We are back in Delhi, thank goodness. While it is hot here still (around 27 C) but the accommodations are much better. In Mussoorie I did go and meet Ruskin Bond. I had gone back to the book store (called Cambridge books) to get a book before we left. The owner recognized me from having come there several times. He remembered that I wanted to see Ruskin Bond, so gave me his number. Although I thought it was awkward, I called him and told him I was a fan and wanted to see him. He said to come over on Wednesday at 5. Andrew didn't want to go, so I went with a friend. We went to his house and talked for what seemed like half an hour but turned out to be 2 hours. He was really interesting and had lots of stories. His house was stereotypically filled with books and national awards, both gathering dust. He signed a copy of his book for me. While we were there, there he had lots of other visitors. He said most people imagine him to be a total recluse living up in Mussoorie, but actually he always has a lot going on. Sometimes he tells his servant to lie to people and say that he isn't home because he gets tired of all the questions. He told us we could come by on Friday to get another copy of the book signed (I thought it'd be a good present for Mom). People were dropping like flies. I think in 3 days about 5 people went to the hospital and about 13 got sick. I think they all ate something bad or maybe it's just a collection of things, but Andrew and I took Airborne twice a day and didn't get sick. I know that it's clinically proven to not work, but I don't care, neither of us went to the hospital (which I heard was surprisingly nice, but I didn't want to test my luck). While walking to school Thursday morning we left our room to see a whole lot of monkeys sitting staring at us. It was a whole pack of them. So Andrew and I went to get some bananas to feed to them. Andrew almost fed one right from his hand, but got scared at the last second and more like threw it to him instead of handing it to him. This types of monkeys are called "Langurs", and are much nicer than the brown smaller monkeys. They didn't care too much about us. Pilli (the dog that follows us everywhere) saw the monkeys and stood guard for us. Anytime they got too close she would run at them and growl and then would be too afraid to come near us. But they we're so afraid that they would leave. There was one branch that had a whole bunch of monkeys on them (like 4 mothers with their babies) so we took pictures in front of them (with Pilli between us and the monkeys). It was the most monkeys I've seen that would sit still for a picture and didn't care about us being there (unless we had bananas). So we took lots of pictures. Then everybody else came out from breakfast and scared them off, but it was fun while it lasted. Thursday evening was spent mostly studying at Café Coffee Day. There were about 8 of us who went down there after school to study. It was really helpful having other people around, because then we could practice. Lots of the other customers saw that we were learning Hindi and were interested. One group of older men approached us and talked to for us a bit about Hindi. I was able to have a little conversation with them in Hindi and I was very excited about it. It's only fun learning a language when you try to use it, otherwise it's frustrating. Andrew and I felt like having Indian food for dinner so we split from the rest of the group and went down the street to a small shop we've heard of and had butter chicken, rice, and naan. It was really good and about 300 Rs total (about $7). The best part about it was that Andrew and I both felt that it was the first time in India that we actually felt like we were at home. We could navigate the streets easily, get food, and be able to study, all without too many inconveniences. It felt really nice. We both agree that we like India more now then we did when we first got here. Things are getting easier. Friday we took the exam. It consisted of an oral part and a written part. First they say a list of words and you have to write them down in the devengari script. Then they read a passage in Hindi, ask questions, and you write down the answers in English. Then each person goes into a room with a teacher and reads a passage, answers questions about it, says the days of the week, says the numbers 1-30, and conjugates the verb "to do". Then we all go back into a big room and take a written exam. Of course in the middle of it the power went out, which should have been expected. Andrew was excited because after his oral exam, his teacher said that he did the best out of his class. Afterwards we went back to Dev Dar for lunch, a surprisingly good spaghetti. Then we went down to The Tavern with three other friends. There was nobody else in there, so the guys let us play the guitar and sing karaoke to an empty restaurant. Andrew said it was the most fun he's had in India. Our friend knows how to play guitar so we did all the classics. Then for the songs he didn't know, there one of the guys who worked there would play for us and we would all sing. It was a lot of fun. Then we went down into town more and went up on a cable car that takes you to the top of the mountain. It was kind of fun being in the cable car and going up, it looked like you were just going straight into the clouds. At the top there are a bunch of little shops, but it was deserted and awkward so we pretty much just went back down. After, we went on the man-powered ferris wheel. This time there were a lot of people on it so we went really fast. It was pretty scary, but a lot of fun. The guy runs like a hamster in the middle and propel it. Sometimes he'll just hang from two bars and go completely upside down! But he didn't look very surprised by it. It reminded me of going on Drop Zone 50 times while Andrew and I worked at Great America. Then we headed back to Dev Dar (took a taxi). We stopped off at Ruskin Bond's house to get another book signed. He servant said