Im back!!

I'm back so now you guys will just have to call me for updates... Roomies I definitely miss you guys and of course our fellow hostellers too :) my little family is so far far away... can't wait til you guys come back... :)

Have you ever….

Sat idle for almost all day…
Saw the prettiest sunset ever…
REALLY relaxed by doing nothing….
Ate delicious food…
With a leaf as a plate….
Been around 10 other people who are the greatest company you can ask for….
Listened to hindi, Spanish, and American music on the same day….
Experienced utter bliss….
Read a book on a boat….
Taken a nap on a boat….
Had a dance party on a boat….
Played A$$hole (card game)….
Been in perfect weather….
Felt like you went to heaven and back….
ALL IN ONE DAY!
Well I did and let me tell you it was all of the above and much much more. The 9 of us plus our liason at school and a professor from the University of Maryland decided to take a trip to the backwaters and spend the night on a houseboat.
Thanks to one of the fathers at school we were able to get a really good deal and not to mention a boat that was only 4 days old. Now if that's not perfect then I don't know what is. We started out the day getting on a bus, then a train, then a taxi and finally the boat. Our two hour journey was definitely worth it. As we walked to the dock we walked into a boat which was VERY nice and we all got really excited, but to our dismay it wasn't our boat, it was merely the boat we needed to walk through to get to ours. We continued through the first boat to get to ours and as we approached ours it was like a shining light was on our boat- the nice new shiny boat with a flat screen TV, nice couches, two rooms with running water and plumming- I couldn't ask for more. You can only imagine the emotional roller coaster we were going through as we approached our boat finally. We continued out into the backwaters and docked for dinner where we were served with tons of food- more than any of us could eat. I must add in here that I took seconds on rice- THAT IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING NEW FOR ME. I guess the rice we eat at the canteen- mess hall- is cooked differently and is a bit cheaper, which I'm not surprised at so that's why we don't really like it. Anyhow as you can see above we had a whooolle lot of fun.. just sat there and stared into space, read our books, fell asleep on the deck.. it was definitely a luxury and something I've been looking to do in Chicago forever!! So I'm glad I finaly got to do it somewhere.
Anyhow we got back on Monday morning and of course Shachi, Andy and I had to go to Thrissur for yet another meeting. Five hours later we finally got somewhere that was 80 kilometers away. We inquired about every mode of transportation- from bus, to train to taxi to a personal ride.
We finally settled on taking a taxi and eating the cost because we were so tired and I wasn't feeling too hot. We got half way when a friend of Andy's calls and says get out of the car. As you can imagine we were a bit bewildered but we did as instructed. Paid the taxi Rs. 500 and continued to wait for the mystery person to come pick us up. Andy figured out finally that it was Geethu and we were a little relieved as we were already running late but he didn't want us to spend an arm and a leg on a taxi all the way to thrissur. We were looking at around Rs. 1200 but when converted its merely 30 bucks so we were like eh whatever LOL. Anyhow we finally got home around 11pm and we've been back at it ever since. We've almost completed one report- the one on the cows, goats and quails- and our director handed us the report last night. It was pretty awesome because when Andy, Shachi and I walked into the office at 7pm to pick up his edits he approached us by shaking our hands and a big hardy "Congratulations- very good!" As most of you can imagine getting such a great response from the director that previously said our surveys we created were 'ok' was absolutely amazing; it almost felt like I got a 100% on an exam (something that definitely doesn't happen in B-School)! We have two more reports to go- Health and Life Insurance and those are the biggys as they want to send the report out to the insurance companies and the local government to show them the progress and effectiveness of such a program. As you can imagine that's a huge thing especially when your name and the schools name is plastered over it. Don't fret Chicagoans and Michiginians (I am not sure if that's how you spell it) we will do nothing less than excellent on these reports so that we make sure and get that A+ on the paper.

I have about a week left and I am leaving with very mixed emotions. I'm am excited to see everyone back in the states but I definitely can do a couple more months here… I love living with my roommates and I'm learning soooo much- you can't ask for much more.

