It's the Final Countdown

1 week left. In exactly 1 week, I will be back on American soil. I can’t believe these 3 months have flown by so fast. I have learned an incredible amount and my mind might explode if I try to comprehend anymore. I feel like it’s the week before exams and I have been taking 20 credits of 500 level philosophy and gender studies courses. I have always enjoyed writing essays for exams but have really re-kindled a love for writing, especially on socially, controversial topics. I love hearing everyone’s thoughts even there are many disagreements because their arguments also steam from an experience or up bringing. I have added it onto my life bucket list to ‘have something published.’ It may be an article, a short story or research findings but most likely it could be about these sensitive topics of education, arranged marriage or gender differences.

This past week we had some time for holiday since it was Holi so I became even more cultured on many subjects. I have taken a western religions class but this week was my eastern religions class. Most conversations had, were centered around Hindu traditions and the stories behind every ritual or festival. Next were discussions about the origins of Buddhism. I got the chance to visit Bodgaya where the tree is, that’s said where Buddha received his enlightenment. Next came discussions on Islam. Two of my friends’ fellows joined for a boat ride on the Ganges and evening snacks. One is very passionate about his being a Muslim and will share his beliefs with anybody so we challenged him on the importance of religion and why Islam? In Patna there is a big population of both Muslims and Hindus so it makes for an interesting society. It used to be very dangerous in that area but in the past 5 years it has really settled down and progressed. The danger isn’t due to a war on religion but rather a competitvity for land and resources. Bihar is one of the oldest civilizations in the entire world so there are many, many people living there and everyone is fighting for their space and basic needs. The normal human being isn’t born a thief but rather it’s in times of need or desire where the mind set changes. This leads into another point of national pride and hope in the human race. Indians have so much national pride often displaying the flag, being honored to join scouts and guards and often singing the national anthem very proudly with fists at each side. However, the people don’t have hope in their own kind. Yes, it all stems from a history and experiences but still there is something missing. When I was headed off to travel everyone was very, very worried about me. Understandable that I am a white, American girl traveling in India but I had my mobile and steady head on my shoulders with vast travel experience packed along. As they would give my travel tips I would already have that knowledge plus more to add on to it. I’ve done my research and made sure I knew what I was getting in to. I didn’t run into even one problem in my 11 days of traveling. I found everyone only the kindest and most helpful along the way. Most people speak English so I could ask questions if I had any.

During my travels I got to experience many wonderful things! There’s an instant connection when traveling as a foreigner with other foreigners. There are perks such as special fast lines and tickets while at the same time the locals try and rip you off. For those of us who have been living here for a while we can read the scammers and smell a rotten deal from a mile away. Needless to say it was great meeting other travelers and crazies off exploring the world just like me.

Celebrating Holi on the rooftops

Watching the festivities down below

The banks of the the Ganges in Patna

80 ft. tall Buddha in Bodgaya

The tree where it’s said, Buddha received is enlightenment

The gate before entering into the Taj Mahal

Sat in the grass enjoying the sun and tourist watching for a couple hours

 

Outside the main Agra station; how kind are they?

My holiday was wonderful but now I am ready to enter my last week with full force moving forward. I have hit that spot where I am excited to go home yet just finally am feeling the breakthrough in the culture, with the people and at work. I am constantly looking to expand my mind and learn more about life happening around me. As much as this was a vacation it was more of also a learning experience, about myself and how I handle different situations.

My Bucket List for India:

Ride a Camel

Ride an Elephant (Saving this for my trip to Thailand)

Be involved in a festival: Holi, the Kite Festival, Republic Day

Attend a wedding

Learn enough Hindi to engage in small talk

Master the art of not using utensils

Learn 5 Bollywood dances; Still didn't reach 5 dance however, songs in general I have learned

See the Taj Mahal

Have a successful internship (I'd say so!)

Simply Enjoy Life! To the fullest, you bet!

