A whole new world...a dazzling place I never knew

          After packing our rooms (and realizing we might have shopped a bit too much) we said good-bye to Trichy and safely made it to our connecting flights in Chennai where we then parted ways with Danielle and Emily.  Dawn and I caught our flight to Delhi (15 minutes before it took off)(Jet Airways likes to really push it with those connections) and spent three more hours in the air before landing in New Delhi. While overhead, we saw an entire section of the city go to a black out- it was quite a sight! 

          We arranged a tour for the next few days and expected to see our driver waiting with a placard when we left the airport...so you can imagine our surprise when we didn't see our names on any placard...anywhere.  We tried not to panic and roamed for about an hour before finally calling (and spending a small fortune in international cellphone fees) all of the numbers I had listed for the company we arranged.  After some more time and finally discovering the miscommunication we met up with our driver around 10pm and were on our way! 

         We were thrilled when we finally arrived at our hotel and western amenities awaited us (complete with a hot shower, comfy bed and even some english TV!) We fell asleep quickly and remained asleep long past our alarm (whoops!) but we made it on time for our day full of activities.  I can't possibly describe all that we saw today (it was over 8 hours of sight-seeing) but they were the most incredible temples, tombs, and displays of architecture I have ever seen.

A rickshaw ride through Old Delhi

Just some monkeys...eating bananas...on electrical wires

I call this "why India has BlackOuts"

Me outside Humayun's Tomb

As you can see, we did a lot today! When we got back to the hotel we ordered a delicious room service meal (paratha, naan, mattar mushroom and khumb makai palak) and managed to find Harry Potter in English on TV...so basically we are the happiest humans on the planet.

P.S. North India is SO different from South India (hence the title). We finally got used to everyone around us speaking Tamil and now everyone is speaking Hindi! Aside from the language, Delhi is so much more diverse than Trichy. We aren't the only tourists anymore- so thats been awesome! Unfortunately, we are still young white girls and for some reason people are still asking to take their picture with us (it happened on 5 separate occasions today)-- oh well, some things never change. The food is also pretty different here, but we've really enjoyed trying different types of Indian food. Things are also much more expensive in Delhi than Trichy- but thats to be expected when going from a small town to a big city (Delhi is the capital of India by the way). The population density has increased as well (Delhi is roughly 5 times more dense than Trichy). So even though we are still in India, it is feeling like a whole new world! I love it all the same! We set off early tomorrow to go to Agra and see some different sights. 

Thanks for sticking with me!

Allie

Far too sad to come up with a clever title

Last day of work 

Today was our last full day in Trichy so we managed to pack in a lot of activities.  Dr. Rohini took Danielle and I to a mission hospital today to see another perspective of medicine in India.  The hospital was a bit out of town and serves mostly impoverished patients- so the set-up is similar to a regular hospital but with more group wards (many patients in one room).

The women's group ward

Just posted this one for you Jac

We also toured the convent near the hospital where many of the hospital Nuns live.
We wrapped up the morning at all of our respective hospitals and clinics and said our goodbyes to the wonderful nurses and doctors that have made us feel so at home here.

I snuck back into Janet Nursing Home to say Hello to my favorite nurses!

After a delicious lunch, we met with a group of 20 MSW (Masters in Social Work) students for a round table discussion on our different cultures.  It was really neat to just get to talk with students our own age- we covered all sorts of topics (from education reform to arranged marriages) and had a great time.

We finished the day with a wedding! Dr. Ravi's nephew was getting married and they graciously invited us along.  The whole service was in Tamil so we weren't entirely sure what was happening but all of the classic wedding songs gave us some clues!  Afterwards, we went to the reception.  The reception is very different than what we are used to.  Although it was a Christian wedding, many of the wedding traditions are based in Hinduism so it was really awesome to see.  The reception was essentially an auditorium filled with chairs where over 300 guests (what Dr. Rohini called "a small family affair" ) sat and waited to give their respects to the newlyweds.  People waited in line then walked up on the stage and gave the couple a gift, a blessing, a kind word, or all of the above.