Pictures soon to come :)

The Simple Life

Whelp back to Cochin we are and boy am I feelin it but I realized I still am enjoying it. While I’ve been writing about the many adventures of Rice Land as Shachi likes to call it I haven’t said much about my everyday activities. Let me start with the beginning:
We wake up everyday to get to lunch at 8:00am and YES that is all 7 days of the week. Except now a days Shachi and I have been eating breakfast at around 8:45 and we’re usually the last one’s running in before they take away the food. Did you ever think that you would have to be on such a tight schedule to be fed? If I miss breakfast it means that I get to eat chaiya (or chai) and biscuits for breakfast- while it may be great it just won’t hold me over and the reason for this comes later. We then go to the computer lab and check our email for about a half hour and finally get to work at 9:30 where EVERYDAY we sing the Rajagiri National Anthem- which I have to say is the coolest song in the world. Once all that commotion is over we finally get to work and take a break at 1- we know its lunch time because there is this xylophone sounding music that comes on. It’s almost like going to school again!! I’m not sure if I mentioned this but the NGO that we work for is based out of a school –Rajagiri. They have ever grade from kindergarten all the way up to Masters! We then have lunch at 1 so in between we’re hounding people around campus to get us our documents or our data or just simply translate something from Malayalam to English or vice versa. If only I knew the language. When it’s finally lunch time we know what we’re in for- a BIG pot of rice, some yellow curry looking stuff and usually green beans. As you can see things get real old after a while so most of the time I don’t eat much. Many times we’re surprised with fruit (which we are very fair about and ration 2-3 pieces a person) or ladu’s or some kind of yummy sweet treat. We continue to work until our unofficial 4 o’clock Chai break.
Anyhow we then continue working and at around 5:30 or 6:00pm yoga starts and we lather on the odomos (our mosquito repellant) and Shachi sprays herself and the rest of us around her while she’s doing so with the Lemon Eucalyptus Mosquito Repellant. I gladly take the extra repellant but the others I’m not sure they love it so much. Well on with Yoga we go for about an hour and next we have a break before dinner which is at 8. Well there are so many options for this break- most of the times we’re returning emails or some of the girls go running (which I won’t do because I feel like the mosquitoes will attack me) or recently we played badminton. Actually we asked our friend Praveen to get us rackets just the other day and he had two guys let Jessica and I borrow them and we had at it. We weren’t so bad except for the two incidences that I slipped and fell. You would think I would learn the first time not to play in flip flops or go in the area that’s slippery but NOPE! Well after the second I definitely stopped entering that area but I didn’t stop playing until the lights went out :(. That now was the end to our badminton days. Two bruises and a scrape later we arrive at dinner where we wait in anticipation of what it could be- could it be NOODLES!!, Parotas!! Chapati! As you can see we’re pleased as long as its not rice. Today it was Parotas with this Tomato curry stuff that was EXCELLENT and we got 3 parotas each!! And we got Pineapple too… You’re probably wondering why the heck are you telling us how many you eat- well… lets just say our meals are well proportioned- I actually think they give us enough for what we’re supposed to be eating but with our American appetites and lack of eating during lunch we come to dinner EXTREMELY hungry. Well not to worry if we’re not full enough on our walk home we stop for more COOKIES!! Yes I eat a lot of cookies here :). We also sing songs on the way home- people probably think we’re very strange. Today we sang Beyonce’s Bootylicious, Barney’s I love you song, The song that never ends and a plethora of other songs that I don’t know. As you can see we definitely enjoy one anothers company and I LOVE getting songs stuck in Ericka’s head :).
Funny fact for today: A couple weeks back Shachi and I did a interview – which I may have told you guys about but don’t have time to look back for. Basically there was a reporter from the Times of India that called that asked us information about how we were assimilating and what it was like being here form another country. We unfortunately missed some things but that’s quite alright. Well today was the good ol’ photo shoot. Here’s a picture of the 7 out of 9 of us. Unfortunately one of the group members was sick (Katlin) and the other had to go out to the field (Jessica). So this is part of our happy little family. Maybe we’ll get the article so I can send you guys the link- I’m a bit fearful to see what they’ve taken from our interview. Well until later- Samara dude!!

Everyday Me!

