Yoga+ music+ dance+food = total MaSti!

What do you call a day that was supposed at go according to the books, but nothing goes as planned. Everything somehow turns out much better than I could have even imagined though. I guess that is the outcome of going with the flow, yet not deviating from your duty. Things will work out the way they are supposed to. Just enjoy the ride.

After I finished work at the office, I left the hospital to go to the library. There, I met with fellow volunteer and we headed for the garden to soak up the heat in the Sun. We could not resist the wonderful calling from the canteen for some Chai! Our century old tradition has sucked me into the whirlpool of chai BID. The canteen was divided into two stories-upstairs aka the junk food/all the good continental food department, and downstairs aka the typical Gujarati thali (dish) meals and chai and traditional snack dept. I enjoyed both sides of it. We had tea downstairs, and then, we went upstairs where I had pani puri. There, we ran into some colleagues, and the topic of dance came up. Next thing we know, I am trying to teach garba (Gujarati folk dance) and Kathak (Indian classical dance), our Punjabi colleague is trying to teach Bhangra (Punjab folk dance) and my friend was trying to teach me Hip Hop. It is some of the most fun I had in yrs! What a multi-cultural experience in India. I always find myself in the midst of radical ideas or indulging in non typical hobbies.  Our Assamese friend came to join us for tea earlier, and he tried to teach me Assamese. I would love to go visit Punjab and Assam..Bengal to Kashmir. So many places to go-so little time. Anyway, later, half the people left, and it was just my friend and I. She had borrowed our Assamese friend's laptop, so we just browsed for music on there. We came across all these American songs as well as Hindi songs. Another dance session-this time we lit a candle (or own version of disco ball) and danced the night away. I felt so liberated. I hadn't danced like that since I was in USA. Actually, not even then. I felt like I was dancing after ages. It is hard to find privacy in India to just breakaway and dance. just dance-the mantra of happiness. The candle melted away just as we finished dancing and decided to  head for dinner. I stayed back at the hostel since it was getting late, and taking a chagda/rikshaw from the town to the city that late would be a shady ride. Although, I roam around the city at night with no issues, going from a village to city is a different story.

It all worked out great though! I had the time of my life dancing, and in the morning, we did yoga. Then, headed for morning chai and library. It was my friend's birthday, so I eventually went back to the city and walked to the tailor's shop to pick up my dress, and met up with my friend later! No luck in finding a dry cleaner to get my dresses dry cleaned in time before we leave, but its okay, I will probably be washing clothes by hand anyway. If the colors come out, they come out, just have to separate them from other clothes. Some of my clothes have colors rubbed off on them anyway. I'm not really picky.
I am excited to embrace the simple life. Exploring a new city-well not so new-but different for sure. Living with simplicity-I am going to try to do yoga everyday. I got this excellent book on yoga from Shri Aurobindo Asharam in Baroda. Besides that, whatever I remember from the couple yoga classes I attended at the university. Someday, I will be more flexible-yoga is a practice, a way of thinking, preserverence, challenges, and growth.

I had also gone to Shri Aurobindo asharam-where we meditated for what seemed like a timeless experience. It must have been 2 hrs or so, but being there was like being at home. The universal home. No tension, sorrow, or negativity could have even come close. Ironic how it is located in the middle of the city, yet peace echoes on every inch of the asharam.

Goodbye wi-fi until later! much later! I am trying to avoid technology during my stay with Gandhi Asharam-it defeats the purpose if I take my laptop.

