My first week

To tell the truth, I had a clear picture of what today's blog would be about, but that all dramatically changed this evening after work. Before I travelled to India, I was "warned" about several things that could potentially overwhelm me: the traffic, the noise, the trash, the poverty, but there was something that was left out. I have yet to be really thrown off by the aforementioned parts of life in India as I was aptly prepared. What I was not properly ready for?

The Indian grocery store.

Trust me, such a build up would not have been given if it wasn't worthy. Holy buckets. After a rather long Monday, I decided I would pick up some water and a few other necessities. After making a few phone calls so my driver could get directions to the store, I went in optimistic. I was wrong. I was so not prepared. I have never seen more people in one place and shoving other people more than I did in that store. I spent 25 minutes in line (apparently 1+1 hasn't made it to India yet let alone the idea of instocks) and I only made it out with about 1/3 of my list (I was too afraid to be there any longer). I got back in the car and recapped the events of the grocery store to my driver (too traumatic to list here) who laughed so hard he had to pull the car over. This is the same guy who has so much respect for me (prior to this) he has recently changed from calling me the informal "ma'am" to now calling me "madame". Needless to say, I was so out of sorts when I got home, that the only thing I could do was eat a large chocolate bunny my mom gave me for Easter. And that's exactly what I did.

...And so begins week 2. But not without a "quick" recap of week 1.

After getting off to a great start Thursday, the jet lag quietly struck Friday morning. I truly feel bad for anyone I interacted with that day as I clearly was not on my A game. I managed to get through work and actually accomplished a few things, but then I quickly started to fade. And you know what they say, the best cure for being over tired is a 12 hour train ride to Southern India...or is it?

There really isn't anything like a long day at work followed by you, three of your new expat friends and about 8,000 of your closest Indian neighbors jumping on a 7pm train for just over 11 hours. And yes, if you do the math that puts us into the middle of the small city of Thanjavur (pronounced Tan-Jore) at approximately 5:40 in the morning. But don't worry, it was only a few blocks in the dark and rain (while still managing to be a balmy 95+ degrees) to our hotel. Did I mention India doesn't really do sidewalks? Only then to arrive at the hotel that says our room won't be ready until 8am. Classic.

Despite the rather interesting beginning to the trip, it an incredible weekend. Thanjavur is one of the oldest cities in India (and that's saying something). I learned so much there about South Indian culture, food, architecture and history. I was also lucky that we had 2 really great tour guides as I was definitely the only one of the 4 of us who didn't know who all the gods and goddesses were. Fortunately, the guides were patient in explaining everything and I really am starting to pick up on some things. I am really enjoying learning about Indian culture and religion, the passion and dedication the people here have for spirituality is inspiring. While we were in the city we visited the Brihadishwara Temple which is a UNESCO World Heritage site (meaning its so significant that the UN pays for the restoration and operation). We followed that up with a trip to the Royal Palace and then did a little shopping and I bought my first sari for a wedding I have coming up this week. Then we ate a very traditional Indian lunch in a restaurant that...well lets just say wouldn't have passed a health code inspection. I'm happy to report I didn't get sick and on top of that, thought everything was really delicious.

From Thanjavur, we went to Madurai, which is the oldest inhabited city in the Indian peninsula. It, like Thanjavur, is in the state of Tamil Nadu (which is right next to Karnataka, the state Bangalore is in) and was founded approximately 2500 years ago. temple in Madurai was absolutely incredible. It's one of the biggest temple complexes in India with 14 towers. On top of that the colors used on the construction of the temple is amazing. They repaint the entire temple every 12 years and we were lucky enough to arrive right after it had been painted so everything was so vibrant. The problem with that, however, is that everyone else in India also wants to see it, so it was a little crowded (which in India means there was a little over 1 million people there). While in Madurai, we stayed in a really cool hotel that was located on a nature reserve. Because of the location, I was able to get closer to a peacock that I ever though possible and way closer than I was comfortable with. Especially when it tried to eat my toes. No worries though, the attempts of said peacock were futile as a very nice Indian man distracted it with Wasabi peas (I couldn't make this stuff up). I think the real highlight of the whole trip was when we sat down at the temple and realized we were 4 Christians spending Easter in a Hindu temple. That definitely got some laughs.

Overall, it was a truly great weekend and it must be said that I am very lucky to be with some people here in India. On this trip I went with my roommate Pam, Will, and another expat in Marketing at Target named Lance. When you begin to spend time with all the people from the U.S. that uprooted their lives to move to India for minimum of a year, you start to see common characteristics. While everyone clearly has their own personality, they are each laid-back, hard-working, passionate, open-minded and truly have a great sense of humor. I think if you can't look around and laugh (not just at some of the craziness of India, but also at yourself) you can't make it here. I'm just really impressed by the people here and truly count myself lucky to have been accidentally sent here (Target got the name wrong on the airline ticket, I'm nothing like these other expats) :)

I do have to say though, the highlight of the entire weekend was learning my celebrity status. Jess, you were right. While I'm not making the front page of Indian People any time soon, I have definitely learned that my appearance (white, tall, blond, blue eyes) draws a crowd. On top of everyone just blatantly staring (which I'm still not quite okay with), everyone wants their picture taken with you. But wait, it gets better. Americans (the 4 of us) were the only ones with cameras. So they take a picture with you, using your camera. They just want it to be in someones record book that they met you and that they were there to document it. It was bizarre and hysterical all at the same time. Needless to say, once I figure out how to post pictures on this thing, you'll be cracking up. Oh India, you are incredible!
Pictures of Bangalore: