Spring!

At this point in the drama that is my work life, I'm trying my best to find pleasure in something. I have not been fully participating in my online class which is going to severely impact my course grade, but there has just been entirely too much going on lately!

We had a very small taste of some very beautiful weather early this week- and it was WONDERFUL! McKoy and I were able to get out and take a bike ride and appreciate the weather before the week got too crazy. Then, the weather disappeared! We turned the heat back on just to keep the apartment in the low 60s- ugh!

Regardless, the early week glimpse of spring proves that the real thing is just around the corner.The change of seasons are my absolute favorite times of year. When a new season rolls around, it always seems that I'm just waiting for the change to occur. So, now it is a spring time and I can't stop thinking about getting outdoors; I've already spent part of the morning researching campgrounds. Enjoy springtime!

The comforts of life

I think people we make moves in our lives to make us more comfortable- we stay in a neighborhood or a job because it is comfortable. While there might be greater opportunities beyond our comfort zone, we are not creatures who seek change and the effort to get there can cause stress and strain. Is it worth it?

The longer McKoy and I are together, the more we appreciate the comfort of a good neighborhood and welcoming community. I imagine that all couples seek the same sense of comfort, but for us, our mixed race relationship makes it that much harder to find a community where we both "fit." I just read this article in the New York Times which indicates that the amount of people stating to be of mixed race on the census reports is drastically increasing, by as much as 80% in states across the country- that is amazing! And while the southern portion of the U.S. seems to be seeing the greatest increases, I can't help but wonder where these mixed race families are.

In looking for homes or new communities, McKoy and I feel like one of us is always the outsider, it is unfortunate that there are so few mixed communities in this portion of the country. A city may appear to be diverse when you look at the numbers, but the truth is that city is still divided by neighborhoods or pockets of one singular race. We found this to be especially true in Cincinnati and Indianapolis. So, as we consider a potential move almost 8 hours from where we currently are, we will do our best to find a home and community that will bring us and our (future) family comfort and support regardless of the color of our skin. Sounds easy, right?

Things are coming around!

This has been a crazy, crazy two weeks! As of last Friday was truly concerned that I might lose my job due to things completely out of my control. It turns out that in the end I was just given a written warning- awesome. I don't do trouble. I can name the now three time I have been in actual "trouble" in my life: high school: jumping out of the back of a bus, college: drinking in the dorm room and now this. In addition to all of the crappy work stuff, earlier this week I had an  ultrasound on my thyroid because my doctor felt a mass on my thyroid during my last physical. When it comes to the ultrasound- I've simply decided to put this out of my mind. Right now, the job issues are enough to deal with.

So, to cover my butt at work, I applied to a job as Director of International Recruitment at Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA (30 minutes outside of Pittsburgh). I wanted to make sure that I had options just in case other things went down. I really didn't expect that one day later, I'd get a call about a phone interview. On this same day, the weather was perfect and the opportunity presented itself to go see one of my favorite's in Cincinnati: Abby Mac! So, it looks like things are turning around!

What a mess....

At this point, I have to assume that I don't have any followers... that's ok. I've been so unreliable with this blog that I don't expect anyone has stuck with me.

All through college and high school I used writing as a tool to deal with stress and to process all of the crazy things that were happening in my life. For the past few years, life has been relatively simple. Having McKoy's calming presence in my life is one of the great blessings in our marriage and something I appreciate in him every single day.

About a week ago I returned from a trip to SE Asia (which was wonderful!) only to find out about some major drama in my office which may result in a handful of us losing our jobs. I was not even remotely prepared to have to consider finding another job. In fact, after looking for new jobs over this past summer, I had decided to buckle down and commit to staying at IU until I finish my masters degree. And now, every day since I've been back has been consumed by various meetings reviewing procedures and processes within my office, handing over performance evaluations and defending my job. I am certain that I did nothing wrong in this situation, but rather that the structure is outdated and no longer serves the universities best interests- and I hope that is what will be found at the end of the inquisition.

