It’s been awhile. Since my last post many things have happened and though I would love to continue on about how my trip went and ended, life happened in-between.
I have these moments where I look out and say “I can’t believe I did it. I can’t believe I moved to New York.” The past 3 and a half months I have worked non-stop so to me it just seems like nothing has changed. New people, new work, but no time to actually enjoy this new place that people say is my “home”.
This weekend was the first nice weekend in a really long time. In fact, it was the first time I wore shorts in roughly six months. This might not be any big shakes in Florida but it’s awesome for New York.
I leave for Vegas on Thursday. I am excited but it is just another reminder that Socorro’s is moving and since she is my best friend up here it kinda sucks.
I spent the afternoon in CT celebrating Easter with Ana’s family and friends. I know you might be thinking that Easter was last weekend but in the Greek Orthodox religion they celebrate it the week after. Overall, it was a nice weekend.
It’s funny because growing up in South Florida you don’t get a lot of exposure to various cultures, unless of course they are Spanish. In New York, I am having a hard time finding a US born friend. I am known as the “Token White Chick” because none of my close friends are from America. In fact, when we all sit down for dinner we joke that it is like a United Nations conference. I am embracing it and now in the process of trying to learn Tagalog, Ilonggo, Russian, Bulgarian, and French. I would be nice to learn a language that is more useful like Spanish but I really just don’t have any desire. Ask me how to speak Filipino though and I can ramble off a lot of useless verbiage.
I am still wondering if moving up here was the right thing for me. I think I was excepting something to happen when I moved. I am not sure what I was looking for but I can say I don’t think I found it. Now don’t get me wrong, I love New York, and actually the thought of moving back home doesn’t sound that appealing. Clearly I’m searching for something…Just don’t know what that something is. I don’t think I’m going to find by working 80 hours a week either.
My parents have been giving me crap because I am turning 26 this week. I think they fear if I don’t meet someone soon I will up alone. I think they are crazy and their incessant nagging about it doesn’t motivate me to want to get out there and start picking up men.
My girlfriends up here threw me an impromptu bday celebration on Friday. It was half surprise have not. Lets just say, I drank a few too many sangrias but still had a blast.
So I signed up for a sprint Triathlon. It’s in September. Let’s see how I well I stick to the training program. I am excited about it. It’s down in Virginia Beach which is awesome because I will get a chance to visit with Socorro (she is moving very close to that destination).
I believe I have proven to myself that I don’t do well with lots of time on my hands so I working as much as I do, doesn’t bother me like it would most. In fact, I have every weekend book until July. Pretty crazy seeing as how most people couldn’t tell you what they were doing next weekend and I have the next 2 months planned out; but ya know what they say: “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”
Hope all is well with everyone reading. Maybe now that I have more time I can actually stay more current with my posts. We shall see…
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Monday, December 8, 2008
A bit delayed
I am not sure if you ever experience this but I often find a soundtrack for certain periods in my life. Anyway, I believe I have found mine for the trip. It is mostly because I only have a certain number of songs downloaded on my work computer but the works.
Today was our first day of actually training people. I loved it! It makes me want to be a teacher. Watch out Bar, I might be following in your footsteps. : )
The people here are extremely smart and eager to learn which makes my job easy. I will be happy when I leave here though. It is just an unnerving place to be. I have quite the story for my fellow readers but I will spare you for this evening as I am exhausted. I’ll write about it tomorrow, unless of course I'm once again moved to discuss the dictomy that is a third world country.
