Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
OUCH, that hurts!
Sunday, July 25th 2010:
Okay, just a warning that the photo in this blog will not be pretty. After a group meeting late Friday night for our Research Methodology project, I was locked out of my room and went in search of water at the campus canteen. Didn't get too far though, because just in front of the hostel building after mine (Ashoka) I slipped and fell on the brick walkway. This is what happens during the monsoon season in India. It was just a matter of time, I guess, given that it had rained for days and all the walking surfaces are hard and slippery. There are marble floors and marble staircases indoors, and brick and stone outdoors. So, I fell with one leg under me and one forward (no, I've never been a cheerleader) and got pretty scraped and bruised.
However, I did manage to protect my laptop computer which I'd been carrying in my bag.
So I returned to my room completely covered in slimy mud. COVERED. I rinsed my clothes and threw them into our "wash-bucket", took a shower, did the laundry by hand with my nifty Tide soap bar, and then tended to my wounds. The next day I went to class as usual (yes, there is class on the weekend) but my foot really was bothering me. It was swollen across the top (not my ankle) and it wouldn't stop bleeding. Plus here at MICA it's really hard to keep yourself dry and clean (did I mention the monsoon rain?!). Not good for an open wound. I kept putting Neosporin on it, took some Ibuprofen, and dealt with it as best I could.
Now to today. I LOST IT. I think I finally reached the point in this trip where I just became overwhelmed. I woke up late and had to talk to my family on Skype in like 5 minutes AS I was getting dressed and ready for class. I took more ibuprofen, but it just didn't make a dent in the pain. Our group project is due by tonight, and we'd barely made a dent in the workload (didn't even get to complete a draft due to a four-hour dinner event the night before). I hadn't gotten enough sleep. Also, as soon as I got up from bed and started walking around again, my foot started bleeding and swelling again. Plus, I think it's about the time of month for me to have PMS. So, I was not a happy camper by the time I reached class at 7:55am. Once the lecture started, and my foot was now swollen and thoroughly wet from walking through the rain again, I just couldn't hold back the tears. I left the class for a little while to try and compose myself, but it just wasn't going to happen.
This was the embarassing part. They stopped class to get me some ice and a first-aid kit. I wanted to be there, and everyone was very helpful (though I didn't want the attention), but even then I couldn't stop the flow of tears. So much for being the mature one. Anyway, when it was pretty clear that I wasn't going to pull myself together the professor (very kindly) gave me permission to leave. I came back to the hostel and took a nap for the remaining hour of class, and got my foot dry and elevated again. After that news, Dr. Alvey called from Mumbai and directed me to go to a hospital in Ahmedabad right away to have my foot tended to. So, I had to leave my group in the lurch without the draft done (still) and spend a few hours round-trip to Ahmedabad. I don't give myself much slack, but everyone has those days sometime, right?! At least the clinic was very nice and they treated me very quickly. Some sick MICA students needed care too, so they came along as well. They cleaned the wound, dressed it (which is already falling off),and gave me prescriptions for antibiotic and pain medicine.
Now I have to get my luggage plus 12 other grad students (and their luggage too) safely through the Ahmedabad airport and to Mumbai tomorrow at 4:45am. Thankfully, the paper is now DONE and my packing almost is too! I'm just waiting on the rest of my group to okay it (the paper) before it gets emailed to the teacher. I'm looking forward to getting on the plane tomorrow and getting to Mumbai. We'll have three corporate visits there, plus some sight-seeing, and then we head to Goa for a couple days off before returning home. Sadly, I think I'm going to have to change my pedicure appointment at the Goa spa to a manicure instead. But oh well. Only 10 days to go! I'm excited to get home.
Okay, just a warning that the photo in this blog will not be pretty. After a group meeting late Friday night for our Research Methodology project, I was locked out of my room and went in search of water at the campus canteen. Didn't get too far though, because just in front of the hostel building after mine (Ashoka) I slipped and fell on the brick walkway. This is what happens during the monsoon season in India. It was just a matter of time, I guess, given that it had rained for days and all the walking surfaces are hard and slippery. There are marble floors and marble staircases indoors, and brick and stone outdoors. So, I fell with one leg under me and one forward (no, I've never been a cheerleader) and got pretty scraped and bruised.
However, I did manage to protect my laptop computer which I'd been carrying in my bag.
So I returned to my room completely covered in slimy mud. COVERED. I rinsed my clothes and threw them into our "wash-bucket", took a shower, did the laundry by hand with my nifty Tide soap bar, and then tended to my wounds. The next day I went to class as usual (yes, there is class on the weekend) but my foot really was bothering me. It was swollen across the top (not my ankle) and it wouldn't stop bleeding. Plus here at MICA it's really hard to keep yourself dry and clean (did I mention the monsoon rain?!). Not good for an open wound. I kept putting Neosporin on it, took some Ibuprofen, and dealt with it as best I could.
Now to today. I LOST IT. I think I finally reached the point in this trip where I just became overwhelmed. I woke up late and had to talk to my family on Skype in like 5 minutes AS I was getting dressed and ready for class. I took more ibuprofen, but it just didn't make a dent in the pain. Our group project is due by tonight, and we'd barely made a dent in the workload (didn't even get to complete a draft due to a four-hour dinner event the night before). I hadn't gotten enough sleep. Also, as soon as I got up from bed and started walking around again, my foot started bleeding and swelling again. Plus, I think it's about the time of month for me to have PMS. So, I was not a happy camper by the time I reached class at 7:55am. Once the lecture started, and my foot was now swollen and thoroughly wet from walking through the rain again, I just couldn't hold back the tears. I left the class for a little while to try and compose myself, but it just wasn't going to happen.