In the meantime, I am trying my best to remain positive. It is surprising that the most challenging times seem to result in less panic than those smaller scale issues that can become to all consuming. To date, I've not yet been able to really consider what would happen if I lost my job, maybe that is just me denying the facts, but I'd prefer to think of it as my body's way of defending itself against the unknown outcome. I am not prepared to panic yet. I will try to remind myself that live is never what we plan- and that this is nothing less, nothing more, than a bump in the road to God's path.

Sorry for the delay!

So, I guess the reason I haven't written in so long is because I just don't know where to start! Is that a good reason?

McKoy and I are still hoping to make a move to Cincinnati or Indianapolis this summer. I am in the final stages of a job with Butler University. My interview went so poorly I can't help but think I don't want to work with these people- and the pay isn't that great- so I don't know what I am going to do!

I had a phone interview last week with University of Cincinnati and I am really hoping that this job will work out. Add to all that that McKoy and I want so badly to take a Jamaica trip this summer, that moving jobs just makes it that much more confusing! I already have a ton of time off stored up at IU and I know that I can swing taking an almost three week trip this summer... so I guess I don't really know what I want.

And then.... and then there is the wedding! Because we made it our goal from the beginning to make sure that the wedding is uber simple, it really hasn't been a big deal to plan. It is just now that things are getting a little crazy. I think I found the perfect set of vows and perfect ceremony for us- less than 15 minutes! But, we can't find a pastor who is available on our date... and to be honest, I am not sure that a pastor is what I want. So, who knows who will "marry" us. If any of you are interested in the job- let me know!

Otherwise, I am really excited about the following things:

- a bouquet of pink and white lisianthus, like this: http://floristblogs.com/photos/avante_gardens/picture5703.aspx

- jerk chicken! strawberries! pineapple! salad!

- our cake! with real flowers on it!

- cornhole, heineken, horseshoes, red stripe!

- time with family and friends

- a night in Madison with the HC crew!

Maybe it isn't conventional to share all these details about our wedding, but there really isn't much conventional that is happening with the whole thing! And focusing on all of those good things, just took the stress off of me... whew.

I know it will all work out and I refuse to lose sleep over the idea of weddings and job changes and vacations because in the end, what is supposed to be, will be. Besides, I should always remember that weddings and good job changes and vacations are all blessings and blessings shouldn't create stress!

What a day!

Today was an incredibly weird day. My scheduled interview did not proceed as expected and I will need to think very hard about things if I am offered that job. Maybe I'll tell the whole story after the entire process is complete.

On the way home, I got pulled over for speeding- ugh! What! A! Day! Luckily, the officer let me go with a warning. When I finally did get home, I was so incredibly drained that a workout wasn't possible.

I am trying to convince McKoy that we should join a gym here in town. It looks like you can join on a month by month basis without any joining fee. We do have a "gym" in our apartment complex. I use quotes because it isn't really much- 3 treadmills (usually 2 of them work), 1 broken bicycle, 1 elliptical, a couple of free weights and a broke ass weight machine. I'm totally bored with it and feel like I need some additional tools to get me back into the swing of things. All I've been doing lately is jogging/walking on the treadmill and I feel like it just isn't enough! So, tomorrow after work, I'm going to visit the gym- wish me luck!

Other than that, nothing new besides some wedding planning. Really, the wedding planning is not overwhelming considering this is sure to be the lowest key wedding in the U.S.! This weekend I am going to Madison to see my grandmother, talk about flowers, cake and food! I'll update next week.

Ahhh, stress!

I'll admit, I am a stress eater. There, I said it. :) Admitting your shortcomings is half the battle, right?

These past few weeks have been insane! Things are very, very busy at work, I am planning a wedding (yay!) and in the process of applying to and interviewing for a new job. I have an interview this Thursday with Butler University for a position as: Associate Director of Diversity Programs and International Student Services. McKoy and I have talked a lot about this opportunity and I think we are both truly hoping to make the move to Indianapolis this spring. A job search on its own is not too much to handle- but trying to plan a wedding in about 8 weeks on a serious budget is adding to the mix!

