A long overdue post!

View from the room we stayed at in the village

A wild monkey about to pounce on someone

Being smuggled in a truck to the village

A woman's house in the village

Part of a family that lived together in the village

School at the village

National Games Village- the apartments where some of the USAC students live- it reminds me of the Gotham at the beginning of the Batman ride at Magic Mountain

First Mango Lassi of my trip at Terrace Restaurant

With some of the women from the Self Help Group Federation and some other students

All of us and our henna!

All henna-ed!

Me and my henna!

I love social work, everyday I am here I am further validated that this is what I want to do with my life. As Westerners I feel that we often believe our way of doing things is the best way and seeing NGOs in action it is plain to see that there is an approach to social work in every country that works.
The social work department on the Christ University campus is amazing proactive. The MSW program has created the Center for Social Action about ten years ago and it has already benefitted so many marginalized people in Bangalore and the surrounding villages. They have helped children living in slums attend school and go on to college which is such a huge accomplishment. They are also starting a project to make Christ University a "waste free" campus by 2011. They have set up "wet" and "dry" bins for food waste and everything else so that they can find a way to reuse or recycle everything instead of things going to landfills. This is an amazing endeavor in India where I have seen people emptying trash cans in the street. The CSA also has a program where every student at Christ University is required to go on an overnight trip to a village. People who are able to go to college are generally wealthy, from higher castes and have never been exposed to village living. Once students have been exposed to the slums and to the villages they generally continue to volunteer and donate money so that the CSA programs can continue. The other program that I was exposed to this week was Karnataka Regional Organization for Social Services (KROSS) and it is a Catholic run organization similar to CSA that goes into villages to start self help groups for women etc.
In so many of my social work classes we speak of empowerment, we don't "help" our clients and we don't "empower" our clients we give them the tools to achieve empowerment on their own. I can listen to the lectures and the words til my professors are blue in the face but this last weekend and this past week I have visited two villages and been able to witness the power of giving the tools for empowerment first hand. We visited a micro-finance self help group and a self help group federation. It was amazing to see the women in these groups who have shifted the power structure of villages. When these two organizations first went to the villages they work in the women were "treated like animals" they were not allowed to socialize, let alone go out of the house (you should see their reaction when they find out I am married and my husband is in California!). When the self help groups first started the women were afraid to walk to the meetings. With the tools given from these organizations the women have gained confidence and now as one woman said they, "realize how powerless men are." The women are given the tools to start micro-financing groups and have saved an amazing amount of money so far. These micro-financing groups are so empowering and such a great tool for the village because they save money and are able to give low-interest loans to women in the self-help group for things such as sending children to school, buying a cow for milk to sell, buying chickens, etc. Otherwise the village members would have to go to outside sources with high interest rates which do not come back to benefit the group. In this way the village can become self sustained and not have to rely on wealthy land lords who take advantage of them. The women in the second self-help group that we attended were so amazing and so forward thinking it is amazing to see how far things have come and to think about how far they can take things. The collective voice of the women has the power to change policies and close liquor stores which lead to high alcoholism rates and domestic violence in the village. We were discussing in class how in America you would see a woman leave her husband for drinking and abuse but these women change the situations and close liquor stores and save the marriages. This divergence in thinking is an amazing form of indigenization of social work and social issues. It shows how to be culturally competent it is imperative to take an ethnographic approach in understanding what is important and what is valued in clients lives and work in that direction instead of taking charge and changing things the way we believe is "best."

Ok, ok, I know not all of you are interested in social work but our village trip was amazing (despite our flat tire/broken axl delaying us for three hours on the side of the road). I started dance lessons this week and we are supposed to do a performance before we leave. I really suck since Adventism has bred the rhythm out of me but it is so much fun! Today we had our henna party and it was so much fun, the women were amazing artists. It reminded me so much of high school and all the henna we used to do and it was so cool to be able to participate in this in India!

This weekend we are staying in Bangalore and sight seeing here and going souvenir shopping. Plus, we are going to eat an American breakfast buffet at Bocca Grande, yummm. I was on facebook briefly today but probably not again until I go home. I hope everyone is having as amazing a summer as I am!

Social Work and Indian Cooking

Learning how to make Puri

The food we made on the first day

Making the carrot halwa

Eating waffles with fro-yo and fruit at Kiwi Kiss- yummm

Social Work and Indian cooking- I swear the two go together. Social work here in India seems to be a random assortment of Non Governmental Agencies, religious organizations and concerned citizens all coming together in one pot to provide services for those in need. Indian cooking is a random assortment of spices and ingredients without a recipe and without rhyme or reason, just as I found one of the agencies we visited.