Today was our first day of actually training people. I loved it! It makes me want to be a teacher. Watch out Bar, I might be following in your footsteps. : )
The people here are extremely smart and eager to learn which makes my job easy. I will be happy when I leave here though. It is just an unnerving place to be. I have quite the story for my fellow readers but I will spare you for this evening as I am exhausted. I’ll write about it tomorrow, unless of course I'm once again moved to discuss the dictomy that is a third world country.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
An Evening In India To Myself
Right now I am sitting outside on my balcony writing. I can hear the wild dogs in the distance barking as if they were silenced during the day. The temperature is a nice 75 degrees with little breeze and though the air is moist it is almost refreshing. Looking out I can see the lights from buildings but for the most part it is dark. There haze in the sky so the moon and stars are completely blocked from sight. I am almost use to the smell so it is no longer something that stands out when I walk outside.
I have to say, it is strange to be in a country where poverty and riches are right across the street from one another. It is also strange to be in a country where a war is going on and Americans seem to be the source of hate. Though there is heightened security at both the hotel and the office, I don’t feel safe. You never know who is against you and who is on your side.
The tone of the country is somber and you can feel that though Bangalore is far from Mumbai the people are affected. I wonder if those that live in tarp houses know what has happened in Mumbai. I am sure the only thing on there mind is where their next meal is coming from. I have to say, though our exposure is very limited, as again it is not safe to walk around the area, it is a life changing experience. I do hope I can come back during a safer time and really get to experience the culture and hopefully do something for those that have nothing (even if it is just buying them a pair of shoes).
This whole experience makes me very thankful for all that I have.
As I stated before, I am sitting outside and can hear all the sounds that are in the surrounding area and the dogs are getting very loud. It almost sounds like something bad is happening to them because the barking is becoming shrill. It breaks my heart (as you all know I am a huge dog lover). Now there is silence. Makes me wonder what just happened to those dogs.
What you have been told about cows being sacred is true. There are cows that just roam the streets. I feel strange staying in such a nice hotel when right outside there are people that haven’t eaten for days. Unfortunately now is not the time to be heroic and even if it was how do you go about doing that. Would you just show up with food and water? I wonder what the reaction would be. Would there be joy or would people resent the fact that you pity them?
I came on this trip for two reasons, one I wanted to go to India to see the Taj (which to my dismay will not be an option) and two to have a moving experience where I let the culture change me. I have been here for a day and luckily or unluckily, depending on how you want to look at it, I am getting the latter experience.
I should probably go to be though since it is 11:30 and my sleep schedule is all messed up. I know my last posted eluded to the fact that I would be writing tomorrow but I was having a moment and thought I would write down what I was experiencing at the present moment. Good night all.
I have to say, it is strange to be in a country where poverty and riches are right across the street from one another. It is also strange to be in a country where a war is going on and Americans seem to be the source of hate. Though there is heightened security at both the hotel and the office, I don’t feel safe. You never know who is against you and who is on your side.
The tone of the country is somber and you can feel that though Bangalore is far from Mumbai the people are affected. I wonder if those that live in tarp houses know what has happened in Mumbai. I am sure the only thing on there mind is where their next meal is coming from. I have to say, though our exposure is very limited, as again it is not safe to walk around the area, it is a life changing experience. I do hope I can come back during a safer time and really get to experience the culture and hopefully do something for those that have nothing (even if it is just buying them a pair of shoes).
This whole experience makes me very thankful for all that I have.
As I stated before, I am sitting outside and can hear all the sounds that are in the surrounding area and the dogs are getting very loud. It almost sounds like something bad is happening to them because the barking is becoming shrill. It breaks my heart (as you all know I am a huge dog lover). Now there is silence. Makes me wonder what just happened to those dogs.
What you have been told about cows being sacred is true. There are cows that just roam the streets. I feel strange staying in such a nice hotel when right outside there are people that haven’t eaten for days. Unfortunately now is not the time to be heroic and even if it was how do you go about doing that. Would you just show up with food and water? I wonder what the reaction would be. Would there be joy or would people resent the fact that you pity them?
I came on this trip for two reasons, one I wanted to go to India to see the Taj (which to my dismay will not be an option) and two to have a moving experience where I let the culture change me. I have been here for a day and luckily or unluckily, depending on how you want to look at it, I am getting the latter experience.
