Fridays are short days at class, so the group went to see a famous paper factory and blue pottery business in Jaipur. This may not sound that exciting, but I had a great time. The pottery shop has been with the same family for 700 years. Besides making pottery, they also do block prints on textiles and pretty much anything else you can think of that has print. One of the pictures shows this cute old man that does block printing by hand all day. The patterns are constructed out of melted horse shoes. He dips the metal patterns in paint, and then aligns them perfectly on the fabric. A double bed sized tapestry takes him about 9 hours- using a screenprint machine would take less than 5 minutes. His tapestries sell for about 800 rupees (which is about $16US). Men and women were working with in paint and dust filled rooms without any type of mask. I don't think the work conditions are monitored too closely around here. People are just grateful to have steady work.
This weekend I am staying in Jaipur. Niveta (the homestay mom) is taking me and Carly to the markets tomorrow to do some shopping. Store owners rip foreigners off, so she is going to do the bargaining for us. We are attending a wedding with them in February, so we are also going to get fitted for a dress. I am super excited about the wedding- it's a pretty massive celebration. Next weekend, some of us are headed to a festival in the desert near the town of Jaisalmer. There's a mustache contest!
Girls don't really go out after dark, which is making me ansy. If we do go out, it's advisable to be back in by 8:00 at the latest. Safety is a central worry here for many, so I intend to abide by the norm. We're passing time at night by watching MTV India with papaji (the 80 year old grandpa), playing games with the kids (we played with farm animals in a pill tonight- they expand in water), and there's time left for talking about random stuff that comes to mind. I've also started having dance parties in my room- Paul's Boutique and the Slumdog soundtrack have been on repeat. The weekend getaways are coming soon.
I haven't been this well behaved since....well, I don't remember.
Warning: I'll be coming back to Uptown with a vengeance.

school school and more school

Day two of classes has ended, and I'm mentally exhausted. We are supposed to allocate at least an hour a night to practice Hindi. I feel like I will need way more time to learn. The kids are actually a big help, and assisted with the alphabet tonight. They are studying how to spell words in English, and we are learning the spelling of words in Hindi- so maybe we could teach each other a little. Sweet, I'm a graduate student learning from a four and five year old. We are also torturing Gamlesh (the maid-guy) with our horrible Hindi- he pretty much just laughs at us, and then says stuff we don't understand.
Yoga is amazing. My body is sore, but in a good way. Hopefully doing the sessions Monday through Friday will make me a little healthier. The movements are constant, and they use many poses I am not familiar with. Also, there's some shouting, groaning, and chanting during the sessions, which will take some getting used to (I was trying my hardest not to giggle- not appropriate). The room is open, and the mats are made of horsehair, and to top it off- there's a really old lady that sits on a bench in the corner. She randomly does some moves, but is just entertaining to watch. The meditation chants and all the instruction is in Hindi, so I'm sure I look a little lost. I had a hard time concentrating because all I could think about was, “I'm doing yoga in India!”
So, to answer the Slumdog Millionaire questions: the consensus that I am getting is that my homestay family is not too fond of the movie. The younger people here seem to like it better. They (my homestay family) enjoy the music, and we hear at least one of the songs from the album a day. They won't go into much detail as to why they don't like the movie. However, I get the feeling that they don't approve of the movie's heavy focus on the underbelly of Mumbai. The family I stay with is upper middle class, and I think that being the movie also has a huge Western following, they would like the movie to also show that India is not solely associated with poverty. I don't really know other reasons- and don't want to speak for them. Their house is nice, but once we go outside the gates, I can see many malnourished, barefoot children. I have quickly learned, “nahi, jaou” which means, 'no, go.' It feels pretty crappy when I am shooing them away, as they are touching my feet or grabbing my leg.
Ok, one more idea that came to mind: bicycle rickshaws around the Mpls lakes. Yes, I think this is a brilliant idea. I love the bike rickshaws here (see above photo). You get a good view of everything, and I don't have to walk everywhere. So, in the summer, there should be rickshaws available for people who want to go around the lakes- and there should be a cooler full of beer attached. Well, if I can't find a job this summer, maybe that'll be my backup.
Note: I hear that my scarf (and my girls, Ericka and Julia) met Kevin Costner last night- I want photos!
The other photo is of a 1500 year old hookah. I want it.

Republic Day

Today is India's 60th anniversary. We just got back from looking at all the government buildings- they are all lit up today. We didn't go to the stadium to celebrate, because there is a high security alert.
However, we did go to one of the hundreds of markets in town. I know I will get sick of hearing, "Madam, oh, this would be nice for you- I give you good price." My homestay mom is going to take me shopping next weekend. I've learned never take the first price, and counter with a 1/4 of the price. I think I have the rickshaw bargaining down quite well (pause for pat on the back).
Tomorrow morning I start Hindi class (2 hours everyday). I can't wait to be able to speak to my family here (and the annoying men on the street) in Hindi. I also start yoga tomorrow, everyday at 5:00. I can't wait to get back into sessions.
The pictures posted are from the Albert Museum and at the Lakshmi Temple by my house.
p.s. miss you all people, and can't wait to see you in May!