We have decided on May 22 for our wedding date and we plan to host the wedding at my uncles farm. The wedding will be very low key and very McKoy&Melissa- an outdoor event in the daytime with a nice cookout following! I am excited about planning this event- but I feel a bit out of touch with the process and a bit rushed.

So, bear with me over the next few weeks- it could get a little crazy!

I'm Back!!!

Another great India trip under my belt. Although this trip was very different from my first trip in Fall 2008, it confirmed that I still love India. Security was much higher in all of our hotels- x-ray machines and bomb sniffing dogs, it felt more like Indonesia than India. Even with the higher security and even less free time, this trip was still great. I had a little bit of time to get out of the hotel and do some walking and shopping and sightseeing. The trip was way too short-only about 8 days and it takes a day and a half to fly each way! Since I've been back, I've slept way more than I've been awake. I slept a full 9 hours last night and about 5-6 hours during the day. Jetlag (especially on the weekends) is tough!

Anyhow, I'm glad to be home. I'm in the process of applying for a new job at Butler University. Although I think I'd love the job (student services for international students) I'm really not sure I'm qualified. Also, I know what the job market looks like right now- it's tough! Regardless, we are happy in Bloomington but looking to get back to the city- preferably Cincinnati :)

Tomorrow McKoy has a big dentist appointment and it is my last day off of work. Maybe we will go to the movies or something to celebrate getting over his appointment and my last day off!

The Olympics!

The Olympics! If there were one reason that I wish I weren't leaving for India next week it would be the Olympics (oh, yea, and a week away from McKoy).

I get so into the emotions of the athletes, imagining how much effort they put into making a sport their life, it is all over there face in emotions of victory or defeat. For the most part, it is a feel good TV, something we don't always have. So, I'm excited to watch as much as I can until Thursday!

I think I am ready for India. I am already kind of psyching myself out about the 15 hour flight- ugh! I did buy two books last night for some reading and I'm hoping there are some good movie in the in-flight entertainment. I guess I can go to the American website and check that out!

Anyhow, nothing much happening here. I'll try to post again soon :)

Back to India!

These past few weeks have been rough at work. My plate is definitely full and I am truly struggling to stay focused and perform at the level that I need to. Not to mention that I have been in pain pretty much every day for the past two weeks... thank you trainer.

I can say for certain that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Yesterday, my bosses and I made a very last minute decision- I am going to India in 25 days. Typically I would have months to plan and manage a trip before actually going. 25 days is a tight turn-around, but I sincerely feel energized by it. When planning a trip, I have a few step by step actions that I need to take. The first time I planned to travel for IU, I really turned it into a science.

I will only be in India for about 8 days, but I am ready for a visit. It was my first location of overseas travel and I loved it. I'm sure I'll get a little stressed over the next few weeks of planning on short notice, but the renewed energy and the ability to visit a place that I love again is just too exciting to pass up! More details to come!

Well, so far we are about 2 weeks into the new year and McKoy and I have been doing great with our resolution to make better choices about our food. I am trying to see food as fuel (which it truly is) instead of something pleasureable. Hopefully someday I'll get to the point of seeing it as both. We've done well, but I won't lie, I'd love some hot wings! We are still trying to figure out how to rework that flavor into better and healthier choices. Maybe a meat replacement and hot sauce. Seems sacreligious. Ha.

In other news, I tested for allergies for the second time in my life this past Friday. I am allergic to about 60 of the 70 things they tested me for. The process was much better than it was when I was tested at age 12. Essentially, they explained to me that most of the health issues I have had all of my life are directly related to allergies. Which I now can see. It was a great visit- I really felt like they were paying attention to me and my issues!

So, typically the outcome would be a few prescriptions (which I do have) and daily or weekly allergy shots for the next 5 or so years. Instead, this office is participating in a new program called "Rapid Desensitization." Essentially, this is a 5 hour appointment of allergy shots. Leading up to the appointment, I'll be on a serious round of allergy meds to keep me from reacting to any of the allergy shots. When I go in for my appointment, I'll be there for five hours during which I'll recieve three shots in increasing doses every 25 minutes. After this appointment, I will have achieved what may have taken 6 months to a year and I will be at the maintenance level of allergy shots. I am incredibly excited about this!

