So the randomness of my yesterday was around 11pm when some friends and I were walking from the British Club to the Park St. Hotel to head to Roxy (a proper club/lounge) I saw a pony walking down the street. A beautiful white pony, not a donkey, not a horse. The crew I was walking with wasn't surprised apparently, but I still think a pony walking down a pretty posh area in Cal at 11pm is pretty random.
So Berkeley doesn't let you know about financial aid or assistanceships until after you've told them you're going there. So I may have to decide between going to a school that will more than likely fund me and one that has a better program but funding is questionable. I will get to hear about fellowship possiblitities either way at Berkeley by mid March. They don't make this easy do they.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
The Clitoris
And other things that are missing from CINI’s Family Life Education Manual. To add on to my normal load of writing up documents, I am also working with the resource team to edit and bring up to snuff their training manuals. Which I have to say is a nice break from just writing up youth friendly stuff (especially since my things are a bit delayed because my field visits and focus group discussions keep being delayed by one thing or another).
Originally I was expecting just a little bit of clean up work, I was not prepared for the gross misinformation and missing information that I found. It’s amazing how preference of males has even trickled down to their training manuals. All of the male parts were present and plenty of time was given to explaining that wet dreams were normal. All of the external female reproductive parts were missing (vulva, clitoris, major and minor labia), and though there are great taboos on menstruation here (people believe that girls on their period are unclean and shouldn't be allowed to pray, eat, etc with the rest of the family) there was only two small notes stating that it was natural. While there was extensive information on male arousal and ejaculation the female section only included reproductive functions.
Masturbation was of course mainly discussed from the male point of view. Though I did give them points for saying “his or her genitals.” And the whole thing is written that excludes anything that is not male and female reproductive sex. Even the section on gender only talked about gender discrimination towards females.
So I’ve been spending the last couple of days editing these sections, and it has been good fun if not equally frustrating (especially to someone who gave a class on foreplay to my 10th grade learners in Namibia). There have been some gross errors “STDs can be completely cured with treatment,” “HIV is passed from mother to child through the uterus,” and “Girls should not bathe in lakes during their menses because the uterus is more open and susceptible to infection” Plus I find out interesting things while finding double checking info. Like that semen apparently is only 15 calories.
I do have to say that it’s really tempting to include the really shocking things like g-spots and female ejaculation, but I do want them to actually use my suggestions.
Originally I was expecting just a little bit of clean up work, I was not prepared for the gross misinformation and missing information that I found. It’s amazing how preference of males has even trickled down to their training manuals. All of the male parts were present and plenty of time was given to explaining that wet dreams were normal. All of the external female reproductive parts were missing (vulva, clitoris, major and minor labia), and though there are great taboos on menstruation here (people believe that girls on their period are unclean and shouldn't be allowed to pray, eat, etc with the rest of the family) there was only two small notes stating that it was natural. While there was extensive information on male arousal and ejaculation the female section only included reproductive functions.
Masturbation was of course mainly discussed from the male point of view. Though I did give them points for saying “his or her genitals.” And the whole thing is written that excludes anything that is not male and female reproductive sex. Even the section on gender only talked about gender discrimination towards females.
So I’ve been spending the last couple of days editing these sections, and it has been good fun if not equally frustrating (especially to someone who gave a class on foreplay to my 10th grade learners in Namibia). There have been some gross errors “STDs can be completely cured with treatment,” “HIV is passed from mother to child through the uterus,” and “Girls should not bathe in lakes during their menses because the uterus is more open and susceptible to infection” Plus I find out interesting things while finding double checking info. Like that semen apparently is only 15 calories.
I do have to say that it’s really tempting to include the really shocking things like g-spots and female ejaculation, but I do want them to actually use my suggestions.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Silly Blog Things
Okay I don't usually do these, but the first line was so perfectly phrased that I had to-
You scored as Moya (Farscape). You are surrounded by muppets. But that is okay because they are your friends and have shown many times that they can be trusted. Now if only you could stop being bothered about wormholes.
Your Ultimate Sci-Fi Profile II: which sci-fi crew would you best fit in? (pics)
created with QuizFarm.com
So my sister Marya's Birthday is on Feb 15th and my nephew Jordan's Birthday is on the 14th. But I think this is a pretty good picture of both.
Thanks Brandon (via Kate) for the picture. Ahh the way we were. (Namibia Nostalgia Moment)
"Where are You Going" -Dave Mathews Band (which is actually my most listened to song according to Itunes too)
"Last Train to Clarksville" -Cassandra Wilson
"Magalehna" - Sergio Mendes (Which I'm actually choreographing. Unfortunately I don't have anyone to choreograph for)
"Nice Dream"- Radio Head (Thanks Naima for making me keep some on my Laptop)
"Here Comes the Sun" -Nina Simone (A really rare version I managed to find back in the good old days of Napster, Kazza, and AudioGalaxy. This is one of my all time Happy Songs)
"Sunday Kind of Love" -Etta James (It's true)
So I figured people may want to have some names with the faces. Though these are old pictures from last October. (actually these pictures are from Andy'site)
Andy (the other fellow and my Flatmate) and I at the Puja Gala.
This is (L-R) Avo, Karan, Me and Sujit when we visited the Victoria Memorial. 3 of the people who make me happiest in Kolkata.
Moya (Farscape) | 100% | ||
Galactica (Battlestar: Galactica) | 88% | ||
Serenity (Firefly) | 88% | ||
Deep Space Nine (Star Trek) | 81% | ||
Babylon 5 (Babylon 5) | 75% | ||
FBI's X-Files Division (The X-Files) | 69% | ||
Millennium Falcon (Star Wars) | 63% | ||
SG-1 (Stargate) | 63% | ||
Nebuchadnezzar (The Matrix) | 56% | ||
Andromeda Ascendant (Andromeda) | 50% | ||
Bebop (Cowboy Bebop) | 50% | ||
Enterprise D (Star Trek) | 50% |
Your Ultimate Sci-Fi Profile II: which sci-fi crew would you best fit in? (pics)
created with QuizFarm.com
Back Blog- Adventure to Poilan
So I’ve been holding off on writing this because I know a certain number of people will begin to fear for my safety, while certain others may feel the desire to assault the man in the story. Before people get huffy I ask two things.
1-Remember this happened back in October so there is no reason to get upset now
2-Read the whole thing before you pass judgment.
When I arrived here and was still staying at the field office/campus I placed my extra USD, Passport and Plane tickets home in the safe at the safe there. Around Mid-October I had run out of my stipend and needed to cash my travelers checks and since the CINI office people take their jobs very seriously and wouldn’t allow anyone else who was going between the two offices to bring my things, I was forced to make a mid day journey out and back.
To get to Poilan (where the CINI I campus is) One generally has to walk up to the main intersection of Gariahat (about a 5-7 min walk), take an auto-rickshaw to the Behala bus stand (about a 20-30 min ride) then take a bus to Poilan (another 30 min ride or so) and finally walk down the block to the CINI I campus. Or at least this the way I tend to go in the mornings, there are several other stops and buses one could take, but I prefer a minimal amount of changes. There are also 2 buses that run the whole way (76 and GL-3), but their running times are difficult to predict.
So I jump into an auto and (as always) turn on my shuffle and settle myself for the long ride. The back seat of the auto is about the size of a small loveseat and three people generally sit there. I generally wear Salwar Suits or a Kurta and trousers to the office, but when I’m going toward the field I definitely make an effort to dress more traditionally. I get less attention that way. But I hadn’t really planned to be at Poilan I was dressed fairly western, a full-length flare skirt and a t-shirt.
So I’m sitting in this auto and there’s some guy next to me who I’m pretty much ignoring. Then I realize that there is a hand on my breast that is not mine. As the auto is pretty cramped I give him the benefit of the doubt and re-cross my arms so that my hand serves as a barrier. At which point he re-adjusts so that he is again touching my chest and starts caressing me. I, not trying to make a scene, re adjust so that my hand is between his and my chest. So he decides to hold my hand. Just as I’m about to be loud and call this guy out. The auto arrives at Behala and we get out. I take out my wallet hand the driver a 20-rupee bill and wait for my change a bit agitated and still kinda pissed at the audacity of the guy next to me.
As I’m waiting for my change I see the bus that I need starting to leave. So I grab my change and my skirt and bolt after the bus. I do the characteristic Kolkata leap onto the bus while it’s still rolling and find a place to stand inside. At that point I look down at my wallet and realize my license, my other Ids and anything that was in the outside two sections of my tri-fold are gone. Because my wallet was open everything fell out while I was running to the bus. Someone handed the conductor two of the things from my missing pockets and they turned out to be my CINI-ARC card and a card from one of the food courts here.
Slightly upset but counting my blessings (My ATM cards were in the middle section and survived the run), I began to try to figure out how to go about getting new Ids. Suddenly the bus stopped and the creepy guy who was next to me in the auto gets on the bus and hands me all of my Id’s and cards that I dropped. He saw them fall, collected them and then ran to the next stop so that he could give them back to me. He gave a sort of wave and got off the bus again. So I proceeded to CINI I got my things out of the safe and got back to CINI-ARC with no further adventure.
I’m still not sure what the moral of that story is.
1-Remember this happened back in October so there is no reason to get upset now
2-Read the whole thing before you pass judgment.
When I arrived here and was still staying at the field office/campus I placed my extra USD, Passport and Plane tickets home in the safe at the safe there. Around Mid-October I had run out of my stipend and needed to cash my travelers checks and since the CINI office people take their jobs very seriously and wouldn’t allow anyone else who was going between the two offices to bring my things, I was forced to make a mid day journey out and back.
To get to Poilan (where the CINI I campus is) One generally has to walk up to the main intersection of Gariahat (about a 5-7 min walk), take an auto-rickshaw to the Behala bus stand (about a 20-30 min ride) then take a bus to Poilan (another 30 min ride or so) and finally walk down the block to the CINI I campus. Or at least this the way I tend to go in the mornings, there are several other stops and buses one could take, but I prefer a minimal amount of changes. There are also 2 buses that run the whole way (76 and GL-3), but their running times are difficult to predict.
So I jump into an auto and (as always) turn on my shuffle and settle myself for the long ride. The back seat of the auto is about the size of a small loveseat and three people generally sit there. I generally wear Salwar Suits or a Kurta and trousers to the office, but when I’m going toward the field I definitely make an effort to dress more traditionally. I get less attention that way. But I hadn’t really planned to be at Poilan I was dressed fairly western, a full-length flare skirt and a t-shirt.
So I’m sitting in this auto and there’s some guy next to me who I’m pretty much ignoring. Then I realize that there is a hand on my breast that is not mine. As the auto is pretty cramped I give him the benefit of the doubt and re-cross my arms so that my hand serves as a barrier. At which point he re-adjusts so that he is again touching my chest and starts caressing me. I, not trying to make a scene, re adjust so that my hand is between his and my chest. So he decides to hold my hand. Just as I’m about to be loud and call this guy out. The auto arrives at Behala and we get out. I take out my wallet hand the driver a 20-rupee bill and wait for my change a bit agitated and still kinda pissed at the audacity of the guy next to me.
As I’m waiting for my change I see the bus that I need starting to leave. So I grab my change and my skirt and bolt after the bus. I do the characteristic Kolkata leap onto the bus while it’s still rolling and find a place to stand inside. At that point I look down at my wallet and realize my license, my other Ids and anything that was in the outside two sections of my tri-fold are gone. Because my wallet was open everything fell out while I was running to the bus. Someone handed the conductor two of the things from my missing pockets and they turned out to be my CINI-ARC card and a card from one of the food courts here.
Slightly upset but counting my blessings (My ATM cards were in the middle section and survived the run), I began to try to figure out how to go about getting new Ids. Suddenly the bus stopped and the creepy guy who was next to me in the auto gets on the bus and hands me all of my Id’s and cards that I dropped. He saw them fall, collected them and then ran to the next stop so that he could give them back to me. He gave a sort of wave and got off the bus again. So I proceeded to CINI I got my things out of the safe and got back to CINI-ARC with no further adventure.
I’m still not sure what the moral of that story is.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Sari Wearing/ Don't Fake the Funk
I am amazed that people are constantly amazed that I can wear a sari and put one on myself. (Though I blame my proficiency with 6 meters of cloth from having to wrap so many togas back in my JCL Latin costuming days) Oh yeah I also have learned that people stare at me more when I wear a sari, especially if I have my 'fro out.
The humor of the morning was watching people watch me as I bopped down the street wearing a sari (Indian Culture) listening to Latin Music (Latin culture) with my 'fro out (Black American culture) :)
I'm pretty sure my rocking my way down the street (however conservatively I attempt to do it) doesn't help me be inconspicuous.
