Long Strange Trip.

May 31^st. Day 1. 830pm (11am EST)

Happy Birthday Amy!!!! Although I wont be able to post this until I find an internet connection, I figure it still counts!

Well, as I write this I am well fed, clean, and sitting next to my bed for the night, so I guess I can’t complain….and I really can’t. It was a long trip, but relatively smooth. My biggest complaint was that the British airways attendant in Boston told me I wouldn’t be able to board the plane in London with two carry-ons and I needed to combine them. Of course they were both stock full, so I decided to buy a larger bag in Logan airport before I left since I didn’t know what I would encounter in London. The only reasonably priced choice was a big, light pink(pepto colored) shoulder bag. Something more likely to be seen in the Hamptons, then in India.--And of course in London I didn’t even need it.

It was a nice surprise to see my supervisor waiting for me outside of the airport. I had seen pictures of him before I left, so I knew it was him holding up a sign with my name and picture on it….I was hoping I would be met with a printed out picture of my head that I had sent them beforehand and I wasn’t disappointed. Dr. K had arranged a car for me, but had to take his family somewhere near Mumbai, so he came along. It was comforting, but I felt a little bad to be such bad company on a 4 hr car ride. I was a little tired and out of it, so it was hard for me to make stimulating conversation. It was also hotter than the hubs of Mahoney and very humid in Mumbai. For the first half of the trip we kept our windows up because the wind was so hot it made things worse. After we passed over the mountains into the Western Ghats (where I am) the humidity and temperature were a little better. Dr. K said the monsoons should start in the next 4 or 5 days, so I think that helps too. (It is thundering and lightening now.)

After our driver got lost in Mumbai (or at least nearby the airport), I can imagine why people say it is so intense and hectic here. Luckily (given my state) I just had to experience it from the back seat of a car and not have to make my way. But it was kind of nice to take it in for the hour we drove around. After a few hours of on the expressway watching a Hindi DVD in the car and trying not to fall asleep, we drove through Pune (which is about 1hr away and the closest city to me & about 2.5 mil people). We drove through a small part of it to stop at the atm and drop off Dr. K—he lives in Pune. After that the driver took me the rest of the way. Not before driving through a toll gate that came down on his hood. But no mind—no need to stop for that!!

I am working for Baif, an organization that does agriculture research and rural development. It is actually a research compound type place where the office and facilities are and some people live. I really haven’t seen much at all of it yet, since I was driving to my door and have spent my time napping and ‘showering’, but it seems like a nice place. Its quiet, so that’s nice—except for this pesky kitty that has jumped onto my window sill about 4 times already whining (I think it is a long lost cousin of my cat Punky b/c it’s whiney meow sends shivers up your spine just the same way).

My house is nice. It has all the necessities. There is a kitchen, a bedroom my two roommates share, a shower room, a bathroom, and my room. My room is really a common area that the front door opens up to, but it should be fine. Especially since my roommates are away until the 11^th of June. Im thankful for the overhead fan that is going right now, but am a little scared for the heat when the power goes out later. Apparently b/c electricity is in such high demand they do load shedding for some parts of the year. (I am still not sure when it is off b/c no one can give me a straight answer.) So it will be a nice surprise. I think it will be fully on in a few weeks (maybe after the hydropower has a chance to refill). It should be the same time my roommates come back which will be nice. I think eating alone with get very old after 2 weeks. Although I cant complain about the food. Ms. M (a neighbor) cooks and delivers meals to us everyday. It was excellent food, but Im hoping no one is watching me through the window b/c I am not exactly sure how to eat all of the dishes.

That’s all I know for now. Im going to sleep so I can get up bright and early for my first day at 830am. No rest for the weary.