Path to Yog

Yog, or commonly known as yoga, is a spiritual journey within. The external world is a mere conception of our inner being. So, recently, I had the pleasure of embarking on my old time love of rediscovering yoga for myself. I learned that the library on campus here has tons of books on yoga, alternative therapy, public health, community medicine, etc. Since I am not a student here, I could not check them out, BUT sunny side up - as it is India- I sat in the library in did my own abhyas (studying) of yoga. There was this brilliantly written book on Yoga called Yoga and Rehabilitation. It taught  me so much more than I ever knew about yoga. Yoga is a spiritual practice, mind-body-soul connection, but often the yoga displayed in public is very superficial in its manifestation. At such times, it is up to the student of yoga, or life long learning, to find their own meaning and connection. After all, that connection cannot be taught; it can only be felt. The day, very well spent at the library, did teach me many other things about yoga though such as meaning behind OM, what different types of yoga represent and symbolize. I really enjoyed that book, and besides the chicken soup series books I am fond of, this book really caught my attention. To add cherry to the cake or shall I say Palak to the Paneer, I got to participate in the newly started yoga class on campus. A fellow volunteer had invited me to join, and I could not pass a offer to experience yoga class. I got to practice in the evening the theory that I had taught myself in the library all day thanks to that wonderful book. All the sore muscles and pain right now is only making me want to do yoga again. Hopefully, during my brief time left here, I will get to attend more classes. It felt so liberating. I was challenging myself, my body, my mental concentration, balance, and stamina. The poses, mudras and asanas are only aimed towards the physique or physical body until one understands and employs the meanings and benefits that arise from them. Yoga is a journey-eternal journey that does not start or stop at the doors of a classroom or gym, but rather, it is started when you have realized it.
That is just my interpretation.
After the yoga class, I headed back. The chagda ride home again, felt so liberating. The wind in my face, at cliche as it sounds, the cool breeze of winter in Gujarat was more than welcome after the hour long session. The environment so serene and peaceful, my mind totally relaxed-I loved it! One of my favorite things about the yoga class was the meditation-Dhyan. Now, that I knew and fully understood the meaning of OM, I thoroughly enjoyed our session.
Someone once said, we are all spiritual beings having a physical experience.

Today, we went around the city-from the open markets in the city to Crosswords bookstore, to lunch. It was great. I love showing the city to others-the city I am so passionate about. It truly felt amazing at the bookstore. So many books ( I wanted to read every single Chicken Soup series books)-so little time. Nonetheless, no problemo! I will go back for more later, but for now, I am letting life be a book I am trying to read and interpret. It is amazing that despite not being a student here, I am like a student. I am learning for fun, for life. I got to attend lectures on psychiatry, do my own abhyas at the library on topics that interest me, eat at the cafeteria (that shaas and tea was amazing!), participate in yoga class. I feel like I have been able to explore a side of me that was hidden in every day "on your feet" lifestyle on today's life. I got to slow down here and literally smell the flowers and the dust alike! For some reason, I found fragrance even in yoga class with no AC or fan. I really hope to visit places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun though! I don't know when or how-I just know I will.

Next month, I will try to remain free from internet. If I am going to living by Gandhiji's principals, I need to be able to embrace the simple life. My life thus far made me attached to technology, but it is a bond I do not need to peace. I  will replace that with writing and reading, with yoga and so forth.. I will try. Failure is not falling down; it is staying down.

Remember, your greatest strengths grow from your weaknesses.

My once shy and reserved nature is my new explore life attitude in which some hidden talkative version of me has stretched myself to be outgoing. Life is but a series of experiments as Gandhiji said in his autobiography, it is what you make it.

So many THANKSSSS..

Happy Thanksgiving in USA! Actually, it is a feeling of gratefulness that I have even in India. The essence behind the holiday is universal!

Some of the things I am thankful for-
list for me to reflect on..

-being in India right now
-being in my old house
-being able to see family and friends here
-being able to meet strangers and form bonds with them and learn about different people and their lives
-beautiful feeling of being in my home city
-talking to my parents on phone everyday-thank goodness for calling cards and ISD for mobiles
-yummy food
-good health
-and the constant desire to change myself for the better to grow-I think I have life lessons to thank for that! good and bad experiences have shaped me to be the person that I am, and I try to find a lesson to grow in everything I experience.
  Also have wonderful characters from history and their stories as well as encounters with random individuals to thank-as I find a meaningful message in every encounter. can't help it. I'm too philosophical and analytical- anyway, it keeps my mind occupied!

I am going to travel the world. THIS is my dream I know I will follow my heart's path. May be not travel to all places in near future, but the fact I can come to India, I know I can go to other places EVENTUALLY. It is a matter of my faith in myself and God. I wish to visit new places and meet new people. Learn about different cultures. I will.

