It's been almost a month since I've been in India. It's odd to think that it's gone by so fast, yet I feel that I've been here for so long. I've grown to love Bhubaneswar, the people, the culture, the atmosphere. Although people still stare, there is still trash everywhere, and my heart still throbs for all of the little puppies running around. My ears still ache every time I step outside from the loud honks (often for no reason) as people drive by, and I feel as if I'm breathing in toxins from the air pollution and circulating dust. But that doesn't stop me from enjoying everything else around this town.
The people, I have found, to be the most welcoming. It reminds me of the attitude of the Turkish, where they are utterly and awkwardly interested but at the same time completely hospitable. Just the other day, my group (the transportation team of CapAsia) stopped by an auto rickshaw association to get some information about how the auto-rickshaws work, when a man named Sona and his younger brother began to help us. We ended up spending 2 hours talking with these nice men and left with both of their numbers and Sona's word to take us to the president of the auto association the following day. Holding his promise, he personally took us (by auto) to meet the president. After our meeting, he invited all of us to his home to meet his family - which we discovered was a 2000 sq foot home, consisting of 3 generations, 15 members and 7 of them kids. What a lively experience, meeting the generosity of the family while sipping on chai and snacking on tasty India treats. These are the experiences for which I came to India.
Moreover, as my time here in Bhubaneswar reaches its mid-point, I can only say that my biggest disappointment from being here is my inability to travel to various places in India. Although I am learning an abundance about this city and the transportation here - I have been told that India has a vast array of cultures and that I will never experience the true India until I explore what it has to offer. The culture here is unique from other states in India, so I've heard. More conservative.. gradually (and wanting) to become - and as I can see - more westernized, where as other states may be less or more.
Time. Time is the key to all successful exploration, within life and within ones soul. And I feel I will never have enough, especially here.
That is why I will be taking a week, the 1st of March to explore the foothills and the mountain tops of the Himalaya's in Srinagar, Kashmir, India. Learning and experiencing a little more than what I have so far while limited to Bhubaneswar. I think this will be one of my best experiences.
Academically, I am thoroughly enjoying learning about the transportation culture of Bhu. and particularly the bus and auto systems. I would be happy though to use public transit to get to other cities and I plan to do that when we get our first (and probably only) 2 days back to back, free-time.
Off to the Disco tonight for the first time! Birthday celebrations and then waking up bright and early to stream the Superbowl live at 6am! I'm not opposed to 6am Superbowl party time - It's going to be a long day tomorrow trying to give our presentation to the mayor.
Awesome! One day I have to visit India. It sounds like you're making the most of your time. Keep writing! I know how hard it is, but it is so worth it to take notes and write a little bit every day. You'll never remember all the details later. Be safe!
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