Today was a layover day in the D.C. We all broke up into groups. Lee and I headed out to the folk life exhibit on the mall, escorted by Brent, Donna and Megan. We saw how soy is made, a honey exhibit, etc. Lee and I stayed on to perform a native dance, see how Omani instruments are played, and to drink a WONDERFUL fruit smoothie. Eventually, we headed over to meet everyone at the national museum of art. We viewed some Monets, some Picassos, etc., then took a tour of the sculpture garden and sat by the fountain. Then we headed back and took a little rest.
Eventually, we headed out to get a bite to eat. I ended up at "California tortilla" with Christy C, Megan, and Mary. Afterward, the four of us headed to Starbucks (where I didn't drink caffeine, as usual). When we finished, we headed back to the hotel. A bunch of us piled into my hotel room, where we watched Cats and Dogs, then Hitch. Then it was lights out.
This morning, we're going to hear back about flights. Wish us luck...
(Fingers crossed, middle finger pointed toward Northwest airlines.)
Saturday, July 02, 2005
An expression of my distaste for Northwest Airlines
I see blogs as having many uses, but the most commonly referenced always seems to be personal rants. I think this stereotype is off-base, but I will justify it to some extent with this post, mainly because the issue at hand warrants a little bitching.
Northwest Airlines will be receiving a letter from me. I am upset with their organization. Firstly, they canceled our flight to Detroit due to weather, thereby ensuring that we missed our connecting flight to Dehli. I was thoroughly displeased to see that another airline's plane left from the directly adjacent terminal headed to Detroit only 40 minutes later. Not a concrete complaint, but aggravating, to be sure.
Further, though Northwest canceled our flight, they do not feel any burden of responsibility for our extended stay in D.C. rests on their shoulders. Thus, the fudge room in CAORC's budget was absorbed by our additional transport and hotel costs, as opposed to going toward our activities and the personnel facilitating them. I find this especially troubling, because Northwest is irrefutably responsible for our prolonged stay, and seemingly unwilling to man up to their responsibility. I suppose this bothers me because I think, if I were a private consumer, my lodging would have been covered. Because, instead, I am participating in a governmental program, my concerns are of lesser importance to the private industry. Certainly, at some point, Northwest lobbied the government to mandate that all governmental programs fly on a domestically based airlines. This isn't an absurd idea in and of itself, but if this governmental handout serves to detriment those governmental institutions financially and temporally, something has gone awry. I see Northwest as the instigator.
Lastly, I was accosted by the Northwest respresentative at Washington Dulles airport. Jay, a woman seemingly of Indian heritage, asked why I was traveling to India. I informed her that I was traveling to Dehli, Agra, Ajmer and Lucknow to visit the religious, political, and cultural sites of India. She responded "we don't like evangelists in our country." I was amazed, but responded that I was not an evangelist, and not even Christian. She told me that we were not wanted in her country. I told her that I was sorry to hear that. She explained that our nations had nothing to talk about. I said that I disagreed, and wished her a good day.
This woman should be fired.
Northwest Airlines will be receiving a letter from me. I am upset with their organization. Firstly, they canceled our flight to Detroit due to weather, thereby ensuring that we missed our connecting flight to Dehli. I was thoroughly displeased to see that another airline's plane left from the directly adjacent terminal headed to Detroit only 40 minutes later. Not a concrete complaint, but aggravating, to be sure.
Further, though Northwest canceled our flight, they do not feel any burden of responsibility for our extended stay in D.C. rests on their shoulders. Thus, the fudge room in CAORC's budget was absorbed by our additional transport and hotel costs, as opposed to going toward our activities and the personnel facilitating them. I find this especially troubling, because Northwest is irrefutably responsible for our prolonged stay, and seemingly unwilling to man up to their responsibility. I suppose this bothers me because I think, if I were a private consumer, my lodging would have been covered. Because, instead, I am participating in a governmental program, my concerns are of lesser importance to the private industry. Certainly, at some point, Northwest lobbied the government to mandate that all governmental programs fly on a domestically based airlines. This isn't an absurd idea in and of itself, but if this governmental handout serves to detriment those governmental institutions financially and temporally, something has gone awry. I see Northwest as the instigator.
Lastly, I was accosted by the Northwest respresentative at Washington Dulles airport. Jay, a woman seemingly of Indian heritage, asked why I was traveling to India. I informed her that I was traveling to Dehli, Agra, Ajmer and Lucknow to visit the religious, political, and cultural sites of India. She responded "we don't like evangelists in our country." I was amazed, but responded that I was not an evangelist, and not even Christian. She told me that we were not wanted in her country. I told her that I was sorry to hear that. She explained that our nations had nothing to talk about. I said that I disagreed, and wished her a good day.