Now I have to get my luggage plus 12 other grad students (and their luggage too) safely through the Ahmedabad airport and to Mumbai tomorrow at 4:45am. Thankfully, the paper is now DONE and my packing almost is too! I'm just waiting on the rest of my group to okay it (the paper) before it gets emailed to the teacher. I'm looking forward to getting on the plane tomorrow and getting to Mumbai. We'll have three corporate visits there, plus some sight-seeing, and then we head to Goa for a couple days off before returning home. Sadly, I think I'm going to have to change my pedicure appointment at the Goa spa to a manicure instead. But oh well. Only 10 days to go! I'm excited to get home.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
MICA Classwork: Crunch Time!
Saturday, July 24th 2010:
Only eleven more days in India, and only one more day here on the MICA campus in Ahmedabad. We'll have a final class tomorrow on quantitative research methods- conjoint analysis (Sunday) from 7:55am to about noon. We have until tomorrow night to turn in our only assignment; a group project from the qualitative portion of the class. We were divided into groups of 4 or 5 and had to conduct a series of in-depth interviews of Indian students re: America and also American students re: India. Each group is expected to complete at least 5 interviews from each country. We worked in groups to come up with a Discussion Guide, then had to combine the best portions of each into a master guide to use in the intereviews. Now, we have this afternoon and then tomorrow (if needed) to analyze the responses, come up with consumer insights, and write a report on the research. It's crunch time! Hopefully we'll come up with some good research findings and strong consumer insight about what college students think of India and America.
Classes during our time at MICA have been intensive, since we've had to cram an entire course into 40 hours of class over only two weeks. However, I have learned a lot. The most interesting part of our interviews was the final question, where we asked each student to describe a typical person of the other culture (India/America).
So, here are some of their words on how India is personified. First of all, the older generation is like Gandhi:
Only eleven more days in India, and only one more day here on the MICA campus in Ahmedabad. We'll have a final class tomorrow on quantitative research methods- conjoint analysis (Sunday) from 7:55am to about noon. We have until tomorrow night to turn in our only assignment; a group project from the qualitative portion of the class. We were divided into groups of 4 or 5 and had to conduct a series of in-depth interviews of Indian students re: America and also American students re: India. Each group is expected to complete at least 5 interviews from each country. We worked in groups to come up with a Discussion Guide, then had to combine the best portions of each into a master guide to use in the intereviews. Now, we have this afternoon and then tomorrow (if needed) to analyze the responses, come up with consumer insights, and write a report on the research. It's crunch time! Hopefully we'll come up with some good research findings and strong consumer insight about what college students think of India and America.
Classes during our time at MICA have been intensive, since we've had to cram an entire course into 40 hours of class over only two weeks. However, I have learned a lot. The most interesting part of our interviews was the final question, where we asked each student to describe a typical person of the other culture (India/America).
So, here are some of their words on how India is personified. First of all, the older generation is like Gandhi:
"(I’d personify India as) a wise, old sage. Someone who’s been around forever. A complex old man, but gentle. He’d be thin, dark, in pajama-like clothes. He’d barely be getting by (very low income). It would be hot and he’d have no A/C. Maybe not even have a house. If he had a job, it would be a religious one (like a leader or elder). He might play a game of cricket every now and then, but no other entertainment. I also think of Mother India, but mostly an old religious man like Gandhi comes to mind."
as for the younger generation of India (think "Slumdog Millionaire");
"I think Americans are a lot fatter than Indians. They are much skinner." "Yes, I would say this person is attractive or average. A different type of clothing but an average style." " She would be 30, well, there are a lot of young people there and old people. But the average person I think of would be around that age." "I feel like they would work in some sort of business environment. They are producing or selling something. A modest job. Maybe somewhere around or below American minimum wage." "They would probably live in a modest apartment." "Probably driving just a 5 or 6 year old sedan. Small compact car. They seem to all drive small cars - they are most affordable." "They like to watch TV just like us, read the paper, yell at the neighborhood kids. I think they are a lot more involved with their close neighbors than we are." "I feel like it's someone who works that hard for their money wouldn't just blow it on materialistic things."
Here were some of the personfications that Indian college students had of a typical American:
"Huge, tall, bulky, not as big as the Australians, blonde, brownish, white, freckles. Dressed in a bikini, working a lot and stressed out. Friendly and loud. Probably lives in a large house with 3-4 bedrooms and a bathroom for each person. This person has a car, as does each person in their family."
and one more (think "Sex and the City"):
"Young adult, between 18-24. A woman, beautiful, attractive, confident, independent. Hair color blonde/golden. Style of dressing anything she is comfortable with, but a good sense of style. A New Yorker. She would have a job, since I’m in a creative field, I’d say she’d be in advertising or the TV industry. Income level mid to upper class. She’d drive a hybrid Honda. She’d have a boyfriend and a housemaid. In her free time she’d read or travel. She would be happy and culturally aware. She would be kind. She’d know more than one language (English, French). She’d be Catholic."
The stereotypes are very telling, aren't they? Somewhat true, although obviously cliched. I think that perhaps we all should move beyond Hollywood and Bollywood and gain personal experience with the other country through travel and beginning new relationships! We'd all be better off for it.
To see more photos of my time in India, go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67693&id=1493536168&l=6effaaef67 or connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
Thursday, July 22, 2010
With Gratitude to Ambassador Singh
Saturday July 17th 2010:
We had the distinct honor of meeting for a short time with former Indian Ambassador Swashpawan Singh. He is now retired after 35+ years in Indian Foreign Service. Ambassador Singh came to meet our group in a small conference area of our hotel, the Trident Gurgaon outside of Delhi. He spoke to us briefy about the current position of India in the world, and about the general importance of cultural awareness and education. A few of the key points that I took away from our time with Ambassador Singh were: the high degree of similarity between Indian and American value systems, the need for Indian infrastructure to catch up to its growth in other areas, and the importance of travel. On the strong affinity of value systems between India and America, Ambassador Singh noted these shared characteristics:
- Democracy
- Free Market economy
- Multi-party political system
- Independent judiciary
- Free press
- Right to information
- Pluralism
- Independence
- Religious tolerance and diversity
On the need of India's infrastructure to catch up to its external development, Ambassador Singh identified the need for growth in areas such as: energy security, water management, primary education, public health, pollution/waste management, job creation, and the modernization of the national army.
