Day 27-Saturday 31st July 2010

So it's only half way through the day but I feel there have been enough events to warrant a little blogging-does that word exist?! I am also feeling a little conscious of the fact that whilst friends, there are a few of you who have been reading these blogs who are professional writers. editors and teachers so please excuse the grammatical errors and anything else there may be not quite correct with this.

Right so at least four power cuts today, I have had to restart the washing machine four times and so the washing has now taken four hours to do! It's not so bad I guess and yes part of the experience but I am allowed to be a little frustrated from time to time.

Coupled with this is the fact that we finally decided on a place and dates to go away but for some reason my credit card will not work to make the payment. I called the bank and they said there is no reason for this and it should all be fine. The bank also told me I had not informed them I was in India which is not true, I have checked my emails.

We spent an hour and half at the travel agents sorting out our trip/holiday whatever you want to call it and then left after payment failure. MT went to work and I have come home. I have called my bank again and they have again told me there is no problem with my card and the transaction should work. There is also no record of an attempted transaction. I am slightly baffled by it all.

Anyway I have called the travel agent back to explain my conversation with the bank and also said that there may be a fault with their machine as that is also what the bank suggested. I said I will go back this afternoon, to the travel agents that is.

Oh and another thing, having had a note placed on my bank file the first time I called today to say I was in India, the second person told me that there was no record of me being on India. So I am am now in a doubly baffled situation and slightly irritated that this is how today is going.

However, on the up side when we do go away it should be to a little Indian island which looks really rather nice and I am quite excited about. We have not yet had a honeymoon so this could be it-still to be decided.

Nothing particularly cultural to offer today, although maybe the power cuts, not sure that really counts but it could all change! Oh I did spot the regal cow today pictured in yesterday's blog!

Day 26-Friday 30th July 2010

We did go out for dinner last night just to the local restaurant called Herbs and Spices which kind of serves some European dishes although I had these vegetable dumpling type things form the Indian section and roti. To be honest my tummy has been a little funny this week and I know it sound bad but I would just like some normal food, maybe just for the day!

Been to Carnations today, another one of the nursery schools here. It's behind a new temple that is being constructed which at the moment is white and I did at first think how funny, a white temple. Kumar told me that it's because its not finished!

After doing a few bits and pieces with the teachers one of them showed me this liquid that you put on bananas when they are green and it turns them yellow in two days. I was suitably impressed with this as I never knew it existed! Although when I explained this amazing discovery to Kumar he seemed to already know about it-boo!

At the school the children are given a meal a day and always fruit and they try to buy extra for the children to take home because some of their families can really never afford fresh fruit. Things like this always make me stop and think because we are told we need 5 pieces of fruit or veg a day to be healthy but if you have not got the money to buy it or resources to grow it then how can you be healthy or what is deemed as being healthy? Its hard to believe if you do not see it that there really are a lot of people who do not have things that I guess we think of as basic items in our lives. An apple or even a banana a day for them is really not a reality.

I didn't realize also until I saw it on the news that some of the people here have to line up for rations of food from the government. When I went to the post office the other day I saw a line of maybe 30 people outside a kind of hut. There was a board out the front with writing in chalk which I could not understand and also a large set of scales as I tried to peer in. The people were stood with baskets and sacks and this is what it was for-the government rations of basic commodities.

I suppose in some ways its good that the government is supplying these things but its just so sad that this is the case in this day and age. And yes the hut was complete with cow as was the post office which I think I mentioned earlier! Oh and some of the cows have their horns painted and with bells too. This was not the case for the hut or post office cow but was the case for the cow under the coconut tree. Its horns or do I say her horns, oh I know nothing about animal genders but anyway this coconut cow as I shall refer to it had purple horns, rather regal!

Not as much rain today so stopped at the local supermarket on the way home and ended up buying two bags because they have a little section of bits and pieces that have been hand made my local people. This of course is ridiculous because I don't need any more bags like I really don't need any more scarves! They may well end up being presents which is how I justified buying them.

Now, having read this through rather quickly, I feel a bit silly because I am writing about regal looking cows with purple horns and people who live in the poorest of areas and who cannot afford fresh fruit and on top of the cows and poor people I am also writing about two bags I have just bought albeit made by local people and at the coast of $5, so thats like 3.50GBP I think. Woops so now if you have read this and you are the recipient of a bag you will know exactly how much I have spent or rather have not spent on you!

I am just wondering which side of Bangalore PM Cameron got to see on his visit here on Wednesday? I hope that he saw the real Bangalore.