I should probably go to be though since it is 11:30 and my sleep schedule is all messed up. I know my last posted eluded to the fact that I would be writing tomorrow but I was having a moment and thought I would write down what I was experiencing at the present moment. Good night all.
Monday, December 1, 2008
First Day in India
Today I woke up at 2:00 AM thinking I was super late for work. I looked at my phone, which of course is set to US time, thought it was 4:00 AM, and was completely thrown off by this. We are 10 ½ hours ahead and 4 hours of sleep makes my brain a bit foggy. Needless to say, I woke up and wound up unable to fall back asleep.
I jumped on the phone with my parents, sat outside for a bit, watched TV, messed around online, and was able to talk to Sally. Since we had to cancel our travels around India due to the recent terror attacks we have a few extra days to fill with something else. We were going back and forth with plans (Rome, Barcelona, Bulgaria) and finally decided to go to Barcelona as it is the cheapest alternative and I get to spend an extra few days with Sally. YAY!
Anyway, around 6:00 AM I started to get ready for work. I ordered coffee (by the by the hotel treats us like queens), blasted my music, and started getting ready for my day. After showering, the natural thing to do is blow dry my hair, usually I set up my straightening iron before hand so it is nice and hot. Today I plugged it in and not only blew out my iron but also blew the electricity in my hotel room. It sucked, mostly because my iron was really expensive and I had already lost my hair dryer to Paris. Tear tear.
After getting power back, I continued to get ready for my day; of course, at this point, I was running a bit late. I avoided any other tragedies and was able to make it down stairs in time for our van to take us to the office. Now I really must set the scene for you; the hotel is literally a palace in the middle of a poor city.
It is quite the dichotomy. You literally walk/drive outside the compound (which is surrounded by gates) and you find yourself in an over crowded street (made of red clay) with men, women, and children of all classes walking the streets. Some have no shoes, some are carrying pots over their head, some children are in uniform on there way to school and others are wearing nothing but a cloth and playing in the dirt.
There are apartments across the street from shanty’s, there are cars on the street with three-wheeled open buggy’s. Wild dogs roam the streets and howl at night and I can’t forget to mention the very interesting smell that surrounds the entire place.
I will back track for a second and say that when we walked off the plane you are hit with hot air and a smell that you can’t quite put your finger on. It was like nothing I have ever smelt. I was warned it would smell, in fact on of my partners had played a practical joke on me by putting curry in my cube and told me he was just getting me ready for India. But the smell wasn’t that strong, it is more of a subtle smell that really can’t be described. Another interesting note was there were birds flying in the airport. Where there are birds, there is bird shit and let me tell you the whole airport was filled with it.
Ok back to describing Bangalore and my morning: There is a mist on the road as the clay gets kicked up into the air, which makes seeing a bit more difficult. It should be noted that India probably has the craziest drivers in the world. Since the country has a British influence they drive on the other side of the road, and of course all cars are manual. Anyway, there are not street lights. People use there horns as a form of communication when driving. Apparently, there aren’t many accidents, but wow, there were several times when we were driving into oncoming traffic and weaving in and out. Seatbelts are a MUST!
Anyway, I am off to bed and will update more tomorrow. xoxo
I jumped on the phone with my parents, sat outside for a bit, watched TV, messed around online, and was able to talk to Sally. Since we had to cancel our travels around India due to the recent terror attacks we have a few extra days to fill with something else. We were going back and forth with plans (Rome, Barcelona, Bulgaria) and finally decided to go to Barcelona as it is the cheapest alternative and I get to spend an extra few days with Sally. YAY!
Anyway, around 6:00 AM I started to get ready for work. I ordered coffee (by the by the hotel treats us like queens), blasted my music, and started getting ready for my day. After showering, the natural thing to do is blow dry my hair, usually I set up my straightening iron before hand so it is nice and hot. Today I plugged it in and not only blew out my iron but also blew the electricity in my hotel room. It sucked, mostly because my iron was really expensive and I had already lost my hair dryer to Paris. Tear tear.