This woman should be fired.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Step forward to step back...
We headed to the airport with the knowledge that our flight would be delayed due to weather. Inevitably, it was canceled, thereby assuring that we missed our connecting flight to Dehli. We'll spend two more days in D.C., and rearrange our schedule in India to accomodate our late departure.
I'd like to note that AIIS has gone to some impressive efforts to accomodate what is absolutely not their fault. They extended our food stipend and put us back in our hotel, rescheduled our flights and made new travel arrangements, and made the calls to make sure that none of our learning experience is lost in the transition. I feel so fortunate not only to have been selected, but to have been selected by some real winners. AIIS, you rock!
So tonight we ate Thai food, and it was muy delish. We're headed back to the hotel next, and tomorrow I'll probably take a nice walk and do some logic puzzles. If anyone in the D.C. area wants to help me occupy my time, feel free to call the Red Roof Inn on H street and ask for us - we've got some time to smother!
I'd like to note that AIIS has gone to some impressive efforts to accomodate what is absolutely not their fault. They extended our food stipend and put us back in our hotel, rescheduled our flights and made new travel arrangements, and made the calls to make sure that none of our learning experience is lost in the transition. I feel so fortunate not only to have been selected, but to have been selected by some real winners. AIIS, you rock!
So tonight we ate Thai food, and it was muy delish. We're headed back to the hotel next, and tomorrow I'll probably take a nice walk and do some logic puzzles. If anyone in the D.C. area wants to help me occupy my time, feel free to call the Red Roof Inn on H street and ask for us - we've got some time to smother!
Activities of the workshop on India and Islam
Organizers and Workshop Leaders:
Catherine Asher, Associate Professor from the University of Minnesota, and Narayani Gupta, Professor Emeritus from Jamia Milia University in Delhi, were the main organizers. Narayani Gupta assisted in locating appropriate lecturers, while Cathy was with the group of 12 students throughout the workshop. They were assisted by Frederick (Rick) Asher, University of Minnesota, who helped with many of the logistical arrangements in India. Also helping was Professor Nikky Singh of Colby College in Watertown, Main who accompanied Catherine Asher throughout the program. Manaji was there for us always and a huge support.
The Program:
The workshop got off to a late start in India due to the cancellation of the students’ flight, causing considerable delay in their arrival in India. Originally you were schedule to land in Delhi on July lst. Four students were able to reach Delhi by July 4th but the other eight were delayed until the 5th. While the loss of so many days at first was a blow to both organizers and students, we were able to compensate by providing a rich packed program.
~Cathy
Catherine Asher, Associate Professor from the University of Minnesota, and Narayani Gupta, Professor Emeritus from Jamia Milia University in Delhi, were the main organizers. Narayani Gupta assisted in locating appropriate lecturers, while Cathy was with the group of 12 students throughout the workshop. They were assisted by Frederick (Rick) Asher, University of Minnesota, who helped with many of the logistical arrangements in India. Also helping was Professor Nikky Singh of Colby College in Watertown, Main who accompanied Catherine Asher throughout the program. Manaji was there for us always and a huge support.
The Program:
The workshop got off to a late start in India due to the cancellation of the students’ flight, causing considerable delay in their arrival in India. Originally you were schedule to land in Delhi on July lst. Four students were able to reach Delhi by July 4th but the other eight were delayed until the 5th. While the loss of so many days at first was a blow to both organizers and students, we were able to compensate by providing a rich packed program.
~Cathy
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Orientation
Today was pretty sweet! We had lectures all day in the Smithsonian about the history of India and the Muslim culture within India. Last night 5 of us walked around the Washington Monument and the WWII Memorial, which was awesome. Tomorrow we leave.
G2G
G2G
Bridling the excitement
It was a day in wait. We went to the National Museum of Natural History and met with CAORC staffers, a State Dept. Official, two professors, and a SITA traveler. The wealth of information bestowed upon us was large but digestible, and all in all it was a worthwhile experience. Later this evening we headed to the Cosmos Club to meet with more State Dept. Officials and mingle. It was a thrilling time. I have 50 cents left, so I'll have to expound later...=)
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
In the D.C.
I arrived in D.C. around 4pm yesterday. My Honors College Advisor/best friend Jonnel and her Poli Sci Prof husband Joey picked me up, and I checked out their new casa. Muy bonita!
I'm now at the University of Maryland to check email. I'll head over to the Red Roof later today, where I look forward to meeting all of you!
We leave in two days!
I'm now at the University of Maryland to check email. I'll head over to the Red Roof later today, where I look forward to meeting all of you!
We leave in two days!
India is upon us!
I will be leaving my house in 12 hours for the airport. I cannot believe this trip is here. I have so much to pack before I go.
