So, this week has been dubbed a success, even though clearly it is only Tuesday. Yesterday Kate and I lounged around in our room until mid morning, working and reading, and then headed out to meet our unfortunate translator Jitu. Interestingly, he confessed to us only today, after about 6 days of this doomed employee satisfaction survey, that "If you had been doing this survey two years ago you would have interviewed me too, I used to work here, but then I had this small mental illness, and had to stop until this year". Awkward. At any rate, we spent the afternoon doing surveys, and meeting up with a few more of the doctors which is a nice way to meet people. Then around dinner time, we had the ultimate joy of an invitation to the house of the two doctors who essentially turned this hospital into what it is today. We ventured out into manali, with our only directions being "go towards the big bridge, and ask for Doctor-Ji's house". Yes, the hospital is the center of the town apparently, and they are so well known that we found ourselves literally led to their front door by a pack of small children in neon pink pants.
They were amazing. They live in a beautiful little vermont-like house, overlooking the expanse of the mountains. We spent nearly two hours just talking to them about their work, and the wonderful things they have done not just for the hospital, but for Manali as well. Heroes to be sure.
After that, we had our ration of cold veggies, and packed in for the night with our books, and were lulled to sleep by the sound of the pack of roving donkeys.
Today we were up early, and off to do a few more surveys. I am so sick of the questionnaire that it takes more and more self control not to just make up the answers. At around 12, I randomly asked some guy if Kate and I could join him in surgery, and he said yes.
Kate and I sort of sauntered into the operating theater, decked out in our scrub tops, face masks, and hats and were able to stand in the middle of the operating room while they removed some man's gal bladder. AMAZING. For whatever reason I ended up staying on my feet, without the urge to pass out, so overall it was a raging success. Notes on surgery: (1)They are the funniest group of doctors I have ever seen, and spend a solid portion of surgery singing along to seal. (2) sterile procedures, apparently not really necessary. (3) One way to bring man out of General Anesthesia is to hit him. (4) Because this is a training facility, I was able to ask questions and stand at the foot of the bed while a man had four hands literally inside him. Sorry for those of you who are squeamish, but it was like something of a movie.
Anyways, this afternoon we did a few more interviews, got invited to someone's house for tea, and here I am now. I have found that in the past few days I have also learned a lot about myself and my limits and capabilities. I have learned to not let chances pass me by because I am nervous about overstepping boundaries. I am capable of taking risks which I have finally seen the beauty of. Oh yey for unregulated countries.
Either way, things here are fantastic, and Kate and I seem to have finally settled into a niche. Aside from the unreal amounts of carbohydrates served here, morning, noon and night, I am happy as could be.
Love.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
" My love is like lemonade. Beloved, let me glove you down"
Hey all,
The title of this blog is a reference to the extremely awkward bollywood film we watched this week. It is a direct translation of one of the songs.
So there have been a few key developments this week. 1) though manali has fantastic food, and a staggeringly beautiful view, it doesn't contain much else. It is a very small town, with enough Shawls to blanket all of India to be sure. 2)The hospital that I am at is absolutely amazing, but unless you assert yourself, one might be a little bored.
Kate and I have been hanging out all week meeting people, walking through the hospital, and we even got to stand in on a bowl surgery. Though I realize that not everyone would find that to be an accomplishment..we happen to be very thrilled. I almost passed out on the floor of the Operating theater, so had to leave prematurely. Though Kate tells me it was quite amazing. I am still trying to figure out what set me off, but who knows, maybe surgery just isnt the place for me.
As for this weekend, we went hiking through the hills today, and experienced a renewed sense of awe and wonder after climbing to a point on the hill where the mountains literally spread out in front of them, replete with spiked snow tipped peaks, and the cloud cover sending shadows down on them. We even saw an immense mountain waterfall which I have secretly been hunting for.
Tomorrow I think we will go on a trek to see what else we can discover.
Other than that, things are beautifully tranquil here. Now that the rain and hail has stopped (first time in my life "hail the size of golf balls" has had any meaning), we are able to venture out, and enjoy the crisp mountain atmosphere. We are getting along great with the medical students here, and its nice to have the new company. Kate is a wonderful travel companion, and we have spent much of the week just laughing at our situation, and gawking at how gorgeous it is.
