Namaskar!

     Majha naav Dachelle aahee! 

     This semester I will be studying in Pune, India with The Alliance for Global Education. My semester will consist of learning about Contemporary India through a class with the same name as well as courses in Environmental Perspectives, Democracy in Modern India, Social Justice, Nation Gender and Caste Through Film as well as an participating in an Internship/Directed Research Project/or making a Documentary Film.
     I chose to come to India as a Political Science major from Saint Michael's College in order to pursue my interest in developing countries/ sustainable development. I also thought this would be an exciting time to study in a country with such a rich traditional history, as there are many celebrations and festivals that occur during the fall semester, and am especially curious to see how India is holding on to its traditional values as it seeks to Westernize and develop to better acclimate to our emerging, globalizing world.

     I am currently embarking on my third week in India and second full week in Pune. After arriving in Mumbai, it seems that these past few weeks have been a whirlwind, but I will do my best to catch up on what has been going on since my arrival on Monday, August 22, 2011.

After a mini road trip to New Jersey (led by 2 adults, 2 GPS's, a map, AND typed directions) I left the United States from Newark airport for a 14-hour flight to Mumbai.

     After an overnight in the city, we embarked on a two hour drive to Durshet, equidistant to Mumbai and Pune, where we would spend the next 3 days at Nature Trails (an outdoor adventure sports site) for our India orientation! Driving in India is a very interesting experience, sometimes described as "Democracy in Action", drivers have no shame in honking their horns, squeezing up tight beside you, and facing two-wheeler drivers weaving in and out of the non-existent lanes.

(Just your average, everyday, 9 car lane in Mumbai)

(One of the most surprising things I have found about India so far is the contradictory beauty that seems to be everywhere. In a country that still faces so much poverty-as you can see the slum in the background of this photo- India still holds onto a life and beauty that has amazed me-like all of the greenery and gorgeous, picturesque mountain scenery we passed on our way to Durshet)

(Our arrival at Nature Trails-Durshet- a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and Pune) (India day 2)

(Girls' Orientation Bungalow. Namaskar Room 5!!!)

(We were extremely lucky to have hot showers, Western toilets-which are actually a much bigger luxury in India than you would think!, and early morning Chai-one of my absolutely favorite things!)

Durshet, like most of my time in India thus far, was not without its adventures. We spent our three days learning the ins-and outs- of Indian culture as well as exploring the area, taking in great views while seeing roaming cows, tribal villages, and a temple nearby.

(Holy Cow!!)

(After a short walk on the Nature Trails site, we found this beautiful scene. Shortly after, I left my shoes behind, and decided to walk barefoot through all of the mud.)

(Orientation Day 2. India Day 3. Hiking to see a tribal village!)

After completing our hike up the mountain, we arrived at the Tribal Village!

(The women of the villages were hard at work gathering water and doing laundry)

(After taking our bus through the narrowest of village streets and a short walk, we visited our first temple for the God Ganesh [see also: Ganesha, Ganapati]. We were asked to remove our shoes and enter, then learned the story behind this temple's founding from its keeper.)

     After 3 days in Durshet, we were finally acclimated to Indian time (although it seems like you can use jet-lag as an excuse for exhaustion around here for a while!) and ready to get to Pune. We arrived on Friday, August 26th at the Alliance Center Bungalow on the Fergusson College campus in the afternoon, met our Indian buddies, had lunch, and were given a mini-tour of the city (mostly FC Road, which we will become well-acquainted with as the semester progresses). Friday evening, we met our host families, got settled in, shopped on Saturday (and Sunday in my case!!), and geared up for the first week of classes. Since our arrival, we have spent a lot of time jumping into the culture & food of Maharashtra and absorbing the many places to see in the city. 

What else have I been doing? Check out the photos below!

(Arrival at the Alliance Bungalow!)

(Exploring the city: On the streets of Pune)

(A trip to a temple for Ganapati. We have been in celebration for the Ganapati festival since September 1. The festivities end this Sunday. Look for a post on Ganapati Chaturthi either this week or next!!)

(Exploring the Pataleshwar Cave Temple in Pune)

(Checking out the street markets)

(Eating DELICIOUS food! My favorite lunch so far? Stuffed Parathas from FC Road!)

(Getting "cultured" at an introduction to Expressive Culture. As part of our program of study we can also chose to take classes in an area of expressive culture. In the photo above, we are listening to a Tabla player, but can take painting, pottery, voice, violin, tabla, yoga, or various forms of dance. As a group, we will be taking Bhangra, a traditional folk-style of dance in India!!!)

Well, that's [thankfully] all for now. Look for more posts coming soon!
dream.love.discover,

Dachelle