Well I guess the post on the Simple Life is soon to come because I have that on my laptop and today I am stuck in the computer lab since our plans got cancelled last minute. Inefficiency is at work once again! Oh wellz I’m kinda getting used to the last minute plan changes and not being told about htem. Today we took a rikshaw to North Kalmassery and bought the kids chocolates and biscuits… yes secretly they are for us volunteers as well.. : ) what can I say I looove cookies and its almost lunch time and that’s when my stomach starts turning at the thought of another Kernel of Rice entering my stomach. Anyhow we're about to take a trip to kids camp today to have them draw on Health and Religion which I'm interested to see considering most of these kids are from the Tsunami affected areas. We laso get to go watch a Kathakali dance, which I'm really excited about because we're going to watch it from them putting on the make up to the actual dance. Then tomorrow we head to Elippy (i can't spell it) for our overnight trip ona houseboat. I'm so excited!!! A night on the town with a glass of wine or beer for some and a big slumber party of singing, dancing, board games- I don't think we'll be sleeping much tonight. The singing part is my favorite because everyone sings their hearts out... everyday on our trek home after dinner we sing a new song and then we come homea nd sing some more songs hahah.. Ericka is my partner in crime with these schenatigans and man do we enjoy it. As of today i have a little less than 3 weeks left in India and I don't want to come back quite yet. maybe i'll want ot come back ina couple weeks... I know who would've thought that i would wanna stay for so long... It's so stress free here and I know what i'm doomed to when i get home... weeks of case studies, a whole lotta school work and traffic... now i just walk 15 minutes and i'm at work.. well i guess thats the days we're not in the field... When I was in Mumbai I bought the bootleg version of Sex and the City, and a bunch of indian movies. Last night I fell asleep to DDLJ... what a great movie!! :)

Anyhow I guess I should stop babbling and get ot the point. you'll have to stay tuned for my experience this weekend and the post on the simple life. While the post may not be very funny a lotta funny things happen... my mom says don't laugh so much because you'll cry later (i don't understand why they say that) but I've laughed so much during this trip i think I may end up crying for the rest of the summer

I think i'm in love....

… with Mumbai of course!! I probably startled you for a second I know haha. Don’t worry I’ll make my own bollywood movie but it may be more of a comedy .. stay tuned for that…
We just got back from Mumbai and we had an absolutely wonderful time. It was nice to finally speak in a language I knew (and no I don’t mean English) and be able to communicate with people without tripping over my own words. The other great thing about Mumbai was Air Conditioning, hot showers and NO RICE!! I finally had my first HOT shower since I arrived in Mumbai and Air Conditioning didn’t exist unless we were in the mall or a special car with air conditioning. I have to say I’ve learned to appreciate the finer things in life- thank god for a geezer (hot water heater) and air conditioners and oh not to forget Cable television!! I was DEFINITELY a happy camper this past weekend!
It’s almost like night and day when it comes to culture in Kerala and Mumbai. Kerala is extremely conservative (at least where we live) and it was interesting to see the difference when we got to Mumbai. We definitely stuck out the day we wore a Punjabi (Indian pant suit- for the non Indians) in Mumbai where as when we’re in Cochin we stick out any way it is but less so if we wear the traditional garb. We hung out at the local Coffee Shop and observed everyone around and noticed that we didn’t look like we weren’t from India - in fact I think people would have guessed we’re not from there because we were in Indian clothes. Oh and of course no one stared at us which was nice to not feel like you’re constantly on state; I think it has partly to do with the vast amount of business travelers and the metropolitan nature of Mumbai that has changed the culture so much. Nevertheless I shall go on.
We flew out on Wednesday and started out by having an absolutely wonderful lunch which consisted of Bhel (gujurati dish) at Shachi’s aunt’s house and sithaphal ice cream (which we were very lucky to have because it wasn’t quite the season for it yet). I have to say she is probably one of the best cooks I know; we were thinking about paying for her to fly down and cook for us in Cochin but I think that’s definitely a no go. We then went to a school for mentally handicapped children where Shachi initially started writing a Grant for to get these children more funding for the wonderful things they were doing. These are mentally handicapped adults in an activities center where they make cards, handicrafts, etc. and sell them and are able to keep the profits; it’s a very innovative idea in my opinion to give those that have such creative minds the ability to share it with others. Beware you WILL receive an email from me with the website of where you can buy this stuff. We spent about two days at the school, went to the movies (where they sing the national anthem before every movie- totally unexpected but really cool) and awaited the arrival of Andy, Jessica and Jeremy. For those of you who haven’t watched ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ should definitely go watch it- a little different from the usual movies but it was still pretty good- my favorite song PAPPU CAN’T DANCE!! Lolol you’ll know what I’m talking about when you watch it. When the other folks arrived we had tons of food prepared by Shachi’s aunt- from corn bhel to dhai puri to bhel to ragda paties ( I probably spelt them all wrong but you get the point- there was A LOT of food). So much food and so little stomachs to go around.
Our Mumbai trip consisted of Juhu Beach, hanging out at multiple hotels when it was too hot to sit outside, and shopping (let just say Ashika dropped a good chunk of change- I think I definitely inflated the Indian Stock Market for those couple days). But we couldn’t leave Mumbai with a good night on the town. My friend Ankil (which some may know- sorry ankil I aced you out on this) introduced me to his friend Anand (sorry to ace you out :)) and well through the Indian connection we had a chauffeur for the entire night! He suggested a place called Japengo (which I thought was Topango the whole time until we got there- this is why I should get a better cell phone I know) and it was great. Dinner consisted of Sushi, pizza and pasta, all different for all of us but it was a nice change. Anand then proceeded to take us bar/club hopping around the city and bar hopping is definitely what we did. We first went to Indigo which is a REALLY nice place, where stars like Sharukh Khan are known to be seen and don’t fret I got a peek of my own super star and former Miss Universe, Lara Dutta, thanks to Anand’s friends who spotted here while eating dinner there. We then proceeded to get some dancing in at a place called Bootleggers where everyone was playing Jenga, connect four and various other games, and the DJ even gave in and played shachi’s request for Kanye West!

