finishing up

The taxi comes on Friday morning to take us back to Jaipur. Lately, days have been going by pretty quickly. However, it hasn't always been this way- especially when the power is out and I'm sweating buckets.
Tomorrow is my last day with Astha. I finished my process report yesterday, and gave it to the director. I was a little nervous, but I think it turned out well. These final two days, I'll be playing a lot of cards, and attempting to speaking Hinglish with the staff. Today, I tried to teach Sita the words, 'gnarly' 'rad' and 'oh, he's yummy'- all useful words, of course. Her pronouncation is entertaining for the both of us.
This internship has been a great experience, even if I could only understand half of what was going on. Astha does amazing work, and it's refreshing to see people who are so passionate about their work.
Classmates from Jaipur came into Udaipur this weekend. There were a total of 10, so doing activities in a group can get challenging. It was fun though- lots of sitting, eating, OhNo (Uno), and shopping. We also took two rickshaws up to the Monsoon Palace. It was a trick getting up there, and we had to stop twice for the rickshaws to rest so they didn't overheat. One of them had a sub in it, and we got to listen to the Spice Girls- classy. We sat up there until sundown. Here's some photos for your viewing pleasure:




This weekend, I attended a going-away party for a fellow NGO'er, Alvero (from Spain). It's been comforting to have people around that have similar experiences- and that also like to enjoy a cold brew:) Shiveta (on the left) is in the same program as me, then there's Alvero, and Fizzy (from London)


I've gotten pretty close with auntyji. We both are coffee drinkers, so we'll sit and drink and chat. Last night, she came into my room with a gift. It was a traditional Rajasthani dress/sari she had bought for me. It has a proper name, but I forgot. It's deep red, with gold accents- pretty flashy. It's really beautiful, and was unexpected. Then came the other surprise- I was supposed to wear it and go to the photography studio they own. Yep, I was very 'Indian' yesterday. I put it on (with some help), then attempted to put my hair up. I came out, and could clearly see they weren't finished with me. I had auntyji's red bangles put on my wrist, massive earrings and a necklace, and a head wrap thingy. Then they took me downstairs where two women stood over me and did my makeup. Ummm... I have never had so much makeup on in my life. seriously. I felt like a doll. I didn't want to move for fear of messing up the material or my face paint. Auntyji was getting a laugh out of my awkwardness. These photos will not be circulating, but the story was worth sharing.
Thailand is the next destination. We leave Tuesday night and fly to Bangkok, then grab a flight an hour later to Phuket. From there, we are beach hopping, spending about three nights in each place. The last night, we're staying in Bangkok. Protests have settled down there, but it is still recommended not to linger in the city. I'm fine with a little revolutionary activity, as long as I can get to and from the airport.
I will try to post one or two more times while I am here, but I'm not sure what my internet access will be like, or I might just be lazy and laying on the beach.
Less than three weeks, and I am back on Minnesota soil. Uffda.

i have a runny nose.

and there are no tissues in India. Really- I've looked everywhere. I'm not sure what is the best way to care for my nose- farmer's blow? hanky? help people.
Oh well, I will take a runny nose over the sickness I had last week. I am now back to eating Indian food, instead of a bread diet.

This past weekend was pretty low key. Me, Shiveta (my roomie), and Farhad (an NGO worker) went to a bookstore in the old city. I love sitting on the ground staring at all the covers, and find myself only looking through the books with pictures- they're the best. Then a few of us went out to a restaurant next door from the homestay. It was so nice and clean; the best part was it actually had live music! We heard covers "Hotel California" and "Ring of Fire." The band wasn't that great, but I was pleased. Also, watched the movie, MILK with Sean Penn. Another great movie.

Here's a random photo of the view I see from the rooftop of one of my favorite restaurants in Udaipur.


Lately, I've been trying to put my life together- at least for the next three months (baby steps). My advisor at the U is probably very sick of my emails, but I think it's been worked out that I can start and finish my thesis this summer. It's a crazy move, considering I haven't narrowed down my topic or methodology. This would mean I would pretty much live at the U. I've actually never sat in the library, just stopped by for coffee. Time to get acquainted.

This week I am determined to get all my papers done, so I have some downtime next week. Some friends from Jaipur are coming to visit again, and we are planning to do the trip to Mt. Abu. I can't stop thinking about Thailand- I want to go swimming so bad. There's a pool at the club I workout at, but I can't see through the chemicals to the bottom. So, I quickly ruled out going for a dip.



