and people aren't kidding when they compare bad food to hospital food (*ahem, I mean.. it is delicious).  Nevertheless, Brie, Joseph and I have settled into the little "guest room" nook at the top of a dark and semi-sketch ramp (only at night) and have been enjoying our time here.  

My internship is developing day-by-day, but hopefully at the end of 4 weeks I will have a project to show for all the work I have done.  In short, I am creating a teaching manual (i.e. some form of curriculum guidelines) for the Viveka School of Excellence, right next door to the hospital, regarding early female reproductive health.  After doing a bit of research on my own (especially after a few lectures during the course of my school semester) I learned that a large percentage of girls drop out of school once they being menstruating.  When I inquired about this issue further, a teacher told me it is because many schools do not have the proper facilities for the girls to feel comfortable during their period.  That is, there are inadequate bathroom facilities; sometimes there is only an open field that everyone uses.  Moreover, many girls come from families that cannot afford proper sanitary napkins/pads...if they even know those exist.  Many girls use reusable cloths, and given certain religious/spiritual restrictions for a girl during her period, many girls are unable wash/dry these cloths properly (with the family wash), which causes severe infection.  Education on reproductive health (that is, puberty) is scarce, if ever mentioned, in India.  The topics are taboo, and often, girls don't know anything about their changing body until it changes.  When I learned about all this, I was astounded and really wanted to dive into the issue (even though I am a child and still giggle when someone says 'period').

So far, I have met with some of the female teachers at the school and have started the foundation for my project by conducting some interviews and creating surveys.  My aim is to gather information based on what people do know and what people do not know so that I can create a manual that will approach the issue in both a scientific but culturally sensitive manner. Although I am running into incredibly challenging situations (aka, people do not like talking about this issue... that is obvious), I am working with a doctor and several teachers at the school who seem engaged and willing to help me.  One teacher in particular has really shown an interest because she feels like it is an issue for the girls at the school.  I still have a lot to accomplish, the most challenging coming up this Thursday: actually talking with the young girls.  I am hoping for some good feedback so that I can begin designing the manual.  It is a tough undertaking (1. the nature of the topic and 2. because I have a lot to do in the remaining 3 weeks), but I am eager to leave something of value behind for the community here.  Besides, no girl should have to feel like she needs to drop out of school.  Especially for something as manageable as a monthly period.

A Look Back: Chronicling My Journey Through Photographs

 Picking cherries from a tree with kids from the Shanti Bhavan School in Tamil Nadu

 A view from the backside of the Taj Mahal in Agra at sunset

 A man and woman enjoying the sacred waters of the Ganga in Rishikesh

Maharishi Mahesh Ashram (where the Beatles recorded The White Album) in Rishikesh

 Apparently, a career in Rishikesh

No thank you, Ear Cleaning Man...

 Meals cooked over a fire in the village of Maheshpura (just outside Jaipur) on the farm
 

 The Old Pink City of Jaipur

 A woman worshiping in the Se Cathedral of Old Goa

The view of a river in Old Goa 

(it was prettier than the view of the ferry crossing the same path)

Traveling Around India: Update Part Three

I am back in Mysore to write this third and final update regarding my independent travels around India. It was a long (16 hour) trip back to Mysore, but I was coming from the beach in Goa... so I will not complain. Looking back, I really did have such a wonderful experience. Even though there were a few issues, stresses, and road bumps along the way, there was also a lot of beauty and I made some incredible memories. To me, it is crazy enough to think I am through the first week of November, let alone 3 months into being abroad!  I will try to recap the third week of my travels... though I will warn you, it had a lot to do with me being lazy.

Welcome to Anjuna Beach, Goa
...I know

Very few college students (especially college students from freezing-cold Syracuse, NY) can say they enjoyed a few days hanging out on a beach in November.  Also, when that beach is alongside the Arabian Sea... magical. My travel path begins with a flight from Jaipur, Rajasthan to Vasco, Goa. Of course, my flight was delayed 2 1/2 hours.. but once it was up in the air, the flight was smooth sailing and quick.  When I landed I knew my time in daylight would be limited. I noticed 3 other ladies (all traveling by themselves) trying to figure out how to share a taxi. I learned all four of us were going to different places, but all four of us were heading to beaches in Northern Goa. Instead of trying to navigate the state myself, I asked to join them. The ride was a bit cramped, but it was significantly cheaper than trying to figure things out on my own AND I shared a ride with women from Germany, Israel, and Sweden (with ages ranging from 24-65!)