The world is my classroom. The universe is my textbook, and everyone and every experience is my teacher.
Life is but a journey of perceptions

Going Down Memory Lane- Literally

Walking down the road everyday, the same road I used to walk with my mom at the age of 5 and 6. The very same path from our neighborhood to my grandma's neighborhood. As I was talking to my mom on the phone while walking home today, I was reminded of how as a little kid, I used to easily was 2 km to my grandparents' home. My grandparents are no more, but I revisited their neighbors today. It was nice seeing them all again! The front porch seemed so barren at my grandparents' old house. Someone else lives there, but I wish we had never sold that home. I wish that front porch was still as lively as it was 5 yrs ago when we all used to sit and chat at night while the kids played in the neighborhood, while we peeled vegetables, while I drew scenery, and while I got to know the society. That house holds so many memories, yet now, it belongs to someone else. It is not the same anymore, and I have not even stepped a foot inside it.

Anyway, it is all a matter of perspective. Yesterday, I went to eat pani puri at a lahri, and I did not get sick! I used to eat there all the time when I lived in India. My family and I used to stop by at those lahris all the time when we lived here. I am accustomed to the life here. Walking among the chaotic disorganized traffic, crossing those roads with no cross walks and only screaming honks, and the smells and trash. I just tie a oodhni (veil) around my face as needed. I am used to it though. I love it-it is all the essence of being in India. Catching a chagda with 10-12 people stuffed in it. Today's ride back home was brilliant-the chagda driver was playing old Hindi songs! I love it when the chagda driver plays music-especially Hindi songs-old hindi songs! It was memorable! but then my stop came and I got off!

I am not even that hungry as family friends in the society fed me snacks. Anyway, I don't like eating this late. It is 9pm, but most people here eat this late! Talk about acidity! I like walking-I walk whenever I can. In USA right now, it is probably too cold to walk outside. I can walk here for kilometers at a time and not get tired in the sun. Life is all about adjusting. Make the best of every situation.

East meets West

From washing dishes in the sink, to washing dishes in big pans on the floor in the backyard.
From washing clothes in a washer, to scrubbing clothes with brush on the ground in the backyard.
From drying clothes in a dryer, to hanging them on clothes line in the backyard.
From vacuuming the carpet, to mopping the floors with a cloth and sweeping with a broom.
From shower head, to bucket and cup.

-the reward-back pain, but women have been doing these household chores for centuries, and it is interesting to experience such dynamics of life here vs. life in the western world. Although, carrying 50 pound laundry basket up and down 4 flights of stairs is no less. Either way, you got to do what you got to do. Embrace the way of life where ever you may live in the world, but never forget your individuality.

One thing has not changed- my love for chocolate.
Yesterday, I headed on my long awaited Diwali break adventure.
From the farm, to the city.
Spend new year on the farm, and the weekend in the city.
 I headed to Central Square and had Papa Johns. I missed cheese. From there, headed to the box office window and got 2 tickets for Jab Tak Hai Jaan- the last movie produced by the legend, Yash Chopra. Words fail to describe how good it was-it was typical Yash Chopra fillm, but as all of his films are, it was a master-piece. ..and of course, Shahrukh khan on big screen-its been ages-yet speechless.
  After that, we headed to The Chocolate Room. Yes, there is a restaurant dedicated to chocolate. I can't even find that in the USA! well in India-I found my dream place, and had a bean burrito and hot choco! It was delicious!

bean burrito

"Chocolate is good for you"

Hot choco

The chocolate room

Chocolatey heaven

After delicious encounter with the Chocolate room, came across baraf na gola (ice-cicle like, only better). It is made of mineral water, so I could not resist. After 5 years, I indulged in one while walking to the intersection to catch a rikshaw!

Lets see what my plans are for tonight...  

"Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself". -Lucille Ball

"It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis". -Margaret Bonnano 

My goals in life is to give of myself in any way possible, and be happy. I think they are congruent.

New Year on the Farm

What a great Hindu New Year. A new year is a reminder that we can start a new path in life at any time we choose- be it Hindu new year, calendar new year, Chinese New Year-any religion or culture. I like to think of every day as a new beginning, so new year is a reminder of where I have come in life and where I am going. I analyze that everyday anyway.

Crops, fireworks, food, and 30 some people. What was a great gathering at a large farmland in a nearby town. We took tour of the farm, and it was beautiful. Nice to see greenery after being in city for so long. We ate fresh fruit-jamfad- (the freshest you can get) right off the farm! The food was great too! Farm food cooked in a different like of oven all together-delicious! simple yet full-filling! I enjoyed it.