When that closed at 1 we then proceeded to a club called Poly Ester- random I know LOL. We taught Jessica the light bulb dance and we danced the night away. We met lots of really cool people- it’s a totally different experience from the last time I went, people were extremely nice and totally accommodating. Then we decided we still weren’t done with the night so we packed into a car and preceded to hookah! Yes as you can imagine by the time we got home it was 5am and mind you we left the house at 8:30pm to start the night. All in all we had a pretty awesome time so KUDOS to Anand… the poor guy hopped around from place to place with us and still had to work the next day! We definitely owe you when you visit our respective cities- and you should expect the same jumping around :).
Anyhow now more into the overall experience. Mumbai was one experience I have never experienced before and I couldn’t believe how much it’s changed. As you can see from the pictures and the stories it is AMAZING!! Watch out Mumbai Ashika and Shachi may be back for another attack!! (we’re trying to weasel a project in for Mumbai in December or next summer). Cousins if you’re reading this- you have to give India another chance it was absolutely amazing. The culture was a bit more at my pace too than Cochin. I love Cochin for its quiet time but I gotta be a little rambunctious once in a while.
This time around we actually saw the rest of Mumbai and the hotels of course. Lassi’s at the Taj by the Gateway of India, finding my new favorite Indian shop where everything is quadruple the price I pay (Bhakti we soooo gotta go here its absolutely amazing the clothes you can get) and we even saw a real interstate or should I say intercity highway in Mumbai where rikshaws aren’t allowed!! Can you believe it!! And the airport is brand new. It’s like a cross of Long Beach Airport and the OC Airport. You have to walk up the stairs to go into the plane but the terminal is as nice as the OC Airport.
Of course there are always more stories but I had to save more for when I actually see you guys. Let’s just say Shachi and I definitely act like we rule the world in Mumbai! LOLOL… oh the joys!
Now we’re back to our lives in Cochin and trying to wrap everything up. Everything’s actually happening a lot quicker than we thought. We’re supposed to do some dance next Tuesday in which they tried to teach us a traditional Malayalam dance but I think the Malu students may do that dance and we may have to show them how the Americans do it!! It’s of course very clean- we’re doing the electric slide!! LOLOL… I know what you’re all thinking and well I’m trying to figure out what exactly it’s going to look like. I probably should’ve busted out my garba moves… I think its funny how everytime someone asks me my name I tell them and they’re like ohh you’re Indian ahhhaah… I know what you guys are thinking but I do have a hint of Indian in me … I guess what I’m saying is stay tuned for some videos of our dance after next Tuesday. It is definitely a sight to see.
My next post… The Simple Life!
Oh yes and I can’t forget to throw out a Happy Birthday to Jiji, Sungina and Rinku- I hope you guys are WAITING to celebrate with me… and if you’re not well then we’ll just be celebrating again!!
Miss ya guys!!

Oh say can you seeeeeeee....... :)