So my day has pretty much been made by taking an extended (really extended) lunch with one of my favorite people here Anerut. Hey I had to do something to celebrate. I also felt pretty bad by talking about all the foreigners (especially white foreigners) who show up in India and don flowy clothes, bendis (the dot or decoration in between your eyes) etc. "Go Native" as Anerut put it. Granted I was wearing a Sari while I said this (I don't have any other formal clothes here really). But it really irks me the people who come to another country and "Fake the Funk" so to speak. Especially if they are only here on holiday. (and you can always tell those who are on holiday, they don't haggle at the market and they tend to be scruffier). Granted I definitely plan to wear a sari off the plane and look like I lived in India when I get home on July 2nd. But I figure learning Bengali, Taking Kathak and living here for so long (not to mention the garbas and holidays I spent with Anju and the rest of the Joshi's and all of the Emory Indian Cultural Exchange stuff) does entitle me to a bit of funkiness. (Non-Faked)
The humor of the morning was watching people watch me as I bopped down the street wearing a sari (Indian Culture) listening to Latin Music (Latin culture) with my 'fro out (Black American culture) :)
I'm pretty sure my rocking my way down the street (however conservatively I attempt to do it) doesn't help me be inconspicuous.
So my day has pretty much been made by taking an extended (really extended) lunch with one of my favorite people here Anerut. Hey I had to do something to celebrate. I also felt pretty bad by talking about all the foreigners (especially white foreigners) who show up in India and don flowy clothes, bendis (the dot or decoration in between your eyes) etc. "Go Native" as Anerut put it. Granted I was wearing a Sari while I said this (I don't have any other formal clothes here really). But it really irks me the people who come to another country and "Fake the Funk" so to speak. Especially if they are only here on holiday. (and you can always tell those who are on holiday, they don't haggle at the market and they tend to be scruffier). Granted I definitely plan to wear a sari off the plane and look like I lived in India when I get home on July 2nd. But I figure learning Bengali, Taking Kathak and living here for so long (not to mention the garbas and holidays I spent with Anju and the rest of the Joshi's and all of the Emory Indian Cultural Exchange stuff) does entitle me to a bit of funkiness. (Non-Faked)
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Okay for real
So I know these posts are comming across really calm, but I'm actually estatic. Several times a day I have to stop myself from turning around and telling anyone around me that I got into Berkeley. Now this whole nomination from OSU for a full fellowship. It's just crazy, and by crazy I mean incredible. So I'm now going to put up happy pictures because it makes me happy, and I'm a bit giddy. :)
Me in the Atlantic Ocean in Senegal last March right before I came home. Not at all a really good picture of me, but being there made me really happy
Happy Opus, who is by far one of my favorite characters and one of the most clever strip. Courtsey of the Berkely Breathed Website.
This is Luther (pronounced Ruthere in Oshiwambo, Dove and thier cousin who were Kids on my second home in Namibia, Kate's House. They are holding two of my dog Nando's puppies, Max and Kwen.
A bunch of us dancing at Neela's house last October, during the Halloween party
Okay I know the picture is kinda grainy, for some reason it doesn't like being a Jpg. But I really like this picture. This is Me and Dev at our Non-Denominational Celebration of Good Will Party. Doing what i do so often (and much better with company)
Ruracana, Namibia. The whole country is a dessert save this small oasis. You'v got to love water and green.
:)
Me in the Atlantic Ocean in Senegal last March right before I came home. Not at all a really good picture of me, but being there made me really happy
Happy Opus, who is by far one of my favorite characters and one of the most clever strip. Courtsey of the Berkely Breathed Website.
This is Luther (pronounced Ruthere in Oshiwambo, Dove and thier cousin who were Kids on my second home in Namibia, Kate's House. They are holding two of my dog Nando's puppies, Max and Kwen.
A bunch of us dancing at Neela's house last October, during the Halloween party
Okay I know the picture is kinda grainy, for some reason it doesn't like being a Jpg. But I really like this picture. This is Me and Dev at our Non-Denominational Celebration of Good Will Party. Doing what i do so often (and much better with company)
Ruracana, Namibia. The whole country is a dessert save this small oasis. You'v got to love water and green.:)
Better and Better (or 3 for 3)
So Yesterday I got a letter from Case Western of course thanking me for my application, but regretting to give me an interview which is due "to the high number of qualified applicants. Good luck in seeking you medical career." Why do schools always do that. Although I do like the letter much better than the way OSU Med did it which was to send me an email saying that there is a change in my application status. When you go to the web page it said. FILE CLOSED.
Today I got an emai from OSU School of Public Health that not only stated my admission but the possiblitiy of a fellowship for full tuition and a monthly stipend of 1000 USD (not Rupees !!!)
So now I really have a decision to make.
Today I got an emai from OSU School of Public Health that not only stated my admission but the possiblitiy of a fellowship for full tuition and a monthly stipend of 1000 USD (not Rupees !!!)
So now I really have a decision to make.
Happy Birthday Marya and Jordan
So my sister Marya's Birthday is on Feb 15th and my nephew Jordan's Birthday is on the 14th. But I think this is a pretty good picture of both.
Monday, February 13, 2006
February’s Question of the Month
Alright you have until March 14thish. . . GO! :)
If you could create a Holiday,
-What would it be?
-When would we celebrate it?
-What would “proper” celebration of your holiday require?
If you could create a Holiday,
-What would it be?
-When would we celebrate it?
-What would “proper” celebration of your holiday require?
Jan Question Answered
Good answers to everyone who did. I have to say the Mary Janes did intrigue me, as did Paule’s description of his closet, Brandon’s brilliant elaboration,Markela's examination of her self actualizing shoes, and Julia’s passionate running shoes. But I just hadn't thought about many different possiblities in one shoe type. For details
My Answer
I would also have to be a mismatched pair. One would be a Chaco. They are adaptable and go just about anywhere. You can dress them up or dress them down, wear them while trekking through rainforests or deserts, while teaching, or even to a gala (in a pinch). They are best suited to warmer climates, but throw on a pair of socks and you can also roll in cooler weather. Adaptable and comfortable. The other shoe would have to be my hiking boots. I got them as a gift from a friend on a whim and they’ve come in handy more times than I could have imagined. They are always there when I needed them and constantly surprise me with how much wear and tear they can go through and still come out standing. Though they are heavy and can be a pain to deal with from time to time, but I’m always glad that I did. They are good shoes. They also clean up well. (as do I ;)
My Answer
I would also have to be a mismatched pair. One would be a Chaco. They are adaptable and go just about anywhere. You can dress them up or dress them down, wear them while trekking through rainforests or deserts, while teaching, or even to a gala (in a pinch). They are best suited to warmer climates, but throw on a pair of socks and you can also roll in cooler weather. Adaptable and comfortable. The other shoe would have to be my hiking boots. I got them as a gift from a friend on a whim and they’ve come in handy more times than I could have imagined. They are always there when I needed them and constantly surprise me with how much wear and tear they can go through and still come out standing. Though they are heavy and can be a pain to deal with from time to time, but I’m always glad that I did. They are good shoes. They also clean up well. (as do I ;)
2 for 2
So on the same day that I received a letter from U Mich School of Med telling me that I was not invited to interview etc. I get an email from the GRADS service at UC Berkeley saying that I have been recommended for admission !! . . . .
Can you believe it BERKELEY :)
PS> I know you aren't at all surprised Nate and would say something really ironic/falsely surprised.
Can you believe it BERKELEY :)
PS> I know you aren't at all surprised Nate and would say something really ironic/falsely surprised.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
12 + 30 = 42 hours by train
So I finally got out of Cal for the America India Foundation Midpoint, which was held in Kerela. Unfortunately it was held in one of the dullest places in the entire beautiful state. Kerela is known to be one of the big vacation spots in the south but AIF found lodging in Kottayam. Which is only known for its bird sanctuary (we visited and found many bats, but only a few birds. At least the bats were huge) and Back-water tours (the entire area is filled with canals much like Venice and some just live on house boats it was really nice).
Thanks to one of the board members Sridar, (who by the end of the weekend we were referring to as Uncle Sridar or Uncle-ji) the week ended up being both semi-useful and enjoyable. (His family is also the same family who made sure that Andy and I got to see Durga Puja this year and helped us find our flat).
The highlights were:
Getting an Ayuretic oil massage: Full body oil massage (head-toe) with sweet smelling oil. A steam bath and then a nice shower to clean off excess oil. The auntie really enjoyed my hair, though she was slightly surprised with how much oil my hair can soak up. Did I mention we were at the Taj (really nice hotel chain) for this and we had just come off of a 36 hr train ride.
Impromptu boat ride and dinner at the Windsor Castle resort: After a field visit to see a goat breading projects (goats are cute, but not as cute as the pygmy goats in Ghana). Uncle Sridar Ji asked if we would want to go on a boat ride that evening. A bunch of us said yes, so we headed down to the dock and rode around for about an hour. We passed the Windsoor (which was actually where Sridar was supposed to be staying, but he humbled himself to stay with us at the Amos Center [essentially dormitory style rooms with 2 to 8 beds, very orphanage-eque]). On a whim we boated up to the resort restaurant and asked if they had room for 20. It rocked.
Meeting an RPCV from the third Peace Corps Group EVER. Azad Oomen’s (the NY director of the fellowship) parents live in Kerela and his mother was a PCV in 64 in Egypt. It was great meeting another person in the PC family and talking to her about friendships made and connections. The funny thing was when I said one of the acronyms COS (Completion of Service) and she didn’t know it. She was around before the acronyms. And like most PCVs I have met an amazing and wonderful person.
Dinner with a bunch of the fellows in Ernakulum the day before we all parted way: ½ of the fellows went to the beach in the south and the other ½ headed up north to where most of us would catch our planes and trains. We had a great dinner, which wasn’t too expensive at a restaurant that was just opening in a hotel. The best thing is that with all of our varied orders they somehow all came out great. Then we went to the coffee shop downstairs for dessert. Though we were all exhausted it was a great evening.
My last day I went into Cochin with my friend Aditi and Catherine intending to see the palace and the Jewish synagogue, but unfortunately everything is closed on Friday due to the Sabbath and we ended up walking around town and doing a little bit of shopping and some really shrewd bargaining.
All in all it was a good day, and I started my long train ride alone to Kolkata. I was with my friend Shalu up to Chennai(a 12 hour ride), which was her home town so she helped me find some breakfast and got me set for my next ride at 9 am Saturday back to Kolkata. I arrived at our station around 4pm Sunday, which makes my longest train ride yet. But I don’t think it truly beat my 36 hours-ish ride from Mali to Senegal.
Thanks to one of the board members Sridar, (who by the end of the weekend we were referring to as Uncle Sridar or Uncle-ji) the week ended up being both semi-useful and enjoyable. (His family is also the same family who made sure that Andy and I got to see Durga Puja this year and helped us find our flat).
The highlights were:
Getting an Ayuretic oil massage: Full body oil massage (head-toe) with sweet smelling oil. A steam bath and then a nice shower to clean off excess oil. The auntie really enjoyed my hair, though she was slightly surprised with how much oil my hair can soak up. Did I mention we were at the Taj (really nice hotel chain) for this and we had just come off of a 36 hr train ride.
Impromptu boat ride and dinner at the Windsor Castle resort: After a field visit to see a goat breading projects (goats are cute, but not as cute as the pygmy goats in Ghana). Uncle Sridar Ji asked if we would want to go on a boat ride that evening. A bunch of us said yes, so we headed down to the dock and rode around for about an hour. We passed the Windsoor (which was actually where Sridar was supposed to be staying, but he humbled himself to stay with us at the Amos Center [essentially dormitory style rooms with 2 to 8 beds, very orphanage-eque]). On a whim we boated up to the resort restaurant and asked if they had room for 20. It rocked.
Meeting an RPCV from the third Peace Corps Group EVER. Azad Oomen’s (the NY director of the fellowship) parents live in Kerela and his mother was a PCV in 64 in Egypt. It was great meeting another person in the PC family and talking to her about friendships made and connections. The funny thing was when I said one of the acronyms COS (Completion of Service) and she didn’t know it. She was around before the acronyms. And like most PCVs I have met an amazing and wonderful person.
Dinner with a bunch of the fellows in Ernakulum the day before we all parted way: ½ of the fellows went to the beach in the south and the other ½ headed up north to where most of us would catch our planes and trains. We had a great dinner, which wasn’t too expensive at a restaurant that was just opening in a hotel. The best thing is that with all of our varied orders they somehow all came out great. Then we went to the coffee shop downstairs for dessert. Though we were all exhausted it was a great evening.
My last day I went into Cochin with my friend Aditi and Catherine intending to see the palace and the Jewish synagogue, but unfortunately everything is closed on Friday due to the Sabbath and we ended up walking around town and doing a little bit of shopping and some really shrewd bargaining.
All in all it was a good day, and I started my long train ride alone to Kolkata. I was with my friend Shalu up to Chennai(a 12 hour ride), which was her home town so she helped me find some breakfast and got me set for my next ride at 9 am Saturday back to Kolkata. I arrived at our station around 4pm Sunday, which makes my longest train ride yet. But I don’t think it truly beat my 36 hours-ish ride from Mali to Senegal.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday Naima!!!!!
Last year we celebrated by actually eating at a resturant in Ghana (instead of off the street). But this was a few weeks later in Djene :) Hmm Fun Mosques and piercings on small children
Okay though I like this one i've had a request to put up this instead.