So, my appointment is this upcoming Friday. Let's hope I don't have to use the epi pen that they prescribed and that all is well!

It's almost 2010....

So, Ive been a total slacker at this blog thing. One of my MANY resolutions for 2010 is to be better at blogging. The past nine months have been very hectic- and I feel that the one thing that has suffered the most is my relationships with close friends. I enjoy keeping up with Kira, Betsy and Sarah via their blogs and have been asked more than once if I intend to keep mine up. So, this year I hope that I can use my blog to keep a journal of 2010 and keep up with my close friends.

I intend for 2010 to be a new year- and one of the best that I have ever had. I hope 2010 holds a wedding, a few great road trips, graduate school, and maybe a new house (yep- not an apartment- a house).

My resolution this year is "simply" this: to live a healthier more purposeful life. McKoy and I are dabbling in organic eating and possible vegetarianism. We have already cut red meat from our diet, with a few exceptions. I plan to make better food choices at every stop. We will buy shares in organic farming in Bloomington and consider buying shares of meat from a local farm. I will attempt to buy in season produce at the grocery store, from the organic section when I can and stay away from the processed food in the middle of the store. In addition, at the new year I have six sessions scheduled with a personal trainer. I am looking forward to learning new work-outs for my current state that I can use in apartment complex gym. I will get back into working on the Couch Potato to 5K running plan.

Those are my resolutions. I know I have a lot to learn about local/seasonal foods, organic eating and where our food comes from, but I am willing to make this resolution.

What are your resolutions for 2010?

The great white death and the black plague.

So this past week brought the great white death of 2009. Bloomington got about 12 inches of snow with some ice in between the two snow falls. Campus was closed on Wednesday- and the county was under a snow emergency- essential personnel on the roads only. I really wasn't aware of that, but I can't say it would have stopped me anyway- I was on a mission. Last weekend I ordered a new phone- blackberry 8830 world edition in red! In order to avoid the inevitable missed deliveries, I had it shipped to work. Little did I know that campus would be closed on delivery day! So, Wednesday morning I called FedEx to see if I could change the delivery address. They said no, but that they could hold it at the shipment facility in Bloomington (which is about 4 miles from my house). So, I took a little field trip. It took me about 15-20 minutes to get out of my parking space- but it was smooth sailing from there. There were plenty of people on the roads- some better drivers than others. I was back home in about a half an hour- mission accomplished. I spent the rest of the day trying to learn how to use the phone- and I still have a long way to go!

We are by no means cleared of the snow- last night the temp was above freezing and it is supposed to be a 40 degrees today, so the slow melt is beginning. Honestly, I'm ready for it all to be GONE! I'm ready for spring! My grandmother in Madison definitely has it worse than me. It is almost all ice down there and she still hasn't been able to dig her car out of the mess.

I have been feeling under the weather for this entire past week. Friday morning I had almost no voice and it has gotten progressively worse over the last few days. I left work early on Friday and finally broke down and went to prompt care yesterday morning. Apparently I have one of the wonderful viral infections that is going around town- awesome. I'm on a few meds to treat the symptoms but I'm still generally miserable and can't sleep- I wake up about once an hour. McKoy has, of course, been so sweet about it. He feels super guilty that he isn't here to help me do chores and run errands.

So snow and sickness are pretty much all that has been going on with me the last week. I hope everyone else enjoyed the snow fall more than I did!

Slumdog Millionaire and other weekend fun

Yesterday I went to see Slumdog Millionaire with a friend. I might feel especially tied to this movie because of my recent travels to India- but I absolutely loved the film. It was a representation of India that we, as Americans, aren't often shown. The gritty under-belly of a dirty, old, over populated city and a look at how the people in slums live. It is definitely a must see given all of the Oscar buzz. And, trust me, what you see of India is how it is: the crowding, the dirt, the begging children.

