Now in India – May 4 2010

May 4, 2010

For those in the know, my trip was delayed because of a long VISA approval process and then my flight just barely missed the volcanic ash over Europe.  Despite all that, I am here, mostly settled in and slowly getting my mind around being here for six months. Although it seems a long stay, already I feel like there is plenty to keep me busy.

The first week has been about getting used to food and whatnot, getting a phone, internet connection and trying to set up a bank account (still unsuccessful at that).  The good news is that I am in a beautiful apartment, living near my hosts and near enough to things I need, including one of the schools I will be working in.  The great news is the landlady is incredibly friendly, supportive and generous.  I have already moved from one apartment to a second, gained a kitchen in the process with no change in cost.  AND she serves breakfast to the apartment AND dinner at her house AND takes care of laundry on an almost daily basis.  One could get used to being so pampered.  Lunch is always at my host’s house, which is convenient, so I am well cared for.  And I have a good friend here, Gajen, who seems to bend over backward to help me out as I need.  He and I went to a show the other night and thank god for him, since it was in a residential area on teh roof of a house and I would have never found it.

It is hot here, for sure, but my bedroom is AC, so I have a respite when needed.  I am getting in more time reading, which is great, and have plans to see more performances as time allows.  This week I will be visiting temples that will serve as the basis for my work with the children, which starts next month.  From there, who knows.  Plans are in teh works for a trip to Kerala, Pune from a program, maybe Kolkatta for some theatre and even Sri Lanka is a possibility for a conference.  We shall see.

Today the fun was trying to get copies made of my passport for register as a Foreign National.  A CRUSH of people, descending on two copy machines, in the heat.  Hands out, squashed against each other, vying for the attention of the workers.  If you don’t push, you don’t get it.  If you don’t stick your hand out, you don’t get copies.  Crazy.