But what stuck with me the most from our time with Ambassador Singh were two distinct statements he made in regard to the importance of travel. The first was "There is no substitute for travel as a means of cultural education". He stressed that three primary things one must bring to another culture are 1) bottled water and caution about travel sickness; 2) AN OPEN MIND; and 3) a desire to keep coming back and to experience new things. The other statement that resonated with me was "the greatest gift of our generation is mobility". It really is true that we have an opportunity in our short spans of life to expand our thinking and understanding beyond our own little corner of the world, and that in fact, it is an obligation to the rest of humanity that we broaden our focus and consideration to that which is beyond ourself. Travel is the greatest means to do so. Whatever home-sickness, illness, fatigue, or other factors we have struggled with during our time in India are small things compared to what we may learn from this amazing opportunity!
Ambassador Singh himself summed up the visit in this way (in an email to Dr. Patty Alvey) "It is a liitle difficult to convey what makes India incredible in forty-five quick minutes. But if our conversation gave them a flavour of what lies at the heart of this rapidly modernizing ancient land, with all its contradictions and enigmas, and if it added to the cumulative assault on all their senses, then some of it will remain with them. I am convinced that in a small ineffable way their lives will have changed because of this visit to India."
Thank you Ambassador Singh for your time and wisdom, and also many thanks to SMU for this travel experience. As you read this blog, may you in some small way broaden your horizons today, try something new, and welcome change!
To see more photos of my time in India, go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67693&id=1493536168&l=6effaaef67 or connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
Golden Triangle: Delhi Corporate Visits DDB Mudra and IMRB
Friday July 16th, 2010:
My favorite line from the commercial is "History is a bad motorist. It rarely ever signals its intentions when it's taking a turn. This is that rare moment: history is turning a page." That is especially poignant, given the driving conditions in India! I hadn't thought of the state of traffic in India as symbolic of the change its society is undergoing until I heard that line. It puts an entirely different perspective on driving through the streets of Ahmedabad, Agra, or Delhi to think of it in that light. This is a nation in flux; struggling with change and progress while still trying to retain its heritage and independence. What a wonderful time to be visiting India!
Ms. Gupta (of DDB Mudra) went on to explain the primary characteristics of Indian culture through the following: caste, colors, chaos, community, cricket, and cinema. We examined each of these cultural elements as they reflect Indian values, attitudes, and beliefs and then looked at examples from the world of marketing and advertising. She highlighted business examples such as the Amul milk cooperative (a 9000+ village effort), commercials such as American Tourister's "Survive Mumbai, Survive the World" luggage ad, HDFC financial services recent father/daughter savings ad, and the phenomena of Indian Premier League cricket. The entire lecture was so informative! It really helped me to understand the unique position India currently inhabits in the world, as well as the cultural characteristics that are vital to the Indian market. Many thanks to DDB Mudra for the excellent opportunity we had to learn from them.
We wrapped up this intensive day with a trip to a local shopping emporium that specialized in hand-crafted items. They had an amazing selection of goods, everything from hand-carved wood, to textiles, marble, and jewelry. I found some unique gifts for family and friends (the end of my gift shopping list)!
To see more photos of my time in India, go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67693&id=1493536168&l=6effaaef67 or connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
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| DDB Mudra Offices |
Our ad industry visits continued today in Delhi, India. On the agenda today: DDB Mudra and IMRB research firm. We first visited DDB Mudra, where account planner (and former MICA student) Vibha Gupta shared a presentation with us on "India and Indians". It was an educational exploration of Indian culture. The first bit of information about India that I took away was that "For every thing that is true about India, the opposite is also true".
Here are just some of the facts about the vast spectrum of India:
- One of the most ancient civilizations
- Yet, 54% of current population is under age of 25
- 2% of the world's land mass
- Yet, 17% of the world's population
- 27.5% live below poverty
- Yet, One of the world's fastest growing economies
- Over 1 lakh (million) of high net-worth individuals (over $1 million personal net-worth each)
- Yet, 40% of Indians live on les than $2 U.S. per day
- 35% illiteracy rate
- Yet, Large % of people are multi-lingual, and use English in trade
- Less than 1% penetration of personal computers in households
- Yet, The IT capital of the world
- 6 major religions, 4 of which originated in India
- Yet, a peaceful, harmonious society
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| Dr. Patty Alvey, Vibha Gupta, Harleen Bhatia |
Following our visit to DDB Mudra, we went to IMRB. IMRB is India's leading (and largest) market research institute. They provide data and solutions to government and business entities. We met with A.V. Surya and Parul Sharma of their Social & Rural Research Institute. Mr. Surya described social marketing as the process of "unselling" an idea. IMRB's mission was stated as "marketing of concepts that are beneficial to society with the objective of achieving social change". The examples highlighted were HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, seat belt usage, and polio vaccinations. They talked to us at length about the unique problems and opportunities of social advertising in India. Some of the barriers to social communication in India are: illiteracy levels, gender bias, poor media reach (TV in only 55% of households as of 2007), and cultural and religious variations. With such a diverse and emerging market in India, their lecture made me appreciate how difficult the task is to educate and raise awareness of key social issues to the average Indian (particularly those that are "media dark": without access to technology).
