Hi everyone,
I am new to the blog. I know my classmate Tess has been giving you great updates about our adventures in India. The trip has been fantastic so far...in fact words can't even really capture all of the things that I have learned and experienced while I am here. In my next posts, I will go into detail about all of the educational, cultural, and societal observations and experiences we have had...but for now let's do a quick summary of our happenings on the trip by spelling out Happy Pongal! For those of you who don't know Pongal is a the harvest festival celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. Typically, those of the Hindu religion use the holiday to pay thanks to the gods of cattle and earth. Activities of the festival include: kolam drawings and the making and serving of pongal, a sweet rice. We just celebrated Pongal a few days ago...so I think it is an appropriate phrase for this activity.
H indu temples, Christian churches, mosques, and more. India is a melting pot of religions. People are proud of their religion and openly display their faith. All of the religions coexist here so peacefully.
A sking questions. This trip has been one of inquiry. Questioning students, teachers, and ourselves about the education, culture, society both in India and back home.
P anner, curry, rice, naan, and more. We have been enjoying sampling all of the south Indian cuisine. In fact, our mouths may still be tingling with all of the intense spices when we return.
P eople. The sheer number of people in the city of Chennai is immense. There are always crowds of people at every location and at every hour of everyday. People exert their democratic freedom with fervor and most are looking to make life in India better for future generations.
Y ield...no way...the traffic in Chennai and the rest of India is unbelievable. Lanes are optional, the horn is a tool of necessity, and pedestrians beware. Chennai traffic makes an I-5 traffic jam look like a dream come true.
P overty. There is no side-stepping this realization that India is a developing nation. The poverty is evident. It is humbling and difficult to come to terms with.
O n broadway...well not exactly...but the Bollywood movie that we saw was toe-tapping fantastic. We all came out of the theater with smiles on our faces, even though we didn't understand one word. Other cultural events we have experienced include dance, kolam drawing, pongal celebrations and more.
N ew clothes. While in India, we have been wearing the traditional kurtas, scarves, and pants. We also just bought sarees the other day. The clothing here is so bright, colorful, and comfortable.
G etting to know the children at the schools has been a wonderful experience. They are so bright and so inquisitive. Among the differences, there are so many similarities. I will remember these interactions for many years to come.
A choo....unfortunately almost everyone of us on the trip have had a bout with a cold :( (we are all almost well)
L ove. India is about love of family and love of each other. We have been welcomed here with open arms and open hearts even though we look strange and can only speak one language.
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