India

I don't know what to think about India. I'm confused about what I've seen and frustrated about what I've been through in 3 short days. I had a great day on the first day and even yesterday was good. But today through me off -- especially when our rickshaw driver demanded a lot of money from us, we refused, he got so angry that he hit a little beggar boy - the boy was trying to sell us qtips.. i didn't want any so for the first time since being in any country, I gave him some money to just have him leave us... before he left, the rickshaw driver lashed out for no reason, hitting the boy. The poor boys stuff fell all over the road. When he went to pick it up, the rickshaw driver hit him again. By that time, we were furious. We offered the rickshaw driver our money (a lot less than he wanted) and he said no, so we walked away after helping the little boy pick up his things. The boy was crying and I don't think the image is ever going to leave my mind. He was so upset. We gave him some money but he was walking away sobbing. It was one of, if not the, meanest things I have ever seen. We went back into the mall and went out a different exit to avoid our rickshaw drivers. They refused the money from us so they never got paid. It's been a crazy day.

Things like this cause me not to like Chennai. I know I shouldn't generalize - but it's so hard not to. Many of the people here are only after your money. That's all for now - tomorrow I leave for a village stay so I hope it changes my mind about everything.

Here is what I have lined up for India:

We will be able to depart the ship on Sunday morning and stay in India from Sunday - Thursday. Thursday night we have on ship time at 9pm.

Sunday from 1-6pm:

“On this trip we will experience rural India, interact with locals and visit a farm. We will depart by motor coach for a visit to an Indian village where we will observe village life, visit village homes and interact with the residents. We will also visit a small working farm to observe the difference between the village and farm life. We will be served Indian snacks.”

Sunday from 6:30 - 10pm:

“This is an excellent opportunity to meet Indian students, experience a traditional dance performance, and enjoy Indian snacks. You will travel by motor coach to the reception area where you will be given a traditional welcome with sari-clad ladies offering flower buds, applying kum-kum (red dot or sandalwood paste on the forehead) and sprinkling rose water. Enjoy mingling with the invited guests from local universities in the outdoor atmosphere of a local fair. Along with sampling the tempting snacks, you may learn how to tie a sari, have a design painted on your hand with henna paste, and observe a Bharata Natyam dance demonstration. Bharata Nayam is the subtle and sophisticated dance-art of Tamil Nadu. It is a dynamic and very precise style of dance. The dancer presents a story at several levels of meaning using a variety f complex body postures and movements, hand and arm gestures, and facial expressions. A dancer needs substantial knowledge and appreciation of the thematic and philosophical context of Indian myth and legend as well as a thorough grounding in technical skill. The meaning of a portion of the dance will be interpreted for you and some of the movements, gestures, and facial expressions will be explained. You will also have the opportunity to buy Indian clothing and costume jewelry.”

Monday from 2 - 6pm:

“On this visit to Bala Mandir orphanage in Chennai, you will meet and interact with the children. You may also talk with orphanage personnel about the problems of poverty and childcare in India. You will be provided with coloring books, picture books or other materials to aid your interaction with the children. These materials will be donated to the orphanage upon your departure. The price of this practicum also includes a donation to the orphanage.

Wednesday 8am - Thursday 12pm:

“The Bridge Education Services Trust is a non-profit voluntary agency devoted to improving the conditions of the Dalits (“Untouchables”) in Tamil Nadu and the Chennai region. You will depart on a 1.5 hour journey on the scenic East Coast Road to the Dalit Delta Training Center, located at a picturesque spot, to learn about their current work and the advances that are being made, and to participate in an informational question and answer session. The Dalit nursing students and Dalit village community organizers/volunteers will present a reception including a cultural program. After lunch, the group will be divided into smaller units, and each unit will travel to a Dalit village for an overnight visit. You will get a first-hand look at the caste system that, though illegal, still structures rural society. Your sleeping quarters will be very basic, probably the floor of a community center, with no running water and no indoor toilet facilities. In the morning, there will be additional opportunities to interact with the people in the village before your return to the ship.”