After getting power back, I continued to get ready for my day; of course, at this point, I was running a bit late. I avoided any other tragedies and was able to make it down stairs in time for our van to take us to the office. Now I really must set the scene for you; the hotel is literally a palace in the middle of a poor city.
It is quite the dichotomy. You literally walk/drive outside the compound (which is surrounded by gates) and you find yourself in an over crowded street (made of red clay) with men, women, and children of all classes walking the streets. Some have no shoes, some are carrying pots over their head, some children are in uniform on there way to school and others are wearing nothing but a cloth and playing in the dirt.
There are apartments across the street from shanty’s, there are cars on the street with three-wheeled open buggy’s. Wild dogs roam the streets and howl at night and I can’t forget to mention the very interesting smell that surrounds the entire place.
I will back track for a second and say that when we walked off the plane you are hit with hot air and a smell that you can’t quite put your finger on. It was like nothing I have ever smelt. I was warned it would smell, in fact on of my partners had played a practical joke on me by putting curry in my cube and told me he was just getting me ready for India. But the smell wasn’t that strong, it is more of a subtle smell that really can’t be described. Another interesting note was there were birds flying in the airport. Where there are birds, there is bird shit and let me tell you the whole airport was filled with it.
Ok back to describing Bangalore and my morning: There is a mist on the road as the clay gets kicked up into the air, which makes seeing a bit more difficult. It should be noted that India probably has the craziest drivers in the world. Since the country has a British influence they drive on the other side of the road, and of course all cars are manual. Anyway, there are not street lights. People use there horns as a form of communication when driving. Apparently, there aren’t many accidents, but wow, there were several times when we were driving into oncoming traffic and weaving in and out. Seatbelts are a MUST!
Anyway, I am off to bed and will update more tomorrow. xoxo
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Post from the Plane
Currently, I’m flying first class to India. It should be noted that I slept for half of the flight. I could get use to my own personal bed/chair that massages. First class is quite nice. Anyway after much debate last night, the girls and I decided that we would fine and to go ahead with our travels to India. That being said we canceled our trips to New Delhi and to the Taj. The climate in India is just not inviting at this time. This is a total disappointment as I won’t get to see India at all but I guess there is always next time.
I am not sure where I left off in my travels but I recall I didn’t get far, so I shall start at the beginning. We arrive in Paris at 7 AM. None of us really sleep on the plane so you can imagine how chipper we were. We get a taxi and of course he speaks no English. Somehow we manage to have to drop us off at the correct hotel. We couldn’t check in until 12 so we decide to wonder around the area. We were staying literally 2 mins from the Eiffel tower (which was very cool).
So I have been trying to learn French for the past month because I know they hate Americans and despise the fact that we make no effort to speak their language. I have also always wanted to learn. Needless to say I knew enough to get us all by as Liz and Ana don’t speak a lick of French. Anyway we were hungry so we went to a café around the area.
We walk in, I ask in French if they speak English, they give me such a dirty look and say no. So we decide to go to another place right across the street. We hop in there (keep in mind it is cold out) and get a seat, this is an improvement. I again ask the waitress if she speaks in English and she give me the nastiest look but says a little. Anyway we sat there for 10 mins and she never came by to ask us what we would like (there was hardly anyone in the place so it wasn’t like she was busy). Anyway, we left once she had dropped a coffee cup on another patron.
Thank God we were in an area with a lot of cafes because third time was a charm. We finally went to a place that didn’t mind serving us. We all got a café (coffee), croissant, and omelet. It was quite nice. We then strolled over to the Eiffel Tower and spent a lot of time taking pictures.
We had killed enough time before the check in and headed back to the hotel. Since we only slept for 2 hours on the plane and France is 6 hours ahead we needed to stay active other wise we would not adjust to the time change. To aid in project keep us awake, we decided we would go to Versailles and see the castle.
