Probably my last post(s) from India...
16 August 2008
LVK
21:09
I am back from the village. I had quite an adventure. It started pouring rain the morning I left, Monday morning. It didn’t stop for 5 days. Everything flooded. I was stranded in Mainalli until they fixed the bridge that had collapsed between there and Mundgod. But, it ended up being a nice break. I got to relax and reflect and I am so ready to get back to life - not in that “anxious/I’m not enjoying my time here” kind of ready but in the “My life is so amazing I want to just live and enjoy every second” kind of way. This probably makes no sense. Whatever.
I also got to have a few adventures while I was stranded. I saw two cobras. Both were in their last throws of death - luckily. But I got pictures of one of them because how many people get to see cobras drug out of the house across the street and beat to death with a stick in the road? I feel like that doesn’t happen to often to people like you and me so I made sure to enjoy it…from a safe distance. All the nuns kept saying was, “Oh, very, very poisonous.” And then tsk-ing…which obviously made me feel really great.
Wow, India. I still can’t really believe it. Only 13 (basically 12) days left here and the time has flown by. I’m having an amazing time. But, while I’m trying to enjoy every last second I can, I’m also looking forward to the amazing things that lay ahead of me - namely, my boyfriend and my friends.
I was listening to The Pierces today when I got back to civilization. I reminisced about all the fabulous times Ilang and I have had together over the past three years. What fortuity that placed us together as freshmen! Never would we have self-selected each other as friends and yet, with her I have truly found a kindred spirit - someone who understands ME. The perfect friendship - without explanation… It’s hard to explain how grateful I am for her. Really, how grateful I am for all my fantastic friends and family. I have spent countless moments reflecting on how ridiculously blessed I truly am to have a family who loves me and is truly comprised of my 7 best friends, the most spectacular set of friends who have brought me so many priceless memories and supported me through all my adventures, and this indescribably wonderful guy who I’m somehow lucky enough to be dating! Really, when you look at it all like that - all together - who wouldn’t want to get back to that life?! Not that I’m trying to boast or anything.
*In the Pilot Episode of Gossip Girl there is a song played when Blaire, Nate, Chuck, and their posse are in the limo headed to the Kiss on the Lips party. The lyrics say, “Oh, it’s hard to live, so hard to live in the city…” I must find out what the name of this song is and then download it! Obviously this is more of a personal note for me than for anyone who may be reading this but I figured I would share it because I know that many of you would love the song as much as I do - ILANG!*
My mom called which was novel. Usually I have to call her. I got to talk to her and to Susie which was such an excellent bonus! Finalizing plans for my return back to life…so good. Wow, I love my mom. I spent some time in Mainalli thinking about my future (surprise, surprise) and I’ve begun to make a list of various places I’m interested in looking into as far as possible job opportunities/applying come this fall (*cough* in two weeks). Wow, real life is beckoning and it’s so exciting and so scary. I love this feeling. I’m on the cusp of something extraordinary and I want to revel in every second!
17 August 2008
LVK
11:42
I washed all my laundry [hopefully] for the last time while here in India. It takes so much effort and time to wash everything here and my hands hurt afterward because they haven’t built up the calluses to be able to do this kind of labor. Also, they’re currently dyed purple from the dye that poured out of my petticoat as I washed it. Ha. India apparently doesn’t worry so much about color-stay. It’s good to discover this now before I inadvertently dye all my clothes purple by putting them in the washing machine together.
Oh, I have to take a moment to mourn for my pour hands though. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a frequent moisturizer. I like my skin to me soft. This has been far more problematic for me than I could have anticipated. I always burn my hands on the food. They eat everything here with their hands and it’s so hot but I have to sit and let everything cool for at least 5 minutes before I can even dream of being able to touch it. I actually got a blister on one of my finger tips from the rice last night. How pathetic is that? Feet are kind of in the same boat. Because it’s so dirty/wet/gross and you always (only) wear sandals my feet are always dirty and dry and I hate it. I wash my feet approximately 700 times per day and moisturize maybe more. The Italians say my feet look like they’re in great condition comparatively but I’m still not pleased. Pedicure upon my return - non-negotiable.
I’m slowly, but surely crossing things off my long list of stuff to do before I leave India. There are still a couple in particular that are going to be problematic but I’m hoping for the best. Mary Violet is in Mangalore visiting her home. She’s an Indian Orphan who grew up in Mangalore in a center similar to here in Mundgod until she was 13 and adopted by an Italian couple. She should be coming back tomorrow so I can’t finalize Tamil Nadu travel plans until that happens which it putting things a little more last minute than I’d prefer but it’s definitely not a problem.