Last year we celebrated by actually eating at a resturant in Ghana (instead of off the street). But this was a few weeks later in Djene :) Hmm Fun Mosques and piercings on small children
Okay though I like this one i've had a request to put up this instead.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Off to Kerela
It's that time again. It's Midpoint. Yep, I'm over 1/2 done and on the down-slope of the hill. I'm closer to coming home than just being here, for all of you who are wondering. So the America India Fellows are meeting up to "share our experiences" I think it may be more like a glorified VAC meeting without Wingo's amazing facilitation. Either way I'm getting out of Kolkata (for once :). So if I don't get to update for the next 10 days (and I may) take this as a final chance to answer the Question of the Month for Jan You have until the 13th-ish
So Cheers and let's hope I survive the 3 day train ride it takes to get there and the same ride by myself (sans Andy) on the way back
So Cheers and let's hope I survive the 3 day train ride it takes to get there and the same ride by myself (sans Andy) on the way back
Missed Manners
Yesterday was CINI’s Foundation day. And we all hauled out to 24 South Parganas Poilan head office. There were a lot of people: CINI staff, workers from the field, some local people as well. All of CINI’s board was there as well as a representative from the CINI UK office and the Governor (who once again showed up late and made all of us wait for at least a good hour. I suppose . . . it’s good to be the governor : )
During this very formal occasion, I was amazed by how many cell phones went off. I am constantly amazed by what most Americans would term “lack of Cell Phone etiquette.” At any given CINI-ARC meeting everyone will have their cell phone out on the table, usually with the ringer on. If a call comes they generally take it, even if they are conducting the meeting. (At which point we all sit around going over notes or trying to figurelout if the call will last long enough to start a conversation) Imagine how quickly one's career would end in the states if in the middle of a business meeting someone's phone rang and they answered it!!Last night as a cell phone rang at the CINI benefit concert was the first time I heard one of my co-workers say. “We should put our phones on silence,” and saw several others doing the same. I guess the line is drawn at Classical Indian Vocal Concerts.
Another surprising element to the customs here in India is the allowance/prevalence of females burping. And I’m not talking about a little urp. I talking belches that would but Barney at Mo’s to shame, that reverberate off of walls and leave a ringing in your ears. I’m always shocked to around after the reverb dies and see a cute, stately looking auntie in a sari going about her business as if nothing happened. Females also spit just as men do, though not as much.
I got used to nose picking in Namibia. I really don’t notice it though Andy occasionally does
During this very formal occasion, I was amazed by how many cell phones went off. I am constantly amazed by what most Americans would term “lack of Cell Phone etiquette.” At any given CINI-ARC meeting everyone will have their cell phone out on the table, usually with the ringer on. If a call comes they generally take it, even if they are conducting the meeting. (At which point we all sit around going over notes or trying to figurelout if the call will last long enough to start a conversation) Imagine how quickly one's career would end in the states if in the middle of a business meeting someone's phone rang and they answered it!!Last night as a cell phone rang at the CINI benefit concert was the first time I heard one of my co-workers say. “We should put our phones on silence,” and saw several others doing the same. I guess the line is drawn at Classical Indian Vocal Concerts.
Another surprising element to the customs here in India is the allowance/prevalence of females burping. And I’m not talking about a little urp. I talking belches that would but Barney at Mo’s to shame, that reverberate off of walls and leave a ringing in your ears. I’m always shocked to around after the reverb dies and see a cute, stately looking auntie in a sari going about her business as if nothing happened. Females also spit just as men do, though not as much.
I got used to nose picking in Namibia. I really don’t notice it though Andy occasionally does
Monday, January 30, 2006
Overheards
“Are you Indian?”
“No”- Me
“I didn’t think so. Your skin color is right, but your hair is all wrong!”—Random guy standing behind me waiting in an ATM line
"I was going to count how many people stared at her as we were walking, but I gave up when we hit the end of the block and I was already up to 25"-- Chris, a friend of Andy's vising from Bangalore, debriefing Andy on our morning walk.
"Dude there was bout 13 on that wall back there"- Alana, in a competition to see how many men we could count urinating in public on our way to the mall.
“Are you married?”
“No”- Me
“Oh, I’m sorry”—Auntie that works at the CINI canteen
“Are you looking for the Auntie with the big hair? I know where she lives. I’ll show you. You know, I’m her special friend. She talks to me everyday . . .”—Kids who live across the road from me. Said to some Co-workers looking for our house for our Holiday party.
“Are you brother and sister”
“Oh, no. We’re just friends”- Sujit and I
“ You’re friends”
“Yes"
“You’re Friends”
“Yes?”
“You’re engaged?”
“NO”
“Actually we are sisters”- Sujit
--Conversation held with the guy at the shop where we bought an outfit for a friend of his.
“Are you Muslim?’
“No”- Me
“Then why is your head covered”
“Because I’m exercising”
“Ohhhh”—Random man outside of the park where I go running occasionally. I was wearing a bandana
Overheard in meetings at CINI-ARC
“Child In Need Institute . . . We should be called the Staff In Need Institute”—Rupa, on her birthday as we talked about how most of the females in CINI are single.
“CINI is becoming quite a sexy organization” – Principal of a school requesting how the guest speaker from CINI-ARC not talk about sex.
“There are many other body parts to talk about”-Same principal elaborating.
“What’s a DIC”—Ansul, at the end of a meeting in which Drop In Centers (DIC) were the main topic of discussion.
“No”- Me
“I didn’t think so. Your skin color is right, but your hair is all wrong!”—Random guy standing behind me waiting in an ATM line
"I was going to count how many people stared at her as we were walking, but I gave up when we hit the end of the block and I was already up to 25"-- Chris, a friend of Andy's vising from Bangalore, debriefing Andy on our morning walk.
"Dude there was bout 13 on that wall back there"- Alana, in a competition to see how many men we could count urinating in public on our way to the mall.
“Are you married?”
“No”- Me
“Oh, I’m sorry”—Auntie that works at the CINI canteen
“Are you looking for the Auntie with the big hair? I know where she lives. I’ll show you. You know, I’m her special friend. She talks to me everyday . . .”—Kids who live across the road from me. Said to some Co-workers looking for our house for our Holiday party.
“Are you brother and sister”
“Oh, no. We’re just friends”- Sujit and I
“ You’re friends”
“Yes"
“You’re Friends”
“Yes?”
“You’re engaged?”
“NO”
“Actually we are sisters”- Sujit
--Conversation held with the guy at the shop where we bought an outfit for a friend of his.
“Are you Muslim?’
“No”- Me
“Then why is your head covered”
“Because I’m exercising”
“Ohhhh”—Random man outside of the park where I go running occasionally. I was wearing a bandana
Overheard in meetings at CINI-ARC
“Child In Need Institute . . . We should be called the Staff In Need Institute”—Rupa, on her birthday as we talked about how most of the females in CINI are single.
“CINI is becoming quite a sexy organization” – Principal of a school requesting how the guest speaker from CINI-ARC not talk about sex.
“There are many other body parts to talk about”-Same principal elaborating.
“What’s a DIC”—Ansul, at the end of a meeting in which Drop In Centers (DIC) were the main topic of discussion.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Desktop and Current Songs
Thanks Brandon (via Kate) for the picture. Ahh the way we were. (Namibia Nostalgia Moment)
"Where are You Going" -Dave Mathews Band (which is actually my most listened to song according to Itunes too)
"Last Train to Clarksville" -Cassandra Wilson
"Magalehna" - Sergio Mendes (Which I'm actually choreographing. Unfortunately I don't have anyone to choreograph for)
"Nice Dream"- Radio Head (Thanks Naima for making me keep some on my Laptop)
"Here Comes the Sun" -Nina Simone (A really rare version I managed to find back in the good old days of Napster, Kazza, and AudioGalaxy. This is one of my all time Happy Songs)
"Sunday Kind of Love" -Etta James (It's true)
Friday, January 27, 2006
Clouds and Linings
I received an email from OSU Med today that let me know that the status of my application there has been changed from Open to Closed. (Not even an interview, this does not bode well.) I also received an email from GW Med School saying that they are reviewing my application now and that it may be some weeks before I hear from them. I also got my acceptance packet from GW School of Public Health. (The official one through the mail and everything)
That's a lining right?
That's a lining right?
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Back Blog-September: Red Fort
So I finally got around to getting my pictures developed on to CD. Actually I've had these for a few months, but I was just frustrated with the slow uploading on our computers at work. So let my patience win out today.
Our first free day during our America India Foundation Orientation, they set up a tour (for those of us who could get up) around New Delhi. We spent about an hour at the Red fort, went to two temples, but were exhausted/dehydrated by the time we got to the Gates of India. Over all pretty cool. But all of these pictures are from the Red Fort
Red Fort
Inner Gardens
Queen's Chamber-> Yes it is inlaid with Ivory, Gold, and Silver
AIF Fellows Tour Crew- The few, The proud, the Really Tired
Our first free day during our America India Foundation Orientation, they set up a tour (for those of us who could get up) around New Delhi. We spent about an hour at the Red fort, went to two temples, but were exhausted/dehydrated by the time we got to the Gates of India. Over all pretty cool. But all of these pictures are from the Red Fort
Red Fort 
Inner Gardens
Queen's Chamber-> Yes it is inlaid with Ivory, Gold, and Silver
AIF Fellows Tour Crew- The few, The proud, the Really Tired
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Walking Thoughts 2/ Where are They Now?
So unfortunately my shuffle died today during a power outage yesterday at work (actually it lasted most of the day, and since we rarely print anything most of us just sat around thinking of all the work that we would have to do once the power came on again—Which it did an hour before our official quitting time)
And I had to walk home without my music. As my Peace Corps friends can tell you me walking home with only my own thoughts for company lead to some very interesting ruminations. The night before I was reflecting on the lessons I had learned from different men/guys in my life. So on this particular walk home I began to think about all of the people who have touched my life and I’ll probably never see again.
I’m not talking about the Marlon Gibbs, BJ Walker, Mary Flichel, Nicholas Moore, Ryan Cook, Walter Snipes, Howard, Jeff Kerr, or Mara Buske- types. Those I know if I wanted to or tried hard enough I could use some connections and seek them out or go to the right place at the right times and find them.
Nor am I talking about the Matt Kroger, Beth Flory, Akil Bjorn, Joe Furgeson, Tall Jeff, DQ, David Mayer- people who I just happened to lose contact with, through one unanswered email or another. These I could also possibly pick up contact with.
I’m talking about those people who I may never meet again. People who have definitely influenced my journey and thoughts, but due to changes in life, location, or thought I will probably never see again.
Darrel Norris, Brian and Eric Bross, Steven Stubbins, Mary Kate Dick, Julia Kloeker, Rob Edgecome, Scott Thompson, Bryce Reed, Justus Kim, Jared Kohn, Aumbi Desterious, Angula Whilhemine, Ashipolo Margareta, Phil Kidd, Alfred (who I always called fettuccini - alfredo), Chris Sullivan, Atidi Kerni, Jesse (PCT from Mali), Charlie Roberts, Phil and Casey Adams, Stewart Young . . .
The list goes on. And these are only my peers or younger, lets not talk about all of my seniors, learners and students through out the years etc. But it does make one think . . . who may be wondering where you are?
And I had to walk home without my music. As my Peace Corps friends can tell you me walking home with only my own thoughts for company lead to some very interesting ruminations. The night before I was reflecting on the lessons I had learned from different men/guys in my life. So on this particular walk home I began to think about all of the people who have touched my life and I’ll probably never see again.
I’m not talking about the Marlon Gibbs, BJ Walker, Mary Flichel, Nicholas Moore, Ryan Cook, Walter Snipes, Howard, Jeff Kerr, or Mara Buske- types. Those I know if I wanted to or tried hard enough I could use some connections and seek them out or go to the right place at the right times and find them.
Nor am I talking about the Matt Kroger, Beth Flory, Akil Bjorn, Joe Furgeson, Tall Jeff, DQ, David Mayer- people who I just happened to lose contact with, through one unanswered email or another. These I could also possibly pick up contact with.
I’m talking about those people who I may never meet again. People who have definitely influenced my journey and thoughts, but due to changes in life, location, or thought I will probably never see again.
Darrel Norris, Brian and Eric Bross, Steven Stubbins, Mary Kate Dick, Julia Kloeker, Rob Edgecome, Scott Thompson, Bryce Reed, Justus Kim, Jared Kohn, Aumbi Desterious, Angula Whilhemine, Ashipolo Margareta, Phil Kidd, Alfred (who I always called fettuccini - alfredo), Chris Sullivan, Atidi Kerni, Jesse (PCT from Mali), Charlie Roberts, Phil and Casey Adams, Stewart Young . . .
The list goes on. And these are only my peers or younger, lets not talk about all of my seniors, learners and students through out the years etc. But it does make one think . . . who may be wondering where you are?
Faces for the Names
So I figured people may want to have some names with the faces. Though these are old pictures from last October. (actually these pictures are from Andy'site)
Andy (the other fellow and my Flatmate) and I at the Puja Gala.
