Train from Bombay to Ahmedabad

Last night we traveled from Bombay to Ahmedabad. The journey was around 6 hours in duration and could have been traveled via plane. The train ride began at 11:25PM and we reached Ahmedabad at 5:30AM. Mom and I were in a sleeper compartment and both slept on top bunks- baggage was stored beneath the beds of the guests beneath us.

Since we had four bags between the two of us, we hired a man to help us bring them onto the train. Just for reference, we paid a man 100 rupees (Rs) [~$2] in Bombay to use a dolly and transport our baggage to the train compartment, as well as load it near our beds. Then, upon arrival in Ahmedabad, we paid two men a total of 120 Rs [~$2.40] to carry them from the train to the car. This time, however, they had no dolly...so, one man carried two 50 lb bags atop his head and the the other man rolled one and carried another. It was somewhat crazy to see, seeing as though I was barely able to carry one bag by myself. Things like this are normal to see at a train station though. I guess I've seen this in Africa too- however, it is always crazy to fathom.

In Ahmedabad for the day with my mom's younger sister (mom's sister is called "masi" in Gujarati), her family and staying with them are my other masi (mom's older sister) and my maternal grandmother (maternal grandmother is called "nani" in Gujarati). Spending the day relaxing and figuring out internet and cell-phone options.

Here are some pictures from the train:

 In front of our compartment- a very colorful train

Getting my bed ready for the ride. The cost of a bed in the AC sleeper train was about 600-700 Rs ($12-$14). Within this compartment they provide two flat sheets, a blanket and a pillow complimentary with the ride.  

Close to My Heart

I wear the same necklace every day and have it photographed as my blog background. It means a lot to me and sometimes I rub a charm when I'm thinking through a problem. There have always been three charms on it, and I was just given a new one. While the ohm and heart pendants are important to me, I will not be wearing them in India because they can be somewhat flashy. The remaining two, however, will stay around my neck and refresh my motivation and strength. 

The first is a quote from Mohandas Gandhi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world". This is important for me because the words were a precursor for my hop off the beaten path and a motivation for me to try something new and push myself to do something that is important to me. 

The second has a mehndi pattern on the front and a small ohm & inscription of the word 'breathe' on the back. Hopefully this will remind me that the year will be a challenge and, similar to yoga, I should always find my breath. Being honest with myself will give me strength and help me progress through the year.

Arrived

After three flights, we arrived in Bombay late last night (10:30PM). Mom and I are spending the day here and then traveling to Ahmedabad via train tonight. Weather is not too bad and my spirits are up. Excited to get to orientation and begin the journey in just less than a week. For the time being, I will enjoy the time with family and family friends.

Notes from the flights:

1. I am very dependent on either a TV during the flight, or some form of sedative to help me fall asleep and pass the time. I'm thankful both of these are now normal commodities.
2. English is everywhere. I celebrate travelers who do not speak English nor the native tongue of the nation in which they're traveling within- seems like it would be difficult.  
3. Cold weather socks are key during long flights. I purchased mine at REI a few years back and am thankful each time I'm in a plane for more than three hours. 
4. Carrying my own water bottle is imperative to actually drinking a good amount of water during flight. The flight attendants were totally fine refilling it for me. 

Preparing Myself for the Journey

I've spent the last week or so getting physically prepared- packing, haircut, immunizations, etc, but the other portion of my preparation has been fairly psychological. I've envisioned myself in the toughest situations and imaged how I will work through the difficulty. There is no way to avoid it- India will be a shock to my system.  However, I'm preparing myself for the challenges and determining how I will stay energized, focused and positive.

Here are a few great pieces of advice shared with me in the last few weeks that I will turn to throughout the year:

"keep an open mind."
"be yourself."
"let yourself change, but don't focus on the changes- let it come naturally."
"conquer your fears"
"stay focused on why you're there"

And, of course, here is the Holstee Manifesto- a constant reminder to push limits and live meaningfully.

Motivational Art

On June 7th, I sent an email, titled "Leap of Faith", to friends and in turn received an amazing number of supportive responses. The responses meant a lot to me and I've created the following image to share and remember those motivational words. 

Motivation

The strength of a support network has never been more important to me. Through the research, application, and acceptance of this program, I have consistently been encouraged by the people around me. Their kind words of belief, strength, and excitement for my new chapter have made me more confident in my decision.

A lesson I hope to remember here is to not set limits for myself. I guess I will prove that over the next year, but what I wanted to share here was a quick thank you for any kind words you've shared with me and to remind you that they did impact me.

Frequently Asked Questions - Answered

I've tasked myself to define my objectives and hopeful outcomes for the next year to help answer the "why India?," "why now?," "why for a year?," and "what will you be doing there?" questions most people may have. Here we go:

• Why India? - I've always felt like something was missing from my identity. I grew up in Southern California and had a comfortable upbringing. I was fortunate enough to be very close to my family, both nuclear and extended. Spend a good amount of time with both parents, together and individually. Additionally, I was the youngest of all cousins so I was exposed to a wider array of experiences. However, I never have felt very 'Indian'. I didn't take up any Indian dance classes, never really spoke much Gujarati, and for the most part, didn't attend very many Indian functions. To that end, I have always wanted to gain that culture. I've been curious about my roots and paired with a strong interest in philanthropy, I decided that doing some social work in India would be a good fit. 

• Why Now? - I worked for Deloitte for just under 3 years and have honed my ability to work with clients and coworkers. I now understand where I thrive and what challenges me. While I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Deloitte making lifelong friends and learning life lessons, I began to feel stale and unenergized in the working environment. So, I wanted to till the soil and uproot myself, letting myself thrive within new nutrients. I turn 25 a day before the program begins so I will use the year to test my 25 years of character-building as I adapt to a new culture, community, and climate.

• Why for a year? - Anything shorter would not have done justice to the community or NGO (non-governmental organization). I aim to leave India in July 2013 having become a part of their community as well as having delivered something of value that will benefit the students and faculty at the school. The year will let me experience all the seasons of weather and festivals, as well as give me time to really feel comfortable in my new surroundings. 

• What will you be doing there? - From my current understanding, I will be working with the school faculty to organize and supplement the current math curriculum with career information from the students' parents.  I will split time between being at the school office and traveling to the students' homes to meet and interview the parents. I have a few ideas of projects that I may be able to create, but will learn more about the objectives and challenges when I arrive on-site in September, after the month-long Indicorps orientation. [For my information about my project, click here]

I hope this helped you understand what my next year will entail as well as understand why I am doing it. As always, thank you for your support and love.