My time here in India has been nothing under amazing. I have been living once in a lifetime experiences and meeting the most amazing people. After 3 months of living here, everyday things still happen where I simply must smile and laugh. Living in India is a day to day learning experience and the only thing that gets you through is an open and flexible mind and a sense of humor. I am thankful to everyone who has taken me and made me a part of their family for they made my time here so special. Who knows where the wind will lead me next but as for now it’s back to America. Back to Oregon. Back to Portland, my good ol’ stomping grounds. The final countdown, of my last days here in India has begun so I’m making it count. Next time I write it will be from back in the USA. ~Anna

“To travel is worth any cost or sacrifice.”  ~ Elizabeth Gilbert Eat, Pray, Love

That Famous Blue CIty: Jodhpur

Who wants to read alot of writing?? Not me! Pictures with explanation will do just fine! Here's my mini trip to Jodhpur, "The Blue City." Some say the Brahmans originally painted their houses blue in order to show their status while some say it was simply to keep the house cool, being in the desert.  Either way it has become tradition to paint the houses blue and so becomes “The Blue City.” 

Highlights include: A park with a fountain that changes colors and has music synced to it.  It was playing a remixed mashup of “Shots, shots, shots” as we circled around.The night I also had chicken for the 2nd time in almost 3 months. It was SO TASTY!!! or it was actually awful and I just have really missed it. 

 Jodhpur is very popular for HandiCrafts so one morning we went and visited a shop. My manager's sister is one of 3 designers whom their company is one of the biggest suppliers for World Market. I got to witness workers hand-painting each item and bending the iron for tables and chairs by hand. When they say "hand painted" they literally mean it!  It was cool seeing products that were just chosen and will be seen in the stores in the next few months. The only downfall tho this visit was seeing the buyers verses retil price. A very nice side table that would be sold in the USA for $200+ is bought from the manufacture at $26.00. That's going to make it difficult back home, oh boy!

Mehrangarh Fort, the most famous fort in India. It's up above the city and can explore the entire structure. We wandered in and around this fortress while traditional music played on the pathways.

Looking up at the fort from the market

The view of the Blue City from up in the fort

The City Palace was very beautiful, which is now a 7-star hotel. Amidst the admiration, trumpets started blowing and drums were being played. Evidently it was a VIP person entering the hotel who got their own processional into the hotel, I was jealous to say the least.

The beautiful city palace

The next amazing place I encountered on my trip was Mandore Garden, in Annie word's, Monkey Garden.  Thousands of monkeys now hang out there because people feel it a responsibility to go and feed them. Normally monkeys frighten me but in the garden they were quiet friendly and I was just able to let them eat peanuts out of my hand. There was only one really angry monkey but other than they were great and in numerous amounts!!

 

Over coming my fear of the Monkeys

I am a fan of food. That's one of the truest facts of life. They always say one of the best ways to experience the culture is through the food and so one afternoon I spent eating my way through the market and experiencing all the food. Lassi is a great yogurt based brink in many flavors like mango or lemon. One of the most famous lassi places was right in Johdpur so naturally we had to try now as well ad might've indulged in a couple at that.


One thing on my trip bucket list was to ride camel. Well, that is now crossed off! So awkward when they stand up and sit down 'cause they do the front feet and then back feet. I managed to hold on though and didn't completely make a fool of myself, yet. :D

He's my new friend cause I didn't fall off, almost, but held on.

A few other highlights were watch a Hindi movie in the cinema. It was called Queen and no I couldn't understand all of it but yes I loved every moment of it.There is SUPER tight security and actually take an elevator underground to the theaters. It was so nice and the chairs super comfortable with an amazing sound system. I was very impressed indeed!
My trip to Jodhpur was absolutely amazing; full of so much wonderful food, shopping, history and pure joy, especially seen from a small child's eyes. This is my bucket list for India I wrote before I left. I have only a few weeks left and am close to crossing everything off. How am I doing??

