The time is passing quickly and everything is wonderful here. I’m trying to beat the rain so I don’t have time to post this afternoon but check back soon for a worthwhile update. Hope you’re all cozy and warm. Miss you all.
I now live in the jungle. November 17, 2008
If anything could stump me now, it would be how quickly my life and living conditions can still change in India. I wish that I had more time to update but a man keeps coming to tell me that, “Coming, Madam, bread omelet is ready, Madam,” in his broken English.
My travel break was phenominal. Tate and I spent some time in Delhi, marveled at the Taj Mahal, and spent a few days in the Himalayas where we rented an unlicensed motorcycle to watch the sun go down tucked deep inside the mountains and white-water rafted the holy Great Ganges River.
I now live in the jungle. I’ve been told to fear for my life every time I leave the house in danger of wild elephants and tigers. I live in a beautiful Indian style house that has a huge patio that looks out into gigantic jungle mountains. I love this.
I do not have time to post today and doubt that I will have internet access often. I am well and will no doubt enjoy this last month in India.
Miss and love you all.
Wrapping up RUHSA November 11, 2008
My final address in India will be:
Chelsea Koloski
Indian Institute of Science Field Station
Masinagudi P.O.
Nilgiris District
Tamil Nadu
643223
INDIA
Well, to tell the truth I don’t think I’ve been more homesick than I am today. Tate left yesterday back for Germany and I will not be reunited with the St. Olaf group until tomorrow. It’s funny that I can be as lonely as I am with so many darn people around.
Enough of the sob story; I have a lot to catch everyone up on!
My last week at RUHSA was absolutely amazing. Diwali was an incredible holiday and I felt like it was a mix between Christmas and the 4th of July. People celebrated in the strangest ways. I saw everything from goats being slaughtered and people drowning chickens, to people lighting off baskets of fireworks and handing out gifts. The streets were adorned with flower garlands and everyone walked around saying “Happy Diwali” which sounded more like “Hoppy Divvolli!”
I also spent my last night at Radhika’s house. We spent all afternoon playing with the fold out Frisbees that I brought from home and all evening lighting off firecrackers that Reba described as “a little more cracker than fire.” It sounded like gunshots throughout the country but there was little sparkle and flare.
Saying goodbye to Radhika, Pravie, Priya, and Balaji (among others!) was hard. It is unsettling for me to know how my life will unfold verses theirs. I see so much potential in them but know that they will never be given the opportunities that my life has given, and will give, me. I will have many stories about them when I get home. I will without-a-doubt miss them more than anyone in India.
My first project also ended. I gave a presentation to a small hospital panel interested in my conclusion. My stark findings in regards to the poor dental health didn’t seem to phase them which leads me to believe that it will still be awhile until rural areas are educated about oral heath. I have hopefully left some sort of footprint on the people of Chennagkuppam!
I was planning on posting all about my wonderful travel break now but it will have to wait until tomorrow. I miss you all more than you know. I wish I was there right now.
