Global Letter 11-3-04
It is odd to know that the experiences we are currently having on Global will be forever engrained in our memories and will shape the rest of our lives. But most of us must ignore this fact to continue upon our daily lives in India.
Before arriving in Mumbai, we had to endure a lovely night's stay at the world renowned Cairo Airport. The disorganization and chaos was enough to transform the normally reserved PB into a very frustrated man--and understandably so. Hundreds of people lined the sidewalks as elderly tourists elbowed their way through the single coveted door available for our entry. Lines and security measures were nonexistent. Mike set off the metal detector to which the security guard replied, "Just walk
faster," and motioned him though. So a sleepless night and a delayed flight later, we finally arrived in Mumbai.
The humidity wafted toward us as we boarded the bus and observed this new culture though the cloudy glass windows. The veils we grew so accustomed to seeing in Egypt were replaced by brightly colored saris, salwar kameez, and friendly smiles. Streams of people clogged the streets and the sidewalks were inlayed with sleeping men. Living compartments were constructed with wood and thin sheets of metal with strips of tarp held in place by rocks. Tattered pieces of cloth served as doors leading into these homes, perhaps the size of a bathroom. Entire families nestled into these quarters and poured their daily lives out on the street. Cooking, washing dishes, bathing, children playing games and chasing one another, and smiles appeared everywhere. I was immediately struck with the overwhelming sense of joy radiating through the streets during our drive to the YMCA Mumbai. Over the next few days I discovered that the Indian culture is so friendly, and it makes sense--they are literally living on top of one another and they must live in harmony in order to pleasantly
survive. I never realized how repressed I felt in Egypt until I
experienced the difference in the accepting, yet curious Indian stares.
Our first day in Mumbai was full of touring. We took a bumpy ferry ride from the Gateway of India to Elephant Island, where our loquacious tour guide explained the symbolism behind every rock carving in the beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. We were also cautioned about the aggressive monkeys who will attack upon the slightest indication of food being distributed. Our favorite quote was, "No monkeys on the bus."
Upon our return to the mainland, we were rushed through an audio tour of the British museum before visiting a Jain Temple and eating a spicy lunch at a traditional Indian restaurant. On a side note, most of us now know the difference between Pepto and Imodium and when to use each medication to treat varying degrees of stomach problems. We also toured Mahatma Gandhi's house where he spent seventeen years of his life. After wandering through a garden and returning to the Y for dinner, a few of us, including PB, decided to explore the Mumbai nightlife. We ended up at a
popular bowling alley and fun times were had by all.
The next morning was spent at the Crawford Market, as we bought the requested sheets and towels for Mother Teresa's Orphanage. We spent the rest of the day talking to the nuns and women, and playing with the children at the orphanage. I know that each of us were deeply moved by this experience. I cannot find the words to justly describe the longing hearts of the women and children at this shelter.
The next day we visited The MarketPlace Women's Cooperative, which helps Indian women regain financial stability through the making and selling of authentic clothes. The directors gave us an overview of this organization and we toured the facilities where the clothes are made. Many of us spoke with the women workers who are supporting two to three children through their job at The MarketPlace. They told us that our visit gave them so
much pride and they are more respected by their family and community because of our interest.
The money we donated to the orphanage and to The MarketPlace was given to us by Beyond Global, an organization founded by past Globalites to help the people they saw in need during their Global semester. You can find global.org/index.php and recent pictures can be found by clicking on "Global '04-'05 makes Beyond Global gifts."
Our last day in Mumbai was a "free day" and many Globalites visited temples and shopped for various items and gifts. Some watched a popular Bollywood movie in Hindi, while others returned to the orphanage&and the lucky few were bedridden with glorious stomach ailments.
The unending commotion of Mumbai was overwhelming at times and I think all of us are grateful to be spending the rest of the month in Whitefield, a rural area outside of Bangalore. The incredible greenery and flowering beauty of the Ecumenical Christian Centre is integrated with inspirational quotes lining the walkways. Many have described this haven as "cleansing" and "peaceful," although they could have been referring to our single rooms. After nearly two months of living out of a suitcase, it is so refreshing to completely unpack and organize our belongings in our own personal space. Many people have hung up scarves and various items to make our rooms more homely and inviting. A stationary home for four whole weeks is such a welcomed relief!
It is definitely monsoon season here as it rains almost every evening and the power comes and goes at the most inconvenient times, i.e.: showering. Oh, and showering has nothing to do with hygiene, but with how much shock my body can endure due to the freezing cold ice water shooting from the shower head. Our Western food and internet cravings are cured by the Tech Park, a mini mall about a half hour walk away. We have made local friends through a Whitefield church and they have invited us to sing for their services. A very gracious couple also invited all thirty of us over for a delicious breakfast one morning. We were euphoric for the rest of the day.
Most of us have received and mailed in our absentee ballots. We were able to watch part of the presidential debate as we were packing up our belongings during our last morning in Mumbai. Our abroad experience has definitely impacted our views and made us more aware of foreign policies and our relationship with other countries.
Classes have been more challenging here as we have a different speaker for each lecture, and each lecture is about a different religion. Sometimes it is hard to properly file everything into our brains. Benson's classes however, provide a unified structure, where we discuss and clarify previous subjects before launching into his engaging lectures.
The ECC has graciously provided cultural events, like Classical Indian dancing and Classical South Indian Music, which has provided an amazing opportunity for a music major, like myself, to analyze and compare Indian music to Western music. Hey, I'm feeling a little music theory deprived and I long for this kind of musical immersion. Yoga classes are also provided every morning from 6-7. Thomas is the only Yoga die hard, who has not missed a single class.
Halloween preparations are underway and discussion about our fall break in Thailand is also floating through the air.
Letters always appreciated, so keep em comin!
Global Love,
Julia Langenberg