This picture is of a little boy, Herard. His parents died, and the uncle of the homestay family has been looking after him. He gets a room above the garage, but is treated as a servant, and does not attend school. He always sits on the floor (he was waiting for the daughter of another servant that was washing dishes) It is strange to relax and drink a smoothie when he is probably just as warm as I am. He isn't offered one, rather, he clears the glasses from the table. uncomfortable. So now I don't take anything while he is here. This treatment is considered 'normal' in most households.
Child labor or helping keep a child off the street? I know where I stand, but will not use this blog to rant about politics.
I had to write about him in some way. He is a very sweet boy, and we exchange a little Hindi. I asked to take his picture today, and he has a great smile, but would look serious when he thought I would 'shoot the snap.'

The picture below is the result of mendi art done by a co-worker Sita (the giggly girl who always talks to me two inches from my face).

over the hump

The photo above is men giving their signature (a thumb print) to verify they have completed a day of work. If you have time, look up the government scheme, NREGA.

Wow. Time is going by quickly. Sometimes it doesn't seem that way, but overall, the days are moving along at a fast rate. Two weeks from today, I will be finished with my internship, then heading to Jaipur for four days of wrap-up and final presentations.
India- we will be parting soon. I'm not going to get into my feelings for this country quite yet. My time here isn't up. I am trying to soak in every rickshaw ride (which by the way, we had 12 women fit into one this morning. impressive, but hot), chaos of the old city at night, and of course, the nuzzling cows.
I have been going out into the field most days. By now, I have seen some of the women two or three times, and we are past the 'namaste' phase- we've moved onto hugging. I enjoy getting hugged because it is not common practice here. I didn't realize how much I have missed it.
Last week, I visited the most impoverished village I've seen yet. It was a section called Oden. I tagged along with two other Astha women. They went to talk to a group of women about ways to save money and start a joint account for the community. The money they earn from daily labor (which is at maximum 100 Rupees= $4) goes to the husbands. Drinking is a common problem in that area, so the money hasn't been going to support the family. The women were very receptive, and welcoming towards me.
Above is a photo of a little girl who was being really patient while we were meeting with the women under a tree.
The reality of poverty sinks in very quickly when I'm in the middle of children that are bloated from malnourishment or are continuously sleeping because they are too weak to play. I worry about what kind of future they will have. Each day I go out into the field with Astha, I build more and more appreciation for the work of the NGO.
This was at a school where kids are getting their daily government rations (three meals a day):

I have no idea how I will feel when I get back to the States. I do know that I will have a greater appreciation for the availability of opportunity. Also, I think material objects will be way lower on my list of importance. I feel more reassured that I got rid of most of my pocessions before I left.
While out in the field, I got braver with street food. When it's 110 degrees and there's sugar cane or pineapple juice stands in front of me- I'm gonna drink it. Problem is that ice has been used- ice that isn't made with filtered water. It was so hot last week, that I tried to ignore it. Bad idea. I have been pretty sick for the past four days. I think its is combination of the juices, water balls (I'll talk about them later), and sun. I have been feeling weak, and don't really care for eating anything. I got some meds yesterday for 13 Rupees (about 8 cents) that should help. By the way, written prescriptions aren't needed for anything- kinda crazy. I like that I can get medicine right away, without waiting at the doctor. My roomate's dad is a doctor in the States, so we just chatted over gmail, and he told me what to get. Auntyji also did some aerovedic technique on me this morning. All I know, is she found out I'm unbalanced- my right side is one inch longer than my left. weird. I'm still pretty out of it, so I've been sleeping alot.
Here's a photo of some street food (not usually the type I eat, but it looks gnarly):

I'm headed about an hour and a half out of Udaipur tomorrow for a village meeting. Hopefully, I'll see some of the women I've met. Then this weekend, we may head to Mt. Abu to explore, if my body will let me.
I will probably see this surpanch, Daki Bai tomorrow as well (photo also includes staff of the Hunger Project, another NGO):

Ah, I got to watch a movie in English the other day. I went to some electronics store and bought six movies on one disc for 90 Rupees ($1.80). The movie was Woody Allen's 'Vicky Christina Barcelona.' It was amazing on many levels. Check it out. Also, makes me want to go back to Barcelona real bad. Anyone have jobs hook-ups there?
Finally, a big “HI” to the One Stop crew! Miss you guys, and I'll come bug you when I get back.
Geoff and Tai- I'll be needing a hug.