I have arrived here in Kolkata safe and sound, with no problems at all in transit except jetlag. From the time I was waiting at the gate in Chicago, I have been feeling the Indian culture - everyone is alot more talkative and friendly.
In Chicago I talked to an American man who works in and out of India as some sort of missionary. He has lived in Bangledesh and Kolkata and when I told him where I was headed he started speaking to me in Bengali (no luck for my comprehension of it) Anyway, he kind of took me under his wing and when we got off in Delhi, he helped me get my bags, find my ride to the hotel, and he lent me his Indian cell to call my parents. He also gave me the names of Americans in Kolkata who would be happy to help if I ever need anything.
I stayed at a hotel in Delhi overnight, but as I had slept on the plane, I could barely sleep at the hotel. Try getting a mostly full night's sleep then try to sleep for another nine hours. Add lots of nervousness and excitement and that's me just laying there listening to my iPod waiting for the hours to pass.
On the plane to Kolkata, I sat next to an Indian businessman who was clearly worried for me when I told him what I'm doing. However we talked the whole flight and he was really friendly. We talked about Unitarain Universalism, Hinduism, reincarnation, western vs. eastern though, Indian cuisine, how this experience will change me, etc. He too gave me his contact info and told me to call or e-mail if I need anything.
Its not that I plan on getting involved with total strangers, but the friendliness and concern does help to put me at ease when everything else is strange and new to me.
So I arrived in Kolkata to find that the volunteers who were here left early to spend more time touring India. That means that until the next volunteer arrives on Wendesday, I am living in the flat alone. As far as I can tell, the only times I'll see Subhamita and Kakoli (the women who run CRAWL) are when I'm actually doing a project. So I guess I'll be exploring Kardah on my own at first.
I guess that's all for now. India is HOT and HUMID! And when people say Indians drives crazily, they're absolutely telling the truth.
~maura
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I'm so glad you made it to Kolkata! It sounds like you've had a couple of interesting interactions even before you got there! It never ceases to amaze me how kind people are, and when you're a nice person, it's really easy for them to be kind! Take good care, and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
its so great that there are people looking out for you there- even if they're complete strangers.
Post a Comment