slums, monkeys, and burnt toast...!???!

It is raining here. Big bolts of lightening pierce the sky as the loud booming of thunder vibrates throughout Som Vihar. I can hear the children that usually are out on the playground scream as they run to their mothers. (who arewaiting for them under the eaves of the apartments yelling for them to come home) I am not sure if having rain is a good or bad thing for Delhi. I would think that it would clean the dirty streets out a little, but there is poor irrigation here in the city, so a heavy rain could mean dirty stagnant water settling in, until it drys. This will of course, harbor even more disease than is already possessed of the city. I hope it will be the later, but I guess I will find out tomorrow.

Today I ventured to Ekta Vihar, this is the future home of Asha Setu. In order to access Ekta Vihar, one must walk through the tiny narrow allies and walls that lead to the Jooggies(temporary houses constructed out of tarp, twigs, and dirt). Children seem to be in every nook and cranny of Ekta Vihar, either casting marbles, or playing some Indian card game. The smells of this inner-city slum are pungent. Waste, animals, fresh food, rotten food, and burning coal fill the air, while Indian music flows throughout the slum from a loud speaker. Women, men, and little children would step out of their huts to greet us as we inched through the narrow ally-ways. The children seemed fascinated with my digital camera. I took pictures of them and let them see it on the viewer display screen. They laughed and were tickled that they could see the pictures so soon. Ahh the things we take fore granted. Who would have thought something as simple as a digital camera would make some one's day. On our way back from Ekta Vihar, we passed four monkeys hanging out in a tree. (no joke!) I got scared because one was really big. I got off the sidewalk and went to the other side of the street very fast. This, or course, was at my expense, as my escape from the monkey had the local children laughing. I was not as amused as they were. Now, from the safety of my monkey free apartment, I can rest easy, and perhaps laugh a little over the experience. Today has been chalk full of experiences. I saw monkeys, I went into the slums, AND I almost burnt down the apartment trying to make toast... For the most part, today was facinating. I am getting tired, it is almost 9:00 p.m. so I will blog later. Make sure you check out my new pictures.

khuda hafiz~K

~smoggy days in Delhi~

Today, my roommates and I ventured out in the city to go to a free lunch, compliments of Sonal's dad, at the Ashok Hotel. It is one of the last hotels of its kind that is owned and operated by the Indian government. It was quite the lunch, a whole spread of different Indian delicacies, plus a wonderful variety of dessert options. The only negative aspect of the day is the fact that the burning of the coal in the surrounding sectors has created a seemingly impermeable blanket of smog that bleats out the sun and any chance for fresh clean air....However, my favorite cite to see was the Lodi gardens with its variety of ancient tombs and monuments. The park spanned about five football fields wide and twenty back. It would take at least three days to go through the entire park. This amazing park is located within the pulsing heart of Delhi and is never want for company. Families, dogs, monkeys, children, and couples seem to be in everywhere. Whether it is playing a game of cricket or seeing the many cool ancient structures, Lodi park is definitely one of my favorite places here in Delhi so far! Check out some of my pictures from the park.

cheers~K

~Asha Setu~

I apologize for the lack of a post yesterday. I was extremely tired after a long day. I worked more on developing ideas for the new slum centre Maitri will be opening soon and came up with a couple of possible names in which we will call it. The centre is located in Ekta Vihar, which is within walking distance from Som Vihar. (Ekta is a Hindu female name meaning unity) (Vihar is Hindi for colony)...It took me an hour to come up with a couple of possible names for the centre, and yet, I still have not a clue as to what we should refer to it as. I am getting tired of calling it a "slum centre" even though it is just that, to call it a 'slum centre' feels wrong to say. Here, again, is another emotion in which I am not sure how to deal with or even understand....However, out of all the duds I came up with in that long hour, one name could possibly be just what we need: Asha Setu, which means "bridge to hope." Sonal has warned me not to be surprised if people are suspicious and weary upon the centre's opening, but with time she assures me, "we will build trust"... Such a simple word, trust, and such a difficult emotion in which to earn... But, once we are able to establish a trusting relationship with the women and children, and once they see we are only there to help; this centre can be a lighthouse for those in need. As it states on Maitri's letterhead, "Touch one heart. Change one life," it is through love and kindness, the very essence of what Maitri means and is, that we can build a bridge to hope...