Versailles is about 30 minutes away by train so once we checked in and freshened up, we were off to the train station. It should be noted that the train stations here are far cleaner then those in New York, that and they are a much smoother ride too.
We get to the ticket counter and ask how to get to were we want to go. She tells us to go to plateform A and get on the C train. We as soon as we get to the platform a train rolls by that said GOTA C. So I was like lets go ladies, GOTA C, GOTA C is coming. So we jumped on the train. After 3 stops we realize we are on the train and must retrace our steps to get on the right train. Apparently I’m not so good with the trains.
Despite the train debacle, we made it Versailles. Apparently it is some huge castle with golden gates. We didn’t take a tour so I don’t really know the history behind it. We did get the headsets that talk about what is or was in each room but the sun was setting and I wanted to get to the gardens.
Moving on, that night instead of going out to eat Ana suggested we just grab something quick and eat on the train back to Paris. Liz had never had McDonalds from a different country and was curious. I told her to try it as it tastes different. Needless to say, her and Ana got McDonald’s. I jumped into another café and got a baguette with mozzarella and tomato. MY FAVORITE!
Right by our hotel there was a supermarket so on our way back to popped in there to get snacks and bottles of wine. The wine there is so cheap so we got three bottles. We got back to the room around 8 or so and were so exhausted. We drank some wine, messed around on the computer and proceeded to pass out. Ana woke us up in the morning yelling about how it was late in the afternoon (we had slept till noon).
Hate to run mid story but I have to try and go to sleep. It’s like 4 AM here in India and I woke up at 2:30 AM because I couldn't sleep and I have to work tomorrow. So I will be back to update more but we are safe and sound. xoxo
I am not sure where I left off in my travels but I recall I didn’t get far, so I shall start at the beginning. We arrive in Paris at 7 AM. None of us really sleep on the plane so you can imagine how chipper we were. We get a taxi and of course he speaks no English. Somehow we manage to have to drop us off at the correct hotel. We couldn’t check in until 12 so we decide to wonder around the area. We were staying literally 2 mins from the Eiffel tower (which was very cool).
So I have been trying to learn French for the past month because I know they hate Americans and despise the fact that we make no effort to speak their language. I have also always wanted to learn. Needless to say I knew enough to get us all by as Liz and Ana don’t speak a lick of French. Anyway we were hungry so we went to a café around the area.
We walk in, I ask in French if they speak English, they give me such a dirty look and say no. So we decide to go to another place right across the street. We hop in there (keep in mind it is cold out) and get a seat, this is an improvement. I again ask the waitress if she speaks in English and she give me the nastiest look but says a little. Anyway we sat there for 10 mins and she never came by to ask us what we would like (there was hardly anyone in the place so it wasn’t like she was busy). Anyway, we left once she had dropped a coffee cup on another patron.
Thank God we were in an area with a lot of cafes because third time was a charm. We finally went to a place that didn’t mind serving us. We all got a café (coffee), croissant, and omelet. It was quite nice. We then strolled over to the Eiffel Tower and spent a lot of time taking pictures.
We had killed enough time before the check in and headed back to the hotel. Since we only slept for 2 hours on the plane and France is 6 hours ahead we needed to stay active other wise we would not adjust to the time change. To aid in project keep us awake, we decided we would go to Versailles and see the castle.
Versailles is about 30 minutes away by train so once we checked in and freshened up, we were off to the train station. It should be noted that the train stations here are far cleaner then those in New York, that and they are a much smoother ride too.
We get to the ticket counter and ask how to get to were we want to go. She tells us to go to plateform A and get on the C train. We as soon as we get to the platform a train rolls by that said GOTA C. So I was like lets go ladies, GOTA C, GOTA C is coming. So we jumped on the train. After 3 stops we realize we are on the train and must retrace our steps to get on the right train. Apparently I’m not so good with the trains.