We wrapped up this intensive day with a trip to a local shopping emporium that specialized in hand-crafted items. They had an amazing selection of goods, everything from hand-carved wood, to textiles, marble, and jewelry. I found some unique gifts for family and friends (the end of my gift shopping list)!To see more photos of my time in India, go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67693&id=1493536168&l=6effaaef67 or connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Golden Triangle: Delhi Corporate Visits W+K and O+M
Thursday July 15th, 2010:
We next visited the international office of Ogilvy & Mather in Delhi. Ogilvy has a beautifully modern office space on the sixth floor of a highrise building in an office park. The two ad agencies have very different and distinct corporate cultures and creative styles. Lakshmi Duttagupta, VP, National Head of Training and Sr. Talent Coordinator at Ogilvy addressed our group. Our time at Ogilvy focused on the brand communication process. Ms. Duttagupta outlined Ogilvy's Effie award-winning work for several clients. We examined several product campaigns such as Sprite, Limca, and Vodafone ZooZoo! ads as case studies of effective brand communication in increasing sales and fulfilling a brand's market strategy. 
It was a pleasure to visit both agencies. I particularly liked that we happened to visit a smaller boutique and a larger corporate office on the same day. It showed the breadth of the advertising industry and gave me, as a student, a clearer sense of my potential place in the market. It was so gracious of both agencies to take time out to meet with us and educate us about the Indian advertising market. This whole trip has been such a blessing and wonderful opportunity! I appreciate every moment of this incredible journey:)
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| W+K Unassuming Office Space in Delhi |
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| W+K Motto: Work is Worship |
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| W+K Royal Enfield Campaign |
Today we had the distinct honor of visiting two leading advertising agencies with international offices in Delhi, India. We began the morning with an appointment at Weiden + Kennedy, where Managing Director Mohit Jayal presented to our group. We received a tour of their offices and a very heartfelt and engaging presentation regarding the philosophy of W+K Delhi as well as highlights of some of their key account work. The accounts highlighted included creative and strategic work for IndiGo! airline, Royal Enfield motorcycles, and the Incredible India! tourism campaign. I was VERY impressed with W+K's approach to their work. Mr. Jayal was a very passionate and honest speaker, and issues of integrity and corporate social responsibility really seemed integral to the work process of W+K Delhi. Their account work showed a great deal of inventiveness and consumer insight. He stressed that their mission was to add MEANING to marketing, and to create VALUE driven work that is both creative and insightful. It was also clear that W+K is interested in the many layers of India; digging deep into various Indian sub-cultures and identifying various facets of today's India as well as spotting emerging trends in the market. It is particularly this kind of value-based, creative boutique in which I'd like to work (in the U.S.) after graduation. The visit to W+K left me energized and hopeful about the future of international marketing.
We next visited the international office of Ogilvy & Mather in Delhi. Ogilvy has a beautifully modern office space on the sixth floor of a highrise building in an office park. The two ad agencies have very different and distinct corporate cultures and creative styles. Lakshmi Duttagupta, VP, National Head of Training and Sr. Talent Coordinator at Ogilvy addressed our group. Our time at Ogilvy focused on the brand communication process. Ms. Duttagupta outlined Ogilvy's Effie award-winning work for several clients. We examined several product campaigns such as Sprite, Limca, and Vodafone ZooZoo! ads as case studies of effective brand communication in increasing sales and fulfilling a brand's market strategy. 
It was a pleasure to visit both agencies. I particularly liked that we happened to visit a smaller boutique and a larger corporate office on the same day. It showed the breadth of the advertising industry and gave me, as a student, a clearer sense of my potential place in the market. It was so gracious of both agencies to take time out to meet with us and educate us about the Indian advertising market. This whole trip has been such a blessing and wonderful opportunity! I appreciate every moment of this incredible journey:) To see more photos of my time in India, go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67693&id=1493536168&l=6effaaef67 or connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson.
You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Golden Triangle: Agra's Taj Mahal & Red Fort
Monday July 12, 2010:
We rode in our tour bus from Jaipur to Agra today, for the next stop on our tour of India's Golden Triangle of cities (Jaipur, Agra, Delhi). We arrived late in the afternoon and went directly to our hotel, the Trident (Hilton) Agra. Dr. Alvey decided that we would delay our visit to the Taj Mahal until the following morning, so that we could see it at sunrise. Our hotel, unfortunately, was a disappointment after such a nice stay at the Taj property in Jaipur. The Agra Trident looked nice on their website and in photos, but the rooms were not up to par with the common areas. There was a lot of construction going on, and the smelll of paint and wood varnish was so overwhelming (in the rooms and the hallways) that it was hard for me to breathe since I was also battling a respiratory infection.
However, Agra itself was not impressive, so I'm not sure that a better hotel would have been available to us. I was surprised actually at the city of Agra. I had expected that a location of a modern Wonder of the World would be in better repair. Not that it ought to be an urban city necessarily, but that whether rural or modern it would be maintained in a good condition by the Indian government and people. Instead, there was a shocking amount of trash and standing water on the roadways, a lack of infrastructure like lighting and paving, an overwhelming amount of the poor and beggars in all public spaces, etc. It seemed to me that a lot of restoration and change is needed in Agra, to return it to more of its former renown. Luckily, we were only staying one night in Agra before continuing on to Delhi. A day trip (or short overnight) is all that is needed in Agra. That gave just enough time to see the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
In high contrast to its Agra surroundings, seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise was extraordinary. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum that was commissioned in 1632 by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (who died in childbirth with their 14th child). It's considered by many to be the finest example of Moghul architecture in the world; combining building elements of India, Persia, and Islam. It took over 20,000 skilled workers over 20 years to complete the Taj Mahal. It is absolutely beautiful, especially up close in the early sunlight. It's made of white marble that is highly detailed with engraving, filigree work, and inlays of precious stones and metals that glimmer in the sunlight even to this day.
For more information from me regarding my travel and study in India, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson or follow me on Twitter at abcwatson.
In high contrast to its Agra surroundings, seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise was extraordinary. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum that was commissioned in 1632 by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (who died in childbirth with their 14th child). It's considered by many to be the finest example of Moghul architecture in the world; combining building elements of India, Persia, and Islam. It took over 20,000 skilled workers over 20 years to complete the Taj Mahal. It is absolutely beautiful, especially up close in the early sunlight. It's made of white marble that is highly detailed with engraving, filigree work, and inlays of precious stones and metals that glimmer in the sunlight even to this day. 
