And So It Begins...

Camera around the neck, rockin the shades, travel bag...Could I scream tourist any louder?

It was an early morning due to a terrible dream that may have been caused by Malarone (malaria prevention meds), my strange sleeping quarters (a sleepy-time sack) or quite possible the excessive Indian heat. All in all, Skype prevented an all out breakdown where I spend 45 minutes online with Mama and Dad for a bit. Soon after, Kyle surprised me with an email and was so excited to hear that he is NOT getting transferred and has started the treacherous, yet hopeful job search.

BREAKFAST was doable this morning, providing me with some protein to start the day. What they call an omelet here is everything American minus the cheese. Also, MICA has been very accommodating to my stubborn, picky tastes. A plate of toast was all I needed to lift my spirits on this early morning. (Also, while in town yesterday I happened to stumble upon peanut butter, Kellogg's Cornflakes, goldfish and granola bars. However, I was a little leery post-purchase as I made sure to check each expiration date...trust me, it was necessary.)

Research lecture. More Skype. Down time before we depart MICA for Ahmedabad Old City. Starting at 4:30,  our adventure will take us on a walk touring the city followed by dinner at Agashaye, a visit to a market and whatever else may come our way. 

To not being so rigid....

Hopeful.

Jet Lag

Flight from Dallas to Newark: 3 hours
Flight from Newark to Ahmedabad: 17 1/2

As we neared our departure from Newark to India, the Sam Adams airport bar and grill looked like a safe haven for American travelers. I ordered chicken fingers and a vodka tonic, since I would go vegetarian once I landed in India and Ahmedabad just happens to be a dry state.

"I can still back out" was all that I was thinking on the slow walk to the gate.

Shocking as it may seem, I walked on the plane and almost a day later set foot in Ahmedabad. We were directed to customs in a small, hot space, collected our luggage and hopped on a bus towards MICA (Mudra Institute of Communications).

Things we saw on the way:
-People sleeping on mats outside of their shacks alongside the highway.
-A camel
-A cow
-The MICA campus dog whose name escapes me, but he's a german shepherd

Hot, mildly depressed and extremely exhausted, the 13 of us were greeted with bouquets of flowers and snacks before we settled into our "hostels," a.k.a. teeny tiny dorm rooms.

Breakfast. Orientation. Tour of MICA. Visit to the city.

Today's visit to the city consisted of light shopping and PIZZA HUT. Of all places, I would never have thought I would be so happy to see those two words. While the food tasted nearly the same, the place had an actual dining room and a restaurant-esqe feel.

Please blame it on the jet lag. I can barely stay awake to write down the last few day's events.

Until tomorrow...