The university had sent a driver to pick us up and take us to the apartment we will move to at the agreed time of 11am but when
the hotel reception called, we couldn't understand her and the driver
went away. Several phone calls and a mass of confusion later, at 4pm, a
driver came again.
The dive was long (just over half an hour). We didn't go far-it is just that the town is long and narrow and there is a river running through the middle. Also, there are only two bridges, one on either end of town that cross the river. This was the first time I got to see most of the town. I was in culture shock most of the drive. I just kept thinking, "Are you serious?" I don't know how to explain it besides culture shock. The roads were terrible. Some people live in houses. Some people live in shacks made of sheet metal and tarps. There is a dam that is being constructed. We drove THROUGH the construction areas-never would that happen in the states. Some men had hard hats, some didn't. Women carry huge, heavy loads on top of their heads. Children fly kites from their roof tops. Women gather to collect water at wells. They had tried to build a massive bridge in the middle of town but it collapsed sometime ago and it sat in ruins. Cars, huge trucks, and motorcycles all zoomed around so fast I don't know how we didn't get hit or run over any pedestrians. In India, the law of the road is "the biggest wins".
Once we got to the apartment, I realized I had no idea what is standard for an Indian apartment in this area. For example, there wasn't a tv or furniture except a bed and some plastic patio chairs. There is not an oven, just a stove. I don't think I saw a heater or air conditioner (it gets to freezing at night and in the 100s in the summer). There was a ceiling fan. I was grateful to see a shower head (we've been using a bucket in our hotel). There is not a shower stall or curtain. I think there was a fridge but I'm not sure. They are installing a "western" toilet for us (which I am very happy about). I don't remember seeing a closet.
As I write this, I don't want you to think that I am unhappy about any of this. I'm in a bit of shock at somethings but there is not really a value judgement attached if that makes sense. I'm not worried or upset. I actually knew most of these things before I came but some how it's different in person. I am fluctuating between stages two and three of culture shock for those of you who know about the stages. It's a process and I accept that.
For more on culture shock: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cultural-services/articles/cultureshock-stages.html
This is a picture of a herd of goats in the middle of town. You know, like you do . . .?
The dive was long (just over half an hour). We didn't go far-it is just that the town is long and narrow and there is a river running through the middle. Also, there are only two bridges, one on either end of town that cross the river. This was the first time I got to see most of the town. I was in culture shock most of the drive. I just kept thinking, "Are you serious?" I don't know how to explain it besides culture shock. The roads were terrible. Some people live in houses. Some people live in shacks made of sheet metal and tarps. There is a dam that is being constructed. We drove THROUGH the construction areas-never would that happen in the states. Some men had hard hats, some didn't. Women carry huge, heavy loads on top of their heads. Children fly kites from their roof tops. Women gather to collect water at wells. They had tried to build a massive bridge in the middle of town but it collapsed sometime ago and it sat in ruins. Cars, huge trucks, and motorcycles all zoomed around so fast I don't know how we didn't get hit or run over any pedestrians. In India, the law of the road is "the biggest wins".
Once we got to the apartment, I realized I had no idea what is standard for an Indian apartment in this area. For example, there wasn't a tv or furniture except a bed and some plastic patio chairs. There is not an oven, just a stove. I don't think I saw a heater or air conditioner (it gets to freezing at night and in the 100s in the summer). There was a ceiling fan. I was grateful to see a shower head (we've been using a bucket in our hotel). There is not a shower stall or curtain. I think there was a fridge but I'm not sure. They are installing a "western" toilet for us (which I am very happy about). I don't remember seeing a closet.
As I write this, I don't want you to think that I am unhappy about any of this. I'm in a bit of shock at somethings but there is not really a value judgement attached if that makes sense. I'm not worried or upset. I actually knew most of these things before I came but some how it's different in person. I am fluctuating between stages two and three of culture shock for those of you who know about the stages. It's a process and I accept that.
For more on culture shock: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cultural-services/articles/cultureshock-stages.html
This is a picture of a herd of goats in the middle of town. You know, like you do . . .?
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