Chemical Addiction Information and Monitoring (CAIM) center

This week we visited a sort of outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation center here in Bangalore. Our teacher, Dr. V, interned at a rehab run by Mr. Shah, the same man that runs it now, when she received her MSW here in India. Since the the rehab has evolved and went through numerous changes. What struck me the most was the lack of government involvement in the substance rehabilitation process, there is no funding or support provided by the government and drug related crimes are not a priority for the 20,000 cops serving a city of 5 million. Substance abuse is seen as a personal and familial problem and is to be dealt with accordingly. CAIM started out as the first rehab facility in India and since then in Bangalore alone there are now 60 rehabs. The philosophy of CAIM is inspired by AA but has Indian influences of yoga and pranayama. CAIM in its form now is more of a drop in center than a structured rehab and only had a couple of clients, some of which had only been coming for less than a week. I was disappointed in the lack of structure since it meant there were no meetings for us to observe and I could never imagine working in a place without a schedule. It was interesting to hear the different philosophy of rehab in India and even the terminology that they use is different. In America we always refer to addicts as "recovering" but in India they actually achieve the title of "recovered."
It was also interesting to learn that there are no programs for drug use prevention in schools and this is something else that Mr. Shah is trying to implement and has enlisted the help of me and a few of the other International Social Work students to start with the development of a plan that could be implemented. He told us that a selling point would be that the programs have been used in America and schools would be more likely to oblige to their use. This is different than the indigenization approach that we have been discussing in class and I had mixed feelings about this as the approach to substance use is different in India than in America.

Indian Cuisine Class

This week we also had our two Indian Cuisine classes and I learned how to make lots of yummy food. In the first class we made a red chicken curry with a tomato and onion base that was really good and I will definitely be making again! We also learned how to make ginger masala tea which is so good. I will probably be bringing back a huge bag of tea dust to make Indian tea at home. Indian cooking follows no recipe and is all done by taste but we tried to write down the recipe as well as we could guess. We also made two types of bread- chapathi (which reminds me of a whole wheat tortilla and is super yummy) and puri which is deep fried puffed up bread that is delicious! We also made carrot halwa which had so much butter it could probably clog your arteries just by smelling it. In the next class we made an egg curry with a tomato, onion and yogurt base that was soo good! We also made a French Green Bean Salad done Indian style, and more chapthis. This class we made stuffed chapathis which had cauliflower and potato filling. Our teacher laughed at me when I asked if I could make the plain chapathis without oil. Everything in India has lots of oil or butter so I will have to tweak some recipes when I get home. I also learned how to make a lassi which I am super excited about. Everything turned out super yummy and I am so excited to try them out when I get home, I will have a whole Indian menu to make! Who wants to come over for dinner?

Association for People with Disabilities (APD)

This week we also went to a more formal and structured center called APD. It was interesting to see the contrast between the two organizations. CAIM had about 3 employees one of which was the owner and there was no structure or government support. APD had over 200 employees and receives along with other funding, government grants. It speaks a lot to how disability is viewed differently from substance abuse and how people are not only willing to accept it but be involved in an organization. APD was an impressive organization with different departments including vocational training and an integrated school. It was also interesting that the director was adamant that importing Western ways of doing work would not be sufficient for what they are trying to achieve. This struck me when we toured the area where they made prosthetic limbs and they told us that although they used to make legs with attached shoes they make them separate now so that people who wear the prosthetic legs are able to go into temples where it is required that shoes be removed. This isn't something that would even cross our minds in America but it is an important aspect of their culture that needs to be addressed.


Today we went to Kiwi Kiss for the infamous (among American students) waffles with frozen yogurt and fruit which definitely lived up to the hype, yum! Then we went to see a movie, just an American movie as that was all that was playing but it seemed such a familiar and yet completely different experience all at the same time. First of all, for the ticket (non-matinee) a large popcorn and a large bottle of water it was less than $8 USD! You wouldn't even be able to get the popcorn and water for that amount at home! As soon as you present your ticket it starts to become unfamiliar, going through a metal detector and a bag search and ending with assigned seats that start from the back of the theater it was all a bit strange! We are planning to go and see a Bollywood movie soon and I am excited even if I won't be able to understand the Hindi!

Tomorrow we are going to the village for a short one night trip which I am excited about. Seventy-five percent of Indians live in villages so it will be interesting to see what the real India is like.

