Then heading home
February 10, 2008
February 9, 2008
Burrrrrrrrr
Ok, I have been cold since I got here.
I checked the weather before coming and it looked perfect. However, it is 6 degree C colder than average this year. As for Temp, Highs are 64F and the low is 45F. Anyway, the floors are all tile (to keep it cool during the summers) which keeps it cooler all the time during the winter. I guess I just didn't think that even inside I would be FREEZING. 45F is cold when you don't have heat. All of us weren't expecting it to be this cold. I only brought one jacket thinking I would wear it here and there, however, I have pretty much needed it the whole time. The average temp is High 74F - Low 52F.
Yesterday on our bus ride to Agra (to see the Taj) you could see your breath on the bus half the trip. My feet were frozen, but you do so look forward to that afternoon sun. My fingers are frozen right now typing this.
I am excited to get home and have heat again!!!! Be in my nice warm soft bed. My hips are bruised from the stiff beds.
Although, I am NOT complaining. I realized I am very fortunate. The way some people live here is just wowing. Many of them sleep in tents made out of plastic or even branches, or in cement garage type buildings, all huddled around a fire to keep warm.
In the area we work, many of the homes don't have roofs, or only one small room does where everyone sleeps.
In any case. I can handle a few weeks of being cold. It will allow me to really appreciate my own place, and warmth.
I checked the weather before coming and it looked perfect. However, it is 6 degree C colder than average this year. As for Temp, Highs are 64F and the low is 45F. Anyway, the floors are all tile (to keep it cool during the summers) which keeps it cooler all the time during the winter. I guess I just didn't think that even inside I would be FREEZING. 45F is cold when you don't have heat. All of us weren't expecting it to be this cold. I only brought one jacket thinking I would wear it here and there, however, I have pretty much needed it the whole time. The average temp is High 74F - Low 52F.
Yesterday on our bus ride to Agra (to see the Taj) you could see your breath on the bus half the trip. My feet were frozen, but you do so look forward to that afternoon sun. My fingers are frozen right now typing this.
I am excited to get home and have heat again!!!! Be in my nice warm soft bed. My hips are bruised from the stiff beds.
Although, I am NOT complaining. I realized I am very fortunate. The way some people live here is just wowing. Many of them sleep in tents made out of plastic or even branches, or in cement garage type buildings, all huddled around a fire to keep warm.
In the area we work, many of the homes don't have roofs, or only one small room does where everyone sleeps.
In any case. I can handle a few weeks of being cold. It will allow me to really appreciate my own place, and warmth.
February 7, 2008
Wallet stolen
So one of the volunteers took the bus yesterday and it was quite crowded, she was on her way back from the dentist, so had her debit and credit card on her, and someone cut open her canvas bag and stole her wallet. That just sucks. Other than having to cancel it and wait 5 days to get a new credit card, a photo of sentimental value was taken, a few Rupees (worth like $2) and she can't get a new debit card abroad, that just sucks.
So, for me, having my bags delayed a few days, wasn't so bad. I am still lucky that is all that happened.
She has a good outlook on it, it could happend in Dublin, it could happen in London, it just happened in Jaipur. (she's Irish).
Anyway... Watch your wallet, those guys are professionals.
So, for me, having my bags delayed a few days, wasn't so bad. I am still lucky that is all that happened.
She has a good outlook on it, it could happend in Dublin, it could happen in London, it just happened in Jaipur. (she's Irish).
Anyway... Watch your wallet, those guys are professionals.
I got my bags
So day FIVE!!! I woke up to good news. My bags have finally made it to Jaipur. It's a complicated story.
I flew THREE airlines. United, Air India and Jet Airways to get here. United messed up the ticketing on the baggage and gave both bags the same number. So when I got to London, after flying Denver, to D.C to London, I found out my bags never were sent, actually got cancelled. So, the guy at United was very unhelpful and told me to file a report when I get to Jaipur.