Immediately after touring the Taj Mahal, we drove several kilometers away to the Agra Fort (aka Red Fort).The Fort is a 94 acre walled collection of buildings, some of which pre-date the Taj Mahal. The earliest buildings of the Agra Fort were mentioned in writing from the late 1000s. Many of India's most important Mugal rulers reigned from Agra Fort, the most famous being Akbar beginning in 1558. Akbar's son was Shah Jahan, who built the nearby Taj Mahal. Sadly, at the end of his life, Shah Jahan's son imprisoned Shah Jahan in the Agra Fort for eight years until his death. He reportedly died in a tower of the Fort with a marble balcony which has a view of the Taj Mahal. Portions of the Agra Fort are currently being used as an Indian army headquarters, so they are not accessible to the public. The buildings are primarily made of red sandstone, although Shah Jahan was responsible for the construction of several marble structures with precious stone inlays. The grounds are so extensive, touring the Fort can take quite some time. I found the history and architecture to be very compelling, although the day was so hot and humid that we did not stay very long.
Monday, July 19, 2010
India Cultural Highlight: Rajastanhi Fabric Block-Printing
July 11th, 2010: Visit to Textile Factory & Store:
One thing that has struck me on this trip is that the Indians are an ancient and artistic people. For instance, styles of architecture vary by religion from the minarets and domes of the Muslim to the arches and concentricity of the Hindu, to the stupa (domed monuments) of the Buddhist. Architecture varies also by the time period and region in which it was built. All the World Heritage sites of India we have seen, however, share a great attention to detail and advanced design elements (irrigation, sanitation, water cooling systems, etc.). See the following link for a brief overview of Indian architecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_India.
Likewise, Indian dress varies widely and expresses the creative artistry of its people. Women's sarees are more varied and colorful in Northern India, where the landscape is at times dry and dull. In Southern India, where the landscape is more colorful, the sarees tend to have less ornamentation and color.
Ever make a potato stamp art project in grade school? The concept is similar to what is done to fabric in parts of India. In the region of Rajastahn, in particular, there is a localized art of fabric block-printing using a variety of vegetable and floral dyes. We visited a textile company in Jaipur to witness the block-printing process. Multiple carved blocks are used (sometimes for a single image, to add detail) and pounded by hand onto cotton fabric. The demonstration we saw was multiple layers of an elephant block print. Once all the block printing is completed on a piece of fabric, it is usually left to dry and "cure" in the sun.....which reacts with the natual dyes used and affects the final color of the piece. Fascinating! I love that this centuries-old art form is still being done today. As you can imagine, even using carved stamp-blocks, no two pieces are exactly alike because they are all hand-applied. This technique is used for everything from scarves and tunics to household items such as bedspreads and pillowcases. The Gujarati region has an equally impressive hand-knotting and tie-dyeing technique that is used to create incredible detail. I purchased a tablecloth with an elephant and floral pattern for our home, from the Rajastahni textile company we visited in Jaipur. Using the tablecloth will remind me of this incredible trip, and of all the wonderful colors and artwork of India!
Final Sample
One thing that has struck me on this trip is that the Indians are an ancient and artistic people. For instance, styles of architecture vary by religion from the minarets and domes of the Muslim to the arches and concentricity of the Hindu, to the stupa (domed monuments) of the Buddhist. Architecture varies also by the time period and region in which it was built. All the World Heritage sites of India we have seen, however, share a great attention to detail and advanced design elements (irrigation, sanitation, water cooling systems, etc.). See the following link for a brief overview of Indian architecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_India.
Likewise, Indian dress varies widely and expresses the creative artistry of its people. Women's sarees are more varied and colorful in Northern India, where the landscape is at times dry and dull. In Southern India, where the landscape is more colorful, the sarees tend to have less ornamentation and color.
Ever make a potato stamp art project in grade school? The concept is similar to what is done to fabric in parts of India. In the region of Rajastahn, in particular, there is a localized art of fabric block-printing using a variety of vegetable and floral dyes. We visited a textile company in Jaipur to witness the block-printing process. Multiple carved blocks are used (sometimes for a single image, to add detail) and pounded by hand onto cotton fabric. The demonstration we saw was multiple layers of an elephant block print. Once all the block printing is completed on a piece of fabric, it is usually left to dry and "cure" in the sun.....which reacts with the natual dyes used and affects the final color of the piece. Fascinating! I love that this centuries-old art form is still being done today. As you can imagine, even using carved stamp-blocks, no two pieces are exactly alike because they are all hand-applied. This technique is used for everything from scarves and tunics to household items such as bedspreads and pillowcases. The Gujarati region has an equally impressive hand-knotting and tie-dyeing technique that is used to create incredible detail. I purchased a tablecloth with an elephant and floral pattern for our home, from the Rajastahni textile company we visited in Jaipur. Using the tablecloth will remind me of this incredible trip, and of all the wonderful colors and artwork of India! 
Final Sample
My New Tablecloth
For more information from me regarding my travel and study in India, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson or follow me on Twitter at abcwatson.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
More of Jaipur: Sight-seeing and elephant ride!
Sunday July 11th, 2010:
This has been my favorite day in India so far. Breakfast in our beautiful Taj hotel (Jai Mahal Palace), then a day full of sight-seeing and shopping. We saw several snake charmers at the tourist spots, although it does take the mystique out of it to know that most of the cobra have been de-fanged and the charmer wants your rupees even for taking a photograph! So that, perhaps, has become just a tourist cliche, but it was still fascinating to watch. We took photos of the intricate old-wall gates of Jaipur and of street scenes as we traveled to the renown Amber Palace for our first sight-seeing stop of the day. We also visited an outdoor observatory and the Monkey Temple, plus some shopping venues for jewelry, textiles, and gifts.