My Bucket List for India:

Ride a Camel

Ride an Elephant

Be involved in a festival: Kite Festival was the best, Republic day was fun and Holi is coming in a week! Woohoo! Annie's dream world #coloroncoloroncolor

Attend a wedding

Learn enough Hindi to engage in small talk: Mastered that Introduction, food and numbers, animals and understanding simple chat

Master the art of not using utensils: master might always be questionable.... ;)

Learn 5 Bollywood dances: I’ve got 2 down 3 to go. Oh boy!!

See the Taj Mahal

Have a successful internship: So far YES! But still have 3 weeks left

Simply Enjoy Life!


I have had one week in the office after my mni holday and am now headed off on vacation for about another 10 days. I have many things on my list for these 10 days but am leaving my schedule wide open and fancy free for change. If I like one city more, I'm going to hang out there. I will hopefully be a master of the Indian Railway System by the time I get back to Sirohi. Until I return then, with more stories, experiences, and discovering more beauty throughout the world ~Anna

“Travel brings power and love back into your life.” - Rumi

!!! Surprise !!!

Coming to India, I prepped myself for many things going wrong: probably losing my luggage, my bank card not working, getting terribly sick (like everyone does) or at least something small. Up until now, I had it free sailing and without problems. My ISAC (India Study Abroad Center) boss came to visit for a few days so that was great. We were counting weeks and days until I left and realized that the number of weeks from start to departure flight was 13 weeks, we had on record only 12 weeks and that’s what I had paid for. My IE3 coordinator, ISAC boss and I had all missed this somehow. An extra large sum of money was needed to stay until my departure flight  so the next step was to find an alternative. We weighed all my options and decided it was best to move up my departure date. So, SURPRISE I'm going back 11 days early and will be back on that freedom soil April 4. 6 weeks sounds like, “Cool, I’ve got some time here still.” But, 5 weeks is like “I’m leaving so soon!” Now comes the realization to truly cherish every moment here and take it all in.

Part of enjoying all these little moments are my morning runs. At first, I was nervous to go running because it’s just not something you see here. Everyone reassured me it was fine, and besides, it was just another silly thing the foreigner in town does. Running gives me time to not have to think about what somebody is saying to me in a different language or what kind of custom I am breaking. I go at 7am before the sun gets too hot so it’s just me, my running shoes and the pavement (and the peacocks/parrots). Lately, it’s turned into the original Olympic Marathon. As I run through the villages, people cheer and barefooted children run alongside or try to race. It’s always a challenge dodging cows, herds of dogs, the huge vegetable carts or the zooming motorcycles. One thing I find very funny is that for about 1/4 of a mile of the road, there is a cobblestone sidewalk. Normally, I associate cobblestone streets with my city in Germany or parts of Europe, but they use bricks for many things here so, I guess why not? Right?!

I’m glad that through my weird and foreign ways I bring joy and laughs to those around me. My manager always says that I am so expressive and passionate about things. #1. I find that Americans are generally more expressive through emotions and body language than Indians and #2. My personality is more outgoing than most Americans so it’s like a double dose of excitement over here.

               These were the few faithful students while everyone else was at the fair

In a Team Balika Training. The girl standing next to me is already planing to gain political power, and is well on her way. What a girl!

                                                   Some are just too precious

        One of the main streets into market

Even though I’m headed home a week earlier than expected, I’m glad everything worked out and if that’s the worst of my troubles, I’ll take it! In a month, I’m headed back and I’m excited to get back to real life but I still have lots to do here ie. vacation and meet a few more little smiling faces. ~ Anna

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” – Laozi

Don't ever Stop Shooting for the Stars

I’ve made it half way through my internship and sometimes I feel like I just arrived yesterday. What do you like most about India? How’s the food? Are you married? Are you engaged? Who’s your boyfriend? Would you marry an Indian? Do you dance? Will you dance for us? Sing an American song!