Phone conversation with Will - unfortunately cut short - but fabulous nonetheless. I’m so excited to visit him in September. I probably think about it too much but it makes me happy to imagine being with him again. And, to be completely honest, the boy is hot, haha, and I’ve gone two months having to look at pictures and hear his voice and no touching, no kissing, nothing. Torture really is what it has been so September can’t come soon enough. Wow, I’m ridiculous.
My mom sent me maybe the best package I’ve ever received…chocolate and razors. Haha. She’s seriously a lifesaver. I was running on my last razor and didn’t know what I would do after that…the women don’t shave here…because they don’t show their legs. I’m just not okay with not shaving. The end.
Other things ill-suited for India:
Jeans
Anything white
Socks
Bras with underwire
Big, fluffy towels
17:14
Mike’s 16th birthday is in ten days! How ridiculous is it to me that my baby brother is turning 16?!?! It makes me feel like I’m growing up…like we’re all growing up. Who ever thought that we’d all be adults one day? Haha. It sounds ridiculous but seriously! You think about what it would be like but then one day it hits you…*wa-bam*…you’re grown up. Weird. He also got his braces off on Thursday which is equally exciting. I’m sure he’s thrilled.
Pete’s 20th (wow, 20) birthday is September 13. I looked at the calendar and that’s a Saturday which is awesome. I should try to go down that weekend and take him out or something. I’ll have to check with his schedule but I mean I’m obviously always down for visiting West Point (The Greatest School in the World, haha, as many have claimed). Maybe we can try out that map of the steam tunnels Will gave me at his Graduation. That’d be sweet actually…I’m going to see what I can make happen…
If anyone’s interested in joining me they’re more than welcome. Girls are always welcome at West Point…haha…though you have to leave the drama at home. My brother had to deal with more than enough of that last year. This means I’m turning 22 this year. Ick. I don’t like the sound of that. 21…that sounds nice. 22…that sounds like I’m getting old enough that people are going to start expecting me to be responsible. I like being responsible. I don’t like people expecting anything from me. Plus, let’s just be honest, being young rocked/rocks. But, I have a feeling that my twenties are gonna be pretty out of control so there’s no need to hold on to the past. Haha. I mean I’m still young enough to afford some leeway in the irresponsibility department but I have so much more independence than I could have ever had at 16 or even 18. Twenty-one was great, twenty-two will be fabulous. We should have a huge party since my birthday might not happen during a holiday break.
Also, I know this is ridiculously premature but I’m already brainstorming dress ideas for Waltz ‘n Schmaltz and Senior Gala. They have to be amazing. Ilang, we have got to talk! Oh…and Dyke Ball…I have sooooooo many ideas! Senior year will be epic.
18 August 2008
LVK
13:32
So, today is an absolutely gorgeous day. Market Day! I’m buying the last of the things on my list and just crossing my fingers that I don’t have any problems getting them back into the US. Tamil Nadu isn’t going to happen after all which is sad but fine at the same time. Logistical problems on Irene’s part made it impossible for her to be able to go and seeing as I was basically tagging along with her for a couple days it doesn’t really seem like a smart idea for me to go it alone. Only 11 more days in India and one of them will be entirely spent traveling to really it’s like 10 more days. Wow, time has gone by so quickly! I’m trying not to get too excited to come back. This happens every summer. I get a little restless and I want to come back to Wellesley and be completely busy…not that this year is going to be anywhere close to my hardest year but I know that I’ll be challenged because it’s Wellesley and all the Wendy’s won’t let me just slide by.
The Mainalli nuns want me to go with them to Goa again to see some waterfalls. I’ll be discussing it with them later. I have a lot to keep me busy here and honestly, I’d kind of prefer to take it easy and totally enjoy my last few days here in Mundgod but spending them with the children and visiting my favorite places (the Tibetan Colony, and the swing set at Loyola School). You know what movie has an absolutely amazing soundtrack? Well, there are so many but right now I’m listening to Casino Royale soundtrack and I just love it. I also love Meet Joe Black, Amelie, and Pride and Prejudice…oh, and Braveheart, and The Mask of Zorro. Well, okay so I love a lot of soundtracks. Pocahontas…hahaha *cough* Ilang *cough*… good times. I have 107 different Soundtrack albums on my iTunes. Wow.
Anyway, tangent. Back out to the market to enjoy the chaos and practice my Kannada.