My adventures in India so far- more yet to come- I am not stopping here.

Urban congested alleys full of goats, buffaloes, children playing, neighbors chit-chattering
Small villages- the typical village like scene- simplicity defined
Larger towns
4 story high roof tops
cruising on motorcycles through the serene, peaceful, yet bumpy roads through the farm lands to villages
Overcrowded rikshaw/chagda rides with 6-12 people stuffed in one vehicle
Getting lost, find my way, and creating new mental map memories
Shopping in the City revisiting those places I had gone to with my grandmother :)
Eating on farmland
Eating at food carts (be careful)
Drawing Rangoli on front porch
Random walks in town and city

Rangoli - hand drawn artwork done during Diwali and Hindu New Year

Monkey eating leaves in backyard- two monkeys knocked down the neighbor's motorcycle!

Farm land on Hindu New Year

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls. The most massive characters are seared with scars”
—     Kahlil Gibran

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
—     Maya Angelou

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.”
—     The Dalai Lama 

I'm addicted to quotes. There are some lessons that only life can teach, but there are quotes re-affirm those lessons, and meanings-those are up to us to interpret.

Happy (early) Diwali and Saal Mubarakh! :)

Diwali-the time of the year when fireworks go off in the distance, when taramandars spark away in the hands of children, when rangoli decors the front porches of homes, when family unites under one roof, when sweets fill tables and plates, and when lights are up on all buildings. It is the time for celebration and happiness. It is a time for rejoicing in good over evil. No one is perfect, but we are all God's master pieces. We need to polish our characters, and overcome our negativities. The battle is not external, nowadays, it is internal. When money holds more value than people, when objects seem more appealing than people, and when jealously, anger, fear overshadows giving, love, equanimity, and bravery. We need to work on instilling positive qualities in us-not aim to be perfect, but to polish the good qualities we already have and aim for personal growth at every angle in life.

My bhabhi and my Rangoli

Dear God:

I am not perfect
I am not made of Gold or Silver
But I promise you
I will always try
to keep my thoughts golden
and my dreams silver

Those meanings of our Vedic sanskruti have been faded under that of rituals in fear rather than symbolism behind rituals that are meant to enlighten. Of course, this is just an observation I have been making my whole life. I don't mean to offend anyone as people's faith cannot be judged, but I can shed light on the course of history and transformation of Vedic sanskruti to current day Hinduism through my own observations. In the end, everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. Being raised in both USA and India shaped my thoughts. Similarly, others' thoughts have been shaped by their upbringing. No one is right or wrong, but certain things in society are interesting to observe. As I observe, this is how I feel.

In the USA, I have a bible. Some people came from a church to our home once and gave it to us. I have kept it ever since. I have tried reading and understanding it. We keep it next to our Hindu posters and idols. I respect and value all religions equally. It makes me no less of a Hindu, in fact, it makes me feel more human to want to learn about other religions and cultures, but someone told me that I am not Hindu because of keeping Bible. How is that. Hindu is not an all or nothing deal. It is a spiritual path. I understand the vedic philosophy-in fact, Hindu is a term given much later. Originally, it was Vedic sanskruti.culture.   The posters have images that people worship, but how many people actually know the meaning or try to seek the meaning behind the 4 arms, the rose the goddess is sitting on, the objects in her hand, and the meaning of our holidays. Fireworks and lights are all superficial and materialistic-why do we light a divo (mini candle) why do we do aarti, do chandlo (bindi)? Thanks to Swadhyay, I know all of that. Thanks to that I rediscovered what Vedic sanskruti really consists of. It does not judge other religions, it does not demand blind faith, it only aims to show how to lead a spiritual life. It does not tell women not to pray or fast during menses. It does not tell one to make idols of Gold and Silver. That is just the present interpretation of our ancient culture. Respect others beliefs, but that statement I got today really made me introspect me. The answer, what Gandhiji once said. I know it and believe it. I don't need outside reinforcement.
http://www.johnlund.com/Cafepress/ImagesCp/ganesha-Symbols.jpg
How many people know what Ganesh ji represents. We have idols and huge celebrations with 20ft idols, but why is there a trunk, large ears, etc.?

Time for a new post!

