May 12, 2010--Travel to India Journal

Today we met with the Center for Sustainable Development including the CEO, Jaganatha Rao and the Former Chief Secretary Dr. Ravindra, this was a very enlightening experience. Many of the same issues that face the U.S. are here in India in the same form however multiplied by the vast amounts of people. Rao gave us a great introduction to what sustainable development means for India. I found it particularly interesting how much they believe in the relationship of NGOs and the government. NGOs, much like in the U.S. are a catalyst to reach the diverse populations of India. Another interesting topic we discussed with him was corporate social responsibility. The concept is so widely accepted because of the general outlook of responsibility and protection of people in India. In the U.S. there is so much banter about CSR and why an organizations money is being invested in it while people are being laid off. Rao also gave us an introduction to e-waste, which I have done a lot of research on for Environmental Policy Analysis, I found that the information he presented was pretty accurate to the info that is available to us. He talked mostly about the growing sector just in India and not so much to the importation of hazardous wastes, which is an additional problem.
We moved on to GTZ, which is a funding agency that creates programs to improve the informal sector of e-waste management which drives 80% of the whole sector. They spoke a lot about the idea of trying to incorporate workers in the informal sector into the formal, more sustainable sector. However, the lady mentioned that the value systems of the poor people who pick through dumping grounds are very different. They are not economically driven so empowering them through to change their work is very difficult. I found it amazing how much they respect these people despite their inability to comply with formal regulations.
After the e-waste center we stopped for a nice lunch at a hotel on Brigade St. and went on our way to the Narayanan Hospital. The tandoori chaat and icecream (which tastes like marshmallows) were my favorite at lunch.
When we first arrived at the hospital we didn't know what to expect but we left with so much information and respect for what this hospital is doing.
A lady, Sherya, greeted us and would be our leader for the afternoon. She first showed us a building out in front that encompassed the philosophy of the hotel. The building included four parts for worship including Christianity, Judaism, Hindu, and Muslim. I think religion in the U.S. is not as mindful of the vast differences between religions, and I respect how much Indians understand of religions outside of their own. The hospital had, I think...things started to get fuzzy by this time...3 units...cardiology, eye, and a multi-disciplinary building. Each building has over 1000 beds. The cardiology unit is the biggest in the world. They showed us some of the amazing technology including radiation therapy, the telecommunications for medicinal outreach, as well as the post op pediatric unit. They took us into the pediatric ICU which was so amazing to see all the little babies hooked up and being taken care of. The babies are taken care of on a 1:1 ration, which is AMAZING.
The missions of the hospital is to be able to provide healthcare to the masses which is exactly what India needs. Being a privately owned organization it is amazing what they are doing. They pride themselves in their ability offer affordable healthcare. The hospital sets a quota of how ever many patients they need to see daily and then anything over this, the money made is given to offer care for someone who can not afford it. This model is also used as an incentive for the staff (who are referred to as "working partners") to want to serve as many people as possible as the amount served over the quota, the staff make more money. What a great incentive structure. I feel that if this was a government agency there would be no inventive to serve which would limit availability to so many. With such a large population healthcare is a problem but Dr. Devi Shetty's vision made a big impact.
Abhay Singavi game us some homework to look up reports on his website about the differences in U.S. healthcare and healthcare at the Narayan Hrudayala Hospital. I can imagine the differences are immense. However it is interesting to see as our country switches from private to public health care that a private hospital in India can strive so far. They are definitely an inspiration to us.
I want to look more into how the hospital actually supports itself (aside from grants). Also the telecommunications structure is amazing. As most Indians can not travel that far they can diagnose cases by meeting over telecom. This has allowed them to reach more people without costly an enormous amount of money to the hospital or the patient.

Other fun things about today:

• Singing girl at the hospital
• Bats at the swimming pool
• Extreme Exhaustion
• Sapna hung out with us ALLLLL day
• Driving on the big highway to get to the hospital, which was lobbied for by the hospital to allow easy access for people. This is definitely a testament to BIG infrastructure
• Food at the hotel: Bacon and Eggs for breakfast, Hakka noodles for dinner
• The buckets in the showers are for traditional people who don't use the showerhead.
• Delicious tea at the CSD
• Sapna's fiance is a rapper!

