Delhi Belly in Andhra Pradesh

3AM. Wake up. Throw up. Sit Down. Bed. 4AM. Wake up. Throw up. Sit Down. Bed.

These are the events that lead me to 7AM. I thought I was going to be lucky. But half way through my stay in India, I became sick. By this time, many of the volunteers already got the notorious Indian gift that just keeps taking (rather than giving) from both ends. After taking two Pepto Bismol tablets offered by another volunteer, at least I wasn’t throwing up. One day of sleep and diarrhea. Without which, any Indian itinerary wouldn’t be complete.

The next day I was given some Indian medicine, which I have no idea what it was but definitely stopped everything. Since I was feeling better, but stuck in my hotel room, I had the opportunity to see hours of Indian television.

Unfortunately I think something also came back to Japan with me, or the Indian medicine wore off. This means I may have to force myself to see a doctor.

Farewell

Fortunately I was well enough to make the final day at the village. The morning consisted of finishing one more roof. The afternoon was our farewell party. We were given some traditional Indian clothes which felt like wearing plastic bags since they were made out of polyester. This was a far from great combination with Indian heat. The volunteers also received henna tattoos. This was my first time getting henna, so I thought it was pretty cool.


Polyester garb


Henna Hand

The ceremony consisted of many people giving speeches. Habitat for humanity people, village people, other people, and of course some volunteers. Overall I was more concentrated on the hundreds of mosquitoes buzzing around while I wore no bug repellent. At this time I was wishing I was on malaria meds. I wish I could have said some words. But honestly, I couldn’t think of anything. My real feelings were not very strong, but I knew if I spoke I would have to say something profound. Afterward, on the bus back to the hotel I thought of something that I could have said, although exaggerated in feeling but still true to a degree. This is what I thought:

"I would like to say something profound for the profound impact this experience has made on me, as I am sure others would agree. Unfortunately I can't think of the words. We came here to build houses and I feel everyone helped build a home for us here. By that I mean, we were welcomed warmly like family. There is a saying that says, "Home is where the heart is." I think for all of us, a little bit of our hearts will always be in Chevuru. Thank you."


Dancing the final day.

That night we packed up and rode the long bus ride back to Hyderabad through the night to catch our 10AM flight back to Delhi. I couldn’t sleep.

Angra

Arriving in Delhi, my ears would not pop. I had a stuffy nose that I think ended up stuffing my right ear. The unequal levels of hearing were annoying.

We met our bus driver who would take us on a 5 hour bus ride to Angra. At this point, I was really tired of buses. This bus was air conditioned, so it wasn’t too bad. We then arrived in the city of Angra. The purpose of this visit was to see the Taj Mahal. All the volunteers decided that if we went all the way to India, we might as well see one of its most well known landmarks.

The hotel was much better than what we were use to. Also eating northern Indian and Mughal food was a nice change, although most of the volunteers opted out for comfort food such as spaghetti. I also did eat some chicken at a restaurant, which was the first meat I ate in India. India is mostly a vegetarian society, since Hindus don’t eat meat and also for hygienic safety it is best to avoid it. But I really wanted to eat Tandoori Chicken at least once while I was in India.

The Taj Mahal was spectacular, the story even more so. And since we arrived very early, the crowds were at a minimum. The surprising thing is how majestic the grounds and the Taj Mahal looked, compared to the rest of India. India seemed to mostly resemble something post-apocalyptic with crumbling brick buildings, dirt and disorder everywhere. But when you walked into the tourist areas, such as the Taj Mahal or Angra Fort it was something completely different, although still very Indian.

Early morning at the Taj Mahal


Volunteers

Even when brought to shopping areas with our guide, they weren’t street markets, but stores that were certified by some sort of Indian Tourist Association. Granted everything seemed very expensive (for Indian standards), since it would only be tourists making purchases there. I bought a small Ganesha statue and a couple other things so I could give them to some people in my town and send some out. Unfortunately, I couldn’t purchase a lot though, and it was hard to find anything truly unique. I also bought some Dry Petha to bring back to the other teachers. I honestly don’t think it was very delicious; however it will probably be a memorable gift just for its strange and overly sweet flavor.

After one full day in Angra, it was time to head back to Delhi to catch our flight. Another long flight home and my ears still would not pop. A week later and they seem a bit better, but still not 100%.