Joseph met me in an alley just short of the beach in Anjuna, Goa. He and 7 of the others were just about the eat at a place called Moon Star (also, 90% of the group ate together that night!) It was very nice to see everyone's familiar face, and to exchange travel stories.  Also, the food was delicious. (safe to assume I ate my weight in food at this restaurant too..)

My time in Goa was very relaxing. Goa is a western state (a very, very, small western state) with a lot of Portuguese influence. The Portuguese colonized the area and brought many different ways of thinking, landscape designs, and foods - they were also there until the late 1960's, well after the rest of India's independence in 1947.  Over looking the Arabian Sea, the entire geography of the state is beautiful. Not to mention warm, sunny, humid, touristy, and fun.  I spent a great deal of time hanging by the beach (with a cocktail in the evening time was also pretty cool), swimming in the warmest ocean I have ever been in, eating (give me a break... they had delicious pizzas, scrambled eggs and ice cream), and ...to be honest... sleeping. It felt so good to sleep in/take mid-day naps, and just lounge around. It was also wonderful to be sharing a room with people again - and always reuniting with everyone for meals. Also, I will admit, it is so much more relaxing/low pressure/fun to be able to order a drink with dinner.

Sometimes I forgot I was in India...

 ...and then I saw cows on the beach and remembered, "oh, right, I am"

 The group of us getting lunch at the Moon Star Restaurant

 There was such a noticeable fusion of Indian/Beach/Portuguese Culture in Goa

 Everywhere...

On Friday, a small group of us ventured a few kilometers away to the township of Old Goa.  Old Goa is known for its high concentration of Christian churches and cathedrals. The area was beautiful and definitely stood apart from the other parts of India that I saw.  We walked around the small town and popped into the various churches to look at the intricate and ornate designs, both inside and out.. Although it was an incredibly hot day, the trip was well worth it - and we got to figure out the local bus system a little better before making our way back the Panaji (the capital) to catch our final buses back to Mysore.

 The inside of this one, Church of Saint Cajetao (pictures inside below) was by far the most beautiful

Everything was so well kept... and to think services are no longer held there

As someone who is not very religious, but fascinated by religiosity, I found the trip incredibly inspiring. It was also interesting to me to be in such a Christian part of India - yet feel the more traditional Indian fusion integrated into the Cathedrals and landscape.

Goa, I think, was a wonderfully low-key and relaxing end to my individual journey around the country. Although I am incredibly tired, have a lot of laundry to do (and by laundry, I mean a lot of de-funking my clothes to do) and just a short time in Mysore before I head off to Saragur for my internship (eep.. tomorrow!) there are still many places I wish I had time to explore. There is simply too much to see in India. Despite all of the confusion and craziness in navigating my way around, I know I grew as a person. I grew as a traveler, as a woman, and someone who can now DEFINITELY do things on her own; I grew as someone who no longer cares about smelling good or looking good. I grew more comfortable in using squatting toilets and/or ANYTHING available. I grew more fearless and confident in my decision-making abilities. I also saw some beautiful places and met some incredibly friendly and interesting people.  There were many things along the way that made me frustrated, but there were many things along the way that had me stop and think about who I am as a person, what I want from life, and simply: to just enjoy being in one confined moment in time.  There is so much in life we can rush into, plan for, and dream of. For once in my life, I loved just being a student, a visitor, a traveler, a passenger, a volunteer, a farmer, a friend, an observer, a tourist, a beach bum, and above all: Sarah. Corney as that may seem, the past 3 1/2 weeks opened my eyes to more things about myself than I ever could have asked for.  In addition, I had a pretty sweet vacation in the middle of a college semester and got to traverse India.

