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