Day 25-Thursday 29th May 2010

Seriously, I am amazed by the number of skin lightening products there are here for both men and women! I have just watched an advert on TV for a man's skin product that has a lightener in it. What is up with people-please just love the skin you're in!! I thought this was the type of thing we had back in the day.

Moving on, not done much today to be honest. Partly because of the rain-evry time I have considered stepping out there seems to have been a down pour and usually a power cut! I guess it is monsoon season still, in fact it will be for the whole of our stay here. I knew I should have bought my wellies but I just thought no, it's India, you don't usually see Indian people wearing them, they wear sandals, or mandals (that's sandals for men)!

The good news however is that it seems my new visa has been approved. Mush quicker than I ever expected and funny because we were just talking about it last night and how long it still might be. Have been considering a trip to China too partly inspired by Muhan, her stories and pictures but until our brother's birthday card arrives in the Uk I am not sure how secure I feel about the Indian postal system.

All being well should go to Azalea tomorrow unless I get a call to say that one of the teachers is ill again. Rescheduled Bluebells for Monday.

We are supposed to be going out for dinner tonight-wonder where? In fact I wonder if it will be sans or avec knife and fork?!

Day 24-Wednesday 28th July 2010

Trod in dog poop or however you like to phrase it for the first time today which to be honest I am amazed at given the number of stray dogs here!

School phoned to say that one of their teachers is ill today so have rescheduled Bluebells for Monday.

Given that this was the case I decided to go on a little adventure, just round the local area. Also wanted to check out the local travel agents as MT and I would like to go away at some point for a week-possible honeymoon?

So while I was just walking along I spotted some material in a shop window which quite took my fancy. Carried on walking and then thought no, you can do this be brave and go and ask about it. So I did and the nice chap showed me a variety of materials and Indian style ladies clothes-must learn the correct names!

Anyway, long story short I bought some material and took it to the shop across the road where the material chap had directed me to. I showed it to the lady, and was measured for something I am not quite sure what for!! I said I would like something like she was wearing so not a sari but kind of the long top with the trousers. She told me that the fashion at the moment is for a six inch sleeve so that's what I have gone for!

Will pick up on Tuesday and see what I have got. I think all in it will cost me 700INR-will do the conversion later but don't think its much. Quite excited to see what I have got now! And I do love the fact that everything comes with a scarf-my favorite accessory!! I must not get carried away with purchases particularly of scarves here which I feel I could quite easily do.

So after that mini adventure I continued up the road, that's Whitefiled Main Road if wish to Google map it, to the travel agents which was my original intention of going out- to find out about going to the Andaman Islands. They are some Indian Islands near the Bay of Bengal I think and they have a swimming elephant although according to the literature there are no promises that he will swim-boo!!

By the time I came out of the travel agents it was raining and just to prove this I tried to take a picture of myself avec pink umbrella at which point I trod in the dog poop/plop/s***! Probably my own fault for trying to take a picture of myself!

Back now, shoes clean, and now I know why I have stuck to my trainers rather than sandals when venturing out!x:)

Day 23-Tuesday 27th July 2010

Just had a quick look back at my blogs and have realized that I have repeated myself in some pieces-how boring!

Today's picture is of the fish man who sits across the road from where we live preparing fish for people to buy. Quite fascinating to watch and all a little grim because its right next to the road and all the waste is just tipped onto the path, if that's what you can call where you walk. They are a bit hit and miss here and you often find yourself walking up the road! In fact crossing the road is a little bit of a gambling game as you have to weave yourself in between lorries, tractors, cars, mopeds and cows!!!

Okay so back to today. Went to the Forum Mall with M as she was meeting another potential student to teach Chinese. When she knocked at the door had not been up very long-awful tummy last night, in fact I think the worst I can remember in a while.

The chap we met bought us lunch. I had wanted to pay for mine but he insisted. Then followed a discussion about cultural differences and he explained that a woman would never pay in India. M also said the case would be the same in China. I tried to explain the phrase going Dutch and that I thought this would be the case with many females my age from the UK-could be wrong.

So we had a little mooch around the mall, looked at some beautiful saris and then came home. We also debated over buying a magazine too but decided not too. Maybe another day. May buy E an Indian Vogue before we leave-I know she collects them.

Oh stopped off at the local supermarket too. A few stray dogs and some puppies today out and about. Took a few pics but they are not too hot.

Rained quite heavily, i am figuring monsoon season has begun, so we asked K to take us to a shop as M wanted to buy some meat. Unless you want to see your chicken in its cage and then hung up almost on the street its hard to buy meat unless you make a bit of a journey. MT has not eaten meat for two months now. I think I have had meat maybe four times since I arrived..

