Update/excerpts from last few days of journaling

9/4

Leaving San Francisco three days ago already feels like an eternity away. I’ve taken a six-hour red eye, a fourteen-hour international flight, and a thirteen hour bus ride. Needless to say, I’m delirious with exhaustion. 

There is so much new to adjust to here. New friends, new food, new language, new culture. Cows block the streets. Cars drive in the left side of the road – but sometimes they don’t. The big interstate, lined with signs advertising its creation, often fades from paved highway to dirt road. Gunshots can be heard from the nearby military base while at the NOLS base. 

9/5

I’ve been thinking about how the history here has managed to shape India into such a unique, wonderful, complex, troubled country. The legacy of British colonization and its economic drain on India is evident. Lack of infrastructure comes from where? Disorganization in government because they’ve only had autonomy for 71 years? I’m curious to learn more during the cultural section of the course. 

9/6

Many of my group-mates are sick now, but by some miracle I’m not (yet, at least). It’s hard to see new friends unwell, and my diet has preventatively switched to toast, roti, bananas, yoghurt, and pepto bismol. 

Before and after WAFA (wilderness advanced first aid) classes, I managed to sneak in both yoga and a run with friends. 

9/8

I am constantly tired as I adjust to this environment, despite getting 9+ hours of sleep each night. I am trying to pick up the basics of Hindi even though little kids shout at us in English as we walk through town. “How are you? I’m fine!” We’re having a lot of fun.