We also stopped at a textile store and got to see the unique Rajasthani art of fabric block-printing, but I'll make that process a separate post. What a day!
To see more photos of my time in India, go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67693&id=1493536168&l=6effaaef67 or connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson . You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
The Golden Triangle: Jaipur Stay
Jaipur, on the other hand, seems much more planned and open. While it contains many of the same elements of India as Ahmedabad, it is less compact and condensed. Streets were wider, roads were better to travel upon, it was a larger city with more sprawl to it, temples and historical sites seemed to be in better repair. It was somehow altogether less assaulting to our senses. Perhaps it also has to do with us having had time to acclimate a little to India, but I think in general we tolerated Jaipur better because the urban city felt more modern and familiar to us. It also helped greatly that when we arrived at our hotel in Jaipur it was like we had come upon a grand oasis. We stayed at the Jai Mahal Palace (a Taj property). I think it must be the single most luxurious hotel in which I've ever stayed. It was breath-taking! Check it out yourself at: Taj Hotel Link: Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur, India.
We toured a local jewelry polishing company in Jaipur and then did some high-end shopping in their gorgeous jewelry store. Some of the ladies in our group spent hundreds of dollars on beautiful pieces of jewelry. I would have loved to buy a Indian star ruby (aka "the star of India" stone) but unfortunately, that's not in my budget this time around. I settled for some lovely enameled bangle bracelets instead. I got one for myself, and one for each of my daughters. I'm hoping to find some cheaper bracelets for them also for "everyday" wear. We were also able to tour a marble temple and stop briefly for photos of the Floating Palace (at sunset) before returning to our hotel. Jaipur is so nice, we're not going to want to leave at all! To see more photos of my time in India, go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67693&id=1493536168&l=6effaaef67 or connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
Friday, July 9, 2010
Wahg Bakri Tea Experience
Thursday July 8, 2010:
Our first Indian advertising industry visit today ended up pre-empting our scheduled class time. We were slated to visit Wagh Bakri Tea (pronounced "vahg bock-ree") in the morning and then return to MICA in time for our afternoon Research Methodology class. However, the industry visit took until late in the afternoon, so plans changed. I'm so glad they did! Our time at Wagh Bakri was exceptional.
Wagh Bakri is a local Gujarati company that has been in existence for over 100 years. They are a very popular brand in India (particularly in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra (Mumbai), Andhra Pradesh (Hyderabad), and Delhi). They also import to several countries, including Asian/ethnic markets in the U.S. We first traveled to their production facility outside of Ahmedabad. There we were introduced to their operational staff and were able to tour the plant. We sampled their delicious Masala Chai (spiced) tea blend. We saw the tea storage area, the loading/unloading area, the blending area where the various estate teas are mixed into the different Wagh Bakri labeled brands, and the production area where the teas are bagged and boxed. They have some very state-of-the-art equipment that produces 250 filled and sealed tea bags a minute, and without the need of stapling. Following our tour we were given samples of their delicious Darjeeling blend (with lemon juice and sugar). Then we loaded back onto our vans and traveled to Wagh Bakri's corporate headquarters. At the headquarters we viewed the tea tasting room, where they decide from which estates they will purchase their tea leaves and also how they will blend those various estate leaves into their proprietary label blends. Then we saw a presentation from their ad agency on Wagh Bakri branding and their advertising efforts. We also sampled the Wagh Bakri flagship brand (iced) as well as hot (with milk and sugar). The entire management came to meet us, and they gave us lunch and personalized gifts as well (engraved pens, plus a box of the Masala Chai blend). They could not have been more gracious or informative. Plus, all of the teas we sampled were delicious! I think they have many new converts to tea drinking, plus many new Wagh Bakri customers after that experience.
After our time there, we headed into the city for some shopping at dinner. My favorite of the stores that we visited was a clothing/textile store called Anokhi. They had beautiful fabrics. I purchased several patterns in scarves as well as boxers, handkerchiefs, coin purses, etc. And the prices were so low! I can't believe how far the American dollar goes in India. I'm on a tight budget, but thankfully I can still buy beautiful gifts in India for very little money. Our dinner was at a wonderful restaurant named Chawlas. We ate family-style, and everything I tried was great. I particularly liked the Afghani Chicken, which was mild and very well-roasted. Great way to end a fabulous day!
To see more photos of my time in India, go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67693&id=1493536168&l=6effaaef67 or connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson . You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
Our first Indian advertising industry visit today ended up pre-empting our scheduled class time. We were slated to visit Wagh Bakri Tea (pronounced "vahg bock-ree") in the morning and then return to MICA in time for our afternoon Research Methodology class. However, the industry visit took until late in the afternoon, so plans changed. I'm so glad they did! Our time at Wagh Bakri was exceptional.
Wagh Bakri is a local Gujarati company that has been in existence for over 100 years. They are a very popular brand in India (particularly in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra (Mumbai), Andhra Pradesh (Hyderabad), and Delhi). They also import to several countries, including Asian/ethnic markets in the U.S. We first traveled to their production facility outside of Ahmedabad. There we were introduced to their operational staff and were able to tour the plant. We sampled their delicious Masala Chai (spiced) tea blend. We saw the tea storage area, the loading/unloading area, the blending area where the various estate teas are mixed into the different Wagh Bakri labeled brands, and the production area where the teas are bagged and boxed. They have some very state-of-the-art equipment that produces 250 filled and sealed tea bags a minute, and without the need of stapling. Following our tour we were given samples of their delicious Darjeeling blend (with lemon juice and sugar). Then we loaded back onto our vans and traveled to Wagh Bakri's corporate headquarters. At the headquarters we viewed the tea tasting room, where they decide from which estates they will purchase their tea leaves and also how they will blend those various estate leaves into their proprietary label blends. Then we saw a presentation from their ad agency on Wagh Bakri branding and their advertising efforts. We also sampled the Wagh Bakri flagship brand (iced) as well as hot (with milk and sugar). The entire management came to meet us, and they gave us lunch and personalized gifts as well (engraved pens, plus a box of the Masala Chai blend). They could not have been more gracious or informative. Plus, all of the teas we sampled were delicious! I think they have many new converts to tea drinking, plus many new Wagh Bakri customers after that experience. 
