Saturday July 3, 2010:
Today was a free day on our schedule. As has become routine, I began the day by calling my family on Skype (Saturday AM for me, Friday PM for them before the kids go to bed). After breakfast, I spent a good deal of time editing and uploading photos on Facebook and catching up on this blog.
After lunch, a small group of us (about six) met in the auditorium/classroom for a screening of the very popular Bollywood movie "The Three Idiots" starring Aamir Khan. We got ice cream and water from the MyCafe Canteen beforehand. It was a long (nearly 3 hour) but interesting movie. It was only sparsely subtitled, but we got the basics of the story. It's broken many box-office records in India since its premiere in about January of this year, because its on the controversial topic of the Indian college experience and the societal and familial pressure to pursue engineering degrees over one's personal interests and passion. I'd love to see it again with full subtitles. It was an excellent movie, and I felt that it really helped to introduce us to the academic environment and culture of India.
After the movie, I spent more time in my room until late in the evening due to the intense rain. Many of us didn't eat dinner in the dining hall until after 9pm when the rains subsided. The campus chef was very proud to be serving "American Night"...and it was the worst food yet by far! There was garlic bread (okay), hot and sour soup (didn't try), macaroni and cheese (sweet...yuck!), and a VERY spicy penne pasta (the hottest thing I've ever tried, by far). At least they served little cups of ice cream at the end! I'd much rather have authentic Indian food than their attempt at American dishes:). Finally, it was time to shower and go to bed around 10:30pm.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Ahmedabad Up-Close and Overwhelming
Friday July 2, 2010:
After lunch we met a tour guide who took us across the river and into the Old City of Ahmedabad for a Heritage Walk. We rented little "rickshaw" cars and sat three per car on the way to the oldest Hindu temple in Ahmedabad (built circa 1820). We had to remove our shoes and wear shawls/scarves to enter, and there was a separate area for the women (in back) and men (in front). It was a beautiful building with all sorts of carvings and gilt work, but as a Christian it felt odd to be standing in what is considered to be a holy place for another religion. I debated whether or not to even take photos, but in the end only took a few of the inside. We then entered the courtyard area and the women were allowed to visit the nunnery area.
After that, we were led by our tour guide on a walking tour for about an hour and a half. We walked some of the oldest and most crowded streets of Ahmedabad. I've been to a few foreign places before, but this was different than any other singular experience I've had previously. The area reminded me at times of the poverty in portions of Mexico, Jamaica, and the Czech Republic that I've visited but yet it wasn't the same. Houses were built hundreds of years ago in small neighborhoods or communities called "Pols"; centered around common occupations and/or common worship of a particular Hindu god. Road-side food stands were on many corners, and animals, people, and various forms of transportation were crowded all throughout the narrow streets. Dogs and cows roamed the streets, and even sat in doorways and courtyards. Young children followed us and begged. In many places, the residential areas were interspersed with business sections called "Ols" where goods such as electronics, books, and clothing was being sold. The tour guide was obviously interested in architecture because he pointed out a lot about the building carvings and decorations we saw. The experience was hot, loud, busy, emotional, and overwhelming for some. We ended our tour at a Muslim mosque. We were allowed to enter the courtyard (although it was evening prayer time) as long as we were wearing head coverings and clothes past our knees. I entered for just a moment, but again it felt odd to be inside, particularly while men prayed and worshiped.
On the steps of the mosque, we saw a woman with her daughter and her paralyzed son begging for alms. She had the boy on her lap and was trying to keep him cool and feed him from a cup while they waited for pasersby to drop money on a little mat. He appeared to have cerebral palsy or something similar. It was such a sad scene, with all the poverty before us. I thought I grew up in a pretty poor, rough area but it hardly compares to what we saw today. I know that as a group we aren't supposed to give to those that beg on the streets, but I gave her my rupee coins anyway as we left. Hearing the guide talk on and on about the history, culture, and architecture of the city while seeing the poverty and hearing the traffic and crowds was like a clash of my senses. It moved me to be there and prompted me to think that I can only be thankful for what I have, give what I can, and pray for the people of India. There is so much need, and so much potential here.
We ended our evening with a traditional Gujarati Thali meal at Agashaye in the House of MG (Mangaldas Girdhardas). It was a beautiful former residence that has been restored and is now used as a hotel and restaurant. We had dinner on the rooftop terrace. It was a unique experience that I loved.
We returned to the MICA campus around 9:30pm and had the first monsoon of the season! Some of the rooms (even upstairs) flooded from the patio doors, but our room was okay. I went to bed around 10pm as the MICA students sang, shouted, and danced outside in the rain.
