Things Iโve accomplished this week:
-first week of classes
The first week of classes has been amazing. Now that back in school mode, I feel like Iโm achieving a good balance of academic and life lessons. There have been diverse guest lecturers and engaging group discussions. Hindi class is so much fun! Since weโre a small group, every Hindi โclassโ is 2 students to 1 professor.
-bargained (or attempted to) in Hindi
Iโm pleased with how much Hindi Iโve learned so quickly. Itโs been fun. Bargaining has been a way to further force myself out of my comfort zone by not only being assertive, but by speaking a language Iโve only been introduced to a week ago.
-bonded with host family
Not only has Hindi been great for putting myself out there to vendors Iโll never see again, but itโs also been a fun ice breaker with my host family. Even with my broken Hindi, they are so encouraging and happy at my effort. Iโm learning that language is not only useful for connecting with people, but also with a culture.
-explored New Delhi a bit more
My host family took me to India Gate. My classmates and I went to Humayunโs tomb, after class one day. Khan Market is a high end market filled with many big brands. Thanks to globalization, you can feel at home in pockets like this. I think it is both a positive and negative thing for me. For one, itโs nice to feel a little piece of home when youโre so far away from the real thing. But the whole point of being so far away is to be fully present in the place Iโve travelled to.
India Gate
Humayun’s Tomb
Of everywhere in New Delhi Iโve been so far, the Ayurveda store is by far my favourite. The entire concept that thereโs a store of products entirely dedicated to Ayurveda principles- from food to hair care to dental care, is mind blowing. I thought my introduction to Ayurveda would be an informal shack on the side of the street, but instead I walked into an entire market. They even offer free consults with an Ayurveda doctor, so I will be back. Iโm excited to learn more about Ayurveda, because as a public health student Iโm interested in learning about different health systems and also for personal health reasons.
Patanjali Ayurveda Store
-traveled to Jaipur
My classmates and I took a weekend trip to Jaipur. Being in Jaipur taught me one thing more than anything: I have so much more to learn. After being in Delhi for 2 weeks, Iโve been feeling much more comfortable in my environment. I thought the feeling was because of my independence, but I realized that I was sheltered because of my program- my professors and host family have been more helpful in navigating the city than I fully appreciated before in Jaipur. It was an overwhelming experience, but I am so grateful it is one that I had this early on so I can be more self-aware from now on.
Amer Fort in Jaipur
Iโve become much more at home in India now, and these are the little things why.