Rained quite heavily again this afternoon when I was at M's watching a DVD. Movie stopped about half way through due to the usual afternoon power cut here and then we couldn't get it going again. Never mind, we have plenty of time to watch her extensive DVD collection!!!

Off to one of the schools tomorrow-Bluebells.

Day 22-Monday 26th July 2010

So I am going to wash my hair today with this Indian herbal shampoo that in all honesty now I have mixed it looks like a brown, pasty slop! Can't say it smells too good but if it makes my hair look as beautiful as some of the ladies here then its got to be worth a shot!x:)

Yesterday went to the supermarket and purchased the ingredients used to make this puffed rice snack a lady gave to us when we went to the waterfall. May make today. If it turns out like the rice I cooked the other evening that was more akin to mash potato I then it will be rather disappointing! But at least i am making an effort! I just don't understand though how I managed to make such awful rice!!

We were also waiting outside Staples yesterday eveningh, yes they do have it here, we saw six motorbikes picked up and taken away by the police truck. Its okay to park a car there but not a motorbike. Cost of getting the bike back is Rs300. Sooooo wish I had my camera-very comical!!

Day 21-Sunday 25th July 2010

So, it's day 21-already!
Yesterday went to the local nursery school in Ambedgar Nagar to help do a worksop with some of the teachers. They were really sweet and even gave me a notebook with my name and a little message and a purple pen. Some were also wearing the most amazing saris, one in purple and pink-may well have to ask where she bought it from!
Walking through the area I encountered my first aggressive dog that barked at me. I did not turn around but certainly felt it behind me. I was a little concerned as to how it may react if I did! Most of the local people though were very friendly and just greet you with a nod or maybe a smile, most of them stare at you but I guess that is to be expected.
I discovered a lot about the teachers' lives. Most are married apart from one one and she looks after her sister's children, I think there are two of them, I am sure she cannot be much older than 20. Another lady lives in a house with ten other family members and another lady has five children, two are teenagers and then another lady has a daughter who has just got married, she is seventeen.
I will continue this later but need to go shopping now....
So we went to the supermarket-not one of my favorite activities when its busy I have to say. Then we went to Staples which yes they do have here and ended up buying a globe because we are always looking at where countries are and I wanted to know if Bangalore is in the southern hemisphere and it is! Yes I could have googled it but its nice to look and when people talk about where they come from or where they have been I like to know exactly where these places are.
So waiting outside staples and along come a police truck that loads six motorbikes onto the back of it! Comedy moment, well for me rather than the owners! Soooo wish I had had my camera because I cannot do the incident justice in words!
That's all for today I think. Not sure when I will write again as MT working at home tomorrow and usually I use his computer!.

Day 20-Friday 23rd July 2010

So, on the way to the local shop I counted 9 stray dogs, 3 cows and 1 coconut seller!! I am yet to work out what the chap is selling outside the shop but whatever it is, it seems very popular-it's something you can eat and looks like a profiterole! I must find out what they are. I think maybe its an Appam! That's kind of a sweet thing from South India.

Day 18-Thursday 22nd July 2010

Today we went to Leela Palace as wanted to check out a shop called Anokhi. To be honest a little disappointed so may well stick to Fabindia as it is rather fab!

Its really very beautiful at Leela Palace but the only picture we took was one of Muhan and I in the toliet/bathroom! I must find out how to attach things to this blog!

Tried some Churidars on today too. Here's what they are:
Churidars, or more properly churidar pyjamas, are tightly fitting trousers worn by both men and women in South Asia and Central Asia. They are similar to skinny jeans but are made of fabric other than denim. They are a bit like leggings!

I wil go back and buy some as I rather like them. In fact I quite like the whole Indian look and feel quite comfortable in the clothes. Not so much the saris but the other bits and pieces. I also think the leggings I have been wearing are too short for here! Live and learn!

Day 16-Tuesday 20th July 2010

So we are not allowed a key to our post box here and instead have to ask for someone to open it up. So, I go to ask someone to open it and the lady says to me for what purpose?
Now I know I am in another country and there may well be language barriers but is the purpose not obvious?!
Also found the local post office complete with resident cow but does not sell envelopes! It was like going back in time! Enough of an adventure for today, went home!

Oh and Michael and I started dating 16 years ago today!!!