I get to Delhi at 1:30 in the morning, I get through security, go to Jet Airway and tell them I need to check in, she sends me to the domestic airport (mind you I was very tired and emotional at this point). Which is a 20 min bus ride there. My flight left there about 5:45am and I got into Jaipur by 6:30am. I went to Jet Airway and told her I need to file a report. I didn't have an address yet, so she gave me a phone number to call.
After going to the Air India office to see if they have my bags, because United is trying to wash their hands clean of this mistake, Air India said I had to file a repot in Delhi. I DIDN"T KNOW that.... I was told by United, who originally messed up my bags my FINAL destination.
So, now Air India said they would compensate me if I had filled out a report in Delhi but because I didn’t they won't. That is it.
My mom has talked to United and said that I need to fill out a report with Jet Airway, which didn't seem to know what I was talking about when I got here. I guess I will, I am not sure when I will do that.
So to make a long story short, I have gotten my bags on Day 5. Not one of the three airlines will take blame. I will be fighting with United when I get back.
But anyway, nothing lost... just a few new things I had to buy.
I flew THREE airlines. United, Air India and Jet Airways to get here. United messed up the ticketing on the baggage and gave both bags the same number. So when I got to London, after flying Denver, to D.C to London, I found out my bags never were sent, actually got cancelled. So, the guy at United was very unhelpful and told me to file a report when I get to Jaipur.
I get to Delhi at 1:30 in the morning, I get through security, go to Jet Airway and tell them I need to check in, she sends me to the domestic airport (mind you I was very tired and emotional at this point). Which is a 20 min bus ride there. My flight left there about 5:45am and I got into Jaipur by 6:30am. I went to Jet Airway and told her I need to file a report. I didn't have an address yet, so she gave me a phone number to call.
After going to the Air India office to see if they have my bags, because United is trying to wash their hands clean of this mistake, Air India said I had to file a repot in Delhi. I DIDN"T KNOW that.... I was told by United, who originally messed up my bags my FINAL destination.
So, now Air India said they would compensate me if I had filled out a report in Delhi but because I didn’t they won't. That is it.
My mom has talked to United and said that I need to fill out a report with Jet Airway, which didn't seem to know what I was talking about when I got here. I guess I will, I am not sure when I will do that.
So to make a long story short, I have gotten my bags on Day 5. Not one of the three airlines will take blame. I will be fighting with United when I get back.
But anyway, nothing lost... just a few new things I had to buy.
Horrible story
So today I found out a horrible story about the community we are working in. There was a couple that eloped and I guess there were different class levels of the two. The friends and family did not approve of this couple getting married. So from what I know, the friends of the groom, to punish the groom, gang raped his mother and beat her up.
This happend somewhere in the community that we work. It is just something that is very difficult to understand that friends of a guy could do this. I am sure that I don't know the whole story, but it's just horrible.
This happend somewhere in the community that we work. It is just something that is very difficult to understand that friends of a guy could do this. I am sure that I don't know the whole story, but it's just horrible.
Day Four
Well, I am on day four here, and still no bags, who knows where they are, I flew three airlines and non of them want to take responsibility. They are either in Delhi or maybe here. I figure at this point, I probably will just get them in Delhi on my way home.
Anyway, no big deal, I am here, things are good.
I am not sure what to update you on, but here is a typical day.
It starts off with breakfast at about 8am... we were having omelets everyday (basically flat eggs - not American style omelets) - until today, apparently there is a bird flu somewhere in India, so we can't have eggs. (I'll write more about food later).
At 8:45 we are picked up by our taxi - a rickshaw, like a motorcycle with a cage on the back. Five of us squeeze in and we are on our way.. The drive starts into oncoming traffic, until we are able to make a u-turn at the roundabout, dodging the other cars, bikes, dogs, women, wheel burrows, whatever may be in our way.
