Blogs from Pune, Maharashtra, India, Asia - page 3

Arrived in Pune after a going away party in Chennai. I missed them so much. I think it has taken me quite a while to warm up to Pune because I was so sad about leaving Chennai. I had friends there, a family if you will. All the staff, and all the US members... we had a happy banter. Arrived in Pune and everything was gone. No more friends, no huge family dinners every night like before. The staff at this new hotel in Pune is so large that "making friends" like I did with Pavan and Sunil is next to impossible. It took me a while to feel comfortable walking around alone, usually James or Chelsea would walk with me in Chennai. Today I tried my best to break the biases I have against Pune. ... read more

So I went to India. Again. I didn’t mean to. It just kind of, happened. Quite spontaneously a friend of mine mentioned that he was going home to Pune, for Diwali festivities and asked whether I would like to join (I assumed it was a rhetorical question and my flight was booked a few days later). Whilst this may have been my first trip to the ‘motherland’ in many ways it was my first. It was the first time that I loved it instantly and ongoingly and let myself be taken by its breathtaking beauty, it’s the first time I stayed with an Indian family and travelled with a local, it’s the first time I allowed myself to indulge in guilt free feasting all fortnight, it’s the first time I engaged my linguistic capabilities to learn ... read more

The Iron Fort – as known to Lohagad – is one of the strongest forts in Maharastra and obviously is in much better condition withstanding the scorching heat of summer and relentless rain in the monsoon. The name Iron Fort henceforth bears enough significance of its strength and power. On Friday, we started planning for a trek on saturday for entire group. We selected Lohagad since it was supposed to be a trek for beginners like me. Many people promised, many showed interest, then after showing reasons many dropped off the plan; But finally 7 of us stuck together to make this trip successful. So a special thanks goes to Sandeep, Sopal, Rasika, Shubhangi, Ishant and Rahul- in no particular order. And obviously, The Seventh Person is me. We chalked out the mission on Phone calls. ... read more

Monday On Monday I went to my first slum community. I have no sense of direction in this city beyond my mental image of google maps so I have no idea where it was. I am still really hung up on sticking out like a sore white chick thumb and added to advice not to stare I can't report too much on what the place looked like. We entered by scooter off one of the main roads and straight away you are on dusty lanes about 3-5 metres wide. These are full of women preparing stuff outside their shacks, kids in various states of dress, other vehicles and your standard helping of scruffy dogs. I met a group of teenage boys who are attending a class once a week on gender equality. It was only then ... read more

Disclaimer: I haven't slept for more than 2 broken up hours in the last 30 so the below is unlikely to make sense. Today I broke several rules that are intended to make sure you don't get diarrohea. 1. Do not eat salad unless you know its been washed in clean water 2. Do not have any drink with ice cubes in it Whilst zonked out in a cab after a 9 hour flight and 2 hours of driving (I use the term loosely), my driver pulled into a drive-through Maccy D's and offered to buy me some food. I tried to politely refuse. The poor guy was clearly concerned that I hadn't eaten anything yet, I held fast on the food but eventually gave in to a coke. I just didn't have the energy to ... read more