Now on to my new experience of the day! After the office was officially closed, my two roommates and I were left to our own devices for the evening. As they were not in the mood to venture outside Som Vihar, I decided to revisit Vasant (meaning spring) Vihar. I hailed a rickshaw for the price of 30rs and found myself snugly fit into the back of a dungy green auto rickshaw. For those of you who don't know what a rickshaw is, it is basically a little cart that is used to transport people small distances around the city. Most frequently, these rickshaws are little auto-powered contraptions that have one seat for the driver, and a small narrow bench seat in the back for as many people as one can crowd. Of course, I had to gently haggle with the driver over price as he initially was going to charge me 50rs for the ride, but we agreeably came to the price of 30rs once I made it clear that I would venture elsewhere for rickshaw services if he would not agree to my price. I probably could have gotten it cheaper than that, but I am still new to this city and have much to learn about rickshaw negotiation. Perhaps before I leave India, I will be an expert haggler! Once I arrived at Vasant Vihar, I eagerly perused the many shops and stands that lined the uneven streets. The stores and street stands don't close shop until around 10:30 or 11 p.m. and even after that, the city is still bustling with activity. Eventually, I found the bookstand I had spotted the other day and bought five books for 60 cents USD. However, my return trip was a little different, even though the driver assured me he knew where Som Vihar was located, he managed to drop me off in the wrong area. I asked him to let me off before he got me even more lost, and forty minutes later, I found my way back to Som Vihar. God was definitly guiding me because I had absolutley no clue as to how I was able to find Som Vihar in the dark without speaking a smidgen of Hindi. With that experience behind my belt, I actually feel more confident as to my surroundings.

I am about to leave for a walk around Som Vihar, it is much too beautiful of a day to stay in doors. I will be updating the blog tomorrow with new pictures. Thanks to all of you who read my blog daily or not so daily. I hope that by sharing these experiences you feel as if you too have been to India.

Cheers~K

choice is for the privileged......

I woke up at 4a.m. only to be surprised at how cold the city was. There is so much dust, grim, and smog that my nose has black soot collecting in it. (sorry for those with weak stomachs) I am told that this is quite normal for the winter months here in Delhi, this is because many people burn coal on the streets and in their homes to stay warm; therefore, creating a gray haze that looms over the city until the rains of spring/and summer wash it away....However, the morning cries of the azan seem to make it all seem beautiful almost as if the city is burning one large incents stick... Today Sonal briefed us on our duties in the internship. To sum up what exactly I will be doing is basically creating the instructions and system in which Maitri will use to set up a refuge in the slum, in which women and children can come and learn about AIDs/HIV awareness, health, hygiene, sexual protection, and also receive support from their peers. (Anabel I am anxious to talk more with you on this!) It is a big task, but I have the belief that I can do it with lots of hard work and even more prayer. (Mama, wink)

After the orientation with Sonal and Winnie, Sushant (our house servant) took me to the local market just around the corner from Som Vihar (my apartment), this is where I bartered for the first time. I bought a shawl for half of the asking price at 50rs instead of 100rs. (about the equivalent of a U.S. dollar.) As we walked back from the market I felt so proud not to mention excited because I was wearing my new khameez (long tunic), salwar (pants), and chunni (shawl). I felt so much more comfortable and less like the outsider I was.

I don't think that it has hit me entirely that I am in Delhi. It is still surreal and almost like a dream. The people here are so real, not like back in the states, or even in London. It seems people in the west worry about little things like what outfit to wear or how one will get to dance or basketball practice. This existence seems to revolve around little choices surrounding simple luxuries that so many people here cannot even imagine let along choose what they want to do. In so many cases the choice for so many of the people here in Delhi is made for them by outside forces that have more power and privilege. I guess that can be said though for any society in which the people with privilege have more options and choice than those without.

I will be posting tomorrow, so make sure to check my blog. Thanks for all your support and email me if you have an questions.

cheers~KK

In Delhi at last!

Well, finally I am in Delhi, India...Words can't describe this city. It is simply amazing... Upon arrival from the airport, we were escorted by Winnie's (director of Maitri) personal driver to her house for a wonderful lunch prepared by her cook. Sonal (Winnie's daughter) then took us to Som Vihar, which is the living complex in which we will be staying during out duration here in India. It is a high rise in the government district of Delhi. We live on the 6th floor of the building where I can see the horizon of the city from my balcony and hear the Azan (Muslim call to prayer) being called at dawn. We have our own cook and driver. I have to admit it is quite nice, but a little unnerving. Sushant is our main servant who cooks us breakfast, lunch, and dinner, he also cleans our flat and laundry. I have never been treated so well.