On our drive we pass anything from cows on the side of the road, dogs, chickens, helmets for sale, vegetable&fruit stands, men peeing on the side of the walls, camels pulling carts, etc. After about 20 minutes or so we pull into the slummy area seeing many of the same things. We get to where we start our 5 min walk or so passing overflowing garbage cans where you may see cows, goats, chickens and such eating their breakfast. People in their homes (which certainly aren't much), or hanging out. Many people say hi, especially when you see five white people walking through these areas.
When we get to the school the children are usually in an assembly singing songs. They head into their classrooms, everyone sits on the floor. Yesterday I was given the playgroup. Probably 3 or 4 year old children, who don't understand anything I have to say, and start beating each other up, wrestling, laughing. I managed to get a few songs in they know, who doesn't know head - shoulders - knees and toes? But that only lasts about 3 minutes and I must have had them for about 45 min. They knew I didn't understand them, they didn't understand me, so it was quite difficult to communicate and do anything. I started to think, teaching is not my thing. Anyway, it was a good day, exhausting, and proving challenging. I don't speak Hindi. Every now and again one of the teachers would come in yell at the kids and tell them to sit down. That lasted very short while. Sometimes you have to wonder if that is even really helping.
Today I colored with the older kids, but there is a lack of paper for anyone to color on so it makes it difficult. I think we are all pitching in on some paper so we have something to do.
Anyway, we finish up about 1pm and head back to the guesthouse, lunch is at 2pm, made up of some sort of vegetarian dish and chibati (bread), very basic.
I have been doing quick e-mail in the afternoon, but haven't had much time since the whole - where are my bags things are consuming my afternoons. (going to the Air India office, airport, shopping for a few new things to wear).
Yoga is at 6:00pm, and again I will write more about the Yoga experiences later.
Dinner at 7:30pm and after that, it's basically a cup of tea some conversations and bed. I can't really venture out after dark, we have to be back by 10pm and I haven;t really had a chance to see much yet since I have been here. I still have 10 days left.
Until next time!
Anyway, no big deal, I am here, things are good.
I am not sure what to update you on, but here is a typical day.
It starts off with breakfast at about 8am... we were having omelets everyday (basically flat eggs - not American style omelets) - until today, apparently there is a bird flu somewhere in India, so we can't have eggs. (I'll write more about food later).
At 8:45 we are picked up by our taxi - a rickshaw, like a motorcycle with a cage on the back. Five of us squeeze in and we are on our way.. The drive starts into oncoming traffic, until we are able to make a u-turn at the roundabout, dodging the other cars, bikes, dogs, women, wheel burrows, whatever may be in our way.
On our drive we pass anything from cows on the side of the road, dogs, chickens, helmets for sale, vegetable&fruit stands, men peeing on the side of the walls, camels pulling carts, etc. After about 20 minutes or so we pull into the slummy area seeing many of the same things. We get to where we start our 5 min walk or so passing overflowing garbage cans where you may see cows, goats, chickens and such eating their breakfast. People in their homes (which certainly aren't much), or hanging out. Many people say hi, especially when you see five white people walking through these areas.
When we get to the school the children are usually in an assembly singing songs. They head into their classrooms, everyone sits on the floor. Yesterday I was given the playgroup. Probably 3 or 4 year old children, who don't understand anything I have to say, and start beating each other up, wrestling, laughing. I managed to get a few songs in they know, who doesn't know head - shoulders - knees and toes? But that only lasts about 3 minutes and I must have had them for about 45 min. They knew I didn't understand them, they didn't understand me, so it was quite difficult to communicate and do anything. I started to think, teaching is not my thing. Anyway, it was a good day, exhausting, and proving challenging. I don't speak Hindi. Every now and again one of the teachers would come in yell at the kids and tell them to sit down. That lasted very short while. Sometimes you have to wonder if that is even really helping.
Today I colored with the older kids, but there is a lack of paper for anyone to color on so it makes it difficult. I think we are all pitching in on some paper so we have something to do.
Anyway, we finish up about 1pm and head back to the guesthouse, lunch is at 2pm, made up of some sort of vegetarian dish and chibati (bread), very basic.