he was out for a walk; I think he was lying. So, sorry Mom, no signed book, but you can have the unsigned one I bought. Back at Dev Dar there was a dinner party with all of the teachers. Some of the girls have bought saris so they all wore them. I wore one of the new shirts I got from the tailor. We sat at the table with a couple of our teachers. Because we weren't in a class together, they didn't know Andrew and I were dating, so we told them. They all thought it was very cute and approved of it. It was a lot of fun. I took a picture with two of my teachers, Urmila and Archina. Urmila is kind of like the vice principle. She is the one who does all our quizzes, tests, and grades. Andrew and I both had her as a teacher. As we were taking the picture she said, "You know, it's very good that you two are together. He is my very favorite student. And I like you too." Andrew got a kick out of that. Of course after being told he was the best in the class and Urmila's favorite student, his ego couldn't get any bigger. After the teachers left the guys from the hostel took out speakers and played music for a party. They kept on saying how much they loved Andrew and that we should come back and stay with them. They also gave us their numbers. They wanted lots of pictures with Andrew. By 12:30 I was exhausted and we went to sleep. Saturday morning we woke up around 6:30 and packed up everything. We had a banana for breakfast, and left in a taxi around 7. We took the hour taxi down to Derha Dun (somehow less scary than it was before), then got in the bus for the 9 hour bus ride back. We had to take a different route back to Delhi because so many people were making the pilgrimage to the Ganga that all the roads were blocked (the pilgrims walk and take up the whole "highway"). Coming back to Delhi felt amazing. Although it is hot, here we are guaranteed a shower everyday, good food, smaller bugs, no giant hills to walk up, no mold, and free bottled water whenever we want at the hostel. It's definitely a step up. Plus the language course was really intense and stressful, now we have a little break. The hostel is undergoing renovations right now, so the internet is down. I'm pre-writing this in my room, I'm not quite sure when I'll be able to upload it. Today (Sunday) I woke up early and felt fantastic. Some other people are feeling pretty sick (leftover from the party I think), but Andrew and I are both doing well. Quick breakfast, then to the realtor's office. Two people from each "group" had to go, so Andrew and I were elected. We went via metro. It was our first time using it, and I must say, I am very surprised! It was clean, there was a lot of security and was easier to use than BART (and way cheaper). You can buy a card and put rupees on it. Then you just swipe it and it deducts however much. To get from one end of the line to the other across town it was 10 Rs (which about .0025$). Ridiculously cheap. Andrew and I asked some questions about rent and stuff then paid first months rent. He said whenever we wanted we can call him to pay last month's rent, get the keys, and move in. We then took the metro back (all by ourselves, while other people stayed behind). It was a lot of fun going by ourselves. Two white guys came up to us on the metro (I think Eastern European), and asked us which stop to get off for the main bazaar. I didn't know, but turned to the guy next to me and asked him (in Hindi), the told the guy (FYI: to say "where is something" in Hindi, you say: object + kahan + to be (hayna), so bazaar kahan hai?). It was so cool to be able to do that. We can move into our apartment whenever we want, but I think we have already paid for the YWCA until Tuesday or Wednesday, which includes food. So I think we might stay here until then so we can get free food. It depends on what everybody else is doing. Some people haven't gotten an apartment yet (there is a mad scramble), so they have to stay here until they get one. I'm so glad we got the apartment we did. We ended up getting one of the most expensive apartments, but it was worth it. It comes fully furnished and with a fridge and stove (most people have to rent those separately-a huge hassle). And we don't have to worry about things like finding a bed and mattress. Plus the apartment was just built and is brand new (even the mattresses are still plastic wrapped), so hopefully everything will work properly. We're going to pay about $100 a month each (a lot better than Davis). The price difference between our apartment and the least expensive one was only a difference of about $20 each a month; and we don't have to share the apartment with 8 other people. There are only 3 other people living with us. And ours is in the best neighborhood (well lit, clean streets, etc). It's about a mile from the university. We'll probably start by taking rickshaws everywhere, but when it cools down and we get our bearings it is possible to walk. I'll probably talk more about it and post pictures when we move in (Tuesday?). And it will be possible for us to get internet in our apartment, so maybe that'll encourage Andrew to post. I'll have to set up web cam dates with everybody so we can talk. Oh, and we're going to get our phones fixed today or tomorrow. It seems like "India" is starting to settle in. We're having a lot of fun, and making new friends. Tonight we have a dinner at the university with the some people from the university. We're going to learn more about the campus and learn how to pick classes etc. I'm excited for that. Hopefully we'll settle in quickly and then school starts next week! UPDATE: We're moving in tomorrow (Thursday) morning to the apartment, and school starts on Monday. I went to pick out my classes and it went well, Sociology of India and Indian Art History (and Hindi). Andrew goes to pick out his classes tomorrow. Hopefully we'll get internet in the apartment and Andrew will update. Oh and our phones work now (I'll send you Andrew's new number Vicki)