1. Diwali is days away, and the city is packed with traffic. Trying to come from one end of the city to the other was something! I have had fun commuting though. What many might find uncomfortable, I find fun and all part of the greater essence of India. I take sharing rikshaws which are basically rikshaws that stuff as many people as possible. It is packed beyond imagination unless one has actually been in it. It is much cheaper than private rikshaws. You just tag one down with your hand. If there are people already sitting inside and they are heading in same direction as you, then you hop on. Don't be alarmed by the space-there is not going to be any. You make space. Of course, it is not as comfortable as private rikshaw, cars, or luxury vehicles. This is India meri jaan. I have ridden in cars here, bikes (motorcycles), scooters, scootys, buses, and took a plane to get to India! I will sit in a train sooner or later no doubt!
    I was determined to get papad no lot. I love it, and it is one of my all time favorite snacks. Apparently, there is only 1 place in all of Baroda that has it. I'm sure there are other shops that sell it, but no one knows of them. Therefore, what did I do? I took rikshaw to Madvi, the main city shopping area, where the dry fruit shop is and I got 5 packs of papad no lot!! I had gone to the shop with my grandma in 2005. I still remembered the location, just had to walk around to find it for a while!
    Then I changed rikshaws 4 times and reached this side of the city! I am so relieved to be home. I was tired of the mid afternoon sun, but I keep going. I am not here to be pampered and treated like a queen. Suck it up-life's tough, get a helmet (Boy Meets World reference)-even better, become your own helmet! stones will be thrown in your path, you'll trip, you'll fall, you'll sweat in the sun, freeze in the cold, and get cramps from being shoved in over crowded vehicles on bumpy roads, but life will not slow down for you. You speed up for it.
    I wanted to keep health sessions in the villages on women's health. At first, it seemed so impossible to gather women in the afternoon time since all the women are out in the farms. That does not mean it cannot be done. It just means we go to each home and recruit women on our own. I got together with the social worker and the community health worker in the village and we invited the women. I think we had a good overall session. We kept it at the balmandir anganwadi (village preschool). The little kids all sat there with their and listened, so I tried to incorporate child health topics and nutrition with the overall topics. You can't just address the women, you need to address the whole family.2 hour Rikshaw ride to and from the villages! Oh the lovely experiences of India!
    The day before yesterday, we went to the villages on a motorcycle. 1.5 hour motorcycle ride to the villages-The wind on my face barely allowed me to keep my eyes open, but I managed to view the beautiful farms of cotton, etc. Village life is so serene and tranquil compared to the city! Also, the hospitality in the village is very sweet. Hard to find in the city, but some people are very caring in the city too. I've had the pleasure to be around wonderful neighbors.

The anganwadi (preschool) building in the village where we kept the health sessions

The village community health worker and I. She is truly amazing!