This is (L-R) Avo, Karan, Me and Sujit when we visited the Victoria Memorial. 3 of the people who make me happiest in Kolkata.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
*Tick* - *Tock*
Alright, So the most frustrating thing about applying to things (read Medical Schools) is that there is no REAL time-line for invitations to interview. They all have deadlines for Primary and Secondary applications then they jump straight to the March/April wait-list or Decision dates. No dates (or even estimation) for when interview invitations come out. I was also probably over excited by my GW SHPH acceptance, but still . . . It would be great if they gave a sister a clue on when she should start preparing the applications for next year. (and I definitely have a few changes if I have to go through this again) Or if I should just continue to read up on Medical issues that may come up in interviews.
Even to see your application status (which generally just tells me that all of my info is in) One must go through an elaborate maze of passwords, log-in codes, and user-names. EG. for your User-name use your AMCAS ID. For your password use the first number of your birthday in DD/MM/YYYY, the last 3 letters of your Last name, The first 2 numbers of your SS number, The first two letters in your permanent street address, then run around the room 3 times, pronounce your undying devotion to the medical practice and our school of medicine, pray to 4 deities or saints of your choice for their assistance in being granted an interview and/or admission, and send us a check for $75. Then hit submit.
BTW Of all the possible Medical Systems I've read up on. Germany seems to have the best (though I can't really explain it) Next I like socialized systems. Yes they are costly, but at least everyone is served and served well. It was recently found that only 55% of people who sought medical services in the US last year received adequate and accurate service. And given my Mom's Sinus issues I would agree. One of the reasons to become a doctor- Someone has to do things right.
Even to see your application status (which generally just tells me that all of my info is in) One must go through an elaborate maze of passwords, log-in codes, and user-names. EG. for your User-name use your AMCAS ID. For your password use the first number of your birthday in DD/MM/YYYY, the last 3 letters of your Last name, The first 2 numbers of your SS number, The first two letters in your permanent street address, then run around the room 3 times, pronounce your undying devotion to the medical practice and our school of medicine, pray to 4 deities or saints of your choice for their assistance in being granted an interview and/or admission, and send us a check for $75. Then hit submit.
BTW Of all the possible Medical Systems I've read up on. Germany seems to have the best (though I can't really explain it) Next I like socialized systems. Yes they are costly, but at least everyone is served and served well. It was recently found that only 55% of people who sought medical services in the US last year received adequate and accurate service. And given my Mom's Sinus issues I would agree. One of the reasons to become a doctor- Someone has to do things right.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
L-izz-ame
Y'all are Lame, (not Brandon and Julie of course) but the rest of Y'all who claim to read my Blog regularly are. Let's here some more answers to my question of the Month.
3rd Week of the Year
So this week was pretty crazy we had, Alana (just graduated from BW in Psyc), Ryan (Sociology-which apparently linked with the Anthro dept at BW- you would never find that at Emory) and Jeremy (Graduated from GW Grad school after a 5 year program BS/MSW-social work) now he's at Berkeley school of divinity. The challenge was to go out with them on my quickly diminishing funds.
Sunday
I got up bright and early for my 9:30am Katak class. I’m actually getting better, and I’m just at the point where things start really getting difficult and I need to practice more than just while I cook dinner. I’ve learned the 4 basic steps, 4 different ways of doing chatkurs (spins), 8 specific arm movements, 8 bols (rhythmic variations), and 3 variations of step 4. I’m even starting to actually make a little bit of a slapping noise when I step. Hopefully I’ll be able to deserve to wear the bells by March. I got back home made lunch for everyone and we headed out (late) to the Kali Temple. We didn’t actually get in. There was some ceremony or sacrifice going on and the line was out-the-door and around the corner. So we went and walked around the Kolkata park instead and ended up at Fire and Ice (the one good pizzeria) for dinner. Avo, Karan and Sujit (who just got back to town) met us for dinner as well. A little later Neela and a bunch more came in for dessert. The crepes were great. On a random note we decided to make one of the folded fortunetellers like the ones you would make in grade school (or that Naima and I made for Robbie’s birthday last year). According to it I get to be Happily-ever-after within a year of Jan 15th 2006 and Andy gets to go home with someone fun. Unfortunately Neela ended up killing all of her pets.
Monday
We were supposed to go to Latin night on Monday (which is by far the best night at the live band club we go to called Someplace Else -read only live band club in Kolkata) But they switched the nights to Saturday. Great for the band crappy for us, we ended up at Roxy, a loungey-bar type place. Roxy has a pretty cool atmosphere (ice-cream spoons-or at least the shape of them on the walls, chain mail curtains, and little ritzy), expensive drinks and a pretty poor DJ. Ryan and I spent most of the night laughing about how he “acted like a DJ” but didn’t quite get it right. He had on headphones, but both ears were covered. He would do the little DJ dance bob thing, and shift around a lot behind the counter. Essentially he was just choosing what CDs he wanted to listen to and playing them with no transition whatsoever. Sometimes he would stop a song in the middle and re-start it.
Tuesday
I had a meeting with Pradeep Kashyap, the Executive Director of the America India Foundation who funds my fellowship. We met at the oldest and most exclusive club in Kolkata, the Bengal Club. His brother was the president. It was truly how the other half lives. Pradeep had just come from visiting CINI ASHA that works with Street Kids and the children of Sex Workers and couldn’t help pointing out the juxtaposition when his brother’s conversation turned to who would be and who wouldn’t be allowed into the club. Overall, It was one of those cases where you don't know exactly what to do because there was too much silverware on the table and servants everywhere. The worst part was I was the first one served, since I was a female and a guest. So I served myself some fish (which was the main dish) and when I looked at my plate I noticed that there was a small cockroach like bug in the veggies also steamed and sautéed to perfection. Now, do I make a scene right next to the president of the club or try to conceal it until I can brush it on the floor with my napkin. I opted for b and I can say it wasn't easy. He invited us back to his place for dinner, which turned out to be a huge celebration for his uncle turning 79. Open Bars and the who's-who of Kolkata. I met the executive producer of a documentary film company and a concert pianist from Slovakia on tour. It was definitely how the other half lives, but much fun anyway.
Wednesday
We went dancing at Shi Shas, which I just found out, was a hookah bar. The real reason we went out was it was Jeremy, Alana and Ryan’s last night in Kolkata and we wanted to have at least one good dancing night. Unfortunately, the DJ really kinda sucked for the first 1/2 and played old 1980's power ballads, Avo and I theorized he just went through a breakup. When the ballads stopped he moved onto the early 90's music, everything from “I saw the sign” to “Like the Dessert misses the Rain” and “Let’s talk about Sex.” I got so frustrated I started going back and requesting song after song that he did not play. After about an hour of ½ filled dance floor he played Maghelena (one of my new personal anthems, and we all know what happens when they play a song I really like). Then he, finally, just gave up and played Bollywood, so everyone was dancing. Even Jeremy had a dance before the night was over. Alana, Neela, Avo, and I were up for most of the night. Andy and Ryan definitely made their presence known on the dance floor as well.
Yesterday was a normal office day. Alana, Ryan and Jeremy left and I finished the indicators for Youth Friendliness and got them into a viable checklist for evaluation of projects. When Andy and I came home we found a sweet card left from the guys.
Today I'm exhausted; I started doing Yoga and ended up almost sleeping on the floor. Thank heaven the weekend is in sight.
Sunday
I got up bright and early for my 9:30am Katak class. I’m actually getting better, and I’m just at the point where things start really getting difficult and I need to practice more than just while I cook dinner. I’ve learned the 4 basic steps, 4 different ways of doing chatkurs (spins), 8 specific arm movements, 8 bols (rhythmic variations), and 3 variations of step 4. I’m even starting to actually make a little bit of a slapping noise when I step. Hopefully I’ll be able to deserve to wear the bells by March. I got back home made lunch for everyone and we headed out (late) to the Kali Temple. We didn’t actually get in. There was some ceremony or sacrifice going on and the line was out-the-door and around the corner. So we went and walked around the Kolkata park instead and ended up at Fire and Ice (the one good pizzeria) for dinner. Avo, Karan and Sujit (who just got back to town) met us for dinner as well. A little later Neela and a bunch more came in for dessert. The crepes were great. On a random note we decided to make one of the folded fortunetellers like the ones you would make in grade school (or that Naima and I made for Robbie’s birthday last year). According to it I get to be Happily-ever-after within a year of Jan 15th 2006 and Andy gets to go home with someone fun. Unfortunately Neela ended up killing all of her pets.
Monday
We were supposed to go to Latin night on Monday (which is by far the best night at the live band club we go to called Someplace Else -read only live band club in Kolkata) But they switched the nights to Saturday. Great for the band crappy for us, we ended up at Roxy, a loungey-bar type place. Roxy has a pretty cool atmosphere (ice-cream spoons-or at least the shape of them on the walls, chain mail curtains, and little ritzy), expensive drinks and a pretty poor DJ. Ryan and I spent most of the night laughing about how he “acted like a DJ” but didn’t quite get it right. He had on headphones, but both ears were covered. He would do the little DJ dance bob thing, and shift around a lot behind the counter. Essentially he was just choosing what CDs he wanted to listen to and playing them with no transition whatsoever. Sometimes he would stop a song in the middle and re-start it.
Tuesday
I had a meeting with Pradeep Kashyap, the Executive Director of the America India Foundation who funds my fellowship. We met at the oldest and most exclusive club in Kolkata, the Bengal Club. His brother was the president. It was truly how the other half lives. Pradeep had just come from visiting CINI ASHA that works with Street Kids and the children of Sex Workers and couldn’t help pointing out the juxtaposition when his brother’s conversation turned to who would be and who wouldn’t be allowed into the club. Overall, It was one of those cases where you don't know exactly what to do because there was too much silverware on the table and servants everywhere. The worst part was I was the first one served, since I was a female and a guest. So I served myself some fish (which was the main dish) and when I looked at my plate I noticed that there was a small cockroach like bug in the veggies also steamed and sautéed to perfection. Now, do I make a scene right next to the president of the club or try to conceal it until I can brush it on the floor with my napkin. I opted for b and I can say it wasn't easy. He invited us back to his place for dinner, which turned out to be a huge celebration for his uncle turning 79. Open Bars and the who's-who of Kolkata. I met the executive producer of a documentary film company and a concert pianist from Slovakia on tour. It was definitely how the other half lives, but much fun anyway.
Wednesday
We went dancing at Shi Shas, which I just found out, was a hookah bar. The real reason we went out was it was Jeremy, Alana and Ryan’s last night in Kolkata and we wanted to have at least one good dancing night. Unfortunately, the DJ really kinda sucked for the first 1/2 and played old 1980's power ballads, Avo and I theorized he just went through a breakup. When the ballads stopped he moved onto the early 90's music, everything from “I saw the sign” to “Like the Dessert misses the Rain” and “Let’s talk about Sex.” I got so frustrated I started going back and requesting song after song that he did not play. After about an hour of ½ filled dance floor he played Maghelena (one of my new personal anthems, and we all know what happens when they play a song I really like). Then he, finally, just gave up and played Bollywood, so everyone was dancing. Even Jeremy had a dance before the night was over. Alana, Neela, Avo, and I were up for most of the night. Andy and Ryan definitely made their presence known on the dance floor as well.
Yesterday was a normal office day. Alana, Ryan and Jeremy left and I finished the indicators for Youth Friendliness and got them into a viable checklist for evaluation of projects. When Andy and I came home we found a sweet card left from the guys.
Today I'm exhausted; I started doing Yoga and ended up almost sleeping on the floor. Thank heaven the weekend is in sight.
Back Blog Link- Non-Denominational Festival of Good Will
Andy posted some pictures from our NDFoGW that we had on Christmas Eve. I believe you will all recognize me as I am the one with the huge 'Fro in a fun skirt. There are more shots but my friend Francois hasn't emailed them yet.
Cheers
Cheers
Around and Around
So it seems that some people think I can't stay in the states for more than 6 months at a time. But contrary to popular believe I'm actually really looking forward to spending time in The States. (Though I loathe staying in the same country as our president, I've managed not to be for a little less than 1/2 of each term) I am really looking forward to finally seeing everyone I haven't for the last 4ish years (or more in some cases). Spending time with my Nephews, Jordan and Daniel. Finally seeing my sister Mychelle and having Holidays at home. As well as catching up with all my friends (An extra thanks to those of you who have facilitated our reunion by staying within easy driving distance-though petrol prices are still really scary)
Granted I give it a year (or less) before I start looking for summer internships and programs anywhere but within The States. And if I am not accepted into Med School this year I will be applying to some pretty cool programs abroad (Columbia-Ben Gurion mainly). Plus there are many more countries that I have to rule out for places to find good men. (Of the places I visited in Africa only South Africa and MAYBE Ghana get a second chance, don't even ask about India).
An MPH takes two years. So I'll be around (for a while at least)
I get back July 2nd. Landing in Ciny Airport around Noon.
Granted I give it a year (or less) before I start looking for summer internships and programs anywhere but within The States. And if I am not accepted into Med School this year I will be applying to some pretty cool programs abroad (Columbia-Ben Gurion mainly). Plus there are many more countries that I have to rule out for places to find good men. (Of the places I visited in Africa only South Africa and MAYBE Ghana get a second chance, don't even ask about India).
An MPH takes two years. So I'll be around (for a while at least)
I get back July 2nd. Landing in Ciny Airport around Noon.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
I'm Going !!!!!
To School Somewhere !!!
