Saturday, September 30, 2006
Saturday night!! sept 29
Namaste,
I have safely arrived in Kolkata India and have been in the city for 2 days. I'm not sure how to begin describing this, but I am going to try with lots of honesty. I am pretty overwhelmed and already know that this is the most challenging time I have spent away from home. The taxi ride from the airport into central Kolkata was a trip of a lifetime. Definately a blast, yet made my heart race like never before. There are no road rules and the drivers have no fear. They step on the gas and weave between packed buses, fly by bicyclers, rick-shaws, and auto rickshaws. Our driver just happened to drive over 2 dogs that refused to hop out of the way... but I was happy to look back and see that they were fine! The city is dirty and I mainly am concerned with maintaining my health. Gentlemen are lucky enough to have public bathrooms and urinate on the side of the streets, which is just one of the lovely scents that I have quickly become accustomed to. People are literally everywhere. Sleeping on the sidewalks in make-shift homes made from tarps, or simply on the ground. I feel very safe and the people are very friendly. They mostly are curious and want to talk with us. Also, where we are there are lots of foreigners. Children are constantly grabbing my hand and asking me what my name is. Today I met a few of the women that live on Sudder Street that remember Robynne and Erin. =) The 3 of us sat on the street for almost 2 hours and got beautiful henna done. I absolutely love it! I've got to cut this short because it's dinner time. I just wanted to let you all know that I am safe over here on the other side of the world.
Miss you and will be in touch.
I have safely arrived in Kolkata India and have been in the city for 2 days. I'm not sure how to begin describing this, but I am going to try with lots of honesty. I am pretty overwhelmed and already know that this is the most challenging time I have spent away from home. The taxi ride from the airport into central Kolkata was a trip of a lifetime. Definately a blast, yet made my heart race like never before. There are no road rules and the drivers have no fear. They step on the gas and weave between packed buses, fly by bicyclers, rick-shaws, and auto rickshaws. Our driver just happened to drive over 2 dogs that refused to hop out of the way... but I was happy to look back and see that they were fine! The city is dirty and I mainly am concerned with maintaining my health. Gentlemen are lucky enough to have public bathrooms and urinate on the side of the streets, which is just one of the lovely scents that I have quickly become accustomed to. People are literally everywhere. Sleeping on the sidewalks in make-shift homes made from tarps, or simply on the ground. I feel very safe and the people are very friendly. They mostly are curious and want to talk with us. Also, where we are there are lots of foreigners. Children are constantly grabbing my hand and asking me what my name is. Today I met a few of the women that live on Sudder Street that remember Robynne and Erin. =) The 3 of us sat on the street for almost 2 hours and got beautiful henna done. I absolutely love it! I've got to cut this short because it's dinner time. I just wanted to let you all know that I am safe over here on the other side of the world.
Miss you and will be in touch.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
3 days til India
Hey Y'all-
So here it is, my India blog and this comes to you with an excited approval from my 90 year old Grandpa! I will be in Kolkata, India from September 27 through November 22. Along with a couple of other St. Michael's College 06' grads, I am planning on volunteering at the Mother Teresa homes and Brother Xavier's orphanage in the city. When the city proves a bit stiffling and overwhelming, I plan on traveling a bit in the northeast to renew my Vermont country spirit with the fresh air of the mountains. Please feel free to post here (it'll be fun, I promise) or stay in touch through e-mail at katepowers7@yahoo.com.
So here it is, my India blog and this comes to you with an excited approval from my 90 year old Grandpa! I will be in Kolkata, India from September 27 through November 22. Along with a couple of other St. Michael's College 06' grads, I am planning on volunteering at the Mother Teresa homes and Brother Xavier's orphanage in the city. When the city proves a bit stiffling and overwhelming, I plan on traveling a bit in the northeast to renew my Vermont country spirit with the fresh air of the mountains. Please feel free to post here (it'll be fun, I promise) or stay in touch through e-mail at katepowers7@yahoo.com.