The couple posed for pictures with over 300 guests

Then they had their picture taken and left.  Upstairs of the reception hall was where dinner took place.  Because of the massive amounts of people at Indian weddings (some have over 1000 guests), dinner is eaten in shifts.  As is common in South Indian, all of the meals were served on large banana leaves.  The food was delicious, as always, and served out of big buckets.  It was really fun to be a part of and we are so grateful to have been invited.
Afterwards, I had to say my goodbyes to the Stephens.  I had a hard time not crying but they hope to visit the states some time in the future--so that gives me something to look forward to!  We ended the night by eating our sorrows at our favorite ice cream place.  Tomorrow, we all board an afternoon plane to Chennai before going our separate ways.  Emily and Danielle are headed back to North Carolina and Dawn and I are flying further north to New Delhi.  Dawn and I are going to spend the next few days being total tourists and seeing all of the biggest tourist attractions in India. I am headed back to the States on Wednesday, July 3rd.  I am not sure if I will have wifi once we arrive in Delhi but I will try my best to post an update about our travels as often as I can.  I am missing you all and looking forward to seeing you soon!

The wonderful Dr. Ravi and Dr. Rohini Stephen after the wedding

My favorite day in India

The title says it all.  Today was the best day I've had in India. This morning when I arrived at Stephen's Nursing Home Dr. Rohini had a special trip planned for me.  We went to Dolphin School, a school for children with disabilities. Those of you who know me, know that this is exactly the kind of thing that makes my heart burst with joy. The school was created 5 years ago and the woman responsible gave us a tour.  The school is staffed with special education teachers, occupational therapists, counselors and a dietician.  The whole place is painted with beautiful murals and bright colors. The children even showed us a choreographed dance number they had been working on- it was such a delight.  This school now has a very special place in my heart and I am looking forward to visiting again someday when I return to Trichy.

This was the top of the building- filled with everything (tools and toys) you can possibly imagine to help children with disabilities.  A lot of what I saw brought me back to last summer at Camp Lakey Gap-- which of course filled me with nostalgia...and I'm already pretty emotional to be leaving India.

After a delicious lunch,

I spent a lazy afternoon reading and napping (I didn't even study MCAT today- woops!) 

Tonight at the hospital was slow so I had lots of opportunity to talk with the Stephens.  Dr. Rohini is planning a trip to a different hospital for us to see in the morning- I am really looking forward to it.  The night ended with a delicious buffet meal at a very nice restaurant-- we were treated by the Principle of Bishop Heber himself (and Dr. Relton, Josephine and Shalnee-- our terrific advisors here). I attached a picture of all of us below:

Q and A?!

Thanks for playing my game! Here's the answers! 

I should also warn that I am in South India, which is VERY different from North India.  Because North India is home to the Taj Mahal (and other well-known tombs and temples) it tends to receive a large number of international visitors.  Due to the tourism and its easy-access location, North India tends to be a bit more  culturally progressive than south India.  I, however, have spent the last month in South India. I love south India--- most of South India (Tamil Nadu specifically) is very traditional and we’ve really been able to a get a true feel for Indian culture.  Tamil Nadu also has its share of temples and tourist attractions too (just not as easy to get to!)

Heads up: this always-informal blog's grammar is about to get a whole lot worse with these answers: 

What's been your favorite food that you've had in India?

We are currently on a parrota kick—its like a big crescent roll pancake

(Lunch yesterday)

What do you miss most about America 

(Besides you, Hannah) I miss running so much! Every part of me is dying to go on a never-ending run. Also: I feel a bit lonely when I sneeze here and no one says “bless you”

What will you miss most about India?

Mangoes, flip-flops (worn everywhere-including the OR), the wonderful people we’ve met, the fact that people are not attached to their phones....and  I will definitely miss how much everything costs. I converted some things to dollars to give you all a better understanding:

Dinner for 4, with an appetizer and 4 drinks…..$12.00 TOTAL (tip included)

Ice Cream….$1

Slice of cake from the bakery…….30cents

Personal Pan Pizza…….$1.50

Salwar Kameeze……$10

Is the heat unbearable?