Aside from small adventures, and many employee satisfaction surveys, things are peaceful.
Much love to all.
The title of this blog is a reference to the extremely awkward bollywood film we watched this week. It is a direct translation of one of the songs.
So there have been a few key developments this week. 1) though manali has fantastic food, and a staggeringly beautiful view, it doesn't contain much else. It is a very small town, with enough Shawls to blanket all of India to be sure. 2)The hospital that I am at is absolutely amazing, but unless you assert yourself, one might be a little bored.
Kate and I have been hanging out all week meeting people, walking through the hospital, and we even got to stand in on a bowl surgery. Though I realize that not everyone would find that to be an accomplishment..we happen to be very thrilled. I almost passed out on the floor of the Operating theater, so had to leave prematurely. Though Kate tells me it was quite amazing. I am still trying to figure out what set me off, but who knows, maybe surgery just isnt the place for me.
As for this weekend, we went hiking through the hills today, and experienced a renewed sense of awe and wonder after climbing to a point on the hill where the mountains literally spread out in front of them, replete with spiked snow tipped peaks, and the cloud cover sending shadows down on them. We even saw an immense mountain waterfall which I have secretly been hunting for.
Tomorrow I think we will go on a trek to see what else we can discover.
Other than that, things are beautifully tranquil here. Now that the rain and hail has stopped (first time in my life "hail the size of golf balls" has had any meaning), we are able to venture out, and enjoy the crisp mountain atmosphere. We are getting along great with the medical students here, and its nice to have the new company. Kate is a wonderful travel companion, and we have spent much of the week just laughing at our situation, and gawking at how gorgeous it is.
Aside from small adventures, and many employee satisfaction surveys, things are peaceful.
Much love to all.
Monday, April 14, 2008
So this is what cold feels like
so, I am writing from the mountains.
Kate and I had one of those truly epic trips, beginning with a 13 hour train ride, and continuing with an 11 hour bus ride. I must admit, that though a small part of me may have wanted to travel in Indian style, whatever portion that was, was entirely snubbed out by my 11 hours crammed into a rickety bus, sweating, and cursing every time we turned a corner. I have flash images of peeking out the window and looking straight down into what I can only imagine would be a very immediate death. We hairpin turned through the mountains, arriving a whopping 3 hours late, and I had to literally contain myself in order to not kiss the ground with gratitude once we stepped off. Kate had a death grip on the seat in front of us for the majority of the trip, with a somewhat glazed over look, and I spent a solid portion of the ride attempting to avoid getting thrown up on by the small girl in front of me.
Either way, for as horrid as the trip turned out to be, Manali is as inversely beautiful. We arrived in the dark, so really had no idea what we were in for. when we woke up on sunday afternoon, we walked outside only to be greeted by what I can honestly say is the cutest little town, entirely flanked by the snow peaked Himalayas. They are stunning and I find it hard to focus on much else because they do so much to command attention.
The town is a bit touristy, but it also means we have access to whatever we need, and can wander for hours through the small back streets, and then on up into the wilderness whenever we desire. The most important factor of course is that its no longer hot. It was well into the hundreds when we left Jaipur, and here, well...let me just say that I have already invested in a new pair of wool socks.
Kate and I are working in a small hospital here, a mission hospital at that, so we are continually greeted by seemingly random verses from the Bible at every turn. Though I am not quite convinced Jesus said "do unto others as you would have them do unto you", perhaps its the message that counts.
The hospital staff is amazing, and we are here with a few student volunteers from Europe, so we have spent some time trading stories, and reminiscing about western culture. We will have the chance to travel to the remote clinics with them, as well as observe the surgeries that are going on throughout the week. Kate and I can't quite believe our undergraduate luck. Not to mention, we stumbled upon nutella and oreos last night, so perhaps the juice diet might wait. Operation "detox" might be more like operation "no more dal". We are spending the equivalent of 50 cents per meal, and 2 dollars per night in the hotel's guest housing, which leaves plenty of money left over for all of the shawls and angora socks which we no doubt will be relying on for the next four weeks. That or a plane ticket back to Delhi to avoid that wretched return bus ride.
So, overall, things are fantastic, the weather is gorgeous, the mountains are awe-inspiring, the hospital is absolutely perfect, and seeing as I was informed I might have a chance to paint a picture of Noah's ark on the wall of one of the waiting rooms; I can make the generalization that this is the most amazing thing I have ever done in my life.