19 August 2008
LVK
09:25
Mom and Grandma called! Wahoo! I love phone calls. I also love my family! My cousin D isn’t doing too well. He is 5 and has diabetes which has been really difficult for him to get under control. He had to go to the Emergency Room a couple days ago because he got a virus of some kind that made him start throwing up which threw his blood sugar all out of wack and that, in turn, made his kidney start to fail. Luckily he’s stabilized now and everything seems to be better. I’m glad my family called and let me know. I hate being out of the loop on things like that.
Also, I finally asked my mom about my dad. He’s doing really well. Turns out he didn’t have a heart attack but had all the symptoms. The doctor told him he’s got to get his weight under control or else he’s going to be back with full-blown diabetes and coronary disease. It appears he and my mom have taken these words to heart and they’ve changed the way they eat which is really good. It’s something they’ve needed to do for a long time. They’ve both already lost a substantial amount of weight so I’m so glad to hear that.
Mike’s playing varsity football and Susan got a job at the pool which is good for her. That’s basically all the updates I’ve gotten on life back at home. My grandpa put tile in the downstairs bathroom and wood flooring in the guest bedroom in their house in West Virginia…not that anyone reading this really cares about this. Haha.
I’m in this weird place where I want to wander around Mundgod and buy so many fabrics and then, on the other hand, I just want to stay here and spend time with the kids. I feel like the best way to spend my time would be to go out and get all the things I want/need over the next couple days then spend my last couple days here enjoying the kids before I have to say “goodbye.”
19 August 2008
LVK
20:17
Today was a good day. It seems like I think that at least once every day. I was productive and got a lot of things done that I needed to. I spent a lot of time with the kids and I still have time tonight to read before I pass out.
I was studying with the kids this evening and Ganesh wanted to keep the picture of Peter and Will in their West Point uniforms. Haha. He’s too cute. As I was helping him with his English he winced. I asked him what was wrong and he showed me his toe. He had tripped a couple days ago playing and it was all cut up and infected. I went to my room and grabbed cotton, hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, antibacterial wipes, and band aids. Then after I cleaned him up a line of inured boys started to form. Haha. I helped all I could but some of them had pretty deep cuts. I would have preferred them seeing someone with a little more medical expertise than me and my little first-aid kit but I guess I’m better than nothing.
Wow, I’m going to miss these kids.
LVK
21:09
I am back from the village. I had quite an adventure. It started pouring rain the morning I left, Monday morning. It didn’t stop for 5 days. Everything flooded. I was stranded in Mainalli until they fixed the bridge that had collapsed between there and Mundgod. But, it ended up being a nice break. I got to relax and reflect and I am so ready to get back to life - not in that “anxious/I’m not enjoying my time here” kind of ready but in the “My life is so amazing I want to just live and enjoy every second” kind of way. This probably makes no sense. Whatever.
I also got to have a few adventures while I was stranded. I saw two cobras. Both were in their last throws of death - luckily. But I got pictures of one of them because how many people get to see cobras drug out of the house across the street and beat to death with a stick in the road? I feel like that doesn’t happen to often to people like you and me so I made sure to enjoy it…from a safe distance. All the nuns kept saying was, “Oh, very, very poisonous.” And then tsk-ing…which obviously made me feel really great.
Wow, India. I still can’t really believe it. Only 13 (basically 12) days left here and the time has flown by. I’m having an amazing time. But, while I’m trying to enjoy every last second I can, I’m also looking forward to the amazing things that lay ahead of me - namely, my boyfriend and my friends.
I was listening to The Pierces today when I got back to civilization. I reminisced about all the fabulous times Ilang and I have had together over the past three years. What fortuity that placed us together as freshmen! Never would we have self-selected each other as friends and yet, with her I have truly found a kindred spirit - someone who understands ME. The perfect friendship - without explanation… It’s hard to explain how grateful I am for her. Really, how grateful I am for all my fantastic friends and family. I have spent countless moments reflecting on how ridiculously blessed I truly am to have a family who loves me and is truly comprised of my 7 best friends, the most spectacular set of friends who have brought me so many priceless memories and supported me through all my adventures, and this indescribably wonderful guy who I’m somehow lucky enough to be dating! Really, when you look at it all like that - all together - who wouldn’t want to get back to that life?! Not that I’m trying to boast or anything.