Mysore

L
With the national flower of India- the Lotus flower
In front of the Sri Ranganthaswamy Temple

In front of a fountain at Brindavan Gardens

A monkey with a stolen juice box

With the bull Nandi

The Palace where we ate lunch

Riding the elephant

In front of Mysore Palace

This weekend we took a trip to Mysore which is known for it's palaces, silk and sandalwood. This was a trip arranged by the program I am attending so all 41 students came. I think we were quite a site as we were the largest (and sometimes only) group of foreigners in the tourist areas. One of the girls- a freckled, fair skinned red head- had about 20 guys take a picture with her and she was trying to walk away, feeling uncomfortable. One of the others girls tried to charge 100 INR (about $2) for a group of five guys to take a picture with her. It still amazes me that we are as much of a tourist attraction as beautiful temples and palaces.

On the way to Mysore we stopped at the Government Cocoon Market where there were millions of silk worm cocoons. The government provides a subsidy for the farmers to tend to the silk worm cocoons.

Next, we stopped at Srirangatna Fort which was the capital of Mysore State (which is what Karnataka state was previously called) under the warrior-king Tipu Sultan, who was later murdered. We then walked to the Sri Ranganthaswamy Temple which is a temple tribute to Lord Ranganatha (Vishnu). Walking through the temple reminded me of waiting in line for the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. There were the same bamboo ropes to keep us in line and stone walls and figures. This situation also reminded me of the lack of personal space in India. I was at the end of the group and therefore behind me in line were Indian tourists. Looking ahead I could see that everyone was allowing for the appropriate personal bubble of space, while behind me people were pushing and shoving into my personal bubble. Here in India there are no real lines or ques if you want tea at the little food shop on campus you have to push your way through a crowd hold your money through the remaining people in front of you and yell for tea. I was not very good at this originally, having always been taught it is rude to push past people and cut the line, but now I can push my way to the front and am able to get my tea and climb back up the five flights of stairs on a fifteen minute break (the guard will not allow me to bring the tea into the building however). Anyways, it is always those idiosyncrasies that remind me that I am not at Disneyland, but am indeed in India.

Once we got to Mysore, checked into the hotel and ate lunch (a yummy Indian version of Chinese buffet) we were able to go out and explore the city. The bus took us to several shopping areas which turned out to be government run businesses that were to pricey for any of us college students so we insisted on going out to the markets on our own. I was looking forward to finding the bright beautiful colored powdered dyes that the Hindu women use for the Bindi dots and Tilaka markings on the forehead. The pictures I have seen of Mysore are dominated with piles of the colorful powders and I wanted to see them for myself. After wandering through markets filled with knock off American brands (Poma etc.) and asking so many people where we could find this we gave up and headed back to the hotel hot and exhausted. Upon further inquiry with our resident director who accompanied us on the trip it turns out Monsoon season has interrupted yet another trip, the powdered dyes are not sold during Monsoon season as the would be destroyed by the rain.

That evening we went to Brindavan Gardens. We all thought it was odd at first to go to the gardens when it was getting dark but it is the most popular time to visit this garden as it is dominated by lighted fountains. The main attraction is the Musical Fountain which is lit up and "dances" to music. Despite the pouring rain we all enjoyed ourselves.

Sunday started with a yummy Western breakfast complete with scrambled eggs and toast! You have no idea how much we all enjoyed this as Indian "breakfast" is primarily the same foods you eat for the rest of the meals. Dosas, idli, chutneys and sauces (none of which I like!). After breakfast we headed off for a temple built by the Mysore Maharajah in memory of Chamundeshwari who is said to have killed the demon Mahishasuran. Here we were able to see Indian monkeys, wandering cows and hoards of people shoving things in our face to buy. "Sandalwood" fans, postcards, wooden boxes, jewelry etc. I have gotten good at thwarting these vendors by not engaging with them at all, but most of the other girls are tempted to look in their direction and then get mobbed and harassed even further. After this we went to visit a 15 foot high 24 foot long stone carving of Nandi (the bull mount of the god Shiva).

We had a special surprise for lunch when we were taken to Lalitha Mahal Palace which was built by the Maharajah for his esteemed guests and has since been converted into a hotel. Upon touring the hotel we were taken to the top suite which was bigger than mine and Rex's apartment and cost more for one night then for a month of rent! The lunch was delicious and was only overshadowed by the dessert buffet which included homemade vanilla ice cream and homemade cream puffs with dark chocolate on top! Needless to say I enjoyed it.