Endless amounts of love.
Kate and I had one of those truly epic trips, beginning with a 13 hour train ride, and continuing with an 11 hour bus ride. I must admit, that though a small part of me may have wanted to travel in Indian style, whatever portion that was, was entirely snubbed out by my 11 hours crammed into a rickety bus, sweating, and cursing every time we turned a corner. I have flash images of peeking out the window and looking straight down into what I can only imagine would be a very immediate death. We hairpin turned through the mountains, arriving a whopping 3 hours late, and I had to literally contain myself in order to not kiss the ground with gratitude once we stepped off. Kate had a death grip on the seat in front of us for the majority of the trip, with a somewhat glazed over look, and I spent a solid portion of the ride attempting to avoid getting thrown up on by the small girl in front of me.
Either way, for as horrid as the trip turned out to be, Manali is as inversely beautiful. We arrived in the dark, so really had no idea what we were in for. when we woke up on sunday afternoon, we walked outside only to be greeted by what I can honestly say is the cutest little town, entirely flanked by the snow peaked Himalayas. They are stunning and I find it hard to focus on much else because they do so much to command attention.
The town is a bit touristy, but it also means we have access to whatever we need, and can wander for hours through the small back streets, and then on up into the wilderness whenever we desire. The most important factor of course is that its no longer hot. It was well into the hundreds when we left Jaipur, and here, well...let me just say that I have already invested in a new pair of wool socks.
Kate and I are working in a small hospital here, a mission hospital at that, so we are continually greeted by seemingly random verses from the Bible at every turn. Though I am not quite convinced Jesus said "do unto others as you would have them do unto you", perhaps its the message that counts.
The hospital staff is amazing, and we are here with a few student volunteers from Europe, so we have spent some time trading stories, and reminiscing about western culture. We will have the chance to travel to the remote clinics with them, as well as observe the surgeries that are going on throughout the week. Kate and I can't quite believe our undergraduate luck. Not to mention, we stumbled upon nutella and oreos last night, so perhaps the juice diet might wait. Operation "detox" might be more like operation "no more dal". We are spending the equivalent of 50 cents per meal, and 2 dollars per night in the hotel's guest housing, which leaves plenty of money left over for all of the shawls and angora socks which we no doubt will be relying on for the next four weeks. That or a plane ticket back to Delhi to avoid that wretched return bus ride.
So, overall, things are fantastic, the weather is gorgeous, the mountains are awe-inspiring, the hospital is absolutely perfect, and seeing as I was informed I might have a chance to paint a picture of Noah's ark on the wall of one of the waiting rooms; I can make the generalization that this is the most amazing thing I have ever done in my life.
Endless amounts of love.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
sab kuch malega
My hell is an Indian Birthday party.
Today Kate and I are getting on a train to head up into the mountains! We are working at this beautiful little hospital in the hills of Manali called Lady Willingdon. We get to observe, do TB research, and whatever else comes along. So exciting, im off to go on a fruit juice diet for the next four weeks to try and rid my body of ghee and chapati. Wish me luck.
Love.
Today Kate and I are getting on a train to head up into the mountains! We are working at this beautiful little hospital in the hills of Manali called Lady Willingdon. We get to observe, do TB research, and whatever else comes along. So exciting, im off to go on a fruit juice diet for the next four weeks to try and rid my body of ghee and chapati. Wish me luck.
Love.