Jon, I am giving this site address to all my friends and family so they can track our blogging. Thanks for getting this site up.
AA
Jon, I am giving this site address to all my friends and family so they can track our blogging. Thanks for getting this site up.
AA
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Yogurt
I've been eating two cups of yogurt every day for the past week. I've heard it's good to have the live cultures in your stomach. Also, I friggin love yogurt.
Yay for Yogurt.
Yay for Yogurt.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Bollywood for the Skeptical
Scroll down a bit to read a background on the Bollywood industry.
Bollywood for the Skeptical
Bollywood for the Skeptical
Final preparations
I've spent the last few days wrapping up projects, getting things in order for the move, and reading. I finally got the books last week, and am trying to rush through them...but they aren¹t the best reads, for sure. Still, I think I'll be happy to have some background info, as it will allow me to better understand what I am experiencing when in India.
On Leno the other night, he noted that India is currently having a heat wave, and had high temperatures of 130.5 degrees. I say, bring the shit on. I am going to lay out tomorrow, I'm bringing sunblock, and I've convinced my dad to turn the AC down on one level of our house for the next week. It's gonna be hot, but at least I¹ll be approaching a state of readiness...=)
I was happy to see that my International Student Identification Card came in two weeks, especially since they said it would take four. If anyonehasn't gotten one, check it out online. It will give the user discounts on travel and hotel, etc. For those of us heading to Goa and elsewhere, it will likely pay itself off quickly.
I drafted playlists for the trip, and reloaded my iPod last night. I brought a bunch of lectures on Hindu culture, along with some Ravi Shankar. I'm anxiously anticipating the opportunity to acquire cheap burnt CDs of Indian music, which my friend said is a must.
I have two friends who have traveled through India, and their tips will probably prove valuable, so I thought I'd share: Don't spend too much time taking pictures, because you'll miss everything. No tap water, no prostitutes. Get up at the crack of dawn and head to the markets its when everything happens. Get a hot chai from a street vendor it'll be the best you've ever had. Divide your money and put it in different pockets, so if you get hustled, they will let you go without getting all your cash. Sleep as little as possible, knowing that you can catch up when you get back home. Stay hydrated - the average temperatures for this time of year are around 115. Don't give anything to beggar, even "schoolypens." (my friend gave a child a bic pen, and was followed 2 miles outside the town by a horde of children thinking she had more.) Put rubber bands on your wallet. Bring along some nuts or trail mix: the portions are smaller, and meat is not a central part of the diet, so you will be hungry and in need of protein. Focus on being aware of your surroundings. Experience and Enjoy.
Damn I'm psyched.
On Leno the other night, he noted that India is currently having a heat wave, and had high temperatures of 130.5 degrees. I say, bring the shit on. I am going to lay out tomorrow, I'm bringing sunblock, and I've convinced my dad to turn the AC down on one level of our house for the next week. It's gonna be hot, but at least I¹ll be approaching a state of readiness...=)
I was happy to see that my International Student Identification Card came in two weeks, especially since they said it would take four. If anyonehasn't gotten one, check it out online. It will give the user discounts on travel and hotel, etc. For those of us heading to Goa and elsewhere, it will likely pay itself off quickly.
I drafted playlists for the trip, and reloaded my iPod last night. I brought a bunch of lectures on Hindu culture, along with some Ravi Shankar. I'm anxiously anticipating the opportunity to acquire cheap burnt CDs of Indian music, which my friend said is a must.
I have two friends who have traveled through India, and their tips will probably prove valuable, so I thought I'd share: Don't spend too much time taking pictures, because you'll miss everything. No tap water, no prostitutes. Get up at the crack of dawn and head to the markets its when everything happens. Get a hot chai from a street vendor it'll be the best you've ever had. Divide your money and put it in different pockets, so if you get hustled, they will let you go without getting all your cash. Sleep as little as possible, knowing that you can catch up when you get back home. Stay hydrated - the average temperatures for this time of year are around 115. Don't give anything to beggar, even "schoolypens." (my friend gave a child a bic pen, and was followed 2 miles outside the town by a horde of children thinking she had more.) Put rubber bands on your wallet. Bring along some nuts or trail mix: the portions are smaller, and meat is not a central part of the diet, so you will be hungry and in need of protein. Focus on being aware of your surroundings. Experience and Enjoy.
Damn I'm psyched.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Amsterdam
Jon,
I am always up for an adventure! Do you know how long our layover is going to be? How much clothes are you planning on packing? Don't worry, I am hardly moving along in my readings as well.
AA
I am always up for an adventure! Do you know how long our layover is going to be? How much clothes are you planning on packing? Don't worry, I am hardly moving along in my readings as well.
AA
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Prepared...
