first impressions
Well, here I am. Here WE are. Today we arrived in Varanasi where we will have our first 10 day homestay. It is our third day in India, and so far I have been viewing India in snatches; brief poignant moments that stand out in the whirlwind that has been our three days here so far:
The smell of the flower necklaces that we were greeted with when we stepped out of the Delhi airport. Cool, slightly smoggy Delhi air. Our hotel and the fading grandeur of the "silver room" that we stayed in. Sleeping three to a bed for bonding reasons rather than space. The peace of Gandhi museum that marks Gandhi's last 144 steps. (although the upstairs interactive section was both impressive and slightly amusing) Shopping at FabIndia, and getting fabulous in our Indian Salwar kameez. The giant statue of the monkey God Hanuman that stands vigil besides the freeway and traffic clogged streets. And the crazy rickshaw traffic laws that are reminiscent of Morocco.
Morocco and India. India and Morocco. Being in India is both great and exciting, and in many ways, the only reason I went to Morocco was because of India. The India fall semester was full and so I opted for Morocco in the fall and for the much anticipated India in the spring. Now, being in India, I make comparisons with Morocco. I am struck by the similarities and differences, hopefully enriching my understanding.
I am so excited to continue to get to know this amazing group and India.
Tonight we meet our host families!
Much love,
ellie
Comments
Ellie, I am glad to hear that your Indian experience is complementing your Moroccan experience quite well! I look forward to hearing more. I ran into your homestay father two days ago and sent your love.
Posted by: Kempie | February 22, 2008 09:17 PM
Ellie, very nice post. It created both a picture and a feeling or a sense of what you are sensing there. I really liked it.
I miss you.
Love,
Dad
Posted by: Dad | February 23, 2008 05:02 PM
Reading your post makes me miss India like crazy! Let me guess, Hotel Cartel. (Is it? Or another Hotel?) Ahhhh I wish I was there!
PS If anyone decides to go to the Bahai Temple, just remember even though it's a temple, it's closed on Mondays. I know.
Also, say hi to Ashoka's Pillar for me if you go to Sarnath...and definitely sit by the burning ghats for a few hours and see what happens. Buy some chai!
I can't wait to read more! Keep posting.
Posted by: Natalie | February 24, 2008 01:26 PM
Found you!
I hope you took lots of pictures of Varanasi. I want to see your Salwar kameez and this Hanuman statue as viewed by Ellie.
-Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | March 3, 2008 03:09 AM