Its really not been that hot! Our rooms have A/C and there are fans just about everywhere else we go. Its been between 90-100 everyday but we aren't outside much-- could use a bit more vitamin D though.

What do grocery stores look like, you talk about them a lot
They are pretty similar to home but much smaller (picture a grocery store without a refrigerated section, meat section, microwavable things section, or already-prepared meals section)

What are the most common foods you have seen people eating over there?
Breakfast/Dinner is typically a gravy and a chutney with different Indian bread.  Lunch is served with copious amounts of rice.  Lunch is the biggest meal of the day and is usually: rice, 2 gravies, fried veggies, sambar (soup) and something sweet!

Do most of the people seem happy-do they think they are living in a poverty stricken area or is that just us projecting what we think on them? 

Hmm…not totally sure how to answer this. People are happy here and its not all “poverty stricken.” Its easy to hear someone’s income here (40,000Rupees/month) and panic and think they are in poverty but the cost of living here is so much lower than at home! Additionally, people here tend to have an idealest view of America.  People seem to be "impressed" with our American status but its not as if they are pining away wishing they also lived in America… It doesn't feel like we are visiting a third-world country if thats what you mean...it feels like everywhere else- just a bit busier! ...Does that answer it? Sorry...I struggled with this one a bit.

If you could bring one thing back from India what would it be?
Tangible: Mangoes.  I realize we have mangoes in America....but if you tasted an Indian mango...you would understand. 
Intangible: Humility. I am doing my best to bring this one back with me.  But the Indian people could teach our culture a lot when it comes to humility...and it's hard to put that in a suitcase. 

Were their any religious ceremonies and/or practices that interested you?

Yes! When we were touring Srirangam (massive Hindu temple) we saw a bunch of people yelling into a corner (see pic below)...this specific corner really amplifies the voice so you can hear it from far away.  The Hindus believe that yelling into this specific corner will be heard by the gods and will bring you good fortune and riches.  It was really interesting to hear!

I recieved a lot of questions about clothes but it just so happens that Danielle's whole blog today was about clothes (with helpful pics) so go look! http://danigoestoindia.blogspot.com

The cinema? On a school night?!

Yup. We're rebels.

 We went to the movie theatre tonight and fully rounded out our Indian education by seeing a Tamil movie! I’d love to tell you what it was called, but lets be real, I have no idea what it was called.  All I really know is Dr. Relton and his family treated us to the movies and we had a blast!

Dr. Relton brought his whole 5-person gang so each one of us had our own translator- but it turns out we were able to figure out most of what was going on.  The movie was a classic-Mrs. Doubtfire-style-switcharoo…the main character was trying to win over his boss’s daughter while playing both the goody-good and the bad-guy.  Eventhough we couldn’t understand the language the movie was so colorful and upbeat it still was entertaining to watch.  Especially because all Indian movies have super random music videos interspersed throughout…so just when we got tired of watching unknown dialogue it was time for a dance number! The 2-hr movie even had an intermission (or “Interval”) where everyone got up and bought snacks.  I took a picture of the concession sign incase you're curious:

 We saw the movie on the poster on the left (by the way, the main character gets the girl and his boss's approval (I know you were dying to hear the ending))
The movie set-up was pretty similar to what we're used to.  Infact, it was probably the most American thing we've done in India.  They even had a little food court right outside the theatre with all the usual food court restaurants. Even a Baskin Robbins (this is the first franchise we've seen in India!)

 
It was a wonderful evening to top off an already great day at the hospital!
Keep sending questions and inquiries for a later blog (alexandradezii@gmail.com)- you guys are awesome.  I am so grateful for the amount of support and love I receive from each of you on a daily basis.  Thank you for following me on this journey- and for reading these silly blogs.  I love you all

Allie 

Call me, maybe?