     My plans for Diwali are still pending. I do not know exactly where I will go all of these days. The first time in my life after 15 yrs I have Diwali off. I want to go meet some family and friends- I'll see.
     During my little shopping trip this morning, I got little bubble pens for my nieces and nephews and some of the neighborhood kids in my grandma's neighborhood. I hope they like it.
     The strange this I find about India- the people that are getting paid to do their job don't do their job properly. The people that are not getting paid do their and others' work without pay and without slacking. How is it that the schools that have so much discipline here result in workers at workplaces having very poor work ethic? **Vodafone customer service is not good-some of the reps don't do their job properly, they take your money, their services don't work, then they waste your time, services still don't work, waste more time, don't give clear answers, are arrogant, and services still don't work, waste your money** -they laugh in your face when you request a bill and then cut your connection without notice and make you go to their office out of your way to get new sim card..anyway-forget it. (I am not going to let this get in my way though. It is Diwali and I am not going to bother much about the internet service for now. I won't have access, but its okay-I will be sure to argue and be extra assertive and aggressive if needed with those vodafone people after Diwali and the holidays are over-They have wasted enough of my prepaid money-this was not cheap.) Instead of going to Vodafone office tomorrow to argue, I am going to go see my cousin, aunt, niece and nephew, and all. That matters to me more.
     Nonetheless-There are plenty of nice people in this world. Very few customer service people are courteous in India, but some are very very kind and helpful. Also, local people can be very homely or family like even if you meet them for the first time. I have striken up conversations in the rikshaw, villages, slums, randomly on the street, neighborhoods..Random people I meet for first time, or after long time, or see everyday- I just like talking. I have become very talkative here.
     My bhabhi's parents who invited me to spend Diwali with them despite them meeting me for the first time this year, and they got me a dress to wear for Diwali-its my bhabhi's old dress, but new for me. Diwali is all about love-sharing and giving. I did not want to accept the dress, but because they gave it with love, I will happily wear it. I find it beautiful anyway-it is very traditional. The aunty and uncle were telling me about all these other NGOs that work and govt. organizations too. Family and family friends are offering to show me different NGOs, schools, hospitals here-but I just need more time! Strangers here are like family. My time is booked and very busy right now with the 4 NGOs I have commited to, and it is basically full time- 9 to 5. I will still love to visit all places as much as I can!
    I also went to the Tibetan market here in Vadodara yesterday night. It is an annual exibition/open market that bring vendors from Tibet to sell sweaters, scarfs, etc. I got a sweater for my dad, and a scarf for my mom and I to share :) We had stopped there on our way back home from Surya restaurant/hotel. We had typical Gujarati thali for dinner, but it was good. I love Punjabi food though, but still, there was something about that restaurant that made me feel nostalgic. The terrence outside seemed so familiar... I came home and I called my dad and told him. He said we had gone there earlier when we lived in India. No wonder it seemed so familiar to me. I can kind of recall some photogenic memories of that place from childhood. It has been so long though!

Gujarati thaali (plate) talk about full plate!

The Tibetan market

At the Tibetan market

Happy Diwali in advance and light the candles of your own heart. See the world light up around you. Just be careful with the fireworks...

ek dum first class

Kem cho (how are you in Gujarati) ?!

oo ek dum mast mazaa ma chu (I am absolutely fine!)

I feel like doing a mini lesson in Gujarati of common sayings just for fun:

 su chale che (what's up?/what's going on?)

 barrabar (alright)

theek che (its ok/its alright)

saaru (okay/good)

saras (good/fine)

Saal Mubarakh (Happy New Year)

fari madi chu (will meet again)

tamari tabiyat kevi che (how is your health?)

-That is it for now- until next time, remember, never stop learning...

     So, now for my weekend update! Saturday evening was wonderful. I went to my grandma's old society once again, and this time around, I met almost everyone in the society! I went to 5 of the homes to see our family friends. I was very happy to see them all, and they were very delighted to be able to talk to my parents on the phone. I called my mammi pappa from my mobile, and the conversations lasted a hefty amount of time! My mom got to talk to her childhood friends and neighbors who are just like family! It was great! I found out one of their sons is getting married in January, so I have a wedding to attend while I am in India. I am very excited to be going! I will get to go to a wedding in India after ages, and this time, I actually know the person getting married, and the whole society (in Gujarat, people call a neighborhood a society) will be there, so I am excited. Each family's home I went to-they fed me food, so I was so stuffed at the end of the night! I got so drowsy!! Just then though, one of the neighbors made me cold coffee! It did not help as much as I was very sleepy in half hour again! I saw the little girls I used to play with when I had visited India in the past. They were the most adorable little 2-3 yr olds back then. Now, they are older, but still, very very sweet. Them and their older sister still remembered me, so I was surprised! I went to see my grandma's best friend (also those girls' grandma). They now have a younger brother too, well he was a baby last time I saw him! The older girl and I used to sneak out and go drink coconut juice because no one would let me go alone, so I would take her! God bless them-their family is so simplistic and I am inspired by their joint family living in that one house. That grandma who I call ba (grandma) is so sweet. I saw my grandma in her. My grandma and her were like sisters. She was sleeping at my grandma's home the night my grandma passed away. My grandma had a strange aura or feeling, so she asked her friend to stay over that night so my grandma is not alone. Her friend noticed something was not right with my grandma and got help that night, and next thing- the whole society is looking after my grandma taking her to the hospital. She passed away later. Her memory remains in everyone who I talk to about her. 