Hindsight

Unlike the sight of a Hindu god, I only have hindsight. Looking back I appreciate this experience, although it was not as moving or impactful as when I went to Thailand. India is a very different country. From the sideways head bobble for yes almost undesirable from no, to the slums, the Taj, beefless McDonalds, India’s crazy head on traffic, the best and worst smells in the world, it is definitely a country of high contrasts. Where the richest and the poorest live together as countrymen but are worlds apart.

I know we helped the people in Chevuru. We gave them shelter. Raised their status, and hopefully filled their hearts. I can’t help but think though, that what we did wasn’t permanent. Unlike the time I was in Thailand, where I felt that the volunteers there actually changed the minds and hearts of the children and even more so changed ours, the effect wasn’t so apparent in India.

I have gained a greater appreciation for where I live and my situations in life, but have also learned comparing situations is like spinning wheels. I was not born in India or as a wealthy prince from Dubai. Comparing myself to these things so distant really is pointless. I can never understand these situations fully, so should never feel privileged or disadvantaged in my own life. These are just the cards we are dealt, even before birth. We are sometimes given a king of diamonds, the queen of hearts, the ace of spades, or the joker. With some gambling in life this can possibly change, be a king or a fool.

I don’t know if I ever want to go back to India. This may be because I actually wasn’t sure if I ever really wanted to go. One day though, I do want to head to northern India. Nepal still lingers in my mind.

Geisha

This last weekend was pretty amazing. I stayed the night in Kyoto on Saturday night, but the best part was Sunday afternoon.

I went to a tea ceremony and dance preformed by geisha.


Serving tea


Ritual

I feel I was very lucky since I have never really had the opportunity to see geisha more than a split second in the street. It was amazing to actually see them in their environment. Doing what they spent years to preform. Unfortunately pictures of the actual performance were not permitted.

However, I did run into a friend that I made in Kumamoto. I was extremely surprised!! She moved to Osaka after graduating from Kumamoto Gakuen University. I've been meaning to visit her in Osaka, but I rarely head to Osaka as much as Kyoto. So to see her at the Geisha performance in Kyoto which had hundreds of audience members was amazing!

Besides this, one of her co-workers was the father of one of the geisha. So I got a private backstage pass to speak with a geisha. I even have the picture to prove it!


Risa, Geisha, Me

Convenient Friends

In my town, I probably visit my local Lawson convenient store more than any other establishment. This is for many reasons. My town doesn't have many places and Lawson is about a one minute walk from my apartment and offers snacks, drinks and even things resembling dinner. Needless to say, I probably go there on average about five times a week.

Last week I made a comment to one of the workers there, because it was a nice day, so I said in Japanese, "Today's weather is nice isn't it?" Although I have seen this woman every week, I never talked to her. After mentioning this she started to ask me some questions and I learned that she has been to Los Angeles.

Then yesterday while I was stopping in to pick up some dinner, I made a new friend. I did my regular thing and left Lawson and suddenly a woman, different than the one I talked to before, came running out of the Lawson chasing me down. At first I thought I forgot something.

Then she yells out in Japanese, "Wait! Please be my friend!" I would have to have been one hell of a heartless bastard to say, "No." She is probably about 30 years old give or take a few years (actually I can't judge Japanese age very well), but it was really cute to see her run out of a store, where she works, so that she could ask me to be her friend. I honestly thought I would never see anything like this in my life, especially in Japan by an adult. She proceeded to explain to me in Japanese that she was going to San Francisco in a couple months and would like me to teach her some English and asked if I wanted to get dinner sometime. I asked her name and we exchanged phone numbers.

Honestly this made my day since it was just so unexpected and although I am used to friendly Japanese people, it is rare for them to take an actual interest in a foreigner where they initiate a friendship. However, recently it seems my luck is changing. Either I am becoming less foreign to Japanese people (which I doubt) or like I said, my luck is changing to bring these people into my life!

Long Days

Long days at my desk, in April. Reflecting the past, wasting the moment, preparing the future. Reflection brings disappointment, followed by growth. The moment brings this entry. The future brings hope and uncertainty.

Today I will spend another three hours on trains. For just an important moment in Kyoto.

The paperwork for my trip to India is finished. Now I must prepare myself physically and mentally.