Friday, April 4, 2008
many happy returns of the day
I would like to start with a little story which ended with me locked in my room at midnight, on the phone with my mom laughing so hard I brought myself, and my mother, to tears. On april 1st was my homestay mothers birthday. and she hosted about 15 extended family members for what turned into an exciting evening. While dinner parties at home might consist of candles and wine, with a good spirited, but quiet ambiance; in india things roll a little differently. There were plates and bowls of food, with all the family members in one room around one table. The evening started out with the cake, which naturally involved the lighting of the birthday (in this case single) candle. The candle was about 1/2 the size of the cake, and in the shape of a lotus bud. I, very unsuspecting, stood by and watched my ma light the candle, which quickly burst into a ball of fire, and proceded to unfold into a lotus flower with all five petals holding candles. the whole family clapped, and sang the first line of happy birthday (and only the first line over and over), while the candle played a shrill rendition of the song. Cake was had before the meal, and then after the meal, there was ice cream. I, having been sick for the previous few days, decided to take it easy, but let me tell you, it is hard to avoid the pressure of 15 indian family members. Right after dinner finished up, the rain started. Interestingly enough, there is an IMMENSE skylight over the dinning room table, the cover of which is apparently only held down by a few rocks. The wind quickly did away with this feeble attempt at protection, and it proceded to rain down upon the table in the middle of the festivities. Here is where things get strange. Despite the downpour, very few people seemed to care! I of course ran for towels, but they seemed to think shiva the house boy had everything under control so continued to laugh and hang out. Shiva, who is probably all of 95 pounds, came back from the roof looking a little defeated, but at least the flow of water onto the table was slightly lessened. This was the point in the night where I started hearing the candle again, though tried to ignore it. sometime around 10 30, the power abruptly went out, and all 15 of us sat rather helplessly in the pitch black. I was soon accosted by my brother and cousin who thoughti t would be funny to grab my legs and scream. not so funny as it turns out, mostly just annoying. Next thing I know, I am sitting on the floor, surrounded by the cousins who are singing hit bollywood songs by candle light, and the cover blows off the skylight again. So, i am on the floor, with the dog barking, the kids singing in my ear, the rain pouring down, and the damn birthday candle has been playing for three hours and no one seems to notice!! I think i lost it right about then, and come midnight, i locked myself in my room to try and fall asleep. Amazingly though, the candle continued to play. I got out of bed, walked through the house, found the candle, walked to the door and threw it into the rain, walked back to my room and called my mother. I have so much confused love for my family.
as well, this week marked my 21st birthday. though greatly anticipated, I had very minimalist hopes for it being anything very unique seeing as it fell right inbetween our exams. Much to my surprise, it was an absolute joy. The day started out beautifully, and Jaipur showed me its best weather yet. The sky was clear, the breeze was blowing, and the temperature was right about 80. Perfect to say the least. I was continually surprised throughout the day when I found a package from my parents, my friends gave me gifts, and every single one of the teachers and staff took me asside to say "many happy returns of the day" which is significantly more endearing than happy birthday. I was given cake at lunch which was then ceremoniously (sp?) shoved in my mouth by Ramaji. The entire day was sweet and low key, and for dinner i invited joanna, stephanie and christy over. Much to my surprise, when I got home, I had a full dinner resplendid with cake, ice cream, all my favorite indian dishes, and some of the extended family joining me. I got a full blown indian birthday party, where for some reason I again found myself force fed cake by different family members. It was so heart warming to see all the work my homestay family put into making it a wonderful birthday, I also want to say thank you for all of the messages and notes and hello's i received from home. I managed to receive a bundle of surprisingly hilarious and loving birthday cards, my first mail from home and thanks to the 9 hour delay, it was sort of like have a 48 hour birthday.
Friday was calm enough, and joanna told me she was going to take me out for dinner to celebrate my 21st birthday in style. she and christy somehow managed to round up all 16 of us, and told us to meet at a local restaurant. Little did I know, we werent eating dinner there. As soon as we got there, the taxi's showed up. Next thing I know, we are being driven through jaipur, as the sun is setting, 16 of us jammed into two cars. We wound through the old city, and though I was a little confused, no one would tell me what was going on, so I assumed we were just going somewhere in the city. Next thing I know, we have exited jaipur and are heading for the hills. My confusion increased the further into the hills we climbed and soon we were looking out over the whole city of jaipur which was just a wide and dazzling expanse of yellow and blue light. We continued to climb, and suddenly we appeared at the huge fort that we had visited on our first day in Jaipur. They had arranged me to have a birthday dinner on the roof of an ancient fort!!! It was splendid, and of course, involved a singing birthday candle of my very own ( thanks to the sweet sense of humor of my dear friends). This time, the cake only made it most of the way into my mouth and soon i was streaked with icing and being told happy birthday by all of the surrounding tables, and guards(?!). As Arianny aptly pointed out : you only turn 21 on the roof of a palace fort in india once.
On an academic note, this time next week, Kate and I will be on a train up into the mountains to begin a month long stay in the himalayas with a small community hospital. I don't even know how it happened.
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