I just got an acceptance email (letter to follow) From George Washington School of Public Health, with an advisior and everything. So if nothing else I have one school that wants me for next year. :) Hopefully they won't be the only one
I just got an acceptance email (letter to follow) From George Washington School of Public Health, with an advisior and everything. So if nothing else I have one school that wants me for next year. :) Hopefully they won't be the only one
Friday, January 13, 2006
Question of the Month
Okay so according to people's email's you all do actually do read my blog. So I figured I'd add at least one interactive element so that I get some chatter going. Margarette's infamous Questions. Those of you who knew me in High School will recognize this tactic from my sophomore and junior years when I used to go around school with a yellow legal pad and ask questions. Those of you who knew me in Peace Corps will recognize this as one of my many lists I made when I didn't have a Walkman for my 1 hour walk to school in the morning.
Basically I ask a question That I expect everyone to answer. At the end of the month I will put up the most interesting answers and answer the question myself. The questions will vary from serious to comical, introspective and projective. So please join in the fun :)
January's Question:
What pair of shoes in your closet represent you the most, and why?
Basically I ask a question That I expect everyone to answer. At the end of the month I will put up the most interesting answers and answer the question myself. The questions will vary from serious to comical, introspective and projective. So please join in the fun :)
January's Question:
What pair of shoes in your closet represent you the most, and why?
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
12:36 am EST
I was officially finished submitting applications to all of my schools for this year. UMich was submitted (it was waiting these last few weeks on a global health essay) and now all I have to do is sit back and wait for the Med School Interviews, Public Health School Acceptances and offers for Fellowships and Assistanceships.
Thank you to everyone who helped me through this.
My recommending professors who received at all manner of strange times additions and impending deadlines, and put so much time, energy, and faith in me.
Anna Leo
Arri Eisen
Ben Freed
Bradd Shore
Tom Insel
My family who read endless drafts of my personal statements and my resume, helped me refine and define my purpose (and some times rewrite entirely), and by their funding allowed me to apply to medical school at all.
Don Shegog II and Dr. Jamehl Demons
Dr. Mychelle L. Shegog
Marya L. Shegog
Dr. Rose Watson
Mom and Dad (Don R. Shegog I MD and Rev. Jeannette T. Shegog)
To all my friends who continually reminded me that I could do this, listened when I complained, read and re-read my personal statements and essays, kept me from becoming hysterical (and talked me out of it when I did) and dealt with me in general. Especially:
Shawn (sorry for the 3am call from India about the MCATs)
Naima (thanks for allowing me to give you good excuses to procrastinate)
Kate (for reminding me that there is a bigger picture and that we are all in-debt to someone)
Nate (for never being surprised at the things that shock me)
Andy (for allowing me to disturb your work whenever I had news from a school)
Keegan
Monique
Arthur
And everyone else who has ever sent me positive energy, prayers, good wishes, and supported me in my continuing pursuit of my MD/MPH in preventative medicine.
THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone who helped me through this.
My recommending professors who received at all manner of strange times additions and impending deadlines, and put so much time, energy, and faith in me.
Anna Leo
Arri Eisen
Ben Freed
Bradd Shore
Tom Insel
My family who read endless drafts of my personal statements and my resume, helped me refine and define my purpose (and some times rewrite entirely), and by their funding allowed me to apply to medical school at all.
Don Shegog II and Dr. Jamehl Demons
Dr. Mychelle L. Shegog
Marya L. Shegog
Dr. Rose Watson
Mom and Dad (Don R. Shegog I MD and Rev. Jeannette T. Shegog)
To all my friends who continually reminded me that I could do this, listened when I complained, read and re-read my personal statements and essays, kept me from becoming hysterical (and talked me out of it when I did) and dealt with me in general. Especially:
Shawn (sorry for the 3am call from India about the MCATs)
Naima (thanks for allowing me to give you good excuses to procrastinate)
Kate (for reminding me that there is a bigger picture and that we are all in-debt to someone)
Nate (for never being surprised at the things that shock me)
Andy (for allowing me to disturb your work whenever I had news from a school)
Keegan
Monique
Arthur
And everyone else who has ever sent me positive energy, prayers, good wishes, and supported me in my continuing pursuit of my MD/MPH in preventative medicine.
THANK YOU
Winter in Kolkata
So I woke up this morning and dragged myself out for my Tuesday program of Jumping Rope, Aerobic exercise and Squats in our back garden. So I donned my workout clothes, tied my shoes and headed out. Luckily I was too sleepy to realize how cold it was until I got outside. As I prepared to jump I noticed I could see my breath. I was out there in only a t-shirt and dance pants. Luckily my theory of cold weather and excise is that it will keep you moving (just ask mom about our morning walks last March), so I got jumping. Back in my room my fabulous travel clock registered 18 degrees Celsius (about 64 degrees Fahrenheit)
Yes my friends it is winter in Kolkata. Kolkata winters generally mean people coming down with colds and fevers (which last for a month thanks to all of the pollution). Fun shawls and wraps everywhere. Randoms second hand selling of sweat pants, sweaters and sweater vests, and hats. The funniest thing about winter here is that people don't have a separate wardrobe for the winter. You wear the same salwar suit or trousers, but with a sweater vest, a sweater, a muffler, a shawl and unique brown socks with the big toe out so you can easily wear your sandals. Saris are worn over sweaters with leggings on underneath.
What this means for me is the over-wearing of my black long-sleeve I bought before I left. Carrying a wrap around with me everywhere, also wearing sock with sandals (hey everyone else is), and having perpetually cold hands (which is also pretty normal for me). This also means that unless I go to Loma Linda or Berkeley next year. I AM GOING TO FREEZE AND DIE. They need to make more good Med Schools with Preventive Medicine and Fun Public Health schools in the south. I have not had anything colder than an Atlanta winter (which do get pretty cold ->10 degrees Celsius, 50 F, today) in the last 8 years. Why are all the good schools in cold places? I say if you can't wear flip-flops in November people shouldn't live there.
Yes my friends it is winter in Kolkata. Kolkata winters generally mean people coming down with colds and fevers (which last for a month thanks to all of the pollution). Fun shawls and wraps everywhere. Randoms second hand selling of sweat pants, sweaters and sweater vests, and hats. The funniest thing about winter here is that people don't have a separate wardrobe for the winter. You wear the same salwar suit or trousers, but with a sweater vest, a sweater, a muffler, a shawl and unique brown socks with the big toe out so you can easily wear your sandals. Saris are worn over sweaters with leggings on underneath.
What this means for me is the over-wearing of my black long-sleeve I bought before I left. Carrying a wrap around with me everywhere, also wearing sock with sandals (hey everyone else is), and having perpetually cold hands (which is also pretty normal for me). This also means that unless I go to Loma Linda or Berkeley next year. I AM GOING TO FREEZE AND DIE. They need to make more good Med Schools with Preventive Medicine and Fun Public Health schools in the south. I have not had anything colder than an Atlanta winter (which do get pretty cold ->10 degrees Celsius, 50 F, today) in the last 8 years. Why are all the good schools in cold places? I say if you can't wear flip-flops in November people shouldn't live there.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
New Years and Youth Fairs
So the New Year's Party at Neela's (chairman of the Calcutta Hash group and general outing coordinator) went well. The typical group of ex-pats and cool Indian people were there with some some additions of those who were on holiday visiting family. It's very interesting to see all of the Indian people with very different accents. There were a some from California, one from Switzerland, and another from London/Cambridge. Though they were all "Indian" they were also perfect stereo-types of their adoptive countries. Quite Interesting. the party was pretty chill, as there were too many strangers for anything really rowdy to happen. We brought in the year Latin Dancing and it was a good time all-around.
For those who have wondered what are all the Youth Fairs I've gone to, and what's it all about. Here's my summary of the three I visited.
Observations from field visits
Friday 23rd December
Youth Fair YRSH Project
Ashuti 4:00pm-7:00pm
See if a schedule of events is available for each fair.
Arrived and ate a small lunch.
I saw mostly females running the show. I don’t know if this is because the Youth Motivators (what are youth motivators, what is the difference between youth leaders, group leaders, PEs,) that I saw were mainly female.
I arrived during the break and most of the people there were children. After the break, during which the girls got the video camera together, the events started.
There were two booths one on nutrition using the flag and displaying the winners of the drawing contest. The other was on health and had posters of health and hygiene as well as HIV (Know AIDS, No AIDS). The health booth was personed by youth or group members. Three doctors came: one a young man, one older (slightly sketchy) man and an older female. More people came over to the booth after the woman showed up. She was obviously respected. She would also be directing the RMP training Saturday morning (What is the RMP training on?). I was told by the FW that people are still very reluctant to go for RSH problems but they will go for general health questions.
The crowd was probably 50% Children 27% Male, 23% Female. There were activities divided in to male and female.
Slow Bike race- Young Men
Pass the balls-Ladies
Water ball carry- Boys
As the evening wore on more people showed up. Young men and women visited the stalls and stood and talked. There were a few dramas mostly comical/political. One monologue was performed by one young lady who was on the directing committee that may have been on woman’s rights. RH issues were not addressed in these, but there more in the evening and the next day put on by the main committee of ladies (it seemed) that would.
Overall it was a place to meet, greet, speak and enjoy. Issues were present but not forced. The number of young ladies running activities was heartening. This was more of a presentation of ideas. A grass roots beginning with talk. There were also other ladies, both married and un-married, who were present and participating. Though the males were present, they did not feel dominating. In fact most of the people in the main area under the tent were women. Men seemed to crowd at the edges.
Definitely youth run, though with heavy dependence on the Youth Motivators/Activators. I need to understand their role before I look at the youth Participation aspect of this event. I’m unsure of how much RH information was actually conveyed. Nutrition (a “safe” issue) was, but RH issues seemed pushed to the back.
Monday 26th Dec
Youth Fair YRSH Project
Rasapunja, 3:30pm- 8:30pm
I was first struck by how many more men there were here than the other one. There were still some smaller children flying kites, but when I first arrived it was predominately male, about 70%-30%. The area was huge, as this is the largest grouping yet. It was the center courtyard of the schools. The DIC was at the far end behind the stage, convenient for kids coming from school.
The booths were one of the stuffed toys flowers and dresses the girls had made. The health booth was much more targeted to RSH. There were many pamphlets on contraception, STIs, delaying of first child, and HIV. These were bundled and given out. Though the ones strictly on HIV and STIs were not usually handed out in these bundles, they were present and available to be taken. (Who sets up these booths? How are the subjects chosen? How are the pamphlets obtained/requested) There were also a game on how HIV is spread and not spread using strings and a tack board, and an interactive card on STIs. There were also short books and magazines on health. I observed mostly young men reading and taking advantage of this booth. (Follow up in FGD with females and RH questions beyond menstruation) Young men were manning the booth as well. The young ladies spent most of their time at the handicrafts booth next door.
Some games and competitions continued through the afternoon. The participants varied. The song competition had participants in pairs, 12 couples all-together. There were two mixed couple groups, two male only groups, and the others were females. There was a song knowledge competition to see who could sing the most songs in a minute, the last letter of the previous song had to be the first letter of the next. This was followed by a round in which the pairs had to sing an entire song. After this game preparations were made for the award giving. Food sellers arrived and many more people arrived. Most of the new arrivals were young woman often with young children, by this point the ratio was about 50-50.
The CINI presentation did not hold much attention and most spent the time talking and waiting for the prize giving. Each of the CINI-ARC representatives and community members spoke. Much of it was about CINI-ARC. I was unable to discern if there was any emphasis placed on RSH issues. (See if you can get the gist of what was said) By the third or fourth speaker many seemed to have lost interest. The different CINI and community members gave out the prizes and blessed the recipients as they took blessings from them. Reinforced the idea of an adult focused/led event.
The DIC members, each group, began to perform. First there was a song and drum presentation, then dancing and drama. The dancing consisted of several groups, all male, all female and mixed, depending on the dance performed. At this time most of the crowd seemed to be women, but I may not have been able to fully tell as I was on the edge. But the entire floor seemed to be filled with women mainly, 80-20. I was unable to stay until the dramas were performed due to time and travel restrictions. (Follow up on topic of Dramas performed).
Overall this fair had a greater emphasis on YRS issues. However it also seemed to be coordinated by the adults. The youth may have had input on the selection of games and activities, but not so much in the coordination. (Follow Up with attending the YAC to see if this is true) The youth ran the booths and prepared presentations. There was an equal amount of mixing of young men and women of the groups as seen in the previous fair. Possibly a little less mixing on a grand scheme as there were many more young men and women in attendance. This community seemed to be more aware of YRSH issues, but may need some support in arranging accessibility. There was no talk of RPM trainings, doctor or clinic information. Possibly not a problem or just not addressed. (Follow up questions to Samik and in FGD)
Friday, 30th December
Youth Fair YRSH Project
Joka, 4:30pm- 8:30pm
This is the same area/site I visited for the Mini-FGD. This was a 4-day fair I came on day 3. When I arrived the youth were coordinating a “Break the Pot” game, which is similar to the Americas’ piñata. The fair ground was smaller than Rashipunja’s but had much more activity. There were many food stalls and even a tent-restaurant. The handicrafts and pictures from the art competition were in a covered walk-around display. There was a CINI-ARC stall that was also shared by the local club, who displayed their trophies. There was a stand on health nutrition and RH issues. Girls mainly stood by the handicrafts and the boys in the nutrition/RH stand. There were comic books and materials similar to those seen at the other two places. The RMP also were consulted at their own booth. There were also: numerous other food stalls, three cart food sellers, two mhendi artists, and 4 sellers of jewelry and toys.
