So, I've been in India since December 28th (after a 2 day flight, where we were funneled from Washington-Reagan to Atlanta, GA, then to Kuwait, then to Mumbai, India). That's...what, about 19, maybe 20 days? Nonetheless, I have about 7 days left until we head home - I think I'll be ready to leave by then.
So, the background info. This is the first time I've travelled in a relatively large group (17 people), on a study abroad program. Originally, I was going to partake in a Buddhist Philosophy course (what better place than India), but once we arrived, ended up switching into the Envhironmental Science course. Both are taught by Indian professors, and I ultimately realized the geographical aspect of Envh. Sci. would help me to a much greater extent in the long run.
For the past 3 weeks, we have been constantly on the move. Our first weekend was spent in Hampi, which are absolutely gorgeous ruins stretching across 10+ sq. miles (the actual size escapes me right now), and Dandeli nature reserve - a swanky little resort far from any city and deep in the forest. Both were amazing, but Hampi was doubtless my favorite experience on this trip. The ruins were completely explorable - no ropes, no security, no restrictions. The ruins themselves dotted a landscape of small valleys and towering boulders, creating an open landscape devoid of people (in most places). Words fail to properly describe this place, and while pictures do only slightly better, I'll try to upload a few over the next few days (or in a week or two, when I return).
On Monday, we returned to begin classes. It was a hectic schedule that first week - classes every day except tuesday (when we were forced to attend convocation, and sing during as much), and us not entirely used to the campus, which was itself a few miles wide. We've grown accustomed to it over time, but it still takes a good 15 minutes to walk from the hostel to class.
Last weekend, we travelled to the ruins Ajanta and Ellora. They were brilliant ruins, full of history, amazing feats of engineering, and people. And perhaps one too many hawkers. Both the people and the hawkers detracted a fair bit from the experience, and left me feeling slightly bitter (as many would not leave you alone for anything).
I wont go into much more detail, as it's getting late. Suffice it to say, despite any drawbacks, India's pretty awesome. The culture is strange to this foreigner (which is not altogether a bad thing), and the landscape is interesting. The food is cheap (and mostly good), and the people are...well, people, some good, some rude, some entirely likable, and some entirely trustable.
Maybe I'll get more written, maybe not. We'll just have to see what happens over this next week.
Peace!