Sunday Funday

I am surrounded by music. I wake up in the middle of the night to prayer chants, walk into the living room and see music videos playing on tv, and just sitting in the classroom or walking on the street, it seems there is always Indian music coming from somewhere. For the most part it's wonderful, unless I'm trying to sleep.
This afternoon I am going with my housemate, Carly (who's really sweet by the way), to the Literature Festival. There are a few panel sessions that we want to check out, including one about American terrorism tactics, and its affect on a global level.
Last night at dinner, we got into a little bit of a political discussion with our homestay father. It's a subject I wasn't going to bring up unless asked about. He is very up to date on American politics and was interested to hear what we thought about Obama. I think he is also excited to see what changes are going to happen with the new administration.
Tonight, me and Carly were invited to see a screening of Slumdog Millionaire. It premiered here on Friday. The movie will be dubbed in Hindi, so that should make it even more interesting. I am eager to hear what my homestay family thinks of the movie. I have the soundtrack on my computer, and can't stop listening to it.
One last thought...it occurred to me that this trip has made me feel more aware of my gender than ever before. In the States, I feel comfortable pretty much going anywhere. Here in Rajasthan, women do not usually go out at night, and the wardrobe is incredibly conservative in comparison to the southern part of India. Rekaji, a homestay coordinator, was discussing cultural norms the other day, and said something that really disturbed me. She said, “We are told of our duties at a very young age, they are not our rights, we don't have rights.” This way of thinking seems archaic to me, but India is a deeply traditional place. However, everyone has rights, no matter what gender or class- we are all human beings. I am trying to find a balance between being respectful of the culture while still maintaining my own dignity.
Ok, time to go have some chai and crackers.
p.s. Random Indian tidbit: never, never leave shoes by books- it is considered extremely disrespectful because all books are considered holy.
oh yeah, here's a token cow pic:

settling in

Today we arrived in Jaipur. For the past two nights, we stayed in a really nice hotel outside of the city. Most of the time was spent talking about what to expect from the culture, security precautions, and India's history. There is so much to learn, and the adjustment is slow to come. However, I am recovered from the 12 hour time change.
Jaipur is 3.5 million people. It's called the 'pink city' because the rock wall around the city is pinkish. The family that I stay with is a grandfather (papaji), the son and his wife, and their two kids (aged 4 and 5). They are very curious about me, and continously say 'hi.' Then again, pretty much everyone is curious here, and like to take photos with their phone.
The house is nice, and I get my own room and bathroom. I went for a walk around the area, and literally came upon a block right down from the house where there was a stable for cows. It's a bit strange to encounter this in the city, but I have already seen elephants, camels, and many cows. By the way, cows always have the right-of-way here.
The internet is very slow, but I will upload a few photos from Delhi and Jaipur. Class starts tomorrow, and my family is packing me a boxed lunch everyday.
sweet.

Delhi

I am into the first full day in India. Jetlag is kicking in, and I hope to stay awake late enough for the inauguration.
We arrived in Delhi, and I was immediately greeted by smog, car horns, and the smell of 20 million people. This place is intense. I attempted to sleep last night, but after about an hour was woken up by an eerie, but beautiful chanting over loud speakers. Well, it was nice for the first 15 minutes, then continued throughout the night. I came to find out that the hostel is right next to the largest Sikh temple in Delhi. So naturally, I needed to check it out. The temple is all marble, and I was required to wear a head scarf and take off my shoes (I am really thankful for all those vaccinations now).
I have quickly learned there is no privacy in India; people are everywhere. It's almost too much to take in, and it isn't helping that I am on the verge of hallucinating due to lack of sleep.
Tomorrow we are off on the six hour trip to Jaipur. I am looking forward to getting settled, and starting Hindi and the internship. Hopefully computer access will be available, and I'll post pictures soon.

To India and Beyond!

I'm less than 24 hours away.
Packing is still in progress, and I have already forgotten my ipod in my bike bag (which is at my sisters). opps.
I pondered what I wanted for a last meal (for awhile) that contained meat. After origanlly thinking I wanted a steak, I decided upon a hot dog. Yes, I love hot dogs. So, the Chicago Dog from the Bulldog was my food of choice. A good hot dog and a PBR- can't get much better than that.
I look at this trip with excitement and an open mind. I want to take time to soak in all the expierences- both the good and the bad.
These past few days have been great. My coworkers were really supportive, and I was very touched that so many of them had good wishes for me and showed up to happy hour.

Also, my friends have been out in full force and have made great efforts to spend time with me before I leave.

Thank you.

The Countdown

India is no longer just saying a date. I now can say, "I leave Sunday." I knew the day would come, it just still seems surreal. I am ready to go, and just trying to finish up random details back here. Leaving for five months does take quite a bit of preparation. I got the chance to see "Slumdog Millionaire" last night. The movie takes place in Mumbai, and tries to capture the madness and beauty that is India. I highly recommend.
Not sure what the hell I'm up to after June 1st- keep a couch open. Otherwise, the west coast or some other random country might end up putting me up for awhile.


Minneapolis has been good to me, even though it's a freaking tundra most of the time.
However, the summers rock.
highlights:
lazy pbr filled days at hidden beach, cheap thrills of Pac-Man and other drunken chaotic nights at the CC, dance parties, bar hopping on bikes, alley parties, greasy weekend breakfasts at noon, the cave, longboard adventures, endless rotations of 'unique' foster animals, shows, sex and the city marathons and mimosas,
and most important- all you special people (you know who you are): you're all a little crazy, and that's what makes you fantastic. This means you better keep in touch with me while I'm gone! No excuses.

Mexico Recap

First day back at work. ugg. This state is too damn cold, and this cubicle is too small. I'd rather still be sitting by the ocean with a tequila sunrise in my hand.

Just got back from Playa Del Carmen. I was well behaved this year, and managed not to get hungover or leave my camera at the bar. The wedding was fabulous and super sweet. We met some great people, and smoked our cares away at the hookah bar. My Spanish is still something to be desired, and I am eager to learn more conversational skills.
I have decided that Mexico is going to be an annual event. Camping on the beach next time sounds enticing...any takers?