May 11, 2010--Travel to India Journal

After arriving at 4:00am, who knows what time in the U.S., a driver picked us up at the airport and we were off! The airport wasn't half as crowded as I'd imagined it would be but...it was 4 am. Our first sights and smells of Bangalore were magnificent. Seeing all the people while driving, living their lives on the side of road. The driver was very good but it was definitely quite the experience: cars, motorbikes, people, cows, trash, dogs, everything is on the road. The sun rose as we drove deeper and deeper into the city. You could really see the divide between wealth and poverty even in the short distance we went. The first thing that caught my eye is the architecture. So many of the buildings are so old and broken but by Indian standards very much still functional. We arrived at the Classic Inn, which was beautiful, equipped with a rooftop deck and an amazing staff, we all made the decision to get some shut eye. However, Katie and I, who are boarding together could not sleep. We found a computer to e-mail home and got some breakfast: scrambled eggs on toast. The service was so wonderful, waiting on us hand and food with anything we could possibly need. We finally napped after that. And boy did it feel goooooooooood! Our agenda for the afternoon: Meet Sapna finally, drive through Bangalore, visit Tippu's temple, see Parliamentary buildings, Bridgate St., and dinner at the Royal Orchid.

Our first taste of real Indian food at the hotel was amazing! I ordered what Ava got because I had no idea what anything was. Chicken Vindaloo soooooooooooo yummy! Although I think my favorite is the raita. It's like Indian Tzatziki! Yum. After months of e-mailing, we finally met Sapna, which was such a treat! She is beautiful and so kind. She brought us all itineraries with emergency numbers and small gifts as well including a small wooden box, a children's toy, and a bracelet. That was a true testament to the hospitality of the Indians.

Sooo...on the road we went. Driving through Bangalore was so fun, Sapna told us it was known as the diverse city because of all the parks that are interspersed between the busy streets. It was beautiful and humbling sight all the same. People were so excited to see us, smiling and waving and nudging their friends to do the same.

The thing I noticed at the temple was the native rate Rs. 5 and the Foreigner rate Rs. 100.....oh man.

The New Parliamentary buildings were beautiful. Sapna told us that the buildings were constructed by prisoners in 1950, after they were finished they let the prisoners free.

The first time I felt like I REALLY stood out was on Brigade St. You could tell people were staring and trying to haggle us. However, there was a lot of diversity in nationalities there. I purchased a beautiful pair of sandals for Rs. 200 ($4.00 ish)...I did see a few things I liked but am trying to hold off. Sapna was with us shopping and did a great job at trying to show us all the good spots to shop.

Last stop of the day...The Royal Orchid. A-M-AZING. A quite fancy place, you could tell there were a lot of business men there. The food was spectacular! A buffet of salads, main dishes, and desserts along with appetizers to start. The chef gave us a full tour of the buffet which really helped us to learn what everything was, what the words meant, and the spiciness of it all. We sat outside in little huts with oil burning to keep the bugs away. All the food was to die for. I can't even begin to pick what was my favorite. However, my favorite dessert was the lychee cream tart. MMMMMmmmmm.....oh and off course the Kingfisher beer. We just had to have one as its a staple in Bangalore.

Last adventure of the evening...walking home at night. When your professor says "If someone dies I'm in so much trouble..." you know its going to be good. Trying to cross the busy street was quite the adventure. But we made it home safe and sound. The one thing I love is that Bangalore is not a tourist town .It's very much a living city. As we drove through you could tell most people were working in various capacities. I'm excited for our next adventure!

May 10, 2010--Travel to India Journal

SHOCK!

Really I'm not so sure what time it is or what day for that matter. The flight from ILM-->ATL was painless. ATL-->Dubai was very, very long. About 15 hours long. We all survived but my body is teling me that it doesn't want to be in a confined space anymore. Frances, Katie and I sat in a row together with Lauren right behind. The food was good--> 2 meals and a snack

• Cheese Lasagna, salad, brownie


• Pizza, fruit, and apricot couscous


• Ham sandwich and granola bar

Frances and I both enjoyed a Miller Lite, later regretting as our stomaches feel like bricks from sitting still for so long. We also had eaten a large meal at TGI Fridays with a big margarita before getting on the plane. Watched four movies: Invictus, The Blindside, The Visitor, Away We Go.