There were many people when I arrived. But as previously mentioned with this area it was very male heavy. The ladies were present and had presence. Still one could feel how much the boys ran the forefront. I saw them consulting with the girls several times so I don’t think they truly made decisions independently. E.G. The “Break the Pot” game is traditionally a girls’ game, but everyone was allowed to play in the name of equal rights. The reality was most of the players were boys.
Along with the games conducted by the youth there was also: a wooden manual Farris Wheel, an air riffle shooting gallery, a merry-go-round, and tracked go-carts. A community member who organized fairs procured these extras. He was compensated in some way for these rides. In addition some fee was required for each activity.
Talking with Samik he spoke very highly of this area. Their main field worker had changed 3-4 times during the project and for some time they did not have one. Ashuti however he said had done nothing. (Follow on Ashuti’s “failures”) He also said that Rasapunja had done well. It seemed he was the most proud of Joka.
There was a significant delay with the start of the cultural show during which I sat at CINI-ARC’s table and spoke in bad broken Bengali to the youth about my notes. They were very eager and outspoken. Here is where I truly saw the influence of the girls. They had closed down the walk through and stood around the CINI-ARC table. The guys came over several times to check what time they should start and how the cultural show would proceed.
The cultural show consisted of several single dancers, dancing mostly to Bollywood songs. Afterward there was a drama team. All of the dancers and most of the drama team consisted chiefly of girls. This is also where I saw the only adult involvement other than the sellers as, the mike operators and MC were men.
Overall. I felt that this was the best harmony of adult and youth collaboration. Though still a little gender biased toward males. This fair seemed to have a larger draw. Much more RS issues were addressed here than in Ashuti though not as much in the forefront as Rasapunja. There seemed to be some balance here as well as a strong initiative from the youth and community.
For those who have wondered what are all the Youth Fairs I've gone to, and what's it all about. Here's my summary of the three I visited.
Observations from field visits
Friday 23rd December
Youth Fair YRSH Project
Ashuti 4:00pm-7:00pm
See if a schedule of events is available for each fair.
Arrived and ate a small lunch.
I saw mostly females running the show. I don’t know if this is because the Youth Motivators (what are youth motivators, what is the difference between youth leaders, group leaders, PEs,) that I saw were mainly female.
I arrived during the break and most of the people there were children. After the break, during which the girls got the video camera together, the events started.
There were two booths one on nutrition using the flag and displaying the winners of the drawing contest. The other was on health and had posters of health and hygiene as well as HIV (Know AIDS, No AIDS). The health booth was personed by youth or group members. Three doctors came: one a young man, one older (slightly sketchy) man and an older female. More people came over to the booth after the woman showed up. She was obviously respected. She would also be directing the RMP training Saturday morning (What is the RMP training on?). I was told by the FW that people are still very reluctant to go for RSH problems but they will go for general health questions.
The crowd was probably 50% Children 27% Male, 23% Female. There were activities divided in to male and female.
Slow Bike race- Young Men
Pass the balls-Ladies
Water ball carry- Boys
As the evening wore on more people showed up. Young men and women visited the stalls and stood and talked. There were a few dramas mostly comical/political. One monologue was performed by one young lady who was on the directing committee that may have been on woman’s rights. RH issues were not addressed in these, but there more in the evening and the next day put on by the main committee of ladies (it seemed) that would.
Overall it was a place to meet, greet, speak and enjoy. Issues were present but not forced. The number of young ladies running activities was heartening. This was more of a presentation of ideas. A grass roots beginning with talk. There were also other ladies, both married and un-married, who were present and participating. Though the males were present, they did not feel dominating. In fact most of the people in the main area under the tent were women. Men seemed to crowd at the edges.
Definitely youth run, though with heavy dependence on the Youth Motivators/Activators. I need to understand their role before I look at the youth Participation aspect of this event. I’m unsure of how much RH information was actually conveyed. Nutrition (a “safe” issue) was, but RH issues seemed pushed to the back.
Monday 26th Dec
Youth Fair YRSH Project
Rasapunja, 3:30pm- 8:30pm
I was first struck by how many more men there were here than the other one. There were still some smaller children flying kites, but when I first arrived it was predominately male, about 70%-30%. The area was huge, as this is the largest grouping yet. It was the center courtyard of the schools. The DIC was at the far end behind the stage, convenient for kids coming from school.
The booths were one of the stuffed toys flowers and dresses the girls had made. The health booth was much more targeted to RSH. There were many pamphlets on contraception, STIs, delaying of first child, and HIV. These were bundled and given out. Though the ones strictly on HIV and STIs were not usually handed out in these bundles, they were present and available to be taken. (Who sets up these booths? How are the subjects chosen? How are the pamphlets obtained/requested) There were also a game on how HIV is spread and not spread using strings and a tack board, and an interactive card on STIs. There were also short books and magazines on health. I observed mostly young men reading and taking advantage of this booth. (Follow up in FGD with females and RH questions beyond menstruation) Young men were manning the booth as well. The young ladies spent most of their time at the handicrafts booth next door.
Some games and competitions continued through the afternoon. The participants varied. The song competition had participants in pairs, 12 couples all-together. There were two mixed couple groups, two male only groups, and the others were females. There was a song knowledge competition to see who could sing the most songs in a minute, the last letter of the previous song had to be the first letter of the next. This was followed by a round in which the pairs had to sing an entire song. After this game preparations were made for the award giving. Food sellers arrived and many more people arrived. Most of the new arrivals were young woman often with young children, by this point the ratio was about 50-50.
The CINI presentation did not hold much attention and most spent the time talking and waiting for the prize giving. Each of the CINI-ARC representatives and community members spoke. Much of it was about CINI-ARC. I was unable to discern if there was any emphasis placed on RSH issues. (See if you can get the gist of what was said) By the third or fourth speaker many seemed to have lost interest. The different CINI and community members gave out the prizes and blessed the recipients as they took blessings from them. Reinforced the idea of an adult focused/led event.
The DIC members, each group, began to perform. First there was a song and drum presentation, then dancing and drama. The dancing consisted of several groups, all male, all female and mixed, depending on the dance performed. At this time most of the crowd seemed to be women, but I may not have been able to fully tell as I was on the edge. But the entire floor seemed to be filled with women mainly, 80-20. I was unable to stay until the dramas were performed due to time and travel restrictions. (Follow up on topic of Dramas performed).
Overall this fair had a greater emphasis on YRS issues. However it also seemed to be coordinated by the adults. The youth may have had input on the selection of games and activities, but not so much in the coordination. (Follow Up with attending the YAC to see if this is true) The youth ran the booths and prepared presentations. There was an equal amount of mixing of young men and women of the groups as seen in the previous fair. Possibly a little less mixing on a grand scheme as there were many more young men and women in attendance. This community seemed to be more aware of YRSH issues, but may need some support in arranging accessibility. There was no talk of RPM trainings, doctor or clinic information. Possibly not a problem or just not addressed. (Follow up questions to Samik and in FGD)
Friday, 30th December
Youth Fair YRSH Project
Joka, 4:30pm- 8:30pm
This is the same area/site I visited for the Mini-FGD. This was a 4-day fair I came on day 3. When I arrived the youth were coordinating a “Break the Pot” game, which is similar to the Americas’ piñata. The fair ground was smaller than Rashipunja’s but had much more activity. There were many food stalls and even a tent-restaurant. The handicrafts and pictures from the art competition were in a covered walk-around display. There was a CINI-ARC stall that was also shared by the local club, who displayed their trophies. There was a stand on health nutrition and RH issues. Girls mainly stood by the handicrafts and the boys in the nutrition/RH stand. There were comic books and materials similar to those seen at the other two places. The RMP also were consulted at their own booth. There were also: numerous other food stalls, three cart food sellers, two mhendi artists, and 4 sellers of jewelry and toys.
There were many people when I arrived. But as previously mentioned with this area it was very male heavy. The ladies were present and had presence. Still one could feel how much the boys ran the forefront. I saw them consulting with the girls several times so I don’t think they truly made decisions independently. E.G. The “Break the Pot” game is traditionally a girls’ game, but everyone was allowed to play in the name of equal rights. The reality was most of the players were boys.
Along with the games conducted by the youth there was also: a wooden manual Farris Wheel, an air riffle shooting gallery, a merry-go-round, and tracked go-carts. A community member who organized fairs procured these extras. He was compensated in some way for these rides. In addition some fee was required for each activity.
Talking with Samik he spoke very highly of this area. Their main field worker had changed 3-4 times during the project and for some time they did not have one. Ashuti however he said had done nothing. (Follow on Ashuti’s “failures”) He also said that Rasapunja had done well. It seemed he was the most proud of Joka.
There was a significant delay with the start of the cultural show during which I sat at CINI-ARC’s table and spoke in bad broken Bengali to the youth about my notes. They were very eager and outspoken. Here is where I truly saw the influence of the girls. They had closed down the walk through and stood around the CINI-ARC table. The guys came over several times to check what time they should start and how the cultural show would proceed.
The cultural show consisted of several single dancers, dancing mostly to Bollywood songs. Afterward there was a drama team. All of the dancers and most of the drama team consisted chiefly of girls. This is also where I saw the only adult involvement other than the sellers as, the mike operators and MC were men.
Overall. I felt that this was the best harmony of adult and youth collaboration. Though still a little gender biased toward males. This fair seemed to have a larger draw. Much more RS issues were addressed here than in Ashuti though not as much in the forefront as Rasapunja. There seemed to be some balance here as well as a strong initiative from the youth and community.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
My Year in 51 Movements
And 32ish places. A quick review of all the places I’ve been in order starting 1st Jan 2005 until where I will be 1st Jan 2006. I started making this list at the Youth Fair I was observing yesterday while waiting for the dances to start and in between speaking my bad Bengali with the youth in charge. It was really fun to think back to all the people and places I’ve seen in the last year.
“It’s not where you are but who your with that really matters . . . It’s not where you are but what you think that really matters.”* Happy New Year!!!
- Capetown, SA
- Lesotho
- South Africa (New Castle->Emelo)
- Swaziland
- Jo’Burg, SA
- Accra, Ghana
- Busua
- Cape Coast
- Accra
- Kokum Rain Forest
- Accra
- Akosombo
- Lake Volta
- Kumase
- Accra
- Ouagadougou, Burkina Fasso
- Bankast, Mali
- Dogon Villages
- Sevari
- Djenne
- Sevari
- Timbuktu
- Sahara Desert
- Sevari
- Bamako
- Kaye
- Dakar, Senegal
- Cincinnati OH, USA
- Cleveland OH
- Cincinnati
- Columbus OH
- Cincinnati
- Kernersville NC
- Columbia SC
- Kernersville NC
- Cincinnati
- Columbus
- Cincinnati
- Columbus
- Cincinnati
- Columbus
- Cincinnati
- Red River Gorge KY
- Cincinnati
- Whitefish MT
- Cincinnati
- Atlanta GA
- Cincinnati
- New Delhi, India
- Poilan West Bengal, India
- Kolkata
*Quote is from Dave Mathews Band “Best of What’s Around”
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
The 28th and Field Visits
On the 28th of each month everyone from CINI-ARC get together at the Golpark, Kolkata office to update each of the projects.
In real terms this means that all of the Project Assistants and main field workers up to the ARC director gather to sit on the roof veranda of the office to get updates drink tea and listen to what has happened. Since this is also one of the few times everyone is in office everyone is calling everyone else for a meeting. I was supposed to meet with 3 different project heads yesterday (of course only one of those occurred and it became a 4 ½ hour meeting). It’s kinda fun having everyone here, but also pretty frustrating as the office is packed to the hilt and everyone is talking or calling someone else.
So I’m moving out of the literature review and reading up on project documents. Which is what I’ve been doing more or less since I found my project was going to be evaluation, review, and documentation. Reading up on Youth Friendly Reproductive Health Services (you couldn’t imagine how much lit is on this) and project proposals, reports and baseline surveys (again since I’m reviewing 3 projects this is a lot of paper and e-docs).
But now I get to do the fun part (which I had forgotten) there was one. Which is field visits. I’ve only done one mini/tester Focus Group Discussion, but I’ve been visiting Youth Fairs, which are going on now. There is a Reproductive Health Camp that I will see next week and visiting Drop in Centers and youth meetings. The fun part is being in the field where stuff is actually going on, hanging out with the youth and getting their perspective on things. (Which is the crux of my job anyway).
The down side is getting there. I generally have to take 2-4 auto-rickshaws and a bus to get to any of the field areas. Which just gets exhausting.