To see more photos of Day Two, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
We had some time free first thing in the morning, so I began the day by talking with family on Skype. I love that it's free internationally!!!For some reason we couldn't get the web-cameras to function properly so it was audio only, but that's okay. After that I went to breakfast in the MICA dining hall, then we had an library orientation at 9:15am. The man that spoke re: the MICA libraries is the head of the MICA Knowledge Exchange and Information Center (KEIC). He spoke for 45 minutes and began with a talk about the importance of wisdom. He defined that as applying insight, skills, values, worldview, etc. to the data, knowledge, and information we glean from others. He had about 70+ PowerPoint slides prepared but only went through a handful. You could tell he definitely has a passion for what he does. I appreciated him because he could've just come in and said "this is how you check out a resource" and "this is our online library" but he instead took it from a different angle and really demonstrated the importance of using what is available to us while we are here.
We had a little time free again until about noon, and then took the shuttle vans into the city of Ahmedabad once again. We started at Crosswords bookstore (very much like Barnes & Noble in the U.S.), then some of the group wanted to purchase fireworks for us to use to celebrate the 4th of July. After buying fireworks, we went to lunch at Main Land China in one of the local malls. It was a high-end Chinese restaurant. The food was fantastic (spiced a little differently at times than similar dishes in America, but pretty true to our expectations of Chinese food). The wait staff completely messed up the orders and ended up serving everything family style, but that was fine.
We ended our evening with a traditional Gujarati Thali meal at Agashaye in the House of MG (Mangaldas Girdhardas). It was a beautiful former residence that has been restored and is now used as a hotel and restaurant. We had dinner on the rooftop terrace. It was a unique experience that I loved.
We returned to the MICA campus around 9:30pm and had the first monsoon of the season! Some of the rooms (even upstairs) flooded from the patio doors, but our room was okay. I went to bed around 10pm as the MICA students sang, shouted, and danced outside in the rain.
To see more photos of Day Two, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
Friday, July 2, 2010
MICA Orientation
Thursday July 1, 2010:
The day started with a breakfast buffet in the lower courtyard of our dorm area (the "Ashoka" building), with some of the MICA faculty and student volunteers. After breakfast we had several orientations today by MICA faculty and staff. Following that we had a campus tour and lunch in the campus dining area. At 2pm we received our internet access, and everyone had a short amount of time to get online before meeting again to go into Ahmedabad.
In the city we went shopping for cell phones (for those that had pre-purchased Indian SIM cards). I opted to use the international plan on my HTC Android with Sprint instead. We also got grocery items. A few in our group stocked up on American staples such as peanut butter and corn flakes cereal in lieu of so many Indian meals. I only bought extra shampoo, plus some biscuit-like crackers ("Parle-G") to take with my daily medications. I'll take my chances and eat what is served at mealtime. I love Indian food in America, so I figure trying what is here is part of the whole experience!
After shopping we had dinner at a Pizza Hut. The MICA staff wanted us to have something familiar on the first night. I had a personal sized cheese pizza. It tasted quite the same as in the U.S., but the restaurant is a sit-down place with a more formal atmosphere than having pizza in the States. At least if some in our group are longing for "American" food, they now know where to find it.
I took some photos during the campus tour and time in Ahmedabad today, but definitely want to take more (and a few with me in them!). We were back by about 7:30pm and then had the rest of the evening free. I talked with Chris (cell phone) and the kids (Skype), updated my Facebook page and uploaded photos, showered, and then went to bed about midnight. To see more photos of Day One, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
Bible reading from Our Daily Bread devotional today: Acts 11:19-26. The topic was on the history of being called a "Christian", and a call to be a "Christian" not in name only but also in action. My prayer for my time in India, and in the SMU graduate program in general, is that my words and actions will set me apart in such a way that demonstrates my faith in God and brings Him glory.
The day started with a breakfast buffet in the lower courtyard of our dorm area (the "Ashoka" building), with some of the MICA faculty and student volunteers. After breakfast we had several orientations today by MICA faculty and staff. Following that we had a campus tour and lunch in the campus dining area. At 2pm we received our internet access, and everyone had a short amount of time to get online before meeting again to go into Ahmedabad.
After shopping we had dinner at a Pizza Hut. The MICA staff wanted us to have something familiar on the first night. I had a personal sized cheese pizza. It tasted quite the same as in the U.S., but the restaurant is a sit-down place with a more formal atmosphere than having pizza in the States. At least if some in our group are longing for "American" food, they now know where to find it.