Traveling Around India: Update Part Two

So, here I am again, in an over-priced Internet Cafe. This time, in Jaipur, Rajasthan though. Here's a bit of an update on what I have been up to (again, pictures can say 1,000 words)

Leaving Rishikesh was actually quite difficult. Not, challenging per say, but it was hard to say goodbye to such a safe and beautiful place. Not to mention, the idea of heading back to Delhi was less than delightful. Nevertheless, I hopped on a bus from Haridwar and headed back to the great capital city.

 Really, back in Delhi, I was just being a tourist.

India Gate, New Delhi

I also went to Wengers Bakery in Connaught Place. It was a tad expensive, but the pizza and peach cobbler made up for the last sleepless night I spent in the same city. It was also nice to pass the day away on the Central Park lawn (although not nearly as beautiful as the Central Park in NYC, in my opinion). I also experienced the cram-as-many-people-as-you-can into the New Delhi Metro Car.  Although you quickly become claustrophobic (and I am sure my lack of a shower in many days definitely offended some clean and well-dressed city girls), the Delhi metro is relatively easy to navigate, and is an inexpensive way of getting around the city.

That night, I hopped on a sleeper bus (YES, a sleeper bus - much less comfortable and much more joslte-y than a sleeper train) to Jaipur. I headed to Rajasthan a) because it is majestic in its own right and b) because I would be WWOOFing there for a week. WWOOF is an acronym for "Willing Workers on Organic Farms" (but, I have also heard it, "World Wide Organization of Organic Farms"). Although I have never done a day of farm work in my life (heck, I avoid lawn work at all costs...) I was eager to see what it was all about. I had been interested in doing a WWOOF project for a while; also, since over half of India's economy/workers are in the Agricultural Sector, it seemed necessary for me to live/work on a farm to complete my own picture of India. In fact, when you WWOOF, that is exactly what you do. The whole point is that it is a barter/exchange system of sorts. You work during the day for food/shelter. My trip to Jaipur wasn't exactly comfortable, but I really think the US should get some sleeper buses because the whole thing was quite the experience.

 OH, right - I was a tourist in Jaipur too...

...but I mean come on, it was one of the first things I saw when I got off the bus.

When I arrived at the farm, I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into. I didn't know what the work was going to be like, or if there was anyone else there. In fact, I had trouble even getting to the farm because the directions were a bit basic, and I was being A LOT paranoid. After a 3km hike, I finally reached the farm - in the middle of literally no where. Not North Weare (No Where) but ACTUALLY hidden in the most rural landscape. Positive first impression: it will be quiet. Other first impression: why am I spending my "vacation time" on a farm?

 The whole landscape was pretty impressive though...

So, when I arrived I was actually greeted by ANOTHER Sarah. Yes, a Sarah from Switzerland. She had been on the farm just a few days, but helped get me situated rather quickly. I was taken to my room, which I learned to enjoy after a few nights... but the first sight of it nearly brought me to tears. Not because it was less than adequate; it was just a cot, with a dirty blanket, one light bulb (which sometimes worked when there was electricity), a straw-thatched roof, and a dirt floor. OH - and did I mention the mice, cockroaches, and spiders that also lived in the room (and would stay with me for the whole week I was there?)...

As I said, I learned to like it (enough) after a few days, but it was not high class accommodations -  not that I needed them or really expected them.

 The view from the window was nice though

ALSO -  this picture is of the bean field I cut down. Yes. Me, cutting beans...

The days were actually structured quite nicely. We were up at 7, helped with breakfast, worked from 8-noon, helped with lunch and took rest until 3, worked from 3-5, helped with dinner and ate and relaxed until bed (which, after a long day in the fields, you really wanted bed by 9pm...).  SOME of the work really was the hardest, most physically challenging, and tedious work I have ever done in my life. Really. I don't want to complain, because I signed up for it, but it was hard. Cutting down tall bean stalks in 80-90 degree temperatures is no easy task. BUT, that being said, we did get to rest during the hottest part of the day (which I think is intentional on part of the farm) AND the work was fair. 