*In the Pilot Episode of Gossip Girl there is a song played when Blaire, Nate, Chuck, and their posse are in the limo headed to the Kiss on the Lips party. The lyrics say, “Oh, it’s hard to live, so hard to live in the city…” I must find out what the name of this song is and then download it! Obviously this is more of a personal note for me than for anyone who may be reading this but I figured I would share it because I know that many of you would love the song as much as I do - ILANG!*
My mom called which was novel. Usually I have to call her. I got to talk to her and to Susie which was such an excellent bonus! Finalizing plans for my return back to life…so good. Wow, I love my mom. I spent some time in Mainalli thinking about my future (surprise, surprise) and I’ve begun to make a list of various places I’m interested in looking into as far as possible job opportunities/applying come this fall (*cough* in two weeks). Wow, real life is beckoning and it’s so exciting and so scary. I love this feeling. I’m on the cusp of something extraordinary and I want to revel in every second!
17 August 2008
LVK
11:42
I washed all my laundry [hopefully] for the last time while here in India. It takes so much effort and time to wash everything here and my hands hurt afterward because they haven’t built up the calluses to be able to do this kind of labor. Also, they’re currently dyed purple from the dye that poured out of my petticoat as I washed it. Ha. India apparently doesn’t worry so much about color-stay. It’s good to discover this now before I inadvertently dye all my clothes purple by putting them in the washing machine together.
Oh, I have to take a moment to mourn for my pour hands though. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a frequent moisturizer. I like my skin to me soft. This has been far more problematic for me than I could have anticipated. I always burn my hands on the food. They eat everything here with their hands and it’s so hot but I have to sit and let everything cool for at least 5 minutes before I can even dream of being able to touch it. I actually got a blister on one of my finger tips from the rice last night. How pathetic is that? Feet are kind of in the same boat. Because it’s so dirty/wet/gross and you always (only) wear sandals my feet are always dirty and dry and I hate it. I wash my feet approximately 700 times per day and moisturize maybe more. The Italians say my feet look like they’re in great condition comparatively but I’m still not pleased. Pedicure upon my return - non-negotiable.
I’m slowly, but surely crossing things off my long list of stuff to do before I leave India. There are still a couple in particular that are going to be problematic but I’m hoping for the best. Mary Violet is in Mangalore visiting her home. She’s an Indian Orphan who grew up in Mangalore in a center similar to here in Mundgod until she was 13 and adopted by an Italian couple. She should be coming back tomorrow so I can’t finalize Tamil Nadu travel plans until that happens which it putting things a little more last minute than I’d prefer but it’s definitely not a problem.
Phone conversation with Will - unfortunately cut short - but fabulous nonetheless. I’m so excited to visit him in September. I probably think about it too much but it makes me happy to imagine being with him again. And, to be completely honest, the boy is hot, haha, and I’ve gone two months having to look at pictures and hear his voice and no touching, no kissing, nothing. Torture really is what it has been so September can’t come soon enough. Wow, I’m ridiculous.
My mom sent me maybe the best package I’ve ever received…chocolate and razors. Haha. She’s seriously a lifesaver. I was running on my last razor and didn’t know what I would do after that…the women don’t shave here…because they don’t show their legs. I’m just not okay with not shaving. The end.
Other things ill-suited for India:
Jeans
Anything white
Socks
Bras with underwire
Big, fluffy towels
17:14
Mike’s 16th birthday is in ten days! How ridiculous is it to me that my baby brother is turning 16?!?! It makes me feel like I’m growing up…like we’re all growing up. Who ever thought that we’d all be adults one day? Haha. It sounds ridiculous but seriously! You think about what it would be like but then one day it hits you…*wa-bam*…you’re grown up. Weird. He also got his braces off on Thursday which is equally exciting. I’m sure he’s thrilled.
Pete’s 20th (wow, 20) birthday is September 13. I looked at the calendar and that’s a Saturday which is awesome. I should try to go down that weekend and take him out or something. I’ll have to check with his schedule but I mean I’m obviously always down for visiting West Point (The Greatest School in the World, haha, as many have claimed). Maybe we can try out that map of the steam tunnels Will gave me at his Graduation. That’d be sweet actually…I’m going to see what I can make happen…
If anyone’s interested in joining me they’re more than welcome. Girls are always welcome at West Point…haha…though you have to leave the drama at home. My brother had to deal with more than enough of that last year. This means I’m turning 22 this year. Ick. I don’t like the sound of that. 21…that sounds nice. 22…that sounds like I’m getting old enough that people are going to start expecting me to be responsible. I like being responsible. I don’t like people expecting anything from me. Plus, let’s just be honest, being young rocked/rocks. But, I have a feeling that my twenties are gonna be pretty out of control so there’s no need to hold on to the past. Haha. I mean I’m still young enough to afford some leeway in the irresponsibility department but I have so much more independence than I could have ever had at 16 or even 18. Twenty-one was great, twenty-two will be fabulous. We should have a huge party since my birthday might not happen during a holiday break.
