Ahmedabad: Take Two

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Hopefully, my pictures have eased some suspicions of my exotic whereabouts. These second batch of pictures were taken yesterday throughout three places.
1. Modhera Sun Temple
2. Adalaj (an extravagant well)
3. Ghandi's Ashram--Tour of museum, grounds and even his own house

What was amazing about all three of these sights, even the well (surprisingly) was the extreme sense of surprise that onlookers had upon us. With cameras and uneasy smiles, our excitement and perceptions of the unknown were mirror reflections of the native people.

I wish you all were here to share the experiences of visiting these historic and breathtaking sites. Some are so indescribable that my pictures and words will fail to depict their essence. The Modhera Sun Temple was our first excursion. As we cascaded down the steep walls of the temple, we saw a young Indian couple. They did not touch; however, her jewel adorned sari made it known. They were newlyweds, as it is tradition to wear brightly colored and decorated saris. (Also, upon engagement, women wear glass bangles up their arm--some even up to their shoulders--and wear them until every, single bracelet breaks.

It was hot, and there was a foul smell that was later found out to be bat pee (Yummy).

Ajalaj, an ancient well that also had the strong odor of bat urine, was next on our list of sights to see. While we were walking towards the well entrance, we began to notice that the well wasn't the main attraction at all--we were, Americans. Indian men, women and children swarmed into the well after us and our verbose tour guide whose name escapes me now. Most women, as we soon found out were thrilled to be in a picture with members of our group, including yours truly. This was not my favorite spot, but memorable.

Pulling up to Ghandi's Ashram was indifferent to be honest. I knew very little about this man other than general facts, but one step into this holy place and everything changed. The museum, on the left, was alongside a wide stone entrance way path that led to his frugal home and orphanage on the right. Timeless photos filled the museum walls, all photos of Ghandi during different movements, sufferings and both monumental and simple life moments. His words act as symbols of all that is beautiful in this world--an inspiring moment in every glance (Fav picture--in front of "My life is my message" museum display).

A long day.

First day of Class. More peanut butter. Three out of our thirteen have fallen ill. Turned into Tanya Horton and busted out a P90X class in the quad in 120 degree heat. Feeling much better after a little cardio.

Jaipur, please hurry.

Free Day

Today our schedule has allotted time for us to sit back, relax and have some time to ourselves on MICA campus. My roommate, Rennie and I slept in until 10:30, which for me is not too late. However, for me in India it's incredible that I can sleep for this many hours. Since my US departure, I have not been able to sleep past 6:30 am until today.

Lunch (spiciest rice ever and roti, which is basically a tortilla--I'm thinking of bringing down my peanut butter with me tomorrow and putting some in it). Class, class, class.

Bollywood film in the auditorium.

Side note--As of today, our balcony door is hopefully fixed. As monsoon season began last night, neighbors ran into our room asking if our dorm was flooding. Nonchalantly, Rennie and I both replied with a sure fire no. We were mistaken. Water was slowly running in underneath the balcony door! One of only two bath towels we have had to be used to stop the flood, and soon MICA staff came and swept the water away. 'At least our dusty floors are clean' was the only thought that ran through our minds...a clearly Indian mindset has taken over our thought processes for the time being.

A Truly Blessed American

Good news! Pictures from Day 1 and 2 are now up. First round of pictures are from Ahmedabad (city, malls, restaurants, etc)
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As we walked into the biggest mall in Ahmedabad, we were quick to notice above all the sari-adorned women, security guards and shopkeepers, Chicken Fried by the Zach Brown Band filled the air with tiny remnants of home. Ironic how a culture with so little in common with the US, would share a faint love of country music.

Fireworks store for the 4th of July party. More shopping. Cows. Camels. Smells. Lunch.

Finally, a meal I could actually enjoy. One of the finest Chinese restaurants in all of Ahmedabad is where I found a safe haven of vegetable dishes that suited my palette and which I could also stomach. What I've found here is if I stick to the plain rice, boiled veggies, eggs and toast, I will be just fine. Sometimes I wish I could be more adventurous, but I would much rather be a tad hungry and content than sick.