These are the most common questions with just about any new person I meet. Marriage is such a central part of the culture here and especially at my age, I’m past due. 15%  OF GIRLS IN RAJASTHAN ARE MARRIED BELOW AGE 10. Think about that. Like my grandfather says, “You’re not getting any younger, Annie!” I thought I was curious and asked a lot of questions, these guys are no joke here and will keep you talking for hours, even when everything isn’t understood. It’s good to be in such a curious environment though because through curiosity comes learning which is blossomed into knowledge. The debates on religion and the existence of One God or many is also a big discussion. Having grown up in the church, my theology and knowledge of Christianity is quite well developed. This leads to the Hindu, Muslim, Christianity talk, which I love. At the end of the day, we can all agree on everyone is human and fight for the hope in humanity. 

I really do have a lot of time to think and ponder life. From working a front desk job where you know every one that passes by and stops to chat, to understanding about 2% of what’s being said, is tough. From speaking 60,000 to 1,000 words a day it changes your perspective on life. Watching the way people interact and react to certain situations reads more than the words they are saying.  I already was a people watcher but now you could say I’m a professional one (in the most non-creepy way possible).

However, it has lead to some great things. I’ve had great self-realizations and recognized areas to grow. When I get home, I’ll be graduated so I knew I need a goal, something to keep me motivated after such an experience. I’ve always wanted to go up to Alaska to work on the train or in the lodges so now was my opportunity before I started a “big kid” job. I applied to Alaska Wilderness, the nicest trains running through Alaska and after one skype interview, they offered me a job. I contemplated the offer but after thoughts on thoughts and pros/cons on pros/cons list I decided not accept the offer. The season runs May 7 till mid September which would give me 2 weeks in Oregon and then shipped off to Alaska for another 4 months, I couldn’t do that to myself. Let alone going from rural India with bucket, cold showers and squatty potties to tourist Alaska, the mind set switch would kill me.

So, I started compiling my loves for life and came to the conclusion my dream job doesn’t exist. Working for a larger company that’s always working to grow and challenge, involving international relations, fighting for a good cause and education/children would be ideal but all at the same time somewhat un-conventional. How do you fit that all together? Welp, I found it! After a lot of research I stumbled across this exact thing containing everything I want in a job. It’s going to take a lot of risk and just going for it but I know it’ll lead to amazing things! Even if I don’t fall into the exact company I want, I know it exists.

This is a version of the God of Education with song prayers written on either side

Baby Annie. Charcoal is put around children's eyes to keep out bad spirits.

I told the best friend I missed chocolate and coffee. So she fixed that with a package good old courier style!!! I literally started jumping up and down I received it. Half of it disappeared in three days.

I've come to this realization, I think I truly do live by YOLO and Nike's slogan of Just Do It. Why did YOLO have to get turned into doing dumb and irresponsible things?  You Only Live Once. Yeah, you do. So start living life to it's fullest. Take chances even when you might fail. You'll regret the chances you didn't take. Maybe it's a fear of the unknown but truly what do we have to lose? Just Do It! I live by quotes and they keep me inspired. Look into this and I hope it inspires you too. ~ Anna

"Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you'll land amongst the stars."

Getting cultured in India, Pop Cultured

Documentation, reviews, and write-ups are what this week consisted of so instead of writing about cool adventures I had, this week can be cultural happenings and daily living!

Every morning I walk out my front gate I never know what the day has in store for me. Next door is a hostel, a boarding school, with about 20 boys who live there age 7-18. They know when I leave for work and they know when I get home so I am greeted with “Hello, Madam!” “How are you?!” as they giggle and give me the cheesiest grins. Only a few of them speak English well enough to actually chat and I’ve already used up my Hindi database. It’s kind of a nice routine seeing familiar faces along the way as I walk to work, each at their perspective road side stands. I pass the same group of boys along the way who’s at first, harsh, skeptic stares have turned into friendly, laughing smiles.