      Now, I go everywhere alone in the City! People trust me enough now to go as they know I am familiar with the roads and all. I went to the city shopping area (Madvi) Ghadiaripaur (the area famous for bangles and accessories), and it also has a Amba mata nu mandir. I went there to get bangdis (bangles). I ended up getting more stuff like cook books in Gujarati for my mom. Anyway, from there, I went to see my grandma's cousin brother, and his family (also my family!). It was nice, and we had a nice time. Then I was going to go in a rikshaw to station, and bus to my other cousin's house, but my uncle was like he'll drop me off as they were heading in that direction. I gave them the directions, and they were so surprised that I knew how to get there. They were like you have been here a little over a month, and you have memorized all the roads and directions. I am still learning, but some of the areas I am more familiar than others. After all, taking rikshaws everywhere is bound to teach you new paths. 

     I finally went to my cousin's house that I had stayed with last month. We all took naps. They were cleaning their house for Diwali, so they were tired. Anyway, after that, we went to see my other uncle's family who had come from Australia. We just all happened to be in town, so we got to see each other! My cousin's (2nd cousin's) little girl can walk!! She is only 9 months! Such a cutie! After that, we went to Race Course circle and had Chinese bhel (mix of Chinese noodles, rice, and Manchurian!) and Italian Cheese pizza at the lahri. There were bunch of road side carts lined up, and a crowd full of people enjoying their Sunday evenings out! It was delicious food! I didn't get the pani puri as the water is unhygienic, but the other foods were cooked thoroughly with a lot of heat. I haven't got sick yet from eating that food. Some places are more hygienic then others, but then again, I am in India, I am going to live my life fully! I know which places are okay to eat at which I should avoid. It is all about knowing the area and community. 

Dhiraj Hospital- feels like a hospital in the tropics-well it is. It provides many services for subsidized costs. It is a private hospital, yet it is operated by a trust, so the services are much more affordable and reasonable for many people included tons of villagers.

Canteen at Sumandeep Vidyapeeth-has my type of food! 

    Today, I met with the research director at the university here at the hospital/university in India. We will be planning out the activities more. There are many possibilities. I am looking forward to it. I had also gone to meet the principal again of the Nursing school here. This time, I finally got a tour. He was very generous in telling me about the school and all, and I was very impressed. One of the instructors (who seemed like my age!) showed me around and explained things about the college. Again, I was very impressed. They were very kind to me, and I think that is what I will remember the most. 

   Then, I got veg maggie (Indian noodles) at the canteen! I love those noodles! For 20 Rs (approximately less than 50 cents), I think it is a good deal! 

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1odcNKyfZJU

How I feel. Live freely. I am having a blast-time of my life here! :) sometimes, I feel like extending my stay, so I can get more and more involved. There are so many possibilities, and I am so thankful to have studied Nursing. It has given me the scope to be here and do all of this. I am even more thankful to have stayed connected to my Indian culture and heritage, so I can come here and speak the language, fit in, understand the culture, and live here like a local! It was always my dream and goal to come back to India, and now I get to live the life here! Walking couple km to get rikshaws, walking in the city, going to the villages, seeing family and friends, celebrating the holidays. I moved to the USA when I was 7 yrs old, yet I remember so much, and I am creating many new memories too! :) I plan to track down one of my childhood best friends-lets see how that goes! I haven't seen or heard from her in 15 yrs! but in India, you ask around, and one person is bound to know another person that knows the person you are looking for. The land of familiarity. 

Old places-new memories, new places-new discoveries

    Welcome to a town on the outskirts of the cultural center of Gujarat (according to me!)- Baroda! A tranquil place with green grass in a peaceful surrounding known as Waghodia. This place is known as Sumandeep Vidyapeeth. and it houses Dhiraj Hospital. The place is one of many private hospitals, but something unique stands out about Dhiraj. Be it the philosophy, the location, or the campus. A temple (Jain temple) greets you as you enter the premises, and to the left is the hospital. The campus is fairly large, but of course no campus is large as OSU! The campus encompasses Medical institute and Research center, College of Dentistry, College of Nursing, Dhiraj hospital, canteens, library, dormitories, temple, and few shops, and several other schools. It is really impressive far as the services provided. I have taken many snapshots, but my Dongle speed is not fast enough for me to upload pics at this time.