Afterwards I had dinner at friends and went out to a bar here in Bloomington. I was feeling a bit old as it has been such a long time since I went out "drinking." There are a few people in this world who still bring out that side of me but for the most part, all that is part of my past. A past in which I had a world of fun!

Today I've been taking it easy and enjoying a day at home. I still have about 25 pages of reading to do for class this week. I've learned that I feel much better about the week ahead if I have completed my reading before the new week begins. I have found myself a bit more interested in the reading this week than last week- which gives me hope for this semester! Although, I am not convinced that studying education (Higher Ed and Student Affairs or International and Comparative Ed) is the right path for me.

Tomorrow I'll begin planning my two week work trip to the Middle East- Qatar, UAE, Kuwait and Jordan. Yes, I am excited about this trip, but I do wish I were going back to India. I guess I'll just have to wait until fall to get that fix again.

First blog of 2009!

So... I'm home. I've been home a little over a week and it has been a mixture of tears and hard work. Wow, that sounded lame. Let me explain. This was the hardest it has ever been for me to leave McKoy to come home. My two weeks down there was not perfect by any stretch. Two weeks staying with his whole family had it's challenges for someone who lives alone. And we fought, quite a bit actually, but I still love him all the same and maybe even more. So, there were a lot of tears from the time I left Montego Bay for about three days. Then, I had to go back to work. As soon as I got back to work, I was slammed with a million things going on. But, I guess it is good to stay busy. Anyway, this post isn't about that.

McKoy and I did a lot of fun things we had never done before thinking this might be my last trip for a very, very long time. There are some great memories. One of my favorites was laundry day! No big adventure to the beach, McKoy and I had a total blast doing laundry the old school way! I have another photo similar to this to hang on my laundry room door to remind me never to complain about having to put clothes in the washing machine! We also went to a place called the Pelican Bar which was a bar on a submerged sandbar about a kilometer out to see- so much fun! We were the first people there so we had the place to ourselves for about an hour before all the tourists started showing up. McKoy made friends with some German guys, we went snorkeling until I cut my foot on coral (reminded me of Betsy's incident in BVI) and wimped out.

I promised this would be short- even though I have so much more to say. This was an amazing trip, but the next time I see McKoy, I hope it will be here in the states. Maybe less than 3 months from now... that, would be my one wish for 2009.

I hope everyone had an amazing christmas & new year- no resolutions for me, I think I'll just focus on what it is that I love about my life right now.

Thursday Thirteen... 13 reasons I love to travel

13. Food! I'll try anything once... on my last trip the weird things were: squid, octopus and eel. We'll see what the Middle East brings.
12. The experience and opportunity to learn each day to see the world from a different angle.
11. The knowledge that The American Way is not The Only Way.
10. At the same time, an ability to see what is GREAT about the USA.
9. Something new, every day, every trip.
8. Meeting other travelers with similar ideals.
7. Traveling brings out the best in me- I tend to be patient and kind and forget about the hustle and bustle of life at home.
6. Did I mention the food?
5. Actually being able to see places that most people will never get to see: Forbidden Temple, Beijing Olympic Park, Munich Olympic Park, The Gateway to India and Taj Mahal Hotel.
4. Learning first hand about the history of other cultures... and whether or not we learned about them in school is "true."
3. Being self confident and self reliant, especially when I'm unable to communicate with those around me.
2. Coming home! To my dog and my warm, comfortable bed.
1. The people... wonderful people with wonderful stories and amazing life lessons.

For those who don't know, there was a major terrorist attack in Mumbai over the Thanksgiving holiday. A large number of men came into the port of Mumbai in boats, they then highjacked cars and a police van and drove to ten different locations throughout Mumbai. These locations were tourist attractions and places of safe haven for the non-traditional Indian. These attackers were after American and English citizens and those of Jewish decent. The siege lasted three days. Three days of terror in Mumbai's nicest hotels. Not only did it result in the loss of over 160 lives, but also in the loss of the historic Taj Mahal Intercontinental Hotel which was ravished by fires set by the terrorists.

