Work

I am into my second week of work at the ASTHA. They are keeping me quite busy, and I am enjoying the experience overall. So far, I have been given my main process report project to be completed over the next month, traveled out into the villages for two days, and today is the start of a three day training session at the Center. I introduced myself to the group of thirty women today, and they only had one question for me- whether I was married or not. I got some strange looks when I told them I was 26 and unmarried.

There is something to do everyday, and my schedule is changing often. I no longer assume that things are understood between me and my co-workers because some things have already been lost in translation. So, I ask questions and get confirmations about twenty times a day.
The favorite part of my time so far has been the village work. I went along with a translator and another co-worker to interview female panchayats. They all come from the lower castes, and many had no knowledge about politics before they were elected. Many women are pushed to run for a panchayat seat by their husbands or other family members because they want their opinions to be heard in the political arena. The Indian government made it mandatory that 33 percent of the seats be reserved for women.
Each time we traveled to a home, I was offered curd and chach (it's supposed to help with the heat). However, there is something about warm dairy products in even warmer temperatures that does not appeal to me. They do not understand the concept of me saying 'nahi' (no), so in order to not offend them, I have made up an excuse that my doctor has told me not to have dairy. Yes, I know it's a lie, but it's the only way to get them to stop shoving it in my face. Instead of warm milk, I'm drinking massive amounts of chai.
These women were all very welcoming, and had just as many questions for me as I had for them. My Hindi is getting better, and I can understand a fair amount that is being said. It's the speaking part that is in need of practice.
The heat is becoming more intense, and while outside, I am either covering my head with a scarf, or searching for a spot in the shade. I have also discovered sugar cane juice- it's incredible. The sugar cane is literally crushed in front of me by some guy using a grinding machine, and poured into a glass. Most of the time I can get it all into my mouth without spilling (it's not wise to touch your mouth to the glasses, so I have to hold the glass a couple inches higher, and aim). The sugar helps deal with the heat, and is also a nice treat.
Udaipur has a large concentration on NGO's, and I have met some others working in town. Many hang out at a coffeeshop by my homestay because it has free wireless. I've met people from Sweden, Spain, the States, Switzerland, other parts of India, and Canada. It's comforting to have other people going through similar experiences.
I don't have too many pictures of the city, but hope to take some this weekend. Carly, Anna, and Maggy are headed here from Jaipur to visit, so we'll be taking a tour around town.
The pictures posted are from my trip into the field.
The woman on the left in the picture below is an elected wardpanch (look it up). She is part of a very strict caste and didn't leave her house since marriage. When she was elected, she said the first thing she had to do was buy shoes, because before she didn't travel, so shoes were not required. Now she travels to big cities for trainings with other women. It is rewarding to see how women from such sheltered upbringings can become empowered at any age, and in any region. ASTHA does not fight on behalf of the people. They provide the community with the trainings and resources to become aware of rights, and places the responsibility on the people to make change.

This month will go by quickly, and alot of papers need to be written. The Thailand ticket is booked. I will be there with my friend, Maggie for two weeks. We plan to go explore Phuket and the surrounding islands for a week. We are then heading east for more island time. The end of the trip will be in Bangkok. Then it's two days of travel- to the States by way of Delhi.
P.S. My homestay family felt the need for me to have a cell phone, so they are letting me use one of their old phones. All incoming calls/texts are free to me. So, if you are really missing me, here's the number: 9649471180. India's country code is 091 I think (that will need to go before the actual phone number).
I will try to figure out how to answer.