So, "tomorrow" finally came and we have access to the "internet" on our laptops! I say "internet" because it really isn't much, for one it is extremely slow, some pages never load at all. Also, sites such as facebook are blocked so I officially have no access to facebook. Also, did you know that Hulu and Netflix only work from within the US?!?!?! What the heck is that about? I am still on the same internet right? How is this possible? I really thought I would be able to watch stuff online while I was here but no such luck. So then, I thought, well it will leave more time for thesis research, but again the library database is blocked, seriously? A library database? Ugh. The more websites I try the more are blocked, I think half the internet must be blocked and a third must not work from outside the US, so is this really the internet at all?
Monsoon season has hit us with full force here in Bangalore, at the moment it is pouring rain but by the time I venture out it will probably be sunny. I just have to go with it, carry an umbrella everywhere and wear sandals so my socks and shoes don't end up soaked. Other than that I am loving the weather, it is like Springtime in Fresno, not to hot not to cold with some occasional showers. You all should definitely be jealous.
To summarize the weekend trip to Goa: 17 hour bus ride, full force Monsoon, 20 giggling (and sometimes drunk/hungover/throwing up) girls, 2 drunk Dutchman= an enjoyable weekend? I know it doesn't seem possible but even through all of that the weekend was wonderful. Fortunately for me there were four other girls who had similar expectations from the trip and we made the most of it! Instead of staying and drinking/playing in Monsoon weather we took the bus to a museum and a couple of churches. It was very interesting to learn about the history of Goa and when the Portuguese founded it, the influence is still very apparent in the predominant Christian religions.
One thing you should know about India, tourists are the tourist attraction. The Indian tourists in Goa wanted to take their picture with us, which apparently happens quite frequently. However, we were at a delicious restaurant in Goa (best food I've had so far! Yummy North Indian food) and an Indian woman who was eating at the restaurant gave her camera to the waiter for him to come and take our picture. In the restaurant. Seriously? Wow, gutsy. The restaurant then printed out a picture and put it on a calender and gave it to us. Weird.
This week is already half over! Classes were supposed to start Monday but were delayed by the strike. I wish there was a strike everyday because strike traffic is way easier to cross the street in. The downfall? Nothing was open until 6pm and by that time we were starving! Classes are going well, I have a presentation and a paper due tomorrow so I think I will be keeping busy!
As always you keep up yourpositive attitude. I love that. It does seem very weird in a country that it our "tech support" they have so little access to the same stuff we do. lol probably why they can't answer half our questions. I am jealous about the weather. Power went off last night so not even the fans worked for I think about 2 hours. So would have like some cool breezes of springtime. You may have to do research the old fashioned way and actually go to the library on campus. Love you-- heading to work.
ReplyDeleteLove you Smee! I was just saying to someone how much I admire your willingness to experience and enjoy new things in foreign lands. Write to me with your skype so we can chat!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you could write book on your adventure. I would love to know what you ate that was so delicious.
ReplyDeleteMom- yes, definitely wonderful weather, especially very cool nights. I sometimes have to turn my fan down because I am cold! I don't know if the library will have what I need to research for my thesis, but they gave us passwords to most of the databases that I would use at home so I will do it that way!
ReplyDeleteLaurie- I am trying to be adventurous and try lots of new things, sometimes (especially with food) it just doesn't work out but you never know until you try! The internet in our room isn't fast enough to connect with Skype. I got a cell phone here if you want me to give you the number and you can buy a phone card to call me. You can find them for cheap in Indian stores- $5 for 5 hours. Let me know!
Aunt Debbie- I think I could write a book on my adventure! I am hoping to find a book called Holy Cow while I am here about a girls experience in India, it sounds really good. The food that we had was Chicken Tika Masala, which is what I usually get at home but it was way better here. Also we had Chicken Handi and Aloo Gobi which was delicious! We also got Naan bread and Roti bread. I am taking an Indian cuisine class and that meets next week so I am hopeful that I will learn to make something that I like!
Learning to make Indian Cuisine is great, then you can teach your mother. I like that idea. Hopefully the passwords/databasis will work for you. As to the book, I believe some day you will write a book, you love to write and do it very well. You are keeping all of us interested waiting for your next adventure.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you are taking a cooking class! You can hold a mini Indian cuisine seminar with me and mom when you get back!
ReplyDeleteDad wants to join the class too!
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