Went to a farm

So today we went on a little field trip! They took us to another property owned by the Ashram. It was beautiful right on the edge of the Ganga.  There is this pretty guest house when we arrive.  Then this adorable little girl came out and gave us bindis.  It was really adorable because once she was done putting it on our forehead she would through flowers in our hair.  We sat done and talked and dean k some lassi and then soaked up the serenity and quiet that was this place.  They are planning on building something that would allow for the wondering cows to have a place to come and graze.  Then we planted two beautiful trees.
My favorite part of this time though was when they took us to the area where the bio water filters will be built.  Last June there was horrible flash floods in this area.  Higher up the Ganga whole entire villages were wiped out.  In certain areas the villages were damaged but all of the men were killed because where they worked had been hit by the floods.  This means that there are now villages all over the is area that are only made up of widows and their children. However, they do not have the skills needed to provide for their family.  That is where the biofilters come in.  The ashram plans to teach these women how to create them, among other things and give them a livelihood.  These systems only take3 days of training to learn how to do and are extremely cheap (about $45 for something that lasts 30 years!).  One of the things I have been doing while working here is researching these events and creating a communication strategy.  It was so exciting to see something so simple that will help so much.  They also said that we will probably be able to make one as well!
So today was a really great day
More updates to come!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow we are going to the Presidential Palace for the presentation of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism.  It has taken the Encyclopedia 25 years to be written!  I am so excited to be able to go and supposedly Prime Minister Modi will be there! If you want to learn more about the Encyclopedia there is a lot on wikipedia! Unfortunately we cannot bring phones or cameras into the event but I will be taking a lot of before and after pics!
More updates to come! 

I really love it here

Today We Danced in the Rain

A beautiful rain came today.  I was in the project office working on an assignment when it started raining.  Smita and Alisa, some new friends, came in and told us to come dance!  We went to the roof top of one of the buildings in the Ashram and celebrated.  There was twirling,spinning and splashing. We kicked up our feet and thanked the sky for giving us a beautiful shower.  I could feel all the sweat and stress of the day leave my body.  I felt renewed.  My hair dripped, my clothes stuck to everything, I was a mess and yet I have never felt more put together.  Then through my celebration I looked out behind me and I saw the most beautiful thing. The mountains of the Himalayas covered in mist in the distance.  It stopped my breath and I just stood there, marveling at the sight before me. And I immediately thought: I cannot believe I am here.  And the immense power of where I was washed over me and I just soaked it all in. 

First Day

So when we woke up it was extremely hot, I mean this is india! Throughout the day we proceeded to meet some wonderful people.  First and foremost is Swamini. She is the head of the projects office and a truly wonderful women.  When we first walked in the door she said "welcome home" and embraced us all in one big group hug.  After the drive we had the night before a hug from a kind woman was exactly what I needed.  We then talked about the Ashram and the projects office and what was needed to be accomplished: a lot. We proceeded to walk around the Ashram and was given a tour by Alyssa, another american working here as well.  We even walked around Rishikesh for a little and got a meal.  I ordered a Chinese dish of assorted rice and noodles.  I saw a lot of the patrons at the restaurant ordering noodles so I thought why not.  And it totally paid off! It was some of the best rice and noodles I have ever had.  It was perfectly spicy and wonderfully filling.  I ate so much and it still did not look like I had made a dent.  So lesson learned:when in India eat some Chinese food!
More Updates to Come! 

Trying to get to Rishikesh

So the next morning we did a little shopping.  I got some beautiful hair pieces!
Then we made our first attempt to the Ashram.  We tried to go by train but lets just say that did not go so well.  We ended up hiring a driver to get there.  It took us 9 hours to arrive.  The drive was very "interesting".  While I did trust our driver how people drive in India is very different then the states. It is 100% defensive driving.  Lanes are drawn but are not followed.  And weaving throughout driving is common occur ace.  Another good representation of the driving is saying to be a good driver in India one needs: "good horn, good brakes, and good luck" It is definitely an experience and takes some time getting used too.  We finally arrived in Rishikesh around 10:00pm.  Unfortunately because we were so late we could not come through the usual was.  That road closes at 8pm.  Due to the fact that it goes through a huge national park.  This park has a large population of elephants that India is trying to protect.  So we had to go through a back road and then cross a wood bridge to get there.
Once we finally arrived at Parmarth it was dark but you could still see how beautiful it would be during the day.  Then we were shown our rooms, took a much needed shower, and went to bed.
More updates to come! 