In real terms this means that all of the Project Assistants and main field workers up to the ARC director gather to sit on the roof veranda of the office to get updates drink tea and listen to what has happened. Since this is also one of the few times everyone is in office everyone is calling everyone else for a meeting. I was supposed to meet with 3 different project heads yesterday (of course only one of those occurred and it became a 4 ½ hour meeting). It’s kinda fun having everyone here, but also pretty frustrating as the office is packed to the hilt and everyone is talking or calling someone else.
So I’m moving out of the literature review and reading up on project documents. Which is what I’ve been doing more or less since I found my project was going to be evaluation, review, and documentation. Reading up on Youth Friendly Reproductive Health Services (you couldn’t imagine how much lit is on this) and project proposals, reports and baseline surveys (again since I’m reviewing 3 projects this is a lot of paper and e-docs).
But now I get to do the fun part (which I had forgotten) there was one. Which is field visits. I’ve only done one mini/tester Focus Group Discussion, but I’ve been visiting Youth Fairs, which are going on now. There is a Reproductive Health Camp that I will see next week and visiting Drop in Centers and youth meetings. The fun part is being in the field where stuff is actually going on, hanging out with the youth and getting their perspective on things. (Which is the crux of my job anyway).
The down side is getting there. I generally have to take 2-4 auto-rickshaws and a bus to get to any of the field areas. Which just gets exhausting.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
What Holiday
So here it is, "Boxing Day" and I'm sitting at my office nook, drinking tea and writing up field notes from my visits last week.
-Sigh-
Though there are a lot of festivals and holidays that we get off you never get a chunk of days off unless you take them. E.G. For Diwali (festival of lights in Nov/Dec), we had Tuesday and Friday off. Not Thursday and Friday, so we could have a 4 day weekend. Not Friday and Monday so we had two 4 day weeks. Nope Tuesday and Friday, and what can you do when you have a Tuesday off? At this point I'm strongly considering taking Friday and next Monday as personal days so I can have a breather.
-Sigh-
Though there are a lot of festivals and holidays that we get off you never get a chunk of days off unless you take them. E.G. For Diwali (festival of lights in Nov/Dec), we had Tuesday and Friday off. Not Thursday and Friday, so we could have a 4 day weekend. Not Friday and Monday so we had two 4 day weeks. Nope Tuesday and Friday, and what can you do when you have a Tuesday off? At this point I'm strongly considering taking Friday and next Monday as personal days so I can have a breather.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
A Five Year Christmas Retrospetive*
* This was inspired by the Arcaro's email. I'm glad thigs are looking white and great in Dilan.
Christmas 2000- Cincinnati, Ohio USA Emory Junior
This was my first Christmas at home without my any of my siblings (Mychelle was on-call, Marya was in Jamaica, Donny and Jamehl were with her parents. Christmas Eve was a Sunday and mom was running around church. Dad was sick. I managed to escape for a few hours to Marya’s house since I had to feed Chaka (her dog). Christmas Day had a really bad start as Mom was still stressed from church and Dad was still a bit sick. That morning, to date, is my most traumatizing Christmas morning (I’m sure I’ll discuss it in therapy one day). Later on we went to Auntie Millie’s house and things got a bit better hanging out with the rest of my family.
Christmas 2001- Kernersville, North Carolina USA Emory Senior
It’s my nephew’s first Christmas and my entire family (save Marya) are gathered for it. We spend a fun Christmas Eve shopping for random things and I find out that when you get married you get someone else’s parents (and your spouse gets yours). We spend Christmas day opening up and playing with all of Daniel’s new gifts while he sits in his bouncy chair and looks on (in mild amusement I think) at our goings on. We listen to the awesome Christmas CD I made and gave to Donny and Jamehl, since we’ve all managed to lose our copy of “Charlie Brown’s Christmas.” (My gifts were really good that year) I never paid attention to Boxing Day in the States.
Christmas 2002- Ovamboland (Omegee/Ongwadieva), Namibia PCTrainee
After the Omegee/Ompundja crews failed to get approved by PC Namibia Admin to have a holiday breakfast at a nice hotel, we ended up having a Christmas Barbecue (we hadn’t started saying braii yet) at Kelly’s host family’s place (i.e. The Pink Palace). We all sleep on the floor, save Nate and Pat who wanted to be with their host families. We toast Christmas morning with screwdrivers and calls start coming in from family on Kelly’s cell phone. Peace Corps picks us up, except Pat who ends up walking almost the whole way into town (a ½ hour drive). We spend the rest of Christmas at the RDC (read PC training base) getting calls from family and eating good old American food. A virus that was going around our village catches up to me and I spend Boxing Day in bed at the RDC.
Christmas 2003- Ovamboland (Ondangwa/Ongwadieva), Namibia PCV
Christmas Eve was spent with Mia and the family of her friend Carol. Most of the day was spent with her kids, nieces and nephews putting up Christmas decorations and watching Videos on MTV (They had cable). Later on Carol’s brothers showed up one of whom Mia was dating and the other I got to know. We actually ended up heading to a nightclub and dancing a bit. Christmas Day we headed to a braii (barbecue) at a relative’s house. Boxing Day I headed to Lauren’s house to chill, hangout, and discuss our Christmases over the leftover Sangria from her fiesta Christmas.
Christmas 2004- Capetown, South Africa In Transit-PCV
Spent Christmas Eve walking around Capetown harbors and popular areas with Kate, Naima and Chris (random group 22 kid, who kept popping up during the first part of our COS trip. After a random night on our couch in Swabenheim, thanks Kate, and a full week together in Capetown we came to realize he was actually okay). We saw really cool traveling bands, groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and drank a fish bowl. Kate was silly and scared other tourist. Christmas Day Kate, Chris and I headed to the beach and felt underdressed (Kate with reason). Played in the freezing cold Atlantic Ocean and watched the mist roll in. We came home for dinner and random activities (read talking, watching bad TV Movies) with Naima. Boxing Day, we had fun exploring an empty Capetown, (which was still kinda scary as we were still bush kids at that point).
Christmas 2005- Kolkata, WB India AIF Fellow
Throwing Kolkata first “Non-Denominational Celebration of Goodwill” on Christmas Eve. Christmas day I’ll be at St. Paul’s for Mass (in a sari). Boxing Day I’ll be working, taking observations at a Youth Fair in the field regions of rural southern West Bengal.
Christmas 2000- Cincinnati, Ohio USA Emory Junior
This was my first Christmas at home without my any of my siblings (Mychelle was on-call, Marya was in Jamaica, Donny and Jamehl were with her parents. Christmas Eve was a Sunday and mom was running around church. Dad was sick. I managed to escape for a few hours to Marya’s house since I had to feed Chaka (her dog). Christmas Day had a really bad start as Mom was still stressed from church and Dad was still a bit sick. That morning, to date, is my most traumatizing Christmas morning (I’m sure I’ll discuss it in therapy one day). Later on we went to Auntie Millie’s house and things got a bit better hanging out with the rest of my family.
Christmas 2001- Kernersville, North Carolina USA Emory Senior
It’s my nephew’s first Christmas and my entire family (save Marya) are gathered for it. We spend a fun Christmas Eve shopping for random things and I find out that when you get married you get someone else’s parents (and your spouse gets yours). We spend Christmas day opening up and playing with all of Daniel’s new gifts while he sits in his bouncy chair and looks on (in mild amusement I think) at our goings on. We listen to the awesome Christmas CD I made and gave to Donny and Jamehl, since we’ve all managed to lose our copy of “Charlie Brown’s Christmas.” (My gifts were really good that year) I never paid attention to Boxing Day in the States.
Christmas 2002- Ovamboland (Omegee/Ongwadieva), Namibia PCTrainee
After the Omegee/Ompundja crews failed to get approved by PC Namibia Admin to have a holiday breakfast at a nice hotel, we ended up having a Christmas Barbecue (we hadn’t started saying braii yet) at Kelly’s host family’s place (i.e. The Pink Palace). We all sleep on the floor, save Nate and Pat who wanted to be with their host families. We toast Christmas morning with screwdrivers and calls start coming in from family on Kelly’s cell phone. Peace Corps picks us up, except Pat who ends up walking almost the whole way into town (a ½ hour drive). We spend the rest of Christmas at the RDC (read PC training base) getting calls from family and eating good old American food. A virus that was going around our village catches up to me and I spend Boxing Day in bed at the RDC.
Christmas 2003- Ovamboland (Ondangwa/Ongwadieva), Namibia PCV
Christmas Eve was spent with Mia and the family of her friend Carol. Most of the day was spent with her kids, nieces and nephews putting up Christmas decorations and watching Videos on MTV (They had cable). Later on Carol’s brothers showed up one of whom Mia was dating and the other I got to know. We actually ended up heading to a nightclub and dancing a bit. Christmas Day we headed to a braii (barbecue) at a relative’s house. Boxing Day I headed to Lauren’s house to chill, hangout, and discuss our Christmases over the leftover Sangria from her fiesta Christmas.
Christmas 2004- Capetown, South Africa In Transit-PCV
Spent Christmas Eve walking around Capetown harbors and popular areas with Kate, Naima and Chris (random group 22 kid, who kept popping up during the first part of our COS trip. After a random night on our couch in Swabenheim, thanks Kate, and a full week together in Capetown we came to realize he was actually okay). We saw really cool traveling bands, groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and drank a fish bowl. Kate was silly and scared other tourist. Christmas Day Kate, Chris and I headed to the beach and felt underdressed (Kate with reason). Played in the freezing cold Atlantic Ocean and watched the mist roll in. We came home for dinner and random activities (read talking, watching bad TV Movies) with Naima. Boxing Day, we had fun exploring an empty Capetown, (which was still kinda scary as we were still bush kids at that point).
Christmas 2005- Kolkata, WB India AIF Fellow
Throwing Kolkata first “Non-Denominational Celebration of Goodwill” on Christmas Eve. Christmas day I’ll be at St. Paul’s for Mass (in a sari). Boxing Day I’ll be working, taking observations at a Youth Fair in the field regions of rural southern West Bengal.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Christ-Misses
It’s Christmas time again though you can’t tell from my surroundings. Through my past few Christmases away I’ve realized there are some things I really miss (other than family and friends of course)
- Christmas songs- From radio stations to advent songs in church to carolers I really miss hearing all of the favorites. On top of that my “Ultimate Shegog Christmas CD” I made as a gift to my family my last Christmas at home is with a fair amount of my stuff in Baltimore (Thank you for bring it back in the country Ashley).
- Christmas Decorations- Lit houses, Christmas trees, tinsel, holly, mistletoe. Yes it is cheesy, but I haven’t seen these things in 4 years now.
- The Christmas Spirit- By this I don’t mean the crazy buying mood people go into or as Tom Lehr said “the Commercial Sprit.” I like the fact that people at Christmas in general or in specific begin to think of others instead of themselves. That some will take time and try to find the perfect gift for someone else
- Christmas TV specials-Though I did buy the VCD of White Christmas, it’s not quite the same as turning on the TV in time to catch “Charlie Brown’s Christmas,” “How the Grinch stole Christmas” (the original not Jim Carrey) or “Frosty the Snowman.” But this may just be nostalgia at this point. TiVo takes all of the careful planning out of it, and many of the new Christmas specials have become just ridiculous.
- Christmas HOLIDAY- Because Christmas and New Years fall on the weekend we don’t get any more days off. So Dec 23rd and Dec 26th I’ll be in the field doing some field observation of the Youth Fairs going on. I could go to my Kathak lessons on Christmas eve and Day too, but there are some things I won’t do if I have a choice
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Anniversary
Exactly one year ago today (give or take a time difference) I officially completed my Peace Corps Service. So I figured I’d give a little retrospective of things I miss.
- Fat Cakes- Doughnuts really don’t come close
- Rest Camp Shenanigans- With the pond and geese nearby (and Wingo) you never knew what was going to happen
- Hanging out with the teachers in my staff room and having random discussions on politics, men and women, culture, making bad jokes, and how badly our learners write- Working at an NGO no one ever wants to appear the close minded or right wing one (even if they are in comparison). My staff room had a great mix of culture Damara Nama, Subere, Ovambo (of course) and me. Here it’s pretty much Bengali, other Urban/Western-ish Indian or me. The best cultural discussion I had recently was with one Bengali guy and brilliant Cameroonian friend of mine named Crawford. He was trying to argue that I could be mistaken for Bengali (with my hair back) because I’m brown, wear kurtas, and bangles. He also tried to argue he was as African as I was. Crawford was having none of it.
- Oshikandela and Banana bread from Pick and Pay- An unbeatable combination.
- Dancing with Sisi- Learning rhythms, trying to keep up with the Omeleshe girls, catching up for the week and starting our 10Am class at 11:30, learning history behind the beats, the music, Sisi, there’s too much to miss.
- Nando’s and Channel O- Bollywood videos are fun, but it’s always better with chips and Ashley and Lauren as my critiquing partners. You’d never know what old school or random African video Channel O would come up with.
- Nando Nali Toke- The full name of my dog, meaning “Even too late” It’s the name of a school text book and referred to the way she would randomly wander home after I went to town on the weekend. I miss her eating food (especially popcorn) I dropped. Sharing fat cakes. Sleeping at my feet underneath my desk in the staff room or in the corner while I taught. I recently called school and found out that she still goes to school every morning and hangs out with the teachers.