After our time there, we headed into the city for some shopping at dinner. My favorite of the stores that we visited was a clothing/textile store called Anokhi. They had beautiful fabrics. I purchased several patterns in scarves as well as boxers, handkerchiefs, coin purses, etc. And the prices were so low! I can't believe how far the American dollar goes in India. I'm on a tight budget, but thankfully I can still buy beautiful gifts in India for very little money. Our dinner was at a wonderful restaurant named Chawlas. We ate family-style, and everything I tried was great. I particularly liked the Afghani Chicken, which was mild and very well-roasted. Great way to end a fabulous day!
To see more photos of my time in India, go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67693&id=1493536168&l=6effaaef67 or connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson . You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Yoga Nation
Wednesday July 7, 2010:
Began the day with free time. Nice! Didn't get to sleep in though, because we elected to hire a yoga instructor for several sessions while in Ahmedabad and today was the first class at 6am! It was a lovely introduction to the practice of yoga. She concentrated on explaining the principles of yoga, and we learned basic exercises for breathing and for flexibility (all sitting poses). It wasn't at all strenuous, but very relaxing and meditative. We each get to purchase our yoga rug as well. They were each woven by hand-loom and purchased in Ahmedabad. Four group yoga sessions, plus the yoga rug, for just over 500 rupees each (a little more than $10 U.S.). Amazing! No photos of that yet, we'll have to ask the instructor's permission first.
Following yoga, I spent time on Skype with the family, then had breakfast, showered, and caught up on my class reading. Our class time is scheduled from 1:30pm- 4:45pm most class days. This lecture series was on research design, and the nature of qualitative research. Interesting but not too complex to follow.
This evening we were scheduled to visit a local bird sanctuary, but that plan was cancelled due to the afternoon rain. However, the car had still been reserved, so our group elected to go out to dinner in Ahmedabad at a place called Barbecue Nation. It is similar in style to a Brazilian churrascaria (steakhouse). You pay a fixed price for a buffet of side dishes and desserts, and then either select vegetarian or non-veg entrees that are served tableside on skewers. They continue to serve various skewers of meats or veg, until you place a small flag down on your table to indicate that you're done. This restaurant has small coal grills at each table, so you can baste and continue to cook the skewers between servings. I tried the non-veg skewers, but actually preferred several of the buffett items most of all. Definitely a place to try if you are ever in India (they have several locations). Best of all, ice cream for dessert!
To see more photos of my time in India, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
Began the day with free time. Nice! Didn't get to sleep in though, because we elected to hire a yoga instructor for several sessions while in Ahmedabad and today was the first class at 6am! It was a lovely introduction to the practice of yoga. She concentrated on explaining the principles of yoga, and we learned basic exercises for breathing and for flexibility (all sitting poses). It wasn't at all strenuous, but very relaxing and meditative. We each get to purchase our yoga rug as well. They were each woven by hand-loom and purchased in Ahmedabad. Four group yoga sessions, plus the yoga rug, for just over 500 rupees each (a little more than $10 U.S.). Amazing! No photos of that yet, we'll have to ask the instructor's permission first.
Following yoga, I spent time on Skype with the family, then had breakfast, showered, and caught up on my class reading. Our class time is scheduled from 1:30pm- 4:45pm most class days. This lecture series was on research design, and the nature of qualitative research. Interesting but not too complex to follow.
To see more photos of my time in India, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
India: Stomach Trouble and Growing Pains
Tuesday July 6, 2010:
I felt slightly better today than I did the day before. Still some chills and occassional stomach cramps, but they seem to be lessening. I'm on a steady round of Tums, plus Immodium, and that seems to be all I need. Hopefully my body will adjust to the climate and foods soon and I'll be over all the stomach troubles. This, I suppose, is a downside of growing up in America. We have such a sterile environment that we don't build up immunity as others naturally do.
Today we enjoyed the same guest lecturer, Sunil Parekh of B Tech ITT Delhi. This time he went into more depth on the Indian economy. He was very supportive of democracy in India, and particularly of the free market system. I was surprised to hear that poverty levels have declined in India from 46% of the population in 1980 to roughly 16%-18% of the population in 2010 (with "poverty" being defined as less than $1 U.S. per day). India really is producing a tremendous amount of high-tech services and the economy is growing rapidly. Although the average standard of living is still quite low, there is vibrant growth potential for businesses and I can see why SMU chose for us to study advertising in this particular diverse and emerging market.
Following lunch in the MICA dining hall, I attended our second Research Methodology class. The professor (Dr. Rajneesh Krishna) is very animated when he speaks and has quite a lot of industry research experience. I was happy to find that this particular set of lectures was an overview of the research process, which was a review for me from the pre-requisite Advertising Research class I took last fall. I had been worried that the statistical analysis and techniques used in this class would be over my head, but I think I'll be able to handle it. Especially good for me today, since I'm still not feeling particularly well.
No photos from today in particular, although here are a few more of the MICA campus:
To see more photos of my time in India, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
I felt slightly better today than I did the day before. Still some chills and occassional stomach cramps, but they seem to be lessening. I'm on a steady round of Tums, plus Immodium, and that seems to be all I need. Hopefully my body will adjust to the climate and foods soon and I'll be over all the stomach troubles. This, I suppose, is a downside of growing up in America. We have such a sterile environment that we don't build up immunity as others naturally do.
