At Amber Fort, Jaipur!





At City Palace in Jaipur!

Pictures from Jaipur!

A wedding celebration on the street!



Some of the other students on my program at the movie Premiere!

Experiencing Jaipur

This first week has been very eventful. There is a literature festival in Jaipur right now. Yesterday I went to an interview with Fatima, Bhutto, niece of Benezer Bhutto. She is a writer and she talked about the need for change in South Asia. This change being in the acceptance of differences, advocacy for the poor and she also writes about the role of woman in society. She believes in a civil society in which grassroots organizations help meet the needs of people that many governments lack. She also doesn’t believe in family dynasties even though she comes from a politically active family. Another activity as part of the festival was the movie premiere for Atonement in India. It was invitation only, but our program director was able to get the group in! The screenwriter for the movie, and the author of the book, were there and spoke afterwards. Needless to say, it was a busy day but very eventful. Indian movie theaters look the same inside, but they have an intermission, and the prices of snacks are much cheaper than in the US.

Afterwards a few of my friends and I went out for dinner at an Indian restaurant. The chicken tikka masala (my favorite Indian dish back home) was so tasty. It was the first time I had been able to be out after dark and Jaipur at night is just as busy as the day! On the auto-rickshaw ride back we saw a couple weddings taking place. Now weddings in India include dancing on the street, with woman in beautiful sarees, the groom and family on horses and elephants, led by a marching band. There are incredibly decorated lights surrounding the group as the dance away the night on the street. The actual wedding ceremony takes place in the bride’s home, once the groom and family pick her up by horseback! The celebration in the streets is so amazing because there is still traffic going by even as they dance! It was a sight to see that’s for sure! Hopefully I will be able to celebrate a wedding with my host family. I have included some pictures for all of you to see. I am definitely getting more used to being in Jaipur. It is still difficult to get used to seeing all the animals on the street, the amount of traffic, and the attention as a foreigner. It is helpful that in class we are studying development, because India is experiencing some significant development issues, and in terms of sustainable development seems to be really lacking. I am eager to experience and learn much more!

Love,

Alicia

Welcome to Jaipur!

I have been in Jaipur now for a couple days and there is so much to talk about I don’t even know where to begin. I moved in with my host family on Sunday. They live in the level below where my classes are and own the entire building. There is the grandfather (Papa) and his son lives with him. His son has a wife and two young children, Anosha (4 years old) and Aman (3 years old). The grandfather’s sister and sister in law also live with him, as they are widows now. The family is very warm, friendly and taking good care of me. The servants are especially careful to make sure I am eating enough, I have fresh water and my bed is made each day etc. I live with another person on my program named Tracy. Everyone in my program is living nearby and I am looking forward to seeing what their homes are like throughout my time here.

Yesterday was the first day of classes. I had a Hindi class and Cultural Analysis class. I think Hindi will be a difficult language to learn but I will do my best. It helps having the children around because they speak in simpler Hindi and are learning English in school. I have already enjoyed helping them with their homework but unlike children in America, Anosha is already learning cursive writing in English. Can you believe that? Education is very important to this family since they are of the highest caste.

Some of the highlights from the first couple days has been trying to cross the road (the traffic is crazy), rode on a motorized rickshaw and eaten at a McDonalds in India. We stopped at a McDonalds on the way to Jaipur from Delhi. There was no beef on the menu, as cows are considered sacred in India. Ironically, when the group was eating outside next to the McDonalds there was a cow standing just a few feet away! We got a good laugh out of that site. Oh and such so you know the fries taste the same in India and America.

I am so happy to be settling in, getting to know the city of Jaipur, and spending time with my host family. I have class soon so I better get going!

Love,
Alicia

NAMASTE

I have arrived in Jaipur, India! I can't believe I am here! There are so many people it is unbelievable. I have been spending the first couple days meeting others on my program and getting oriented to life in India. It is hard to describe what it feels like to be here. I am really looking forward to meeting my host family tomorrow and on Monday I start classes. It will be nice to get on a schedule and a routine so I know a little bit more of what to expect! I just wanted to let everyone know that Internet will be difficult the next couple days because I am still trying to figure out where to find things so hopefully I can get some pictures added soon! Sending lots of love from India!

Love,
Alicia