Hello again,

I've spent the past few days exploring Pune with Manali, and learning new things about India. I'm really into lists, so don't be surprised if they appear frequently in this blog. So, here are things I have learned thus far about India:

1. Showers don't come with curtains. Its cool. They just don't.
2. Bartering with rickshaw drivers is a fine art (and by that, I only mean I've seen it done - not that I have acquired the skill yet).
3. Lots of clothing stores have tailors on site, who alter for free. American retailers - please consider this. Its a godsend to short people.
4. There are malls with food courts here. Who knew? Even the froyo trend has made its way here. I tried rose flavored froyo at a store in the Phoenix Mall. It was weird, but kinda great.
5. Deodorant doesn't come in sticks. There are sprays, which kind of makes me feel like a middle school boy rocking some axe, but its better than being smelly.
6. Cows really do hang out in the street.

I'm sure this will be a list that continues with my time here.

Yesterday we also toured the Aga Khan Palace here in Pune, where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba were held from 1942 to 1944. Its also where Kasturba died. That palace grounds include a peaceful garden which houses a memorial with each of their ashes.

Now you get to see lots of pictures. 

Last thought for the day, I may gain about 20 pounds while I'm here. Almost all of my meals have included rice, naan, lots of spicy meat and vegetables, and yogurt. And its all delicious. Speaking of yogurt, here is my last fun fact.

7. Yogurt goes with everything. I'm not talking Yoplait fruit on the bottom, just plain unsweetened yogurt. Seems strange at first, bu it does a good job of cutting down the spice if its too hot to handle.

That's all for now. Tomorrow morning I move into the Cultural Centre of Deep Griha, and then begin work on Monday.

Namaste,

-Elizabeth

Hello again!

After 2 days of traveling, and 2 days in Mumbai, I've decided it might be time to post again. I don't want to give too much of play-by-play of the days' events, so I'll just provide some highlights from my experience traveling here and the little bit I've gotten to see of Mumbai.

Namely -the man sitting next to me on the flight from London to Mumbai.

I sat next to a very chatty Indian man who does business in the U.S. and was flying back home. Despite his chattiness, my American ears only understood about 60% of what he was saying. What I did understand however made for a very interesting plane ride. I'll just provide a snip it of quotes from the ride. 

        Me: "What's your name?"
        Man: (Something I didn't understand).
         Me: "Can you say that again?"
        Man: "Don't worry about it, just call me Kumar."

Ok, thanks for the confidence Kumar.

     Kumar also told me I just travel to a holistic hospital in Kerala that can cure any ailment I have. I'll keep that in mind if I accidentally drink some water.

      Kumar: "You know you just ordered the Indian breakfast, right?"
           Me: "Yeah, I thought I should give it a try."
      Kumar: "Ok...good luck with that."

Again, thanks for the confidence.

Since arriving, I've spent much of my time sleeping in Manali's aunt's wonderful apartment, recovering from some extreme jet lag. When I haven't been sleeping, these are some of the things I've seen:

This insane view of Mumbai from her aunt's new apartment 

Statue of Ganesh in the small Jagdeeshwara Temple

I know its a bit dark, but the Mumbai skyline at night

That's it for now. Tomorrow morning we head to Pune!

Hello friends & family, and whoever else may happen to read this,

As many of you know (or may not) I'm about to leave the country for 6 months to live in Pune, India. I'll be working as the Volunteer Coordinator for the non-profit organization Deep Griha Society - you can check out their website to learn more about it at deepgriha.org.

I'm leaving tomorrow evening, traveling from Atlanta, to London, to Mumbai, to be picked up by my wonderful friend Manali to go to Pune, where I will spend time with her family for a week before moving into the Deep Griha Cultural Centre on August 31st (coincidentally, my b-day). SO that's 3 hours in a car to ATL, 8 on a plane to London, 9 to Mumbai, and approximately 3 more in the car to Pune. That a lot of hours traveling. Basically, it may be awhile before I provide updates on my upcoming Indian adventures, as I'm sure I'll be recovering from some intense jet lag.

I'm excited, anxious, nervous, but the adventure begins tomorrow!

Namaste,

-Elizabeth