Well, I'm beginning my last week in India today, which is pretty strange to say. Usually when things like this come to an end, people always say, "the time went by so fast! I can't believe its over!" I don't think that's exactly the way I feel about my duration of time here. Its been both inch worm slow and remarkably fast at times. Its kind of like I've been in a time warp for the past four months.
I think the weather has also has something to do with that. When I arrived it was summer in the U.S., and until the past week it has continued to feel like summer in India. Only now would I classify the temperature here as "almost fall." Still warm in the day, but fairly chilly at night. Returning home will be somewhat of a weather shock. At least I live in the South.
Last week I traveled to Goa, which was a wonderfully relaxing holiday. Well, eventually. The first night of my stay was the first time I've gotten sick in India, which is kind of incredible considering how long I've been here. Not quite sure what did it - probably some vegetables rinsed in tap water - but let's just say I don't think I'll be able to handle seafood curry for a long time. After feeling a bit better from stomach situation, Manali and I completed 10 kilometers of the Goa Half Marathon! We meant to do the whole thing...but with my stomach still recovering, and Manali having an oblique sprain, we decided it was best to call it quits after 10k. I didn't complete a half marathon in India, but I'd rather both of us remain injury free.
After two days with Manali and her family, I went to South Goa to meet up with my friend and sorority sister, Meera! It was crazy getting to spend time in Goa with two friends that I went to college with. Its such a small world. Meera and I and three of her friends from her program in Udaipur spent the rest of our time doing nothing but relaxing on the beach, and watching all the Russians go by. I kid you not, there are so many Russians in Goa. I've been told there's a Russian mafia connection in Goa. There were menus and signs written in Russian, and even Russian announcements made in the airport. The airport staff was really confused when I told them I was flying to Pune and not Moscow.
Example of one of the many beach shacks in Goa targeted at Russians:
It was really wonderful getting to see Meera, and compare both of our experiences volunteering in India. I get so inspired talking to her and volunteers. There are so many more things I would like to do and see in India, but I have no idea when that will be.
The Christmas concert with the kids at school will be my last accomplishment in India, happening this Friday! I'm crossing my fingers that the students just partially remember the lyrics and dance moves. I didn't realize until now what a difficult song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is to learn, especially with English as a second language. For those of you who think its a simple Christmas song, think again. And explaining things like reindeer, sleighs, and even snow, is also tricky in a country with none of those things.
That's it for now. One more week until America!
I think the weather has also has something to do with that. When I arrived it was summer in the U.S., and until the past week it has continued to feel like summer in India. Only now would I classify the temperature here as "almost fall." Still warm in the day, but fairly chilly at night. Returning home will be somewhat of a weather shock. At least I live in the South.
Last week I traveled to Goa, which was a wonderfully relaxing holiday. Well, eventually. The first night of my stay was the first time I've gotten sick in India, which is kind of incredible considering how long I've been here. Not quite sure what did it - probably some vegetables rinsed in tap water - but let's just say I don't think I'll be able to handle seafood curry for a long time. After feeling a bit better from stomach situation, Manali and I completed 10 kilometers of the Goa Half Marathon! We meant to do the whole thing...but with my stomach still recovering, and Manali having an oblique sprain, we decided it was best to call it quits after 10k. I didn't complete a half marathon in India, but I'd rather both of us remain injury free.
After two days with Manali and her family, I went to South Goa to meet up with my friend and sorority sister, Meera! It was crazy getting to spend time in Goa with two friends that I went to college with. Its such a small world. Meera and I and three of her friends from her program in Udaipur spent the rest of our time doing nothing but relaxing on the beach, and watching all the Russians go by. I kid you not, there are so many Russians in Goa. I've been told there's a Russian mafia connection in Goa. There were menus and signs written in Russian, and even Russian announcements made in the airport. The airport staff was really confused when I told them I was flying to Pune and not Moscow.
Example of one of the many beach shacks in Goa targeted at Russians:
It was really wonderful getting to see Meera, and compare both of our experiences volunteering in India. I get so inspired talking to her and volunteers. There are so many more things I would like to do and see in India, but I have no idea when that will be.
The Christmas concert with the kids at school will be my last accomplishment in India, happening this Friday! I'm crossing my fingers that the students just partially remember the lyrics and dance moves. I didn't realize until now what a difficult song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is to learn, especially with English as a second language. For those of you who think its a simple Christmas song, think again. And explaining things like reindeer, sleighs, and even snow, is also tricky in a country with none of those things.
That's it for now. One more week until America!
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