Also, I know this is ridiculously premature but I’m already brainstorming dress ideas for Waltz ‘n Schmaltz and Senior Gala. They have to be amazing. Ilang, we have got to talk! Oh…and Dyke Ball…I have sooooooo many ideas! Senior year will be epic.
18 August 2008
LVK
13:32
So, today is an absolutely gorgeous day. Market Day! I’m buying the last of the things on my list and just crossing my fingers that I don’t have any problems getting them back into the US. Tamil Nadu isn’t going to happen after all which is sad but fine at the same time. Logistical problems on Irene’s part made it impossible for her to be able to go and seeing as I was basically tagging along with her for a couple days it doesn’t really seem like a smart idea for me to go it alone. Only 11 more days in India and one of them will be entirely spent traveling to really it’s like 10 more days. Wow, time has gone by so quickly! I’m trying not to get too excited to come back. This happens every summer. I get a little restless and I want to come back to Wellesley and be completely busy…not that this year is going to be anywhere close to my hardest year but I know that I’ll be challenged because it’s Wellesley and all the Wendy’s won’t let me just slide by.
The Mainalli nuns want me to go with them to Goa again to see some waterfalls. I’ll be discussing it with them later. I have a lot to keep me busy here and honestly, I’d kind of prefer to take it easy and totally enjoy my last few days here in Mundgod but spending them with the children and visiting my favorite places (the Tibetan Colony, and the swing set at Loyola School). You know what movie has an absolutely amazing soundtrack? Well, there are so many but right now I’m listening to Casino Royale soundtrack and I just love it. I also love Meet Joe Black, Amelie, and Pride and Prejudice…oh, and Braveheart, and The Mask of Zorro. Well, okay so I love a lot of soundtracks. Pocahontas…hahaha *cough* Ilang *cough*… good times. I have 107 different Soundtrack albums on my iTunes. Wow.
Anyway, tangent. Back out to the market to enjoy the chaos and practice my Kannada.
19 August 2008
LVK
09:25
Mom and Grandma called! Wahoo! I love phone calls. I also love my family! My cousin D isn’t doing too well. He is 5 and has diabetes which has been really difficult for him to get under control. He had to go to the Emergency Room a couple days ago because he got a virus of some kind that made him start throwing up which threw his blood sugar all out of wack and that, in turn, made his kidney start to fail. Luckily he’s stabilized now and everything seems to be better. I’m glad my family called and let me know. I hate being out of the loop on things like that.
Also, I finally asked my mom about my dad. He’s doing really well. Turns out he didn’t have a heart attack but had all the symptoms. The doctor told him he’s got to get his weight under control or else he’s going to be back with full-blown diabetes and coronary disease. It appears he and my mom have taken these words to heart and they’ve changed the way they eat which is really good. It’s something they’ve needed to do for a long time. They’ve both already lost a substantial amount of weight so I’m so glad to hear that.
Mike’s playing varsity football and Susan got a job at the pool which is good for her. That’s basically all the updates I’ve gotten on life back at home. My grandpa put tile in the downstairs bathroom and wood flooring in the guest bedroom in their house in West Virginia…not that anyone reading this really cares about this. Haha.
I’m in this weird place where I want to wander around Mundgod and buy so many fabrics and then, on the other hand, I just want to stay here and spend time with the kids. I feel like the best way to spend my time would be to go out and get all the things I want/need over the next couple days then spend my last couple days here enjoying the kids before I have to say “goodbye.”
19 August 2008
LVK
20:17
Today was a good day. It seems like I think that at least once every day. I was productive and got a lot of things done that I needed to. I spent a lot of time with the kids and I still have time tonight to read before I pass out.
I was studying with the kids this evening and Ganesh wanted to keep the picture of Peter and Will in their West Point uniforms. Haha. He’s too cute. As I was helping him with his English he winced. I asked him what was wrong and he showed me his toe. He had tripped a couple days ago playing and it was all cut up and infected. I went to my room and grabbed cotton, hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, antibacterial wipes, and band aids. Then after I cleaned him up a line of inured boys started to form. Haha. I helped all I could but some of them had pretty deep cuts. I would have preferred them seeing someone with a little more medical expertise than me and my little first-aid kit but I guess I’m better than nothing.
Wow, I’m going to miss these kids.