I also learned a lot about cooking (spices, organic foods, how to make chipatis and paranthas - get ready for Indian food if you want it....) so that was an added bonus. It was also nice to spend the days on the farm with Sarah. She has been traveling independently for over one year - in Hawaii and throughout Asia. She had some incredible stories and truly gave me a lot of confidence to continue traveling independently. We were also joined by David (from Germany) later in the week. How often would I get to hang out with International kids on a farm? Not much - it was a good time.

Some other farm highlights:

1) Suresh - the crazy volunteer manager; you'll have to ask me about him if you want stories.

2) the bike rides into town with Sarah

3) the Rajasthanian Sunsets... unbelievable

4) the Hindi Comedies on television after dinner

5) the cockroaches in my food --- ok, that one isn't really a highlight, but more of an unfortunate recollection

Overall, it was a good time. A time I don't think I need to repeat again, but a good enough time for sure. Definitely: a learning experience, which is exactly what I wanted.

 Sunset from the fields

Sarah, David and I decided to all head into Jaipur together. A hotel would be cheaper with three... and I think all of us wanted some company venturing back into a city. We explored some of the famous Jaipur bazaars together and had dinner at this really incredibly busy place called Thali House - there was an unlimited plate of Indian cuisine for just Rs. 70 ($1.50) - it actually became overwhelming to have so much food on your plate at one time. It was great to walk around the city with them - in fact, just meet them and spend time with them.

 A view of Jaipur from a local hang out spot 

The famous Tiger Fort somewhere hidden in the hills

  

Sarah (Switzerland) and David (Germany)

Really.. such great people

So.. now I am hanging out in Jaipur for the day. Sarah and David are off to Puskar for the world famous camel festival. I will soon be in Goa, and probably reunited with 80% of our group from Mysore. And in less than a week, I will be back in Mysore... it's crazy how time flies. At the same time, traveling this consistently is tiresome. It can be frustrating. It can be lonely... and it can be overwhelming. I am having some incredible adventures though, and will have so many stories to share. I am safe and doing well though, so that is always what is most important.

Traveling around India: Update Part One

I have come to the end of my first week of traveling. I wanted to share a few things about what I have been up to this last week, because much has happend. Some good...some not so good...and some nestled in between those feelings.  I'll run through some things quickly (with some pictures, because those are always better to look at than my silly descriptions); sorry for any typos or nonsensical writing.. I am on a short Internet time allotment.

First stop: Shanti Bhavan School (aka, the She's the First school in India!)
http://www.shantibhavanonline.org/

When I realized this school was so close to Mysore, I could not pass up the opportunity to make a stop. The school was so incredible, that when I have more time.. I am going to write an entire post about it. I posted the web URL in case people were interested in knowing a little more. Basically, the school is in the middle-of-no-where-Tamil Nadu (the state right next to Karnataka). The staff, the kids, and the other volunteers were incredibly welcoming and wonderful. I really loved it there.

This is me with Miss. Shilpa's 4th grade class

Also, me + lots of kids = happy Sarah

 After my (too-short-of-a) visit to the school, I traveled back to Bangalore to catch a flight to New Delhi. I have been in India for over two months now, but something about traveling to New Delhi made it feel like I was actually in India.  It is just such a big place. My plane was delayed for quite a while, meaning I got in late. I was so tired though, that I settled for an over priced room in a kind of sketch neighborhood.  Nevertheless, there was a roof over my head, and I got to fall asleep to the Titanic :)

I did have to wake up really early to make my way to the bus stop that would be taking me to Agra. That's right, I was on my way to see one of the Wonder's of the World: THE Taj Mahal!  The bus system in India, especially in Delhi, is so confusing. So many came and went, and when I finally stepped onto the bus I would be traveling on, I was in awe that I even found it in the first place. However, I did make it and seeing the Taj was well worth the crazy long journey, the confusion getting on the bus, and (maybe) one of the worst nights of my life.

There she stands

Honestly, one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen in my life; it didn't even seem real that I was there

 Oh come on, you would have done it too...