So it’s been quite an interesting week. We have had almost no rain and its kind of worry some because if we don’t get any soon we’re going to be on a permanent blackout until we get rain. I was told by our neighbors that we only have electricity enough for four more days. The heat has been fairly brutal as we are all getting somewhat sick from it. We already had one person faint on the train and another get really sick but they’re both recovering fairly well. From that train ride I was able to learn that I definitely act quick on my feet so that was a good lesson learned. Anyhow it’s still been a great trip none the less.
I think I celebrated my favorite Fourth of July ever this year (note the appropriate fourth of July attire). Nine of us Americans bonded together and made spaghetti, garlic bread and fruit salad for dinner. It might not be the good ‘ol American bbq but man was it good. It was awesome because every single person was helping- cutting onions, tomatoes, peeling garlic, the list goes on, We made the spaghetti sauce from scratch and it was sooooooooooo good… it was like a restaurant working around the clock to make the sauce just right and man was it!! I’ll definitely have a spaghetti party when I get back. We went to the roof top and got speakers and blared the music all night. The family downstairs bought fireworks and we fireworks off the rooftop- it probably wasn’t the safest thing but it was still a lot of fun!! Surprisingly enough our India family wanted us to sing a song and guess what we sang! The star spangled banner!! It was definitely a sight to see and yes we were all sober!... we had a lotta fun just had wine, beer, and this coconut rum stuff and of course my favorite fanta and frooti!! As you can probably see we had lots of dancing and I couldn’t have asked for a better time. I really do have my own family here…
Despite the fainting spells and people getting sick we’re all still really good about sticking together. We went to Barista this weekend and got stared at some more but it was all worth it for my paneer sandwich and chocolate shake. Then we went to a restaurant called Cornucopia (Bat & Ball is what it’s also known as) with a friend of a friend, Rajni! We happened to find out that she’s a host for a popular TV show so reena if you’re reading this THANKS!!! She’s going to take us out on the town in Cochin which I’m super excited about and they seem to know the right places to go so it should be fun. We have Bombay planned this weekend then the taj Malabar the next and then possibly kanyakumari the following weekend and then Gujarat!! I have to say I am soooo excited to go to Gujarat where people understand me and I understand them!! They keep giving us a lot of rice and not enough dinner so I have to say I eat a lot more cookies and chaiyya (or for us non malus- chai)… its getting old pretty quick though… L But I still never the less am having a great time. This weekend is Mumbai so I’m sure we’ll have some interesting stories for you. And over the day that it took me to write this email I am happy to say that it finally rained so I’m hoping we ought ourselves some time

P.S. I know there are typos (Sibu!) but its because I am in the lab such a limited time and I get sick of sitting in the warm air so I write as fast as possible… so I apologize for that :)
I'm trying to add pictures so hopefully it works!! Here's one more from a previous trip we took :)

A Special Note to Vinny and Sameer

I wanted to take moment to post a note to Vinay and Sameer. As most of you know I was involved this October in a campaign to increase the amount of South Asians in the bone marrow registry, most notably to find Vinay and Sameer a match within a one month time frame. It was absolutely amazing how the community came together in all the different parts of the country to have thousands of people sign up and successfully find matches for both Vinay and Sameer. I try to send updates as much as I can but unfortunately Vinny left us for a better place last week and Sameer a few months back. I’m not sure if everyone knows their full story so if you don’t please visit www.helpsameer.org and www.helpvinay.org. These two individuals are stellar individuals and have become my new mentors in life. We all get inspiration from different people in the world if we know them personally or not and for me it was these two individuals. From stories I heard about them and their blog entries I always found the sense that they were here to make a difference in the world and no matter what were always concerned about the well being of others, even through their struggle with cancer. I never once got the sense that they were complaining about cancer or any pain they were going through and were strong for their wives and their families. I can only hope that I find at least half the amount of love and strength as they have in their lives.
Why I write about this in my blog as I’m in India… well they kind of are my inspiration. I have always had some desire to give back to the community in a bigger way then just a monetary donation but I quite figure it out. When I ran across Vinny and Sameer’s story I couldn’t help but be more than inspired. Reena and Sameer have given back to the community in so many ways- like instead of registering for a gift they donated everything they received from their wedding to Sameer’s favorite charity- its definitely a great act. Vinny even while battling cancer was always concerned with others and encouraged people to sign up, even when he wasn’t quite sure if he’d get a match, with all his heart. I digress but things just kind of fell into place for me as I was accepted to do this project within a week. Within two weeks I was able to get approval, obtain a visa, rent out my apartment for the summer, and book a ticket- now if that’s not fate I have no idea what is!
Anyhow I’m sure everyone’s tired of the mushy talk but I did want to thank Sameer and Vinny for being such a inspiration. I will always see you guys as my mentors no matter where you are. Reena and Rashmi I think you guys are absolutely wonderful people and couldn’t ask for anything more than what you’ve done for your husbands- I know they’re both keeping a close eye on you two . Anyhow I wanted to ask that everyone put in a special prayer for a Sameer and Vinay’s families. Although I may not have spoken to many of you guys reading this blog in days, weeks, months, or years know that you’re always in my thoughts and prayers and you’ve definitely helped me find my way in some way or another.
JSK