But not really- because I don’t have an international calling plan and that would get expensive. But hey, I love your e-mails.  With less than a week left I want to answer any questions or post any pictures you guys want to see.  Super specific or really broad- I don’t care…I just want to tell you what you want to know! Send me e-mails and I’ll make my next blog a Q&A or just post pictures that I haven’t posted yet- I have a ton.  alexandradezii@gmail.com

I miss you guys! Tell me whats going on in your lives too!

Danielle snapped this pic of them

Today at Stephens nursing home, the Stephens (Dr. Ravi and Dr. Rohini) continue to blow me away with their patient care. I spend most of my day with Dr. Ravi as he takes walk-in patients while Dr. Rohini tends to the patients that are there for extended stay. They are healers in every sense of the word. Dr. Ravi is such a careful physician and is astutely aware of his patients’ physical and emotional needs. Many of his patients just come in to talk or share their life-concerns and Dr. Ravi listens attentively, never rushing a single patient. Afterwards, he fills me in and answers my questions.  I make a lot of observations while I watch the interactions and I can usually guess what the patient is saying or what Ravi is prescribing. (It's amazing what I can learn when I stop talking.) When he tells me (in English) what’s going on I always take note in my notebook as “Ravi says the patient is…”  The phrase “Ravi Says” could pretty much be a title to this entire blog.  All that Ravi says goes far beyond just medicine.  He’s taught me little signals to look for, some tricks of the business and has done his best to impart all kinds of wisdom (India related and simply life related). Dr. Rohini, acts like a cruise-director for all things medical.  She has planned multiple little trips for the girls and I to make sure we get the most-well rounded education on Indian medicine (she arranged trips to the Eye Hospital, the kidney transplant and an ortho later this week).  I don’t know what we’d do without these two wonderful physicians! 

A post of pics

Outside the home of one of the villagers

An Indian Village kitchen

A mom and her sweet babies

Our little friends!

A smaller temple inside the temple 

beautiful ceiling in the temple

I'd give my left kidney to see the world's largest hindu temple

        Saturday began very early for Danielle and I.  Dr. Rohini Stephen pulled some strings and arranged for us to see a kidney transplant beginning at 6:30am.  Despite the early hour, we were pretty excited.  The transplant turned out to be one of the coolest things I have ever seen.  We spent half the procedure in the donor’s operating room and half in the recipient’s operating room.  We watched as surgeons extracted a kidney from a woman and then sewed it into her husband (I don’t think any couple can beat that kind of commitment). The surgeon (Dr. Rohini’s friend of a friend) walked us through everything he was doing.  We literally got to watch a kidney work. I was pretty grateful for that Human Systems Physiology course—the kidney is an incredible organ!

              After the surgery, Danielle and I grabbed the others and went shopping. We bought all sorts of loot and spent many hours doing it.After shopping, we went to a restaurant we had been dying to try (its near where Em works and we pass it every day).  It was awesome! Some of the best Indian food we’ve had for sure.

        When we got back to campus a professor from the social work department took us out to a rural village.  The village we visited is one that Bishop Heber (the college I am with) works with closely.  Bishop Heber sends their social work students out to do programs and teach people in the village about health and safety.  It was really cool to see how many Indians live outside of the busy cities we are used to.  The kids were awesome.  They followed us around and begged us to take their picture (and made it pretty hard to take a pic of anything but them).  The group of kids in the picture with us below was the same group that followed our every step through the village- imagine walking around with that herd at your heels! As you can imagine, we were exhausted when our day was finished!  We ended it by watching a movie (on our laptop) and munching on some Indian snacks.

              Sunday morning began with a visit to the world's largest Hindu temple, Srirangam. The architecture was so detailed and the colors were beautiful. The temple is massive- every turn led to a spot we hadn’t yet seen.

After the temple we went to a big grocery store and bought all sorts of goodies to bring home and enjoy in our last few days here. 