So, one of the worst nights of my life.... the tour company said we would arrive in Delhi around 10:30-11:00 pm. My brain told me, "that is ample time to get to the area where you have to catch your bus the next morning AND find a hotel..." IN FACT, many people throughout the day ENSURED me that I would be ok. Well, the your bus finally arrive in New Delhi around 3:30am... and dropped me off in the sketchiest location I have ever been in that late/early in the morning. I was so frightened. Not to mention, there were no hotels anywhere in sight. With the help of a good rickshaw driver, and the assistance of the bus service, I found the tour agency and sat outside the office from 3:30 until I had to catch my bus the next morning to Haridwar at 9:00am. It was one of the longest AND most exhausting nights of my life, but I made it... I am alive.. and I am so thankful that there are good people in the world who can help you when you really need it. Please believe me though when I say: NO ONE wants to be in Delhi at 4:00am, alone. (ps. Mom & Dad, I am ok!)

I really did become ok too, because the third stop on my journey was to Haridwar, one of the holiest cities in India.  However, when I called Joseph (who was traveling with Brie, Laura, and Kat) I found out that they ended up in the little town/village of Rishikesh! It turns out, this place in MUCH more beautiful. It, literally, is nestled between the foothill mountains of the Himalayas. It is also right where the Ganga (Ganges) River exits the mountains. The place is absolutely beautiful, AND crawling with hippies... so I felt very happy and comfortable there. It is the town home to many Ashrams, and in fact.. it is even home to the Maharishi
Mahesh Ashram where the Beatles recorded the White Album. It is very peaceful and beautiful. I have included a few photographs, but they really don't do the place justice.

I have also eaten my weight in food. We found a little place called The Little Buddha Cafe, and it is actually the most delicious food I have ever had. For a town where you can sleep and eat for approximately Rs. 400 a day (that works out to be about $5) I am quite satisfied.  Additionally, it was nice to join up with the group again... even for just a few short days.  Overall, the time in Rishikesh has been a peaceful escape from (1) CRAZY Delhi and (2) a hectic end to my semester. That being said, I have lounged along side the Ganges River in the Himalayas while everyone else is studying for midterms...

My next stop will be Delhi for an afternoon to catch my bus to Jaipur... and from there I will head to the farm just outside Jaipur where I will be WWOOFing for 10 days. (WWOOF is Willing Workers on Organic Farms - where you trade farm labor for room/board).  I know nothing about farming, but I am excited to learn.  Until another update, I am safe... happy... and learning a ton.

Adventure of a Lifetime

In just over three hours, I will be embarking upon the trip of a lifetime.  The day has come; our little group of 10 is about to split up and explore the entire country of India!  ...ok, not the entire country, but far away pockets of it.  We have 3 1/2 (uninterrupted!) weeks of travel time built into our semester abroad and I couldn't be more excited. And scared. And nervous. And thrilled. And... all of the above.  Below, you will find a quick schedule of where I will be and when.  YES - you are reading correctly; I will be visiting the Himalayas!

 
Click to see it bigger!

Internet access will be scarce, so don't be offended if you don't hear from me.  Additionally, if I am able to, I will update this silly blog with pictures and/or stories.  I am sending all my love to everyone, and am praying for a fun (AND SAFE) trip.

Elephant Blessing

I'll allow the picture to speak for itself

Photo Cred: Kat Williams

Buddha is Beautiful

Earlier this week, a small group of us decided to visit Namdroling - a Tibetan Monastery not too far from Mysore.  Nestled off the Indian back roads, this place was a little oasis of sorts.  We were also lucky to have picked such a beautiful day to go.  The monastery is home to nearly 5000 monks and nuns and is a center for the pure upholding of the teachings of the Buddha.  I had an incredible time exploring the grounds, enjoying the peace found within each temple, and simply feeling like I was outside of India for a short while.  It was an entirely different world there.  Not to mention, I chowed down on some delicious Chicken Dumplings at a Tibetan Hotel - something you definitely don't get in downtown Mysore.  Also.. I am really enjoying all of the religious experiences I am having on this trip. Truly.

 The Golden Temple 

 Tibetan Culture is so colorful and beautifully decorated

 The Prayer Hall

 Anyone who knows me knows I love Tibetan Prayer Flags..

 They were everywhere (obviously)

But it was beautiful

Lame-Loner-Tourist-Shot