Work opens up with a prayer every morning. The prayer is in song form with a leader and everyone echoes after. I kind of stumble my way through the copying, having absolutely no idea what I’m saying. Then we head outside for the national anthem because it’s a law that it’s not allowed to be sung under a roof.  Everyone stands with straight arms at their side and clenched fists while singing. I always picture myself in the Rose Garden singing the national anthem at this point and I get slightly excited and want to start cheering when it’s over, that might be awkward.....

You might think so much singing is weird and unusual, not over here! Im elementrary school we were all too embarrassed to even say the Pledge of Allegiance, maybe that was just me ;) Here, there is constantly song and dance. Everyone can sing (and does) and everyone dances, in the streets, in the office, during parades or when they’re bored. This is all apart of the culture and industry. Most all the Bollywood films have break out song scenes. We call these musicals, they call them everyday films. I quote a friend who says, “If I know a film doesn’t have singing and dancing in it, I won’t go see it.” This is true for both guys and girls! It’s MY dream! I have my films, favourite actors, dancers and singers now. You should probably check them out, right now! Salman Khan, a 52 year old body builder build, who sings and dances.. say what!? YOU BET! Favorite film Aashiqui 2 (a beautiful love story) and music from Gunday and Yo Yo Honey Singh.

Salman Khan. Most famous actor in India and I can tell why!

WATCH THIS^ My favorite song from Gunday! You better be dancing right now!

When I’m not traveling on the weekends I do yoga, read in the sun, do laundry (by hand, with a bucket, in my bathroom, and dry it by the sun), search new vacation spots, dance and eat great food! Food is a huge part of the culture in that at lunch, everyone has the naan and shares around their curries. Multiple times during the week we also go into the market to eat sweets and treats. One evening I probably tried 10 different kinds.  They are all so delicious!

Fresh pineapples all aorund

Pulled over on the side of the highway for this. A field of mouth freshnners!

I’m going onto week six of being here in Rajasthan and I still don’t believe I’m here most of the time. I sit on my rooftop terrace either in the blazing hot sun or warm, evening air, watching the sunset over the desert mountains, watching the dogs play in the streets, cows wandering by, aqua and lime green parrots fly by or families of monkeys swinging in the trees and have to remind myself this is all real. I’m still amazed when I see American zoo animals sauntering around. My favorite quote so far form a friend, “Free country. Free animals!” How true that is. Until next time. ~Anna

"There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars." -Jack Kerouac

Shattered Preceptions

One month down, two more to go! Any thoughts I’ve had about this wonderfully, diverse country have all been challenged, changed, redirected and shattered. I knew the western perspective had some misconceptions about India but I’m now realizing just how many. This week I had the chance to get to know two girls who came from Mumbai who just joined as part of the communications team. We spoke on many things together regarding Indian traditions, customs and the not so simple ways of life. From an outsider’s view women staying at home and working; cooking and cleaning and watching after the children is simple. Yes, the acts in and of itself may be simple but take a deeper look and there are many rules and customs to abide by. For example, when there are two bothers the oldest brother and the youngest brother’s wife aren’t allowed to have a relationship, at all. They can’t talk or see each other. When he enters the house he either coughs or calls to someone in order to warn her of his entrance so she’ll leave the room. In family pictures he’ll stand in the back and she’ll be brought in at the end, veiled and be ushered out first thing. The reason for this is to keep order in the joint family. If they don’t have a relationship it’s easier to give and take orders.

I have learned so incredibly much through these wonderful ladies and through conducting interviews with Team Balika members. This week I got to visit a couple more schools where the students adorably sang and danced for us and went to a temple opening festival. At the festival, was mass amounts of food for the whole entire village to be fed. Still there were dividers set up for the division of the different castes to eat behind. In some ways there is so much progress and in other areas the old traditions have such a tight hold still. Traditions are great in order to not lose the base culture but some traditions are very harsh in discrimination and dividing the people.