Well, I've got my shots, I've printed off the chapters, I had to select the clothing I'd bring so I could bring it with me to Troy, and last night, I want and got supplies. I got water purification tablets for like 6.6 gallons, so if at the end of the trip I have any left, I'm taking one HELLA PURE bath or something. I also got "Maxi DEET" which is 100% DEET and was only $4! I looked for "Oral Rehydration Solution," but no one knew what I was talking about, including myself. I think ORS means Gatorade, or maybe just water. Those AIIS jokers! Tomorrow, I'll go and try to pick up the other two books from the library. I'm probably a big slacker. Has everyone else already started/finished them? How silly of me!
Who is down for a quick adventure in Amsterdam during our layover?!!
Who is down for a quick adventure in Amsterdam during our layover?!!
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
check 1 2
Just wanted to give this blogging thing a try. I am a huge baby and finally going to get my shots and stuff tomorrow. Seriously, I can't believe I waited this long. Well, it's exactally one month now until we leave...I can't wait to meet all of you and get on the plane already!
See ya soon!
*christy
See ya soon!
*christy
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Mullings
So in about a month and a half, we'll be off! I've never participated in bloggery before, so I'm looking forward to the experiment. After our collective introductions via email, I'm excited about the variety of interests represented by our group. I think I'm right in remembering more than a few Anthropology and/or Communication-esque majors, which makes perfect sense. But I'm glad to see that AIIS didn't limit their prospects to a certain major or two.
I've been to India before - last summer, for two weeks - but such a short trip hardly gave me a chance to form a first impression. While I won't be able to stay after the three-week workshop is over like some of us, I am excited about revisiting some of the places in Delhi I wanted to spend more time observing. And, typical girl, I want to shop. Oh, how I want to shop.
I think what I'm most excited about is being able to observe Islam's role in India society in addition to merely reading about its significance in a book. I hope I'll have the nerve to ask all of the questions that will pop up while I'm reading. Maybe I'll post some of the questions or topics that I find interesting here, so we can discuss a little before the trip. Sound good? Well, in summary, I'm pumped. What are the rest of you looking forward to most?
I've been to India before - last summer, for two weeks - but such a short trip hardly gave me a chance to form a first impression. While I won't be able to stay after the three-week workshop is over like some of us, I am excited about revisiting some of the places in Delhi I wanted to spend more time observing. And, typical girl, I want to shop. Oh, how I want to shop.
I think what I'm most excited about is being able to observe Islam's role in India society in addition to merely reading about its significance in a book. I hope I'll have the nerve to ask all of the questions that will pop up while I'm reading. Maybe I'll post some of the questions or topics that I find interesting here, so we can discuss a little before the trip. Sound good? Well, in summary, I'm pumped. What are the rest of you looking forward to most?
Monday, May 16, 2005
I am online with blogging capability
Thanks whoever established this communication venue, Jonathon I assume. I am very excited about going. I cannot believe that it is only like 6 weeks before we leave.
AA
AA
Pre-India
I am not sure how this blogging thing works, I guess I just ramble on about my thoughts and feelings and the like. I am super excited about India, but as time goes on I keep getting more concerns from people and thinking about things that make me nervous, so I just want to go already before anyone else warns me about curry. This experience will change our lives and since change is a catalyst to growth, I hope to come out of this opportunity having grown to be a better person. For so long I have read about people living in extreme poverty, suffering from terrible disease, and have planned on crusading around the world righting these wrongs. This will be the first experience I have of seeing for myself how other people live and getting to know and appreciate their way of life. I hope that this galvanizes my excitement to aid the injustices I have seen, rather than discourage me. I can't help people that I do not understand and respect. So cheers to step one in the process of fighting injustice!
Saturday, April 30, 2005
I'm IN!
As of 3:11pm yesterday, I have officially been offered the opportunity to travel to India this summer!
>>
Dear Jonathon:
Congratulations! You have been admitted to the American Institute of Indian Studies summer workshop in India! We will be sending more details soon, but in the meantime, please let us know if you accept our offer of admission. Thank you.
Best wishes,
Elise Auerbach
American Institute of Indian Studies
1130 E. 59th Street
Chicago,IL 60637
http://www.indiastudies.org
>>
Dear Jonathon:
Congratulations! You have been admitted to the American Institute of Indian Studies summer workshop in India! We will be sending more details soon, but in the meantime, please let us know if you accept our offer of admission. Thank you.
Best wishes,
Elise Auerbach
American Institute of Indian Studies
1130 E. 59th Street
Chicago,IL 60637
http://www.indiastudies.org
Friday, April 29, 2005
The deadline
The American Institute of Indian Studies will notify applicants on or before May 10th. If I am selected, I will be posting updates to this blog.
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