Sunday, May 23rd, 2010. - Day 1

9:30 PM. Bengaluru, India.

A breakfast of corn flakes and boiled milk, an interesting omelette, some jam and bread, delicious tea, and a conversation with a very friendly, Chicago-loving, Indian gentleman later, and we're ready to start our days. We've decided those of us who are here will explore Bangalore with our GTA, Lisa, while our director, Geeta, waits to hear from the others.

After obtaining some "directions" from Geeta (i.e. "go through the tunnel with the men peeing, the stinkiest place is your landmark") we're off to explore. Bangalore is not unlike other major cities I've had the pleasure of visiting; Mexico City, New York City, even Rome. It has absurd traffic, masses of people, and endless construction.

The difference comes when you look more closely.

Peoplemove more slowly here (excluding the traffic of course). There seems to be little rush to get anywhere. High contrast from a bustling Manhattan. The pace however does not detract from a surge of cars, autorickshaws (autos), and most noticeably, people. We watched all of the afore-mentioned swell as the morning turned into afternoon. Side note: if you're in Bangalore to shop, everything's closed until noon on Sundays, and some places aren't even open at all, taking the hustle and bustle out of the early morning hours. Learned that the hard way.

We made our way arond the main shopping areas of Bangalore (lit: 'the town of boiled beans') and popped into various establishments. We bought 'tiffins' or small metal steal tins for carrying whatever; very handy; needs to catch on in the states.

The true adventure came when we wanted to head back, and spoke with auto driver after driver trying to find one who'd use his meter to take us home. I should note that these small, three-legged, covered, motorized bicyles were big enough to squish three adults in the back seat. Finally, one driver to take the FIVE of use for 100Rs. Some lap-sitting, seat sharing with the driver, high speeds, and some very close calls were all involved, but we made it back alive and with a study abroad newsletter story.

The rest of the day played out lazily. A brief cold shower and a short nap felt glorious after the two days of planes and the Kansas-like heat/humidity combo. We were woken to a group meeting at which four more of our group had arrived, and we had word that the final two were on their way. Our first lesson in Indian culture followed, with topics such as emotion, generosity, terms of address, and respect for elders. And finally the evning ended with a group dinner at a small diner-esque facility. Tomorrow we begin the program..., and work.

~Eyes half closed,
-David