I have been doing quick e-mail in the afternoon, but haven't had much time since the whole - where are my bags things are consuming my afternoons. (going to the Air India office, airport, shopping for a few new things to wear).
Yoga is at 6:00pm, and again I will write more about the Yoga experiences later.
Dinner at 7:30pm and after that, it's basically a cup of tea some conversations and bed. I can't really venture out after dark, we have to be back by 10pm and I haven;t really had a chance to see much yet since I have been here. I still have 10 days left.
Until next time!
February 6, 2008
In India
I have made it to India safely, however, I don't have much time to blog, so I will be sure to update with photos and everything when I return home.
For now, check your e-mail.
For now, check your e-mail.
February 4, 2008
There's a first time for everything. ...
So out of all the times I have traveled, I at least usually ave my toothbrush in my purse... but no, I checked my bags through with everything. A quick thought of, 'maybe i should just take my backpack with me' crossed my mind, but I didn't care. Now I know why.
Anyway, first things first, I have made it to Jaipur safely. It was a long journey, but I am here.
So I get to London, and well when I went to check in, I guess, Robyn (the nice United attendant that checked in my bags) didn't know what she was doing and check both bags with the same number, so instead of even sending one bag through, they canceled the bags and well, I guess they are somewhere in the sky (probably in Delhi by now). All I know is they are not with me in Jaipur. So, yah, that has never happened before. There are a few things I will do from now on, check the baggage numbers and really take the necessities with me. Hopefully I will at least get my bags before my two weeks are up.
I'll get over it, i already have some new clothes and everything else you need. Good thing there is a market place right near my accommodation. I can get whatever I need.
Other than that, the cows hanging out on the side of the road is the most amusing thing to me yet. I haven't had much time to venture out yet.
Today was our first day at our project. There is myself and 4 other people on the project I am doing, an Irish woman and three other English guys. We venture into the very deprived areas of Jaipur. It is always amazing that people live this way. Yet at the same time they all seem happy.
We went into a school in the back of what may be called a slum. The kids were cute there are about 5 classes. All very polite. Our job, for the first day was to take the height and weight of each of the kids. We pretty much guessed on the height, and had a scale for the weight. As for their birthday's no one really knew how old they were or when their birthday was. A few of them spoke words of English.
Anyway, it is difficult to even explain the things that I have seen. The taxi's are a hoot, we managed to fit 7 of us in this little rickshaw taxi.
Without letting this get too long, I am off for now. Looks like I will be taking Yoga classes each night for the two weeks I am here. Why not right.
Also, I am off to the airport to attempt to file a report to figure out if there is any possible way to find my baggage.
Until next time.
Anyway, first things first, I have made it to Jaipur safely. It was a long journey, but I am here.
So I get to London, and well when I went to check in, I guess, Robyn (the nice United attendant that checked in my bags) didn't know what she was doing and check both bags with the same number, so instead of even sending one bag through, they canceled the bags and well, I guess they are somewhere in the sky (probably in Delhi by now). All I know is they are not with me in Jaipur. So, yah, that has never happened before. There are a few things I will do from now on, check the baggage numbers and really take the necessities with me. Hopefully I will at least get my bags before my two weeks are up.
I'll get over it, i already have some new clothes and everything else you need. Good thing there is a market place right near my accommodation. I can get whatever I need.
Other than that, the cows hanging out on the side of the road is the most amusing thing to me yet. I haven't had much time to venture out yet.
Today was our first day at our project. There is myself and 4 other people on the project I am doing, an Irish woman and three other English guys. We venture into the very deprived areas of Jaipur. It is always amazing that people live this way. Yet at the same time they all seem happy.
We went into a school in the back of what may be called a slum. The kids were cute there are about 5 classes. All very polite. Our job, for the first day was to take the height and weight of each of the kids. We pretty much guessed on the height, and had a scale for the weight. As for their birthday's no one really knew how old they were or when their birthday was. A few of them spoke words of English.