We are back in Delhi, thank goodness. While it is hot here still (around 27 C) but the accommodations are much better. In Mussoorie I did go and meet Ruskin Bond. I had gone back to the book store (called Cambridge books) to get a book before we left. The owner recognized me from having come there several times. He remembered that I wanted to see Ruskin Bond, so gave me his number. Although I thought it was awkward, I called him and told him I was a fan and wanted to see him. He said to come over on Wednesday at 5. Andrew didn't want to go, so I went with a friend. We went to his house and talked for what seemed like half an hour but turned out to be 2 hours. He was really interesting and had lots of stories. His house was stereotypically filled with books and national awards, both gathering dust. He signed a copy of his book for me. While we were there, there he had lots of other visitors. He said most people imagine him to be a total recluse living up in Mussoorie, but actually he always has a lot going on. Sometimes he tells his servant to lie to people and say that he isn't home because he gets tired of all the questions. He told us we could come by on Friday to get another copy of the book signed (I thought it'd be a good present for Mom). People were dropping like flies. I think in 3 days about 5 people went to the hospital and about 13 got sick. I think they all ate something bad or maybe it's just a collection of things, but Andrew and I took Airborne twice a day and didn't get sick. I know that it's clinically proven to not work, but I don't care, neither of us went to the hospital (which I heard was surprisingly nice, but I didn't want to test my luck). While walking to school Thursday morning we left our room to see a whole lot of monkeys sitting staring at us. It was a whole pack of them. So Andrew and I went to get some bananas to feed to them. Andrew almost fed one right from his hand, but got scared at the last second and more like threw it to him instead of handing it to him. This types of monkeys are called "Langurs", and are much nicer than the brown smaller monkeys. They didn't care too much about us. Pilli (the dog that follows us everywhere) saw the monkeys and stood guard for us. Anytime they got too close she would run at them and growl and then would be too afraid to come near us. But they we're so afraid that they would leave. There was one branch that had a whole bunch of monkeys on them (like 4 mothers with their babies) so we took pictures in front of them (with Pilli between us and the monkeys). It was the most monkeys I've seen that would sit still for a picture and didn't care about us being there (unless we had bananas). So we took lots of pictures. Then everybody else came out from breakfast and scared them off, but it was fun while it lasted. Thursday evening was spent mostly studying at Café Coffee Day. There were about 8 of us who went down there after school to study. It was really helpful having other people around, because then we could practice. Lots of the other customers saw that we were learning Hindi and were interested. One group of older men approached us and talked to for us a bit about Hindi. I was able to have a little conversation with them in Hindi and I was very excited about it. It's only fun learning a language when you try to use it, otherwise it's frustrating. Andrew and I felt like having Indian food for dinner so we split from the rest of the group and went down the street to a small shop we've heard of and had butter chicken, rice, and naan. It was really good and about 300 Rs total (about $7). The best part about it was that Andrew and I both felt that it was the first time in India that we actually felt like we were at home. We could navigate the streets easily, get food, and be able to study, all without too many inconveniences. It felt really nice. We both agree that we like India more now then we did when we first got here. Things are getting easier. Friday we took the exam. It consisted of an oral part and a written part. First they say a list of words and you have to write them down in the devengari script. Then they read a passage in Hindi, ask questions, and you write down the answers in English. Then each person goes into a room with a teacher and reads a passage, answers questions about it, says the days of the week, says the numbers 1-30, and conjugates the verb "to do". Then we all go back into a big room and take a written exam. Of course in the middle of it the power went out, which should have been expected. Andrew was excited because after his oral exam, his teacher said that he did the best out of his class. Afterwards we went back to Dev Dar for lunch, a surprisingly good spaghetti. Then we went down to The Tavern with three other friends. There was nobody else in there, so the guys let us play the guitar and sing karaoke to an empty restaurant. Andrew said it was the most fun he's had in India. Our friend knows how to play guitar so we did all the classics. Then for the songs he didn't know, there one of the guys who worked there would play for us and we would all sing. It was a lot of fun. Then we went down into town more and went up on a cable car that takes you to the top of the mountain. It was kind of fun being in the cable car and going up, it looked like you were just going straight into the clouds. At the top there are a bunch of little shops, but it was deserted and awkward so we pretty much just went back down. After, we went on the man-powered ferris wheel. This time there were a lot of people on it so we went really fast. It was pretty scary, but a lot of fun. The guy runs like a hamster in the middle and propel it. Sometimes he'll just hang from two bars and go completely upside down! But he didn't look very surprised by it. It reminded me of going on Drop Zone 50 times while Andrew and I worked at Great America. Then we headed back to Dev Dar (took a taxi). We stopped off at Ruskin Bond's house to get another book signed. He servant said he was out for a walk; I