After lunch we headed to the main attraction in Mysore, Mysore Palace which was the official residence of the Wodeyers, the royal family of Mysore. Building of the palace was started in 1897 and it was completed in 1912 so it is not very old but it was ornate and beautiful. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take picture inside the palace but the wood carved doors and ceilings, the gold covering almost all the pillars and the "3-d" paintings with not only eyes but entire armies of horses following you from one side to the other, it was definitely an amazing tour. After our tour we got to ride elephants and camels! And then headed home.

I was fortunate enough to have a spot in a smaller bus (and not have to ride on the same bus that we spent 17 hours in on the way to Goa) and on the way home we watched an Indian movie which was interesting/happy/depressing/romantic/action/comedy/dancing/singing all rolled into one.

It was a wonderful weekend and one I will not soon forget! I can't believe I have less than four weeks to go now. Classes all this week and then next weekend we are going on a trip to a village so it should be interesting to get out of tourist cities and see what living in India is like for villagers.

So it is not the best picture but here is a picture of me in the chudidar kurta. This was on our tour of Bangalore and we were about to enter a Sikh temple which is why my head is covered and I am washing my feet.

Since classes are now in full swing my days are busy and time is going by fast. I am taking Yoga and am really excited to learn all about the Yoga way of life, even though I could never adhere since it means giving up tea/coffee. Yikes! I have never taken Yoga before, maybe when I get home I will take some classes and see how they compare. I'm sure I won't get the background information and learn from someone who practices every facet of Yoga life. All eight steps to bliss, maybe I can get there in six weeks, but generally it takes years.

Today I had my first experience washing a load of laundry completely by hand. I have been spoiled in the past when I have studied abroad because both Newbold and Avondale had laundry service and I could drop it off and when I came to pick it up it was clean and folded. Talk about luxury. I definitely won't be waiting another two weeks before I do laundry again, that was my first mistake, letting the clothes pile up. It took me all afternoon of scrubbing and rinsing clothes and now I am sure they won't be dry for two days! The plus side is my room smells fresh and clean like laundry detergent. The next fun task after they are dry? Ironing everything... Hopefully I don't burn myself again.

Today we were able to sit in on a class where they had a traditional Indian dance demonstration. I can't believe I forgot my camera in my room! The girls danced beautifully and looked gorgeous in their costumes and make-up. About ten of us have signed up to take dance classes now with the dance instructor who is a gold medalist and absolutely amazing. I was hesitant at first to sign up for the classes since I have no rhythm but when will I have this opportunity again? So, I decided to go for it. I think at the end of our time here we will perform our dance for the rest of the students so I will try to get someone to take a video.

After watching the traditional Indian dancing we did something very nontraditional- went to eat at Bocca Grande- the "American" restaurant here in Bangalore. I almost feel guilty here when I don't eat Indian food which is silly since I don't feel guilty at home for not eating American food! I have been feeling a little under the weather from allergies so it was really nice to have a bowl of soup and some bread. It is funny how something so simple can remind you of home and make you feel better.

Tomorrow we leave bright and early (6am!) for Mysore which I am really excited about! It is an included trip with our tuition so the bus, lodging, meals etc. are all included. We will be taking a tour and I am crossing my fingers it won't be raining so I can ride an elephant! I can't believe it has already been almost two weeks here. I am adapting and enjoying myself immensely but still missing Rex a lot (of course!)

10 Random Things

1. I can hear the chanting for Hindu temples in my room, "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare" which they have to chant a minimum of 108 time per day.
2. There are cows everywhere. I think that it is weird that although they are considered "holy" they wander the streets and eat trash.
3. Since there are cows everywhere you have be careful not to step into any cow patties on the sidewalk.
4. Students are not allowed to use the elevator so I have to climb five flights of stairs for my class.
5. Every time I make it safely back onto campus I breathe a sigh of relief (and fresh air since it is very green on campus and away from all the exhaust of the streets) that I have made it safe and alive through the streets another time.
6. I have eaten more bananas here in the last week than I have in the last five years of my life. (I hate bananas)
7. I am the only graduate student/married person and I am the oldest student here. Making me sometimes think that I shouldn't be here.
8. I think that all the Indian girls must be laughing at me trying to pull off their clothes and not succeeding.
9. I get sad every time I see a stray dog on the streets, which is about every five seconds.
10. I just learned that cashews come from Jack Fruit that grow in tropical countries.

Finally, the internet!

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!