delhi belly

I've got it. The Delhi Belly. But no one panic--it's just a natural part of acclimating I suppose.

This week has been a bit intense, hence the lack of access to the computer and whatnot. We are done with orientation officially as of today, and we meet our homestay families this afternoon! I am living in Lajpat Nagar (a bustling market of Delhi) with one woman who is a widow. She runs a school for 2 1/2 - 4 year olds! I hope I can get down to it (it's under the apartment) and hang out with all the kids, as we are not allowed to work with children to our Independent Studies because of ethical issues. That would be a nice break from the academic and social pressure of the day-to-day SIT stuff.

I've learned (in orientation) that this program is going to be a lot of work. That's great, but a little overwhelming. We had a 2 hour Hindi lesson today that was amazingly rapid and confusing, and also I felt ill so I couldn't really focus on anything. The Academic Director and the Student Affairs Coordinator (Storm-ji and Guy-ji, they are a couple which is nice - like Mom and Pop) are giving me dried fruit to assist me in my stomach problems. Need I say more? No. I need not.

Delhi is insane but so much fun. I think I got a little ill because I have been up at about 4 am every morning thinking about my Independent Study Project, sort of a nervous excitement about it. I'm not sure what will happen - because logistically it is hard to figure out. I might not get as far north as I want to go because... well... I probably shouldn't go to Kashmir and also because it will be dead-of winter when I do the project. I might end up in Rishikesh or Hardiwar, which would be wonderful (no Pops, no mountain-viewing in Delhi, but in Rishikesh there is).

So, these are the things that are going on... I'm constantly thinking and assessing and figuring out what this program is about and what my expectations are. Oh, and the other students are cool. There aren't very many of us and that might become hard, but for now it's nice.

Also, just because it would be SO MUCH FUN I might study "Bollywood Dancing" for my art practicum. HA! Yes. Bollywood stardom here I come.

Oh, and (jeez, many things...) we went shopping and are wearing beautiful outfits of hybrid western/indian clothing. Awesome.

peace and love