Today, Sonal took us to the market to get a feel for things around us, there are so many people and so much to see, at times it is overwhelming, but never boring. The streets are filled with bustling people either on their way to work, coming from work, working, traveling to school, begging for a couple rupis, or just walking. The colors of the women's saris and shawls add such an exotic feel to the overall crazy atmosphere. The streets are jammed packed with motor rickshaws, cow drawn rickshaws, human pulled rickshaws, and of course an assortment of every kind of car that one can imagine. This is added to the fact that no one stays in one lane, here people operate on the system of honking and weaving in between other moving vehicles, there have been a couple of times in which I have truly feared for my life, yet Sonal assures me that this is the norm here in India. Added to this seemingly never ending pandemonium are pedestrians walking in the streets, cows and dogs taking their daily strolls...in the streets, and men women and children begging from car to car for rupis. It horrible and wonderful all at once...I am not even sure if that is possible, but that is exactly how I feel.

There is so much I want to tell you, but frankly I will have to take a break for tonight. I am extremely jet-lagged. I will post tomorrow. Stay tuned and email me!

Cheers~KK

London...to Delhi

Greetings from London! I am currently staying in the Grange Stratford Hotel. It is quite the thing. As I have just arrived (which might I add was crazy), I am headed for a nice, long, and hot shower which then will be followed by a nice glass of British pale ale (wink wink Mom and Dad)....Stay tuned, I will be updating the blog later on tonight with pics.

Luv ya all~KK

"khuda hafiz...." goodbye in Hindi!

I am leaving on a jet plane at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday) bound for London! Hiphip Hooray! My two traveling/intern buddies, and I will be spending three days in London until we leave for Delhi, India on the 21st. We will be staying in a hostel while in London, as this is more cost efficient....I am wondering if they have any idea that I am one rambuncious black girl. As aunt Julia was telling me the other night, "they will never forget you that is for sure." I am going to take that comment as a positive one, since I happen to be the most fun and nice girl one has ever met...(wink wink aunt Julia and family) If I have learned anything this past month, it is the importance of patience and presistance with the Consular people of Inida. Let me tell you, the poeple of Inida at the San Fransisco, D.C., and Houston consulates know me on a first name basis, and most likely shiver with dread at the thought of my voice and that annoying question I have asked at least one hundred times: "what is the status of my visa?" But, I am my mother's daughter, enough said...So, now the next blog my friends will be from London. I am excited and overjoyed that everything has turned out so well thus far. If ya'll have any reccomendations or questions please feel free to make a comment on the blog or email me at kathleen.tedford@gmail.com. Before I forget, I will be turning off my cell phone tomorrow in the evening so if ya wanna call my cellphone # is 8019180479.

cheers~KK

Visa:approved...RECEIVED

Well, a couple of Tums and fingernails later, I have FINALLY received my &#@! visa. Thank the good LORD. Because of the bad weather, my visa was shipped to Memphis, Tennsesee to get warmed up, while I sat in a precarious climate of freezing cold icy weather [in LUBBOCK, TEXAS] made even more icy by my steaming mad body melting the ice to even more dangerous heights of slick. I missed my flight to London...But made the one for Bedlam. Oh, the joys of traveling. As many would say, "miracles do happen." And, unfortunaley in my case, they happen a little late...But, beggars can't be choosers....right? I am just full of wisdom today. It isn't everyday though, that one's visa comes in three days after the scheduled departure date! :) I leave tommorrow...[crossing fingers, toes, legs, and eyes] and it sure as sand better be on a jet plane...For now I will sit in a state of utter confusion while the travel plans unfold.

Going crazy in Brownfield, Texas~K

Murphy's Law

Let it be known that when planning to travel internationally the most stressful part of the trip is before you actually embark on the trip! I am two days away from making the big journey to India, and I can hardly wait! HOWEVER, Murphy's law has chosen to prove itself through my own travel plans. Ugh! This seems to be the story of my crazy life. I am so ready to breathe a sigh of relief once I can sit comfortably on the plane destined for Delhi. