Tuesday, June 14th, 2016:
- We surprised our teachers on Sunday when they discovered that almost no one in our cohort had a good grip on the Bengali alphabet. I am hopeful, though. I don't think it'll be long before I can read. The conjunct or "stacked" letters still give me some trouble. I've decided to call my stuffed animal, Dukter, the best Bengali equivalent I've found: "Hashi Hash". (It means "Laugh Duck".)
- Indian Tinder has been a hysterical, favorite pastime for a few of the American students, whenever they can find the Wifi. I think our American resident director (RD) was amused by how quickly they discovered and started using it. They "set up" our classmate, Jackson, on the first day in Kolkata. I have a running joke with one of my teachers here that I need to find my very tall, American boyfriend a perfect lunghi, (a comfortable, men's skirt).
- We've been given much safety instruction at the American Institute for Indian Studies (AIIS). We had a security briefing with the Regional Security Officer from the Embassy. Even the Kolkata Fire Marshall delivered an interactive fire extinguisher training with real fire in a bucket. My productive fear of malaria and dengue are now joined by a fear of false taxis, disobeyed crosswalks, large festivals and unplanned protests. Female students were given special attention and instruction during the safety trainings, even though Kolkata has a largely curious and respectful populous. Gratefully, I have a program-allocated cell phone and dozens of numbers to call with any troubles.
- My greatest triumph since I've come to the city was when I got myself home from the Institute last night. I walked to the bus stop, crossed the main road with a teacher, then relied on my paltry Bangla to ask for directions and hail an auto. My instinct was to do as the local women did. I was confused at the stop and the driver just let me off without paying. Nice man. Silly foreigner. I'll count out the double fare if I find him tomorrow. It was much simpler than I feared it would be getting home, although I don't want to test my sense of direction in the dark.
- I currently stay with a family of artists. My host Father studied literature in Heidelberg, Germany and my Host Ma has travelled the world to speak about Bengali culture. She teaches Bharat Natyam, classical Indian dance. Their children (my age) are also performing artists. My room is situated next to a dance studio. The Hindu goddess of learning and art keeps watch over my door at night. I look forward to taking a class on Bharat Natyam at the Institute for 3 hours every week.
- My room has a nice, yellow bathroom and big, hard bed. The windows have a view of the rooftops and there's a wonderful breeze that comes through them. I mosquito-proofed my room with tissues, citronella oil, bug spray, a chrysanthemum wall plugin, and a little elbow grease on the first night. No "mosha" for me.
- One unfortunate, ongoing aspect of this trip is that my antimalarial meds make me feel nauseous and sick, no matter how I take them. Hilarious. I've also developed an aversion to cardamom, a staple of the cooking in this region. I have avoided "mishti", or sweets, like the plague, because I know it won't end well. Even sadder is the fact that Bengalis are known for their sweets. However, my Host Ma has been very understanding. She doesn't force me to eat and even let me skip dinner once (when I had a huge, late lunch). If you've been a guest in a Bengali home, you'll know what a rare phenomenon that is. Luckily, I still really enjoy the fish and vegetable curry dishes. My hosts make a mean "Luche", a type of flatbread eaten with potato and pumpkin curry.
- Yesterday, our teachers took us for a tour of the neighborhood and local market. I was amazed to find, under the wall of tarps that has overtaken the sidewalk, a myriad of clothing, jewelry, convenience, grocery and street food shops, some tended by sleeping vendors and Hindu shrines. The streets demand constant situational awareness, and my eyes are still getting acclimated to the environment. However, I realize that I am completely empowered and properly equipped to explore Kolkata with my new friends.
- We surprised our teachers on Sunday when they discovered that almost no one in our cohort had a good grip on the Bengali alphabet. I am hopeful, though. I don't think it'll be long before I can read. The conjunct or "stacked" letters still give me some trouble. I've decided to call my stuffed animal, Dukter, the best Bengali equivalent I've found: "Hashi Hash". (It means "Laugh Duck".)
- Indian Tinder has been a hysterical, favorite pastime for a few of the American students, whenever they can find the Wifi. I think our American resident director (RD) was amused by how quickly they discovered and started using it. They "set up" our classmate, Jackson, on the first day in Kolkata. I have a running joke with one of my teachers here that I need to find my very tall, American boyfriend a perfect lunghi, (a comfortable, men's skirt).
- We've been given much safety instruction at the American Institute for Indian Studies (AIIS). We had a security briefing with the Regional Security Officer from the Embassy. Even the Kolkata Fire Marshall delivered an interactive fire extinguisher training with real fire in a bucket. My productive fear of malaria and dengue are now joined by a fear of false taxis, disobeyed crosswalks, large festivals and unplanned protests. Female students were given special attention and instruction during the safety trainings, even though Kolkata has a largely curious and respectful populous. Gratefully, I have a program-allocated cell phone and dozens of numbers to call with any troubles.
- My greatest triumph since I've come to the city was when I got myself home from the Institute last night. I walked to the bus stop, crossed the main road with a teacher, then relied on my paltry Bangla to ask for directions and hail an auto. My instinct was to do as the local women did. I was confused at the stop and the driver just let me off without paying. Nice man. Silly foreigner. I'll count out the double fare if I find him tomorrow. It was much simpler than I feared it would be getting home, although I don't want to test my sense of direction in the dark.
- I currently stay with a family of artists. My host Father studied literature in Heidelberg, Germany and my Host Ma has travelled the world to speak about Bengali culture. She teaches Bharat Natyam, classical Indian dance. Their children (my age) are also performing artists. My room is situated next to a dance studio. The Hindu goddess of learning and art keeps watch over my door at night. I look forward to taking a class on Bharat Natyam at the Institute for 3 hours every week.
- My room has a nice, yellow bathroom and big, hard bed. The windows have a view of the rooftops and there's a wonderful breeze that comes through them. I mosquito-proofed my room with tissues, citronella oil, bug spray, a chrysanthemum wall plugin, and a little elbow grease on the first night. No "mosha" for me.
- One unfortunate, ongoing aspect of this trip is that my antimalarial meds make me feel nauseous and sick, no matter how I take them. Hilarious. I've also developed an aversion to cardamom, a staple of the cooking in this region. I have avoided "mishti", or sweets, like the plague, because I know it won't end well. Even sadder is the fact that Bengalis are known for their sweets. However, my Host Ma has been very understanding. She doesn't force me to eat and even let me skip dinner once (when I had a huge, late lunch). If you've been a guest in a Bengali home, you'll know what a rare phenomenon that is. Luckily, I still really enjoy the fish and vegetable curry dishes. My hosts make a mean "Luche", a type of flatbread eaten with potato and pumpkin curry.
- Yesterday, our teachers took us for a tour of the neighborhood and local market. I was amazed to find, under the wall of tarps that has overtaken the sidewalk, a myriad of clothing, jewelry, convenience, grocery and street food shops, some tended by sleeping vendors and Hindu shrines. The streets demand constant situational awareness, and my eyes are still getting acclimated to the environment. However, I realize that I am completely empowered and properly equipped to explore Kolkata with my new friends.
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