By the way, our internet is broken...sorry for anyone thats been trying to reach me.  We have resorted to walking to the computer science block in attempts to get online but the connection isn't strong enough to add any pictures.  Hopefully I can post some later tonight (or at least this week)

Even women think fat jokes are funny in India

Dr. Ravi never ceases to shock me with the jokes he makes to his patients- its always in good spirit and its always about their weight.  But the women here aren't offended if you call them fat.  They don't cry over your implications and they don't get mad at their husbands for touching their tummies. They just laugh- and it's awesome.  Heres some of the dialogue I heard today between Dr. Ravi and his patients

Patient is pregnant with twins and has come in with her mom

Dr. Ravi- "I'm very pleased you're having twins, but I'm a little concerned about your mother...she looks like she's having twins too!"

They laugh.

New Patient Dr. Ravi has never seen before

Dr. Ravi says, "Are you pregnant or does your stomach just look that way?"

Patient says, "Not pregnant, just fat" and laughs

A patient comes in complaining of stomach and chest paint

Dr. Ravi says, "Stomach and chest pain?! Wheres your abdomen? Wheres your chest? Its all just one big piece." Patient laughs

A patient comes in and is worried that her teen son isn't putting on weight.  

Dr. Ravi takes one look at her and says, "He's the only one in the family thats healthy!"  The mother agrees and laughs.

His patients adore him and his sense of humor (although I'm not sure that his comments would be met quite as warmly in the State.) But hey, he cracks his patients up.  Its so nice to be surrounded by a society that isn't constantly worrying over their weight (especially because I'm sure we've all gained some after coming here!)

Speaking of weight gain, the girls and I have become frequent visitors of the ice cream shop in town.  Tonight we took a nice walk there after dinner-- it was the perfect way to end the week!

ps- I'm super glad that Indians aren't obsessive over their weight...but it is worth mentioning that 25% of all diabetics in the world are Indian (a statistic Dr. Ravi shared with me today)

The best doctors in India and jal-jeera

I keep trying to find a way to tell you all about Dr. Ravi and Dr. Rohini that will do them justice...but none of my explanations seems sufficient.  Put simply: they are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met.  I hope to emulate not only the way they run their practice but also the way they live their lives.
I have learned more from Dr. Ravi in these past few days than I ever thought possible.  Watching the Stephens work with their patients reminds me why I want to practice medicine and reaffirms my decision daily.  They treat their patients with such kindness and compassion that it's visible even to me, someone who does not speak the language. I am simply thrilled to have the opportunity to work with (and learn from) them.  The time flies when I'm there and I am sad to leave every day.

On an entirely different note:
Tonight was a very informative dinner.  Last night Solomon (our RA) asked what our favorite foods were...he seemed pretty surprised when sweet potatoes were on my list.  Solomon must of talked to our cooks because when we arrived at dinner tonight there was a plate of boiled white potatoes waiting for us.  However, when we began to eat them we learned that they weren't just boiled white potatoes... The cook explained that he boiled them with sugar water-- to make us sweet potatoes. That is how we learned that they do not call yams "sweet potatoes" in India.  (By the way: turns out sweetened potatoes are actually delicious! And the cooks are awesome for catering to us!)
Tonight's dinner was full of learning experiences as we all had Jal-jeera for the first time... its hard to describe this Indian delicacy so I've attached the wiki explanation below...

"Jal-jeera, or jaljira, is an Indian beverage, or else the powder used to flavor this drink. In Hindi, "Jal" means water and "Jeera" means cumin. The beverage form is essentially lemonade and jaljira powder, and is a popular summer drink in India. It is sometimes served as an appetizer, as it is intended to "startle" the taste buds.

