Sunday, September 6, 2009

1st Entry: From Dehli

I am embarrassed to even say how long it took me to remember how to sign into my blog and then to figure out how to post something...jeez!
I should really preface my first entry with this: I do not like journalling, blogging, or long winded explanations, it stresses me out and I have enough to do for classes. With that said I will try to post a new entry at least once a week and it will most likely be a combination of bullet points with some longer explanations and stories.
*Most memorable experiences so far:
-walking through Lodi gardens, (a beautiful and large park with ruins that you can climb all over)
-visiting with Dehli University students and listening to them talk about the city
-the first time I tried to order food, (a difficult experience that had a happy ending)
*Things have seen:
-bats everywhere
-a camel
-an elephant
-hundreds of dogs, and their little presents they leave on the streets
-men holding hands
-hundreds of people EVERYWHERE, (and they all stare at me because I tend to stick out, most times it is like being on display at the zoo)
*Some things I have learned:
-a really stupid idea to walk around smiling at people and saying hello, (this is a very "American" thing to do and mostly it is met with confusion or indifference or if you are a woman like me unnecessary attention)
-don't say "thank you" because again people will stare at you
-crossing the street: just hold your breath close your eyes and WALK
-the phrases: "kuchh nahee chiyahe" I don't want any, and "Jao" go away, are very affective when said with a stern voice which I have begun to master
-sweating is inevitable, you will be soaked in under 20 minutes no matter what
So that is all I am going to write for know because I am hungry and I would like to go explore today. I will try to make the next entry longer and with pictures. I hope everyone is well.
From Dehli,
Alex

3 comments:

  1. ahhhh i miss you! it sounds amazing/crazy. i am jealous. let me know if you ever have a chance to use skype, i would love to talk to you (and rika!) xoxoxoxoxoox anna

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  2. Ditto on the skyping. And do you have an address to send mail to?

    Glad to hear you are safe and sound! The greenroom is so empty without you. I keep trying to sit in your spot on the sofa, but Ro has taken it over. He wins a lot.

    PS: your friendship bracelet finally fell off yesterday. I was on the beach, so I waved east at you over the ocean. :)

    Emily

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  3. Firstly: Emily, India is pretty much exactly half way around the world. Therefore, logically, you could wave east or west and your message would magically get across at the same time!

    Moving on - Alex you sound like you're having a good time. It takes a bit to get used to everything that's different (which is everything!) but it only gets better.

    It makes me happy to read the things you say and understand them completely! Men holding pinkies, permasweat, and my favorite - 'jao, kuchh nahi chahiye.'

    Say hey to Rosie, Lucie, and Lindsey for me please. And then call Aukeem "Shane"; he'll know it's from me.

    I miss you a lot! And I think about you every time I enter the green room. Besos

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