I took some photos during the campus tour and time in Ahmedabad today, but definitely want to take more (and a few with me in them!). We were back by about 7:30pm and then had the rest of the evening free. I talked with Chris (cell phone) and the kids (Skype), updated my Facebook page and uploaded photos, showered, and then went to bed about midnight. To see more photos of Day One, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
Bible reading from Our Daily Bread devotional today: Acts 11:19-26. The topic was on the history of being called a "Christian", and a call to be a "Christian" not in name only but also in action. My prayer for my time in India, and in the SMU graduate program in general, is that my words and actions will set me apart in such a way that demonstrates my faith in God and brings Him glory.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Arrival in India
Tues June 29 and Wed June 30, 2010:
Had a long day of traveling from Dallas, TX to Ahmedabad, India. Flew American Airlines to Newark, NJ and then switched to Air India. The short transfer on Air India in Frankfurt, Germany was a hassle. We had to de-plane, go through security (again), and wait to re-board for the same seat assignments (new crew). The shuttles out to the aircraft took forever and delayed the flight. I'm glad that on the return flight we fly direct from India to New York. The flights were generally good. A little turbulence here and there, but nothing major.
Air India flight was on an older but refurbished plane. It had little leg-room, but plenty of overhead compartment space, plus personal video screens, complimentary headphones, pillow, blanket, etc. We had two curry meals on the way over. I opted first for lamb, then vegetarian (lamb was better). The flight was nearly full so the plane was very crowded and customs and luggage claim in Ahmedabad was a mad-house. We arrived at 9:25pm (local time). Our one flight took up the entire waiting area in the little Ahmedabad airport. It was hot (even at night), with no moving air and a slow wait. Most travelers had lots of luggage to claim, so the baggage area was crazy. My bag got fairly beaten up, and one wheel is nearly coming off. I'll probably need to replace the suitcase before we fly home.
Once our group was ready to leave the airport, we were bussed about a 45 minute drive outside the city to the MICA campus. The campus (what we could see of it in the dark) looks small but nice. Our rooms are in the new dorms that will usually house the PhD candidates. The dorm area was under construction the last time an SMU group came two years ago. From what we were told these accomodations are much nicer than those they shared last time. Our rooms have a bathroom en suite, plus two twin beds, two desks, two separate cabinets for clothes, and a shared vanity area. The shower set-up was like nothing I've ever seen before. A whole slew of faucet fixutres are on the bathroom wall, with a curtain separating them from the toilet, and a small drain on the floor. It was interesting trying to figure it out and not make a mess all over the bathroom. My roommate and I unpacked, showered, called home, and got to bed about 2am. We have a breakfast and orientation to attend for Day One at 9:30am.
First impressions of India: hot, sticky, pungent, loud, grimy, crowded, assertive, friendly, and gracious.
Bible Reading from Our Daily Bread Devotional today: Matthew 6:25-34 on not worrying. It was very fitting for the start of this trip. A good reminder for me to surrender my circumstances and needs to God, and turn my worries into prayers and/or actions instead!
Had a long day of traveling from Dallas, TX to Ahmedabad, India. Flew American Airlines to Newark, NJ and then switched to Air India. The short transfer on Air India in Frankfurt, Germany was a hassle. We had to de-plane, go through security (again), and wait to re-board for the same seat assignments (new crew). The shuttles out to the aircraft took forever and delayed the flight. I'm glad that on the return flight we fly direct from India to New York. The flights were generally good. A little turbulence here and there, but nothing major.
Air India flight was on an older but refurbished plane. It had little leg-room, but plenty of overhead compartment space, plus personal video screens, complimentary headphones, pillow, blanket, etc. We had two curry meals on the way over. I opted first for lamb, then vegetarian (lamb was better). The flight was nearly full so the plane was very crowded and customs and luggage claim in Ahmedabad was a mad-house. We arrived at 9:25pm (local time). Our one flight took up the entire waiting area in the little Ahmedabad airport. It was hot (even at night), with no moving air and a slow wait. Most travelers had lots of luggage to claim, so the baggage area was crazy. My bag got fairly beaten up, and one wheel is nearly coming off. I'll probably need to replace the suitcase before we fly home.
Once our group was ready to leave the airport, we were bussed about a 45 minute drive outside the city to the MICA campus. The campus (what we could see of it in the dark) looks small but nice. Our rooms are in the new dorms that will usually house the PhD candidates. The dorm area was under construction the last time an SMU group came two years ago. From what we were told these accomodations are much nicer than those they shared last time. Our rooms have a bathroom en suite, plus two twin beds, two desks, two separate cabinets for clothes, and a shared vanity area. The shower set-up was like nothing I've ever seen before. A whole slew of faucet fixutres are on the bathroom wall, with a curtain separating them from the toilet, and a small drain on the floor. It was interesting trying to figure it out and not make a mess all over the bathroom. My roommate and I unpacked, showered, called home, and got to bed about 2am. We have a breakfast and orientation to attend for Day One at 9:30am.
First impressions of India: hot, sticky, pungent, loud, grimy, crowded, assertive, friendly, and gracious.
Bible Reading from Our Daily Bread Devotional today: Matthew 6:25-34 on not worrying. It was very fitting for the start of this trip. A good reminder for me to surrender my circumstances and needs to God, and turn my worries into prayers and/or actions instead!
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