Despite the train debacle, we made it Versailles. Apparently it is some huge castle with golden gates. We didn’t take a tour so I don’t really know the history behind it. We did get the headsets that talk about what is or was in each room but the sun was setting and I wanted to get to the gardens.
Moving on, that night instead of going out to eat Ana suggested we just grab something quick and eat on the train back to Paris. Liz had never had McDonalds from a different country and was curious. I told her to try it as it tastes different. Needless to say, her and Ana got McDonald’s. I jumped into another café and got a baguette with mozzarella and tomato. MY FAVORITE!
Right by our hotel there was a supermarket so on our way back to popped in there to get snacks and bottles of wine. The wine there is so cheap so we got three bottles. We got back to the room around 8 or so and were so exhausted. We drank some wine, messed around on the computer and proceeded to pass out. Ana woke us up in the morning yelling about how it was late in the afternoon (we had slept till noon).
Hate to run mid story but I have to try and go to sleep. It’s like 4 AM here in India and I woke up at 2:30 AM because I couldn't sleep and I have to work tomorrow. So I will be back to update more but we are safe and sound. xoxo
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Attacks on Mumbai India
I have a bit of time before we head out for another big day in Paris but I wanted to take a second and discuss the Mumbai terrorist attacks. As you all know we are heading over to India on Saturday.
Obviously we hadn't been watching TV since we were touring all day, but when we got back to the hotel my dad told me to turn on the News and look for something about India. We turned on CNN and haven’t really shut if off since (except to sleep).
I am actually wondering if it is the news about India is being posted all over the airways back in the States. Here it is on 24/7. Anyway, we are keeping on eye on the situation as we won't be going over there if we are in danger. Just to give you a geography lesson of India, Mumbai is in the middle of Bangalore and Agra (we are going to both these places).
Obviously we hadn't been watching TV since we were touring all day, but when we got back to the hotel my dad told me to turn on the News and look for something about India. We turned on CNN and haven’t really shut if off since (except to sleep).
I am actually wondering if it is the news about India is being posted all over the airways back in the States. Here it is on 24/7. Anyway, we are keeping on eye on the situation as we won't be going over there if we are in danger. Just to give you a geography lesson of India, Mumbai is in the middle of Bangalore and Agra (we are going to both these places).
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Day 1 of our Trip
Today started the travel extravaganza. The morning came early as I hadn’t packed a thing for the trip but I managed to get everything in order and got out the door with enough time to spare.
Let me begin by saying that Air France is the way to fly, though we took coach to Paris it almost felt like first class. They came around with a travel pack consisting of an eye mask, ear plugs, and a wet towel. The seats were a good size and each one had a personal TV.
I tried to sleep on the flight but only managed to gain 2 hours of shut eye. Luckily there were good movies to choose from (Mama Mia). I wound up singing most of the trip. We arrived in Paris around 6:45 AM. It was a long day especially since none of us really slept on the plane.
That being said I am exhausted and can’t really give this my full editorial commentary. Therefore I am going to get some shut eye, it’s 10:00 pm here. But worry not dear friends, I will tell you all about our trip to Versailles and our random adventures around Paris on Day 1.
Let me begin by saying that Air France is the way to fly, though we took coach to Paris it almost felt like first class. They came around with a travel pack consisting of an eye mask, ear plugs, and a wet towel. The seats were a good size and each one had a personal TV.
I tried to sleep on the flight but only managed to gain 2 hours of shut eye. Luckily there were good movies to choose from (Mama Mia). I wound up singing most of the trip. We arrived in Paris around 6:45 AM. It was a long day especially since none of us really slept on the plane.
That being said I am exhausted and can’t really give this my full editorial commentary. Therefore I am going to get some shut eye, it’s 10:00 pm here. But worry not dear friends, I will tell you all about our trip to Versailles and our random adventures around Paris on Day 1.
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