     I highly recommend visiting it if ever in the area. Of course you can't really be in the area by chance as it is outside the city, but the path there is very straight forward. Plenty of chagdas (big rikshaws that carry 10-12 passengers), buses, cars, etc. go there. I take chagda-the desi style! Why go in closed doors when I can experience open air (along with the crowd and barely any sitting space-being flexible is a must). Plus, it is only 10 rupees versus private rikshaw that costs a lot. The most people you stuff in a rikshaw, the cheaper it will cost you to travel in India-learn to adjust, and save money, because trust me, the commuting costs do add up!!

     Anyway, back to the hospital- first day at the Psych ward: we met the program director, Psychiatrist, and the social worker. We learned more about the NGO, observed a data collection session, and read over the study files and surveys followed by dropping off all the patients to their respective villages, which was a 2.5 hour bus ride in totality! I enjoyed it though, as I really wanted to see the villages. Second day-well not much to do as the meeting with head of the department got rescheduled for tomorrow, so I explored my way into the college of Nursing here. I was very intrigued to learn more about the way Nursing school is in India, and how nursing practice is. I have seen plenty of hospitals, and mostly outpatient clinics, but to see a fairly new hospital and college that incorporates evidence based practice into the curriculum was something different here. I read the boards, and stood outside the principal's office. He signaled me to come in. I introduced myself, and requested if we could talk. I had a good meeting with him, and I hope to learn even more about the college and Nursing in India when I go next time. I am trying to schedule a day where they can show me around, but it all depends on the schedule with the NGO. If we have patients coming in from the villages, or if we are going to the field, then I would not be able to go visit the college of Nursing, or else, if we are just in the Psychiatry OPD, then depending on my work, I can stop by.

    Some of my experiences within the hospital-
1. my visit to the Dermatology OPD- one of the first things that caught my attention when I first walked into Dhiraj was the organization of chairs for the patients, visitors, family, staff. I was impressed. The floors were clean and there was even an information desk. I was also very impressed with the signs promoting proper way to cover mouth and nose to prevent viral infection (common cold) etc. There was a board in particular that came across my viewing field-and I viewed it for quite some time. In fact, I noted down all the details. It was for the Department of Dermatology. Laser treatments, etc. were so much cheaper than other places in India, and definitely cheaper than USA prices. I decided to call the number today as I had some spare time. They said to just walk in! I went to the OPD and the clerk say go right in after the next patient. I went in and asked if there was any consultation fee- the answer translated: "this is free of cost, and we give good services" I was really surprised as most places have consultation fees-especially in USA where it can cost fortunes to see specialists. I so the dermatologist for free, and got my skin checked out. I got the prescription-the only thing is, these is no education on the meds here. I had to ask questions such as when do I apply the cream, how much will it cost, etc. Nonetheless, the fact that they provide free to very subsidized services to many of the people from surrounding villages is commendable. On the other hand, some services' costs may still be like a fortune for many people.

2. Now for the points of improvement- there are barely any bathrooms. The bathrooms on campus (public facilities that is) are limited, very limited, and it is hard to find running water, let alone soap, in the sinks. I haven't seen all the wards yet, but the areas I have seen need more hand hygiene. The health care professionals are very professional in their behavior and consultation, and I respect that. They are also very knowledgeable. In fact, some wound conference is being held at the hospital. The hospital has many such excellent attributes.

     After serving at NGO run clinic in an urban slum for a month, I get to experience rural villages and a very renowned hospital in the rural area. There is a lot of focus on research here with the NGO. The work that has been done is incredible as I discovered while reading the reports. The files are very thorough, and their phases are very well planned and executed. I will talk more about them later.

     Speaking of which, I shall go spend time with the family I am staying with! God bless them to welcome me to stay with them. We are not related by any means-the only relation-that of humanity, and that they bought the house we used to own when we lived in India. ...yet they invited me to stay here, the same plot my house was once on. Such relations can only be found in India- after so many years, old relations get new meanings. New relations become lifelong threads.  Being in the old place of the streets I grew up on, walking down the same roads, and discovering something new every day about my surroundings and myself. I learned that I can be very flexible and adjust easily. I face the situation rather than run away from it. I saw that major change in myself from before. I speak up and assert myself when needed rather than shy away from it. It is good as life is about growth, and one must challenge themselves, and push themselves to adjust, try new things, let go of what life would be in USA, and experience India the Indian style while in India.

That's it for now- stay flexible, and stay fresh.