Hello! India is fabulous! We arrived on Monday, and went through orientation in Durchet: perhaps the only secluded area that exists in India. They were kind enough to ease us into the spicy-ness of Indian food. By the end of the week I was feeling pretty good about myself since no meal throughout the week had been to hot for me, but was quickly grounded when one of the advisors said the food was, at best, "mild'. But everything is still delicious. (On a related note: I'm also becoming a huge fan of tea time.)
All the students in the program our great. There are 30 of us, most of whom live with host families. My host family is wonderful. Everyone speaks english, but they are very willing to help me learn Marathi, the local version of Hindi. I've also discovered that the words "table" and "cup" and "petroleum" are all the same in Marathi as English. So, as long as we keep our conversations limited to kitchenware and the prices of gas...I guess you could say I'm fluent!
My host family has both the parents, a grandfather, a ten-year-old daughter, and a 16 year-old-son. The son is starting at Ferguenson College (the same college I am attending) this week, so we will be new students together! I'm within walking distance of school, which is nice because I don't have to haggle with richshaw drivers everyday. Rickshaws are what appears to be scooter with a shell around it, as well as two wheels in the back instead of one. The drivers constantly try to trick passengers to pay more through fast-paced fare monitors, going off route to make the drive longer, and altered fare cards...rascals!
I'll have to get used to the stares: my fair skin and red hair make it impossible to try and blend in. Despite this little fact, I will still be purchasing the beautiful indian clothing in bulk under the justification of "just trying to fit in with the locals!".
Hope all is well where you are! I miss you and take care.
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