I had never been to the World Trade Center and I did not know anyone who perished in those attacks. But I have been to the port of Mumbai and inside the Taj Mahal Hotel. I have seen these beautiful landmarks up close. I have seen the beautiful Indian people who spend their days selling goods to the tourists who flock to see the Gateway to India. I am in mourning for these people- for the chaos that is there daily lives and for the chaos that has bubbled over into a war zone.

India is a beautiful place- a place of polar opposites. Beautiful people living in a harsh and dirty world. Their lives are still much more simple than the life of the average American. It is a place of deep , but varied spiritualism. Whether they are followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jain, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism or Christianity they believe deeply and truly. And although there are many jihadists of many faiths who have been launching attacks on India for many years, it is true that in day to day life, the people of India deal with their spiritual differences with calmness, patience and respect.

I want to parallel this to the lack of respect most Americans feel necessary when dealing with people of a differing background- but I simply don't have the words. Sure, we don't have problems with domestic terrorism, but we certainly don't always have kindness in our hearts to deal with and respect those who are different than us. All I can do is pray that the strength and kindness of the Indian people will carry them through these times of struggle.

Worst Blogger EVER!

Well the last few weeks since India have been so incredibly crazy. I hae about 6 days in the office between my two trips, which in some ways was helpful, in other ways it just made me realize all of the things I need to take care of when I get back in the office! While I was home I did manage to book a plane ticket to Jamaica (oh, how I can't wait!) and spend an entire Saturday out with some friends. I'll get to spend McKoy's birthday, Christmas and New Years with him this year which is absolutely amazing. Birthdays are not celebrated much in Jamaica, but I am making plans to have McKoy's first American birthday celebration! I'm trying to figure if I'm able to bring cupcakes with me all the way from home, crazy? Either way, I'm sure we will have a great time.

Right now I'm in Hong Kong, just passing the morning until it is time to catch a plane to Shanghai. I arrived here on this past Thursday. I had flown 14 hours in coach. I thought I might die when I got off that plane. I was so incredibly tired and grumpy that I felt ill. It took about 2 hours to get from the plane to the hotel and luckily they allowed me to check in at 9am! Thank you JW Marriott! I knew that going to sleep wasn't very smart- I needed to quickly get ove jet lag as Friday I had a very busy day. So I laid down for about 30 minutes, showered and headed out for some sightseeing.

Things I would never associate with Hong Kong but are TRUE:
-beautiful beaches (I'm talking Carribean quality!)
-very lush and green island, even in the city
-world class city with mounds of diversity
-very, very clean

I took the Peak Tram to the top of an very steep incline and had amazing views of the entire island and the Kowloon Bay (the part of Hong Kong attached to mainland China). There was a mall so I did some souvenir shopping. My favorite buy so far is quite tacky- I paid a vendor to put mine and McKoy's names in chinese characters- so fun! Mine directly translates to "pretty lotus silk" and McKoy's tranlates to "Wheat Song." I think I got the better end of the deal, but his is fitting as well. I also spent three dollars on some beautiful Hematite (sp?) earrings. The ones I really wanted were black sea pearls for about $700... YEAH RIGHT. I totally wimped out and had lunch at Bubba Gumps Shrimp House, haha. I know.

The rest of my time in Hong Kong has been run, run, run! I've definitely struggled more with adjusting to the time difference here than I did in India. I think my varying arrival times are somewhat to blame. I arrived in India in the middle of the night and was able to go straight to sleep. Here I arrived in the morning. I haven't slept past 5am a single morning since I've been here and I can barely stay up past 8pm. Last night I ordered room service for dinner and then totally craashed. McKoy called around 10p and woke me up- I barely remember the phone call I was so dead to the world.

On the way over I was proud of only having about 55lbs of luggage. That is quite a bit less than you are permitted for international travel! However, my bubble was totally burst when I found out that intra-Asia travel only allows for 20kg... period! That is a total of 40lbs! How insane! Luckily, I brought a small duffle, a regular suitcase and a backpack (as carry on). I'll now be carrying on my backpack and the small duffle and onyl checking my suitcase. Rumor is that they will allow this, which makes no sense. If I can take it on the plane without causing the plane to crash, why can't I check the damn thing?

