Blogs from Maharashtra, India, Asia - page 138

Geo: 19.048, 73.0828A common question we are asked is, "how do you find Mumbai?" That is a question with a complicated answer, and here we will answer it for you (if you too have asked this question). I think we both have liked and disliked this city. We are in admiration of the people who make this city their home and live their life here. Honestly, we couldn't do it and we take relief in knowing we have our home to return to in Portland. Being here has been exhausting, frustrating, exhilarating and immensely rewarding. This is a city where a sense of humor is a must. We are not always able to summon up that humor in the moment; and we are not always proud of our reactions, but in the end, we find a ... read more

Geo: 19.048, 73.201In the five weeks since we last wrote about our work at AVNI, much has transpired. As we related, Justin's project was to assess the impact of HIV/AIDS on people over 49 years-old - both those that are HIV-positive themselves, but also those that are caregivers, "the affected," for infected family members. As we said, currently, all prevention and treatment efforts in India are currently aimed at younger age groups. So exploring this impact in India has not been done before. Before designing the questionnaires needed to survey the "affected" and "infected", I (Justin) had to learn quite a bit about the subtlies of the epidemic amongst the elderly in India. After talking with leaders of HIV/AIDS relief organizations, he learned that there are quite a number of stigmas and barriers faced by Indian ... read more

Back here in Mumbai after spending a lot of time in Karnataka, visiting a few temples or so. Bangalore was full on and to be honest an absolute relief to get out of. In places like Bangalore India is travelling at 150 miles and hour but most of the infrastructure and population can't keep up with it. It did have 'pubs' tho' which was kinda nice but that soon wears off when you have to keep all five senses switched when you walk anywhere to avoid being run down, mowed over by gangs of youths, death defying pavement pot holes and incessant screaming car and rickshaw horns ... get the picture!!! Had a very relaxing Christmas here but was also very surprised to see how Christmassy Mumbai appeared. Christmas trees, decorations, taped carols being played in ... read more

The net amazes me every single day. Its so damn funny that somewhere on the face of a planet is a wonderful person waiting to be discovered. It has happened to me so many times. That a moment ago I was unaware of the person's existence and a moment later, I find that here is a person that has so many similar tastes and likes that we instantly hit it off. This coincidence has happened to me not once but several times. In fact, some of the people that I have met like this are till date my best buddies... I met another such lady today......I hope we become friends... time will tell. ... read more

Winter is here and the festive season has begun. There is happiness all-around and everyone is wishing each other. Fun is in the air and gifts galore. It could only mean one thing. Its christmas. ... read more