Anyway, it is difficult to even explain the things that I have seen. The taxi's are a hoot, we managed to fit 7 of us in this little rickshaw taxi.
Without letting this get too long, I am off for now. Looks like I will be taking Yoga classes each night for the two weeks I am here. Why not right.
Also, I am off to the airport to attempt to file a report to figure out if there is any possible way to find my baggage.
Until next time.
January 25, 2008
I leave in a Week!!
I am totally excited! I have been wanting to go to India for years! I am excited to volunteer, meet new people and on the weekend possibly get over to the Taj!!
Until then!
January 15, 2008
Project Decription
Project Overview
The stunning 'Pink City' of Jaipur, the jewel in the crown of the desert state of Rajasthan, has a darker side - it has some of the most impoverished slums in the country. Life in these communities is unbelievably hard but by working with this well established NGO you can help make a real difference to the lives of people at the very bottom of Indian society. You could be working on any number of projects from environmental improvement and working with self help groups to teaching English to local children. You don't need any specific skills, just the energy and enthusiasm to do what you can to make life better.
Project details:
Working in the poorest areas of Jaipur this project offers the opportunity to work in a number of Community activities. The work is led by a local NGO that is involved in social development including education, health, women's empowerment and vocational training. Their key aim of improving the condition of peoples lives at the slum.
The NGO has been working in these areas for at least a couple of years. It began with coaching children, vocational training and work with adolescents but is constantly looking to increase its work and improve, for example, setting up a school for the local children.
Why the project needs volunteers:
There is so much to do to help improve the lives of people living in India's slums. The quality of life is low, education is almost non-existent and people do not know how to help themselves. Volunteers are needed to help the NGO in the work that they do and to provide a helping hand in all areas.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
No particular skills are required but you will need to have an eagerness to help wherever you can and flexibility to get involved in anything that is asked from you.
Your role as a volunteer:
You could get involved in many different areas such as teaching, training, organising camps, improving the environment, health and hygiene, working with self-help groups, vocational training and playing games with children.
Where the project is based:
This project is based in Jaipur, known as the Pink City. You will be living in a local guesthouse run by a local Indian family.
The stunning 'Pink City' of Jaipur, the jewel in the crown of the desert state of Rajasthan, has a darker side - it has some of the most impoverished slums in the country. Life in these communities is unbelievably hard but by working with this well established NGO you can help make a real difference to the lives of people at the very bottom of Indian society. You could be working on any number of projects from environmental improvement and working with self help groups to teaching English to local children. You don't need any specific skills, just the energy and enthusiasm to do what you can to make life better.
Project details:
Working in the poorest areas of Jaipur this project offers the opportunity to work in a number of Community activities. The work is led by a local NGO that is involved in social development including education, health, women's empowerment and vocational training. Their key aim of improving the condition of peoples lives at the slum.
The NGO has been working in these areas for at least a couple of years. It began with coaching children, vocational training and work with adolescents but is constantly looking to increase its work and improve, for example, setting up a school for the local children.
Why the project needs volunteers:
There is so much to do to help improve the lives of people living in India's slums. The quality of life is low, education is almost non-existent and people do not know how to help themselves. Volunteers are needed to help the NGO in the work that they do and to provide a helping hand in all areas.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
No particular skills are required but you will need to have an eagerness to help wherever you can and flexibility to get involved in anything that is asked from you.
Your role as a volunteer:
You could get involved in many different areas such as teaching, training, organising camps, improving the environment, health and hygiene, working with self-help groups, vocational training and playing games with children.
Where the project is based:
This project is based in Jaipur, known as the Pink City. You will be living in a local guesthouse run by a local Indian family.
January 13, 2008
Jaipur, India
On February first I will head on a project to volunteer in Jaipur, India. I have been wanting to go to India for years and it is finally happening.
I will post a few photos and blogs on this site. Until then.
I will post a few photos and blogs on this site. Until then.
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