Jaljira powder generally consists of cumin, ginger, black pepper, mint, black salt, some fruit powder (usually either mango, or some kind of citrus zest--(ours was lime)), and chili or hot pepper powder.^[1]"

The cooks here really are wonderful and we've loved getting to try all sorts of Indian dishes-- just some more than others :] 

Eye-opening experiences

We took a little break from our usual schedules to tour Joseph Eye Hospital this morning- the hospital is so specialized that every floor is devoted to different part of the eye (the retina floor, the lens floor...etc).  We received a very thorough 4-hour tour (and got a little loopy) from a kind physiotherapist who allowed us the see every aspect of the hospital.  None of us are particularly interested in eyes, but we were all very good pupils. The hospital is very modern and has a lot to offer its patients--it even operates a free clinic to help villagers and a rehabilitation service for the disabled.  It was exsighting to learn about all that the hospital does to help the surrounding areas.

Our Tour  Guide-- Julian

**I should note that when our tour guide told us the hospital makes their own iPads I was very confused...but things cleared up when he showed me the in-house "eye pad"

Iris you all thought I'm as funny as I do...but I'm sure you are all rolling your eyes as my jokes get cornea and cornea... but hopefully it made you smile?

missing you all,

allie

ps- Happy Birthday Haley-- Eye miss you very much!!! 

I guess it's time I do some laundry

        I can't believe we've been here for over two weeks now! Today was my first day at Stephens Nursing Home (Dani and I switched hospitals for the next two weeks).  This change brought on an all new perspective (Stephens Nursing Home is very different from Janet Nursing Home).   I should also clarify that a "Nursing Home" here means Ob/Gyn not elderly.  The set-up of Dr's offices are also a bit different here than in the US (although, many US Drs ran their practices similarly many years ago). In India, most Dr's office have an inpatient facility attached.  So at JNH Dr. Victoria sees many patients for regular Ob/gyn check-ups but she also delivers children and does procedure in the same building.  JNH is a very large facility with a labor ward, 3 ORs and about 50 beds. SNH, however, is very small-- much more like a Dr's office and less like a hospital (5 beds total).  The practice is run by Dr. Ravi (the Ob/Gyn) and his wife, Dr. Rohini.  They are both incredibly kind and demonstrate all of the southern hospitality I'm used to. Although Dr. Ravi is technically an Ob/Gyn, his male status tends to prevent many women from visiting him (he's the only male Ob/Gyn in all of Trichy for the last 20 years).  So he actually practices more as a general physician-- which adds a lot of variety in the cases I get to see!
         Dr. Ravi is also well-educated on HIV/AIDS and many of his patients come to him for HIV treatment.  (Many physicians in India have not been well-educated on HIV/AIDS and refuse patients who have it because they aren't informed on all of the necessary precautionary measures.) The gist here is that Dr. Ravi's practice is a hot commodity and for a good reason.  I already filled 4 pages of notes today with all that I learned at SNH and I am excited to go back tomorrow.  Cases range from anxiety to diabetes to pregnancy-- and Dr. Ravi is wonderful about explaining everything that goes on.

I hope your Monday was as great as mine!

love you all,
Al

We got robbed by a monkey

We spent the weekend away in Ooty-- a town in the Hill Stations (Nilgiris mountains of south India).  It was a six hour drive full of some of the tightest turns I have ever seen (and Indian driving laws (or total lack there of) still apply).  Our final destination was about 7,000 feet up. Dr. Relton drove us starting at 4am Saturday morning and we arrived back home later on Sunday night.  When we arrived at our lodge (similar to camping-style building with many cots) we were amazed to see that the place was swarming with monkeys.  (Our lodge was located in a wildlife reserve and pretty far off from anything commercial.)  When I was grabbing my bag from the trunk a monkey hopped in the trunk- reached in a grocery bag and stole a loaf of bread.  He was gone with it before I could even figure out what was happening.  Dr. Relton simply shook his head and said "Well, that was breakfast." He got away with breakfast but not with my camera (which is pretty common) and I managed to snap a picture of the little guy chowin' down.