Celebrities in Delhi!

Next we went to the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent his last days.   Just walking in felt sacred and serene.  To be able to literally follow Gandhi's last steps was an honor.  You could truly see how much impact this man had not only on India, but the world.  The most powerful image for me was the location of his assassination.  You could still feel the presence of the event.  It was a powerful place and I am glad that I was able to see it.
Then, in my opinion the best part of the day happened.  We went and saw Qutb Minar.  It is a beautiful!  The Minar was built in the 12th century.  And the structures surrounding it were built from 27 temples previously occupying the area.  They had been destroyed and the materials were then used to created the Qutb Structures.  It is amazing to think that something that old exists till this day and in beautiful condition.  The darings were intricate and precise.  One would think they would be worn down but I could still make out most of the carvings.
A funny thing that happened at this location was the 3 of us got a chance to feel like celebrities!  While walking into the area a woman stops us and says "picture?"  This question was asked to us throughout our time there.  A woman even had me hold her baby!  Our tour guide informed us it was because most of the people visiting these sites are from villages and the country.  Many had never seen anyone different then them.  Because I am so tall I got some special attention.  Lets just say I definitely felt like a giant or what my friend Anna calls me an amazon.  I was definitely one of the tallest people at this location.  Some people were nervous to ask to take our pictures so they would try to do sly selfies. Lets just say they were not very sly.  But it was a really wonderful, warm experience.  Especially with the children.  They would try to speak a little bit of english and giggle.  It was wonderful!
More to come soon! 

Arrival

When I arrived in Delhi it was 1am.  I was exhausted and jet lagged but still completely excited and thrilled to be here!  Sue picked me up with our wonderful driver Ram and they took us to our hotel.  Even though it was dark outside I was able to see a little of Delhi.  There were trees everywhere and huge structures.  Our hotel was air conditioned and beautiful.  I immediately took a shower and went to bed.  The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel, it was amazing!  Then set out for our first day. We tried to go to the embassy to register and unfortunately could not get in, people need an appointment.  Which was a little disconcerting and I felt totally lied to by action movies.  Like with Mission Impossible or Die Hard.   When you need to run away from the Russians you can immediacy get into a US embassy but whatever we are in India so that won't be a worry here. 

At some point, when we go back to Delhi, we will be meeting Sue's friend CJ who works for the embassy then we will get that tour.  

After that we went Sari Shopping.   I am not going to tell you what mine looks like, you'll just have to wait for the photos, but it is beautiful and colorful.  We asked the man who helped us to take a picture of us with our bags.  He responded "with me too" he was so thrilled to be included in the picture! 

More updates to come! 

Itinerary First Day

So in less then 24 hours I will be on my way to India!  First stop will be in Frankfurt with a 5 hour layover there I will meet up with the 2 other ladies going on this adventure with me.  Then from Frankfurt we arrive in Delhi at 12:05am.  Needless to say I have feeling Im going to be exhausted.  From the airport the driver Susan, the wonderful Knox Trustee who made this all happen, hired for us will come and take us to the hotel.  The next morning, hopefully not too early, we will have a tour of Delhi!!!
More updates to come!

Getting ready

So in case you did not know, to be able to go to India you need a lot of shots.  My upper arms have definitely hated me this last month.  That along with the visa have been the most tedious parts of it.   But things that will be totally worth it in the long run.
So I have packed up my suitcase and my backpack , with room to bring trinkets back home.  Lets just say at least half of the things packed are amenities: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, detergent, clothes pins..etc.  And no one can claim that I do not have bug spray.  The amount of anti bug stuff that is in my suit case right now is insane, what can I say, at least Im not gonna get Dengue fever or so elegantlly called bone breaking fever.
More updates to come!

And So It Begins.....

Hello!!!
My name is Jess and I from Houston, Texas. I am about to start my senior year at the amazing Knox College in Galesburg, Il.  Before that I will be spending 2 months in Rishikesh, India interning with the Projects Department at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Follow to see all the adventures unfold!