- My learners- Yes they were pains in the neck most of the time, but they were fun too.
- Walking to school and watching the sunrise and fetching water during sunset- There is amazing peace in the bush, which you don’t find in Kolkata with over a million other people and a train station right next to your house.
- Kate’s house and family- It was my second home and my main family.
Things I don’t miss
- Having to lug all of my groceries into my village- Convenient Stores and village markets are a marvelous thing.
- Living over an hour away from anything- Though it is less peaceful I do like the fact that I only have to leave my house to find a tarred road and walk a little way to find a taxi
- Annoying Taxi drivers- Okay Kolkata has them too, but they are fewer and farther between. They also have meters so it is easier to argue. Auto-rickshaw drivers on the other hand . . .
- Peace Corps Namibia Admin. - How often did they make problems more difficult than they needed to be? Though I did like the medical they provided.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY GROUP 20 ! ! ! !
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Ballet's Photo Negitive
In my ever continuing process of learning the dances from the country in which I am, I have started Kathak Classical Indian dance lessons. My first class was last Saturday, and I am one of two beginners (the other being a 5-yr-old). So I started out with her juniors class and watched through the advanced class. Other than having the typical mild distress at being the tallest and oldest beginner there, (as well as the one with no clue) it was a pretty good class.
Comparison
Comparison
- Kathak, like ballet is done up-right, with both hands in front. But in Kathak your hands are chest height.
- Both have a turn out of the feet. Kathak has only a natural V, nothing like the 180 degrees of Ballet
- Both have spins. Kathak has spins on the heel while Ballet spins on the toe
- Kathak is based on rhythm and foot work (step/stamping in a beat)
My personal challenges
- Making the high pitch slapping noise when I step. I swear our feet are made out of different material. I don't know how they do it. Even when I put most of my weight on the ball of my foot all I can manage is a weak sounding pat. Meanwhile 7 year olds are making the perfect sound without effort.
- Not moving my hips. . . come one I have big ones.
- Spinning on my heel. You try getting someone trained to spin on their toes to shift weight and re-balance on the heal. I usually get two good spins before I completely loose balance and almost fall.
- Not bringing my other foot into posse when I spin. Apparently I turn out too much, Most everything should be done to the front or directly side (At least Sherri Latham would be proud)
On the up side my teacher Divosri, is amazed that I can actually pick up the rhythms and foot work. But I have spent my last two years dancing in Africa. If I couldn't pick up rhythms Sisi would disown me.
For more "offical info" Check out http://homepage.ntlworld.com/eandj.foxley/kathak/Kathak.htm
Or for just General Indian Classical Dance info
http://www.angelfire.com/ma2/bharatanatyam/bn.html
As for my adventures they will be continued
Dad and Jordan
I just really like this picture of my Nephew Jordan and Dad. It's one of the few pictures where they are both smiling
Monday, December 12, 2005
Where there is No Toilet Paper
One thing you may or may not know about many “developing” countries is that they do not generally use toilet paper. Usually you will find a pitcher (or plastic teapot for those of you who have been in West Africa) and a bucket of water. The idea is to pour the water over your behind and use your left hand to swipe any remnants. There is a reason why you eat with your right hands.
While I was traveling around Mali and Senegal though a minor annoyance, it wasn’t that big of a deal. They are hot dry countries and I was usually wearing a skirt, which facilitated drying. But most Indian clothing is in multiple layers. Saris are wrapped around you, and Salwar suits are generally knee or shin length tops with drawstring trousers underneath and a duputa (shawl) around your neck. Such clothing will absorb and keep the wetness on your body, and it is cold in Kolkata during December. There are few things as uncomfortable as a cold wet bum
While I was traveling around Mali and Senegal though a minor annoyance, it wasn’t that big of a deal. They are hot dry countries and I was usually wearing a skirt, which facilitated drying. But most Indian clothing is in multiple layers. Saris are wrapped around you, and Salwar suits are generally knee or shin length tops with drawstring trousers underneath and a duputa (shawl) around your neck. Such clothing will absorb and keep the wetness on your body, and it is cold in Kolkata during December. There are few things as uncomfortable as a cold wet bum
One Less Stand Up
Most of you know I am a big fan of stand up comedy. From Ellen DeGeneres and Carlos Mancia to Bill Cosby and Redd Foxx, I love a good stand-up. One of what I consider the big three of original Black Stand-up just dies this past Saturday.
Richard Pryor died at the age of 65 from a heart attack. He was awarded Kennedy Center Honors for Comedy in 1998 and a friars club roast in 1991. His partner in comedy Gene Wilder (seven years his senior) is still alive and acting. I guess there is something to be said for cleaner living.
(Incedentally Andy and I were talking about him recently and actually thought he had already died. . . hope we didn't kill him)
Richard Pryor died at the age of 65 from a heart attack. He was awarded Kennedy Center Honors for Comedy in 1998 and a friars club roast in 1991. His partner in comedy Gene Wilder (seven years his senior) is still alive and acting. I guess there is something to be said for cleaner living.
(Incedentally Andy and I were talking about him recently and actually thought he had already died. . . hope we didn't kill him)
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Complaints
Maybe I’ve read to many books by male authors (Eric Segall and Chetan Bhagat) lately or too much standup comedy (I only have Richard Pryor, Chris Rock, Bill Cosby and Robin Williams with me). But it seems to me that guys are constantly complaining that they have the worst of dating, because they have to propose or ask someone out. While the girls just sit idly by and dole out judgments saying yes or no.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Memoriam Levi Dobbins
It is truly beyond words to try and explain the indomitable loving wise spirit that we are honoring today. If grandmother Thomas was the matriarch of the family I always considered Uncle Levi the Patriarch. Though he held this lofty position he was never inaccessible or dictorial. He would give suggestions, if sought, and sometimes if not sought. However the thing I will miss most is his presence. Uncle Levi was always there. Always there, sitting on the third or fourth pew from the front on the left hand side. I didn’t see him in the forefront unless he was called there, and he was often called. Uncle Levi didn’t take the head of the table; it was given to him. But brought to the front or sitting quietly to the side, he was there, a constant source of love and support. Over all it is his peaceful presence I will miss.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Working Overtime
Office hours are generally from 9:30am-5: 30pm, but people often stay much later. It is an NGO so people may come in a bit late, but tend to stay even later. Yesterday, I had trekked through a baseline survey on one of the projects I'm reviewing.
It was basically a demographic look at 10 villages:
· The ages young people get married (15-17 for girls and 21-22 for boys)
· The relationship between the husband and wife (Varies, if they don't have a room of their own the communication tends to be pretty low, but most couples will talk about family matters in the evening even if the husband makes decisions on his own)
· The relationship between the wife and her in-laws (The less intrusive, the better the relationship seems to be)
· What contraceptive methods they know of and may be using (About 1/2 were using some contraceptive, and most of those were using Oral Contraceptives. Many were aware of condoms, but not their use in preventing STIs and most men didn't want to use them)
Monday, December 05, 2005
Walking Thoughts
So I was walking home last Friday, listening to my shuffle and watching people watch me. I started wondering what about me would cause people with a clef lip or an eye patch (that others would usually stare at) to stare at me. Am I really that much to look at? My siblings did always say I was pretty funny looking. (Good thing we all look so much alike)
Then I thought maybe it wasn't how I look really, but how I walked. At a backpackers in Namibia (The Chameleon) a British guy once asked me "What is the name of the way Black Women walk that takes the mickey out of other women?" I was surprised when he remembered that it was called "Switching." The way Black women walk has international fame. I thought about all of the amazing Black women in history and in my family. It had to be the pride and strength of our walked that amazed others.
At this point in my walk the song switched to "Lights Camera Action" by Mr. Cheeks, which encouraged me to put more pep in my step.
Listening to the rhythms I started reciting "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou
"Pretty women wonder where my secret lies . . .
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally. . ."
I realized that very few Black women have been to Kolkata (I've met only one other, and heard of another). How much history I carry with me all the time.
By this time I was feeling a bit warm. I decided to try and take off my sweater without taking off my book-bag (a technique I perfected while in Namibia). While trying to negotiate this I ended up nearly flashing half of the cars and people on the bridge I was crossing.
At which point I figured that was really the reason people watched me. Because I do silly things like try to take off my sweater without taking off my book-bag first. And I should probably spend more time trying to live up to my examples than just reminiscing about them. "Please Bring Honor to Us All" from the Disney movie "Mulan" started to run through my head.
"Ancestors, Hear my plea,
Help me not to make a fool of me,
And not upset my family tree,
Keep my father standing tall . . ."
But by this point "Light's Camera Action" on my ipod had switched to "Gimme" by Jill Scott. With a smile, a nod, I grooved my way home. Because sometimes at the end of a long week you need to groove home.
Then I thought maybe it wasn't how I look really, but how I walked. At a backpackers in Namibia (The Chameleon) a British guy once asked me "What is the name of the way Black Women walk that takes the mickey out of other women?" I was surprised when he remembered that it was called "Switching." The way Black women walk has international fame. I thought about all of the amazing Black women in history and in my family. It had to be the pride and strength of our walked that amazed others.
At this point in my walk the song switched to "Lights Camera Action" by Mr. Cheeks, which encouraged me to put more pep in my step.
Listening to the rhythms I started reciting "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou
"Pretty women wonder where my secret lies . . .
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally. . ."
I realized that very few Black women have been to Kolkata (I've met only one other, and heard of another). How much history I carry with me all the time.
By this time I was feeling a bit warm. I decided to try and take off my sweater without taking off my book-bag (a technique I perfected while in Namibia). While trying to negotiate this I ended up nearly flashing half of the cars and people on the bridge I was crossing.
At which point I figured that was really the reason people watched me. Because I do silly things like try to take off my sweater without taking off my book-bag first. And I should probably spend more time trying to live up to my examples than just reminiscing about them. "Please Bring Honor to Us All" from the Disney movie "Mulan" started to run through my head.
"Ancestors, Hear my plea,
Help me not to make a fool of me,
And not upset my family tree,
Keep my father standing tall . . ."
But by this point "Light's Camera Action" on my ipod had switched to "Gimme" by Jill Scott. With a smile, a nod, I grooved my way home. Because sometimes at the end of a long week you need to groove home.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Current Happy Songs
in no particular order
Closer to Fine- Indigo Girls
Best of What's Around- Dave Matthews Band
My Favorite Things- Outkast and Nora Jones
Never Let You Down- Kanye West
Though, right now I'm listening to Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations :)
Closer to Fine- Indigo Girls
Best of What's Around- Dave Matthews Band
My Favorite Things- Outkast and Nora Jones
Never Let You Down- Kanye West
Though, right now I'm listening to Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations :)
Thursday, December 01, 2005
To the Doctor
After having a cough for entirely too long and many urging from others, I decided to see a doctor. I was leery since I had heard that most Indian Doctors have little to no bedside manner and generally don't inform you of what you actually have. I prepared myself for the miserable wait and a generally unpleasant experience.
Chandeyree (one of my co-workers) suggested her doctor only a short walk from work. She gave me the directions and seemed surprised when I kept asking when was the best time to go or about his fees. After work yesterday she assured me I would find the place and could go at anytime. When I arrived I was surprised to find a small waiting room with only two other people.
The waiting room had a few posters up and swinging saloon doors that allowed you to see directly into the doctors office.
I was shocked about the informality of it all. After fine minutes I went in and (as trained my by father) gave him a run-down of my symptoms, their duration, and what I had done to address them. Without smiling (in the least) he asked a few questions, took my pulse and blood pressure, listened to me breathe, looked in my throat and wrote out a prescription and told me to come back in five days. Only when I asked did he let me know what the medication was.
The whole visit took about 25 mins, and cost 70 Rs (that's the price of 3Kg of apples, 1/2 the price of a shirt bought off the street, or about $1.50). The small cocktail of medication I'm on (1 cough suppressant, 1 antibiotic, 1 decongestant [and], and a nutrient supplement) cost more than 4 times the amount of the doctor visit.
All in all not a bad visit, it could have been much worse, but all the drugs make me sleepy.
Chandeyree (one of my co-workers) suggested her doctor only a short walk from work. She gave me the directions and seemed surprised when I kept asking when was the best time to go or about his fees. After work yesterday she assured me I would find the place and could go at anytime. When I arrived I was surprised to find a small waiting room with only two other people.
The waiting room had a few posters up and swinging saloon doors that allowed you to see directly into the doctors office.
I was shocked about the informality of it all. After fine minutes I went in and (as trained my by father) gave him a run-down of my symptoms, their duration, and what I had done to address them. Without smiling (in the least) he asked a few questions, took my pulse and blood pressure, listened to me breathe, looked in my throat and wrote out a prescription and told me to come back in five days. Only when I asked did he let me know what the medication was.
The whole visit took about 25 mins, and cost 70 Rs (that's the price of 3Kg of apples, 1/2 the price of a shirt bought off the street, or about $1.50). The small cocktail of medication I'm on (1 cough suppressant, 1 antibiotic, 1 decongestant [and], and a nutrient supplement) cost more than 4 times the amount of the doctor visit.
All in all not a bad visit, it could have been much worse, but all the drugs make me sleepy.
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