That's all for now. I promise to try to post at least once per a country- that means four more posts: China, Korea and Japan.

I can't keep up! This post is actually from 3 days ago!

Yesterday was my first university fair in India. There were some questions I was very prepared to answer and some that I wasn’t. Tomorrow I have a visit at a university, so I need to brush up on Business School info before then.

Today was a sight seeing day. We took a city tour by bus because it was raining. After the bus tour, we were supposed to take a boat to Elephanta Island- which is apparently beautiful. However, because of the rain and the rough water, it was not possible to do so. From 9-12:30 we did the tour of the city with the primary focus being the Festival of Ganesh- the elephant god, the god of prosperity and education. Today they were bringing statues of the god from all over the city- some big, some small. Tonight, the gods will be floated in the water and eventually set out to sink. I wish I could be out there watching, but…

Last night there were some major terrorist bombs let off in New Delhi. They were done by extremists who are against the Indian Hindu people. The bombs were let off in major busy areas of the city to have the maximum effect. They even found one bomb that had not yet exploded left in a children’s park. Because of these bombs, the tour group I am traveling with has decided not to visit the city of New Delhi. Instead, we will stay one day longer in Mumbai and then go a day early to Chandigarh.

Among other things on the tour, we had the opportunity to visit a Jain temple. It was not only quite beautiful, but I enjoyed learning about this very pacifist community and their ultimate desire for a pure and true soul. In addition, we were able to eat another Indian meal at a very beautiful restaurant. I had a lamb curry that was delicious.
Tonight a few of us plan to do some work and then just chill out and have some drinks. I used to be a big drinker, but not much these days. I’m more likely to be at home and on the phone than out having a big party. So, on this trip I’ve tried to continue that pattern which has proven difficult beacuse I’ve met some really awesome people

I'm a day behind...

Today was a good day. Most of the day was spent in meetings- but we had the afternoon totally free and a few of us decided to take advantage of that! So after a delicious traditional Indian lunch, and a quick run around to find my boxes that I sent here, we headed off to the market.

On the way, we ended up taking a bit of a detour- but we found the water! Literally the ocean is a few blocks away. We were intent on finding the market/shopping district of Colaba. It took us a while, but we did find it. There were deals to be had and haggling to be done. I bought: a necklace for mimi, a shirt for McKoy, a book (“Brida”) for myself, and silk scarf. I paid less than $20 for all of it.

The sad part is the amount of begging being done by women and children. There were no men begging- somewhat surprising. There was one boy, a teenager, who followed me for blocks and blocks trying to sell me a drum made from mango wood. He was offering me this beautiful drum for 100RMI- basically $2. It strikes me now, that the young man was willing to work so hard, so very hard for $2. What would $2 in one day mean to him… and what does it mean to me? Is this truly a “global economy?” And as hard as he was working to sell me that drum, I was getting angrier and angrier for what I felt was constant harassment.

There was a woman, young… early, maybe mid twenties… I can’t truly discern her age. She was carrying around a monkey on a leash. She followed us for quite a while- but she only said/did three things. She wanted us to pay her to take a photo of the monkey. Then she wanted us to buy her beer because she was “too short” and finally, she wanted us to buy milk for the monkey. It was absolutely bizarre.

And then there were the children beggars. Luckily, we didn’t see to many in the market. It is absolutely heart breaking. Everyone keeps saying not to give them anything, that if we do it, it will surely go to a pimp- not in the child’s belly. But really, what is 5 RMI to me? 11 cents…

I haven’t landed on a real opinion of India. It seems to be a very diverse culture, with many people holding a lot of wealth and the rest of the society in what we would consider abject poverty. It certainly makes for an interesting situation. I'm curious as to whether or not anyone has studied the after-effects of British colonialism in places like India... it seems to me that a people who were oppressed by others for so long, may simply not know how to succeed in western fashion. Just something I'd be interested in learning more about.