Probably only slept for four out the fifteen hours on the plane. Getting in to Dubai was a little hectic as we missed our first flight and had only a short time to get to the next flight. A very nice man from Kingfisher Airlines showed us where to go and what to do. Our bags may not be on our flight but at least we are safe and sound! So we have 2 hours and 42 minutes until we land in Bangaluru. Its weird to think how far away from home we are. Getting on the flight from Dubai to Bangaluru was probably the first feeling of culture shock I've felt but really only a mild case. Since we were running late everyone was already sititng and EVERYONE was some south asian/middle eastern descent and staring at us as we boarded the plane. I believe the seven of us and one other gentlemen are the only light skiined people on the plane. Everyone looked at us, but I guess its something you get use to over time. On this flight we had GREAT food: rice, bean curry, and some potato curry. delish. Although it was delicious, my stomach definately needs some exercise before it can process anymore.

I'm finished the Chetan Bhagat book, One Night at the Call Center. It was very entertaining. There is such a struggle in the book to live a traditional way or to live a life full of new opportunity. It was very refreshing to read the issues faced by these young adults which are very similar to choices we make everyday. I loved the way that they viewed Americans because the perception they have is exactly the persona most give off. I recommend reading the book!

Well...it's time to try and pass the minutes until we can get off the plane. Possible a nap? YES! Can't wait to for the experiences that lie ahead.

May 8, 2010--Journal of Trip to India

I'm pretty much all packed ready to go! More than anything I am just so excited to have school work over with and really take in this experience. I think I did pretty well this semester. Those last few days of the semester are always pretty crucial, but now I am half way done graduate school and on my way to India. No complaints here!

Packing List:
Snacks
Magazines
2 books: Let the Great World Spin, One Night at the Call Center
Journal
Travel Book
Money/Passport Pouch (Not a fanny pack...haha)
Important Documents
Chargers
Camera
Pens
Pictures
Gifts
Planner
14 Shirts
2 Jeans
3 Pairs of Capris
1 Skirt
Rain Jacket
2 Light Cardigans
Toiletries
3 Pairs of Sandals
Tennis Shoes
Pajamas
3 T-shirts

READY TO GO!!! (In hind sight...only pack one pair of tennis shoes, and one pair of sandals).

I did hit my first hurdle however at the bank. Apparently not all banks exchange currency with India. So I'll have to wait to exchange money at the airport in India. Also, who knew, travelers cheques were obsolete. I guess debit cards have taken over the world.

My second hurdle, I've encountered in the past two days are a FEVER.....I woke up two nights ago with a fever of 101 degrees F. Stayed in bed all day but still have a sore throat, and really swollen lymph nodes in my neck. It really just appeared out of no where but I'm hoping it's gone by tomorrow. I'm taking some "severe cold" medicine for now and have packed just about every medicine imaginable to kick it. Keeping my fingers crossed that I feel better tomorrow because I really don't want to sit on a plane for 24 hours with the flu.

Soooo...with that said we leave tomorrow!!! Meeting at the airport at 3:00pm.

April 28, 2010--Journal of India Trip

Written on April 18, 2010
A little over a week before our plane leaves for a little country called....India! I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself! All of my friends and family are living vicariously through me and this experience. I have been reading the Chetan Bhagat book, One Night at the Call Center, and enjoying the similarities between being a young adult in the United States and being a young adult in India. I feel like I have learned so much about India in the past few months I wouldn't change the experience for anything.

I have already stated packing, more as jsut procrastination of finishing papers, and finals, etc...don't judge! I purchased some small gifts for the children at the Home of Hope including sunglasses, stickers, and USA pencils. I want to find some "Wilmington-esque" things like postcards, etc. there is still plenty of time.

My mom has decided to come down for a bon voyage weekend, I think she is nervous but she'll be just fine! Well.....here's to 11 more days til we get on the plane!

Travels in India

Traveling in India was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I want to share some of the stories that I documented throughout the trip. I kept a journal during my time abroad, but was unable to type them into this blog while away, so I'll post them day-by-day as I have time. Hope you enjoy.

The picture to the right is a family at the Taj Mahal who stopped to talk to us. We were sharing our henna designs as they stared at our blue eyes and blond hair. They are just as much interested in us as we are in them.