Day 3 in Jodhpur and so far, so great! I'm sitting on the floor in the FSD office right now working on my computer listening to the frequent honking (beep beep) outside. It's so wild.
I've been so impressed with FSD and how organized everything is. They have done an excellent job helping us transition into life in Jodhpur. We are staying at a hotel right now during orientation and then are moving in with our host families tomorrow (Tuesday). I really enjoy the other participants in the program...they are all so smart and have done such amazing things in their lives. Very inspiring! Michael and I are the only 2 in the volunteer "pro corps" program. The others are much younger and are here as part of an undergrad or graduate school internship.
It's really, really hot (107 degrees) but I'm managing. Sweating is a way of life here. As I've been told... "sweating means your body is working". It's like a bikram (hot yoga) class all the time. The food is amazing! Since we are eating in restaurants right now, we are able to try so many different cuisines.... much different and better than my local Indian spots (sorry Sitar and Bombay Palace). I'm looking forward to checking out traditional Jodhpur food while eating with my host family.
Yesterday my local program coordinator, Smita took us shopping for "appropriate" work clothes...salwar kameez. It was such a fun experience. We picked out fabrics from a fabric store and then went to a tailor to get the clothes made. The fabric store was overwhelming (I'm overwhelmed in a fabric store in Nashville!) We had way too many choices. In India the brighter and crazier (in my opinion) color/pattern for top bottom combo the better! I'm afraid my new beautiful, bright Indian outfits will make me look like a clown! The male tailor couldn't/wouldn't take a female's measurements so Smita measured us and helped us "design" our outfits which basically meant picking out neckline and sleeve length. I have my 1st fitting today so I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
Thru FSD, we're taking Hindi lessons. I wish I had prepped more before I came because it'd be really fun (and productive) to be able to speak a little Hindi. The good news is that a lot of people speak "hindi-glish" so I'll be able to manage.
I hope all is well with you. More observations (and photos) to follow.
I'm off to lunch...
Can't wait to see photos of your couture salwur kameez! Glad that all your berkram has paid off. Knew that there was a reason that you would sweat on purpose. Prayers and praises for you and this amazing experience. xxoo
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