Day 15-Monday 19th July 2010

So yesterday we went to a waterfall where only men swim and get massages, then sailed in a boat that looked more like an upside down giant mushroom to an island where we saw a drunk man in his pants in the water arguing with another man, then ate fresh fish and rice which was yum but a little tricky as no knife and fork!! Oh we saw monkeys too!x:)

Day 9-Tuesday 13th July 2010

Not really sure where to begin with what I saw here today. Ventured into what some would call a slum area. Animals roaming about, no running water, one room huts to live in, drunk husbands, battered wives. However, the little bit of hope is the new school that has been set up for some of the young children-fingers crossed we can do our bit to help out.x:)

Day 6-Saturday 10th July 2010

So to embrace the culture here I tried eating my dinner last night with my right hand-slightly challenging, but when in India...!x:)

Day 1-Sunday 4th July 2010

This is day 1 but I am actually writing nearly 20 days in because I began this blog today. Also I have not quite decided if I am writing in the past or present so it may well change throughout!

Just for a little bit of context. We moved to LA last September, got married in Las Vegas in May and are now off to India. Well, MT is actually already there!

So I left LA on the 25th June, having just had my very lovely sister and her boyfriend to stay for a few days. Just finished an internship for the LA Film Festival too. Have been volunteering in a high school and for an organization called MOSTE .

It's been much better than expected in LA, really not the plastic fantastic I expected and whilst this is an absolutely amazing opportunity to come to India it is a little bit inconvenient. I don't want to sound ungrateful because I am not it's just sort of stopped the flow of things for a bit!

My original visa for the States is now void since we are married and I have applied for a change of visa status and now that I have left cannot return until I have my new visa! Slightly hectic! But I am sure it will all work out, things usually do.

Stayed with some good friends in London, then MT's parents, then back to London to hand in my visa documents for India, then chez pere and then to mum's.

Visa arrived on the Friday and then flights booked for the Saturday. Had I known I would be leaving the next day may not have picked to go for an Indian for dinner although it was yum!

Okay, so it's Saturday and my mum dropped me off at Heathrow. Bit of a tearful goodbye but having said that despite having moved half way across the world, well almost, I have actually manage to see mum now three or maybe four times in the last 9 months.

Never flown Air India before but apart from the fact my screen did not work , there was plenty of leg and elbow room and I sat next to a lovely couple from France.

Landed in Delhi not quite having absorbed the fact that I had an 8 hour wait until my flight to Bangalore!

Successfully filled in landing card and was not sent back as a few others were to redo, although I had already redone mine, and then collected my luggage which I though would be automatically transferred to the domestic departures, but oh no!

So I make my way through the airport to the coach that takes us to the domestic airport. Everyone is registered by hand who boards the coach and there is some poor chap having to lift all of the luggage up the coach stairs because they cannot get the storage trunk open!

So its noisy, hot, dusty and I have been traveling for nearly 12 hours, not entirely sure if the coach I have boarded is even going to the domestic departures airport and here I am in India!

So it was the right coach-hooray!:)

Next thing I know a chap has my luggage and ticket in his hand and has taken me to an office. It was only later I realized why he had taken me there! I just followed him because he had my ticket and luggage!

I could not understand a word anyone was saying and I seemed to be in the back of an office where ticket purchases are made for domestic flights.

At the front of this office was a window and a kiosk where people were lined up outside to get tickets. Well, I say lined up but it looked and sounded more like a mad scramble to me!

Anyway I observe for a while to try and suss out the situation, am pushed out of the way and then realize I just have to make myself known to get anywhere!

So I approach the chap at the desk who is furiously printing tickets on an antiquated printer and typing away on a computer that looks like an Amiga, I think that's what it was, that we once had!

So I show the chap my ticket having been given it back by the chap who took me there in the first place , ask if there is an earlier flight he says yes and so I say how much?

He then tells me 6,000INR. I have no idea how much this is having only been in the country if the airport counts, for maybe 90 minutes. So I text MT who actually replies quite swiftly, and he tells me how much it is in dollars rather then GBP so I still need to do a conversion! Never mind, its all part of the experience I tell myself!

Having been told by another chap at the main airport that its not so safe for a girl on her own here and just the sheer hecticness of it all, I decide to bite the bullet and I go to buy my new ticket for an earlier flight.

The receipt is written by hand and my ticket printed with only half my name. Was not convinced they would let me through security with this but it all seemed fine.

Oh and to top this off my water bottle leaked in my bag that had photocopies of all of my important documents, as well as soaking my jacket and my wallet!

So I spent the hour before take off in the bathroom trying to dry my things with a hand dryer from back in the day. Not one of these super quick drying contraptions you seem to find today.

Anyway, long story short now I board the plane, fly to Bangalore where MT meets me-hooray. Soooo glad to see him and for it to be then end of my epic journey-LA to London to Dehli to Bangalore!!!

Feeling a little pooped!x:)