Today we enjoyed the same guest lecturer, Sunil Parekh of B Tech ITT Delhi. This time he went into more depth on the Indian economy. He was very supportive of democracy in India, and particularly of the free market system. I was surprised to hear that poverty levels have declined in India from 46% of the population in 1980 to roughly 16%-18% of the population in 2010 (with "poverty" being defined as less than $1 U.S. per day). India really is producing a tremendous amount of high-tech services and the economy is growing rapidly. Although the average standard of living is still quite low, there is vibrant growth potential for businesses and I can see why SMU chose for us to study advertising in this particular diverse and emerging market.
Following lunch in the MICA dining hall, I attended our second Research Methodology class. The professor (Dr. Rajneesh Krishna) is very animated when he speaks and has quite a lot of industry research experience. I was happy to find that this particular set of lectures was an overview of the research process, which was a review for me from the pre-requisite Advertising Research class I took last fall. I had been worried that the statistical analysis and techniques used in this class would be over my head, but I think I'll be able to handle it. Especially good for me today, since I'm still not feeling particularly well.
No photos from today in particular, although here are a few more of the MICA campus:
To see more photos of my time in India, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".Indian Culture Lecture
Monday July 5, 2010:
We began our first academic day at MICA today with a session, for both the undergraduate and graduate group, on Indian Culture. The lecture was by a very knowledgable man, Sunil Parekh, of B Tech ITT India. He spoke about many facets of this multi-lingual, multi-racial, multi-religious country which also has such a large population and such diverse climates and agronomy. He was a very engaging speaker and I found the lecture to be fascinating. Unfortunately, toward the end of it I began to have very painful stomach cramps. By the time we returned to our home (about 12:30pm) I felt terrible. I missed our first session of the graduate Research Methodology class and went back to bed instead.
By the end of the day I wasn't feeling much better. I think the steady diet of Indian food caught up with me. Ugh. Sorry, no photos or anything more to blog about today.
To see more photos of my time in India, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
We began our first academic day at MICA today with a session, for both the undergraduate and graduate group, on Indian Culture. The lecture was by a very knowledgable man, Sunil Parekh, of B Tech ITT India. He spoke about many facets of this multi-lingual, multi-racial, multi-religious country which also has such a large population and such diverse climates and agronomy. He was a very engaging speaker and I found the lecture to be fascinating. Unfortunately, toward the end of it I began to have very painful stomach cramps. By the time we returned to our home (about 12:30pm) I felt terrible. I missed our first session of the graduate Research Methodology class and went back to bed instead.
By the end of the day I wasn't feeling much better. I think the steady diet of Indian food caught up with me. Ugh. Sorry, no photos or anything more to blog about today.
To see more photos of my time in India, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".
Monday, July 5, 2010
Sun, Water, and Lessons from Gandhi
Sunday July 4, 2010:
Today was a scheduled sight-seeing day for both the undergraduate and graduate groups. I Skyped with the family again first thing in the morning (this time with working video!), then got a quick breakfast before we had to meet at the shuttle buses at 8:30am. We drove a few hours outside of Ahmedabad to the Modhera Sun Temple. It was built around 1026 A.D. of sandstone as a place of worship to Hindu gods. It sits along the Tropic of Cancer, so that two days per year (on each Equinox) the natural sunlight would fill the highest portion of the temple and illuminate an idol of Lord Surya, the Sun God of Hinduism. The carvings of the temple served as pictographs of religion and culture for the uneducated people of the time. Today it is not an active place of worship (idols are not maintained inside), but rather an historical and cultural monument. It was amazing to see the intricacies of the carvings and the archictectural elements that have survived so much time and wear. What a spectacular site to tour!
After sight-seeing, the undergraduate group went to a local Indian restaurant while the graduate group elected to go back to Pizza Hut (Mainland China was closed, and it was the 4th of July so pizza seemed appropriate anyway). Then we lit our Indian fireworks on the MICA campus to celebrate American Independence Day before turning in for the night.
Today was a scheduled sight-seeing day for both the undergraduate and graduate groups. I Skyped with the family again first thing in the morning (this time with working video!), then got a quick breakfast before we had to meet at the shuttle buses at 8:30am. We drove a few hours outside of Ahmedabad to the Modhera Sun Temple. It was built around 1026 A.D. of sandstone as a place of worship to Hindu gods. It sits along the Tropic of Cancer, so that two days per year (on each Equinox) the natural sunlight would fill the highest portion of the temple and illuminate an idol of Lord Surya, the Sun God of Hinduism. The carvings of the temple served as pictographs of religion and culture for the uneducated people of the time. Today it is not an active place of worship (idols are not maintained inside), but rather an historical and cultural monument. It was amazing to see the intricacies of the carvings and the archictectural elements that have survived so much time and wear. What a spectacular site to tour! 
Following our visit to the Sun Temple, we returned to the outskirts of Ahmedabad and visited the Adalaj (a community Stepwell). The well was commissioned in 1499 by Queen Roopba as a community water source in honor of her deceased husband, and completed by a neighboring Muslim King. It is intricately carved and five stories in depth, and contains both Hindi and Islamic architectural elements and carved motifs.
Finally, we visited Gandhi's Ashram in Ahmedabad. This is a set of buildings used by Gandhi and his followers as a home and religious community. It was very interesting to read more of Gandhi's life and to see the simple, sparse dwellings in which he and his followers lived and practiced. My favorite part of the Ashram was a simple wall that had a life-size photo next to the phrase (in script) "My life is my message". I love that. That phrase is something I agree with wholeheartedly. Before his death Gandhi began a school on-site to provide free education to the poorest children of the area. It still operates on the premises today (now government-run), and there were many children running around the property and asking our names and to be in our photographs.
After sight-seeing, the undergraduate group went to a local Indian restaurant while the graduate group elected to go back to Pizza Hut (Mainland China was closed, and it was the 4th of July so pizza seemed appropriate anyway). Then we lit our Indian fireworks on the MICA campus to celebrate American Independence Day before turning in for the night.
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