Old City Ahmedabad
Slumdog Millionaire does not do Old City justice. I have never felt a rush of this sort--imagine: every man, woman and child staring at you because you're different, you're American. While we were taking pictures of architecture and temples, Indian onlookers were taking pictures right back at us. Poverty, but in such a way that a homeless person on Harry Hines would look somewhat blessed. Women and children so thin and suffering from malnutrition begged for just one sip of water...Women working in the 100+heat who looked around 90 years old. It was complete and utter culture shock. You can not even begin to imagine what the slums are like in Ahmedabad, and even the small segment of population who owned vehicles and their own homes lived in conditions that are unfathomable to us, as Americans, as truly blessed Americans.

Rickshaw's were the main mode of transportation this afternoon, and while they may not be the safest they showed us a side of the city that cannot be captured by anything short of experience. Street lights, stop signs, right of way are all legitimate traffic laws, right? WRONG--They are neither obeyed nor enforced in the city. The right of way goes to whoever has the guts to pull out in front, no matter the size of the vehicle or situation. A tour bus v. a rickshaw. Today, the tour bus won while the rickshaw subsided and slowed down. Honking horns is ambient noise in the city, and merely serves as a warning that a motorcycle, rickshaw or car/van is pulling up close to you (if not touching you). Cutting through alley ways, crossing over oncoming traffic lanes, I must say that the rickshaw experience in Ahmedabad was truly one of the scariest, yet most exhilarating things I've ever taken part in.

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...

In a Tizzy on Tuesday

Last night, I had dinner with four amazing individuals. While we reminisced through our time at SMU, I was reminded of just how special these people are to me. Whether it be Matt's personality, Blake's kindness, Kaleb's humor or Mall's happy outlook on life, these are my people. It saddened me that our India trip will be lightened by the absence of two of them. While we talked and laughed together, India was the underlying theme that everyone wanted to speak about and which no one wanted to accept. They will be missed.

On a brighter note, I have a few last minute items to attend to this afternoon. The first of which seems like an extremely bad idea for any apartment dweller. Travel Doctors of Dallas recommended I spray each and every item of clothing, even panties and bras, with Permethrin, a premium insect repellent that is effective through 6 washings. Lucky for me, I'm only bringing 7 outfits that will need to be washed exactly 5 times! Anyone who knows me is probably having a WTF moment right now. I plan to take all of my clothes out onto my balcony and spray away. Azure residents (the high rise across the street) will be bewildered.

Other items of business for the day:
Radio Shack to purchase a Foreign Travel Voltage Converter
Call DFW TravelEx to get my hands on some Indian Rupees

Also, I finally figured out the whole Skype phenomenon. I can't even begin to explain how excited I am knowing that I will be able to see the people/pup I love each and every day!

Let the Countdown Begin!

T minus 5 days until departure.

As of today, I have purchased my final items for the upcoming adventure. Bag'n Baggage, while it may not be a stop of everyday Galleria shoppers, has an amazing selection of bags for any upcoming venture. Funny how simple items, like my new Kipling travel satchel, can put my mind at rest--at least for a good night's sleep.

Anxiety takes over me every so often as I think of the unknown and shenanigans that lie ahead of my five week journey across the incredible India. However, with constant reminders from friends and family of what a once in a life time and amazing journey this is, I find the strength to carry on.

MUST DO's before I embark:

Buy any and all Old Navy clothing. I think Old Navy secretly knew of SMU's India tour and had buyers bring in linen pants, boxy skirts and cargo capris. As my mom would say, I will look not unlike a Jehovah's Witness on my 30+ day trek.

Add an international phone plan. This was a pain in and of itself. Already I had the strange suspicion that texting and internet usage on my iPhone would be limited. What an understatement! 50 texts for the entire 5 weeks! Over $1/minute plan. Come on AT&T, I think you can do better than this.

Medications. Medications. Medications. I will not even go into this one due to the fact that I am probably taking more medicines than my grandmother on this trip (Sorry G-mama, but it's probably true).

The list goes on including a power adapter, poncho, DEET bug spray, sleepy-time sack and everything else a woman must have during a 5 week long stay!

So, let the countdown begin. Laugh, cry and live with me on this crazy adventure, and on August 4 welcome me home!

Enjoy!