Chatting with the leader of the village, at the temple ceremony, in the middle of 150+ men

 

Happy faces waving goodbye at a girl’s boarding school

Hilarious man high asking to take a picture with me

The quote on the bottom says, “Woman today don’t know how to pray but the speak English.” We pulled him over because are proud of this fact!

The more people I meet, the more my mind is filled with knowledge and history. Watching the young girls in the hostel sing and dance, with an extra shimmer in their eyes because they don’t have to go back to a home where they may have to work lots or abuse takes place was remarkable. Hearing them giggle and call after me “Didi, Didi,” (Big Sister) is why I’m here; to help make this whole world attainable to them. If Educate Girls can enroll just one more girl or convince one more father to let his daughter study past the age of 15 then our work here is done. Fighting for the cause. ~Anna

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pure Joy and Hair Flying

Meetings, meetings and more meetings. Not only is it the end of the month so monthly review and planning was happening but the District Manager from Pali came down to discuss the past years goals and set new targets.  7-hour meetings ended up in passing notes and drawing pictures in our notebooks so I could understand the discussion. Amongst the discussions were things such as proper drinking, separate restrooms or electricity in the schools. It’s times like these where I find myself just listening and realizing this is actually an issue.

This week we also say goodbye to our friend and co-worker as she is taking another position up in Pali. One tradition that’s held at going away parties is you feed each other cake, just like at a wedding. Everyone took turns feeding and receiving cake from our departing one. So many fun traditions I’m constantly being exposed to and learning about.

Big City!!!!! I took my first vacation to Udaipur this weekend, also known as the City of Lakes, which is about 2.5 hours by bus.  Often it’s called “The Venice of the East” since everything’s built around the lakes and canals. During the day it’s bustling with tourists and making their way around to the gorgeous temples, the City Palace, nature reserves and markets. There are structures in the middle of the lake you can boat out to and just sit and relax. At night the city is illuminated by colors on the hills, immaculate hotel lights and the little structures along the lake side with changing colors.

One of my good friend’s fellows lives near by so he came to hang out for Sunday. We went for lunch at this wonderful restaurant where two different sets of tourists came in. They would look at me sitting with two Indians wearing a Kurta and just look so puzzled. One couple flipped through an ‘Indian Lonley Planet’ guidebook as they ate. I laughed to myself for I felt like this time, I was the tourist! So great!

This was exactly us! I clung on to my bag, as we weaved in and around traffic. Then we trippled, ha! :D

During the day it was hilarious to watch other foreign tourists' reactions as we drove by on the fellows motorcycle. I can only imagine their thoughts, “Oh no! A foreign girl on the back of an Indian man’s motorcycle I hope she’s okay,” or other foreign couples would stare as they wondered around trying to navigate or hoping their rickshaw was headed in the right direction.  It’s been a dream of mine to ride one and with pure joy and hair flying that dream was fulfilled. That night I also had some cold coffee that tasted just like my caramel frappaccinos, ahhhh!!!! :D How lovely it was to get a little break and …. to see foreigners! One sight I will ever forget was a party in the slums. As we drove past the small houses and tents you could hear music playing and cheering. A break in the hut's walls revealed many, many children gathered around an orange glow from a fire and two children dancing their little hearts out on a stage. What a cool sight to be seen. I'm going to try and paint it so I never forget that moment.

Teaching her the ways of American posing

Jagdish temple in Udaipur. #RipCity

Chocolate, banana pancakes and curry for lunch! Woohoo!

Bob Marley bringing it home. Language, culture, traditions may be different but at the core we're all humans who need love.

The city scape of Udaipur

With certain hotels not allowing foreigners, little begging children and the incredible beauty of the lakes and palaces, this city had it all. I'm excited to go back and explore more later.  Essentially I am here for work though, so back to the grind. ~Anna

“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind." -Seneca