Yes, that is bread in his cheeks

We spent the rest of saturday riding around the park hoping to spot some wild life.  We saw elephants, peacocks, Indian buffalo, giant squirrel (actual name- and appropriately named), and all sorts of forest creatures. After our safari ride- we watched the elephants feed at a feeding station near camp. It was a jam-packed and eventful day full of Indian delights!

Dr. Relton outside our lodge by his monkeycovered car

Wild Elephants spotted on our safari

Sunday, we were total Americans.  We went to the Pigeon Forge of India (see the pics below if you don't believe me.)  It was complete with a boat ride, shopping, chocolate eating, picture taking, and singing to Taylor Swift on the way home.  We even had american meals all day!

You could ride horses...

And eat corn in a cup...

Emily was a bit cold on our boat ride

Fast food lunch-- very american (minus the hamburgers)

We are exhausted from such a packed weekend but we had a ton of fun and it was so nice to get away for the weekend.


 I hope you all had a wonderful relaxing weekend as well- and  Happy Father's Day!! Especially to you, Dad.  You are the best dad a girl could ask for- I'm sorry that I'm thousands of miles away today but I cant wait to celebrate you when I return! Thanks for being a faithful blog follower- and thanks for sending me to India :]









ps- yes we were TOTAL tourists on Sunday and we still had Indian tourists take pictures of us (and with us)

I had Idly for breakfast and was an Indian by dinner

My wonderful hair-stylists

Today was my last day at Janet Nursing Home (the ob/gyn hospital I've been shadowing).  The nurses knew it was my last day and made it a special one.  The moment I arrived they had me sit in a chair and  proceeded to style my hair, complete with jasmine.  They even put a bindi on my forehead (the dot you often see Indian women wearing).  Later, Dr. Victoria gifted me a large bag full of fresh mangoes and apples.  (I gave them to our cooks and we had some today- delicious!)  I gave Dr. Victoria and some of the nurses the sacred gifts of my country too...an "A" pin.  Those you from App know what I'm talking about.  The girls were all so thankful for them! They all pinned them to their saris and salwars and wore them all day. I'm excited to start at a new hospital on Monday but I am really going to miss all of the friends I made at JNH.  We've all exchanged contact info and one invited me to her wedding- who knows, maybe I'll come back to India!

Rahila sporting her Appalachian pride  

Saying goodbye to Sofie!

ps "Idly" is a traditional southern Indian breakfast food--- made out of steamed lentils and rice, served with "sambar" (an orange sauce)

Yes, I would like fries with that

Today started with chocolate- so it was pretty much guaranteed to be a good day.  

Rahila, one of my favorite nurses, shared her piece of chocolate with me this morning.  When word got out that the American likes chocolate I was showered with the stuff.  By the end of the day other nurses, a doctor and even one of the patients had tried desperately to feed me chocolate!

The day got even better when we sat down to this at lunch: 

We don’t know why, but the cooks felt like treating us to a good ole fashion American meal today! As a self-proclaimed veggie burger connoisseur, it is my duty to tell you that this was the best veggie burger I have ever had (even you would like it, Jacob).  And it wasn’t just good in the Ihaventhadanythingbutriceandcurryin2weeks way it was good in the onlyinIndiaarethingsthis freshandwonderful kindof way. Indians do not believe in buying things readymade.  That goes for clothes (which are crafted specifically for the wearer by a tailor) and food.  The homemakers of the Indian society literally spend all day preparing food for each meal.  Our veggie burgers today were handmade and fresh from the grill to the table.  The french fries were hand cut potatoes. The only thing I have ever seen come out of a package here is the loaf of bread at breakfast- and today I realized that they purchase It from the bakery next to our school- so even its fresh!! There’s a good reason for this, refrigerators and microwaves are not popular here.  Most homes do not have either.  This really promotes the garden-to-table philosophy the Indians thrive on. I think our freezer-happy, microwave-meal-eating, American society could learn a thing or two from these guys.

Believe it or not, this meal was not the highlight of my day.  Watching a mother see her newborn baby girl for the first time…THAT was the highlight of my day.  And yes, I cried.  But just a little.