think he was lying. So, sorry Mom, no signed book, but you can have the unsigned one I bought. Back at Dev Dar there was a dinner party with all of the teachers. Some of the girls have bought saris so they all wore them. I wore one of the new shirts I got from the tailor. We sat at the table with a couple of our teachers. Because we weren't in a class together, they didn't know Andrew and I were dating, so we told them. They all thought it was very cute and approved of it. It was a lot of fun. I took a picture with two of my teachers, Urmila and Archina. Urmila is kind of like the vice principle. She is the one who does all our quizzes, tests, and grades. Andrew and I both had her as a teacher. As we were taking the picture she said, "You know, it's very good that you two are together. He is my very favorite student. And I like you too." Andrew got a kick out of that. Of course after being told he was the best in the class and Urmila's favorite student, his ego couldn't get any bigger. After the teachers left the guys from the hostel took out speakers and played music for a party. They kept on saying how much they loved Andrew and that we should come back and stay with them. They also gave us their numbers. They wanted lots of pictures with Andrew. By 12:30 I was exhausted and we went to sleep. Saturday morning we woke up around 6:30 and packed up everything. We had a banana for breakfast, and left in a taxi around 7. We took the hour taxi down to Derha Dun (somehow less scary than it was before), then got in the bus for the 9 hour bus ride back. We had to take a different route back to Delhi because so many people were making the pilgrimage to the Ganga that all the roads were blocked (the pilgrims walk and take up the whole "highway"). Coming back to Delhi felt amazing. Although it is hot, here we are guaranteed a shower everyday, good food, smaller bugs, no giant hills to walk up, no mold, and free bottled water whenever we want at the hostel. It's definitely a step up. Plus the language course was really intense and stressful, now we have a little break. The hostel is undergoing renovations right now, so the internet is down. I'm pre-writing this in my room, I'm not quite sure when I'll be able to upload it. Today (Sunday) I woke up early and felt fantastic. Some other people are feeling pretty sick (leftover from the party I think), but Andrew and I are both doing well. Quick breakfast, then to the realtor's office. Two people from each "group" had to go, so Andrew and I were elected. We went via metro. It was our first time using it, and I must say, I am very surprised! It was clean, there was a lot of security and was easier to use than BART (and way cheaper). You can buy a card and put rupees on it. Then you just swipe it and it deducts however much. To get from one end of the line to the other across town it was 10 Rs (which about .0025$). Ridiculously cheap. Andrew and I asked some questions about rent and stuff then paid first months rent. He said whenever we wanted we can call him to pay last month's rent, get the keys, and move in. We then took the metro back (all by ourselves, while other people stayed behind). It was a lot of fun going by ourselves. Two white guys came up to us on the metro (I think Eastern European), and asked us which stop to get off for the main bazaar. I didn't know, but turned to the guy next to me and asked him (in Hindi), the told the guy (FYI: to say "where is something" in Hindi, you say: object + kahan + to be (hayna), so bazaar kahan hai?). It was so cool to be able to do that. We can move into our apartment whenever we want, but I think we have already paid for the YWCA until Tuesday or Wednesday, which includes food. So I think we might stay here until then so we can get free food. It depends on what everybody else is doing. Some people haven't gotten an apartment yet (there is a mad scramble), so they have to stay here until they get one. I'm so glad we got the apartment we did. We ended up getting one of the most expensive apartments, but it was worth it. It comes fully furnished and with a fridge and stove (most people have to rent those separately-a huge hassle). And we don't have to worry about things like finding a bed and mattress. Plus the apartment was just built and is brand new (even the mattresses are still plastic wrapped), so hopefully everything will work properly. We're going to pay about $100 a month each (a lot better than Davis). The price difference between our apartment and the least expensive one was only a difference of about $20 each a month; and we don't have to share the apartment with 8 other people. There are only 3 other people living with us. And ours is in the best neighborhood (well lit, clean streets, etc). It's about a mile from the university. We'll probably start by taking rickshaws everywhere, but when it cools down and we get our bearings it is possible to walk. I'll probably talk more about it and post pictures when we move in (Tuesday?). And it will be possible for us to get internet in our apartment, so maybe that'll encourage Andrew to post. I'll have to set up web cam dates with everybody so we can talk. Oh, and we're going to get our phones fixed today or tomorrow. It seems like "India" is starting to settle in. We're having a lot of fun, and making new friends. Tonight we have a dinner at the university with the some people from the university. We're going to learn more about the campus and learn how to pick classes etc. I'm excited for that. Hopefully we'll settle in quickly and then school starts next week! UPDATE: We're moving in tomorrow (Thursday) morning to the apartment, and school starts on Monday. I went to pick out my classes and it went well, Sociology of India and Indian Art History (and Hindi). Andrew goes to pick out his classes tomorrow. Hopefully we'll get internet in the apartment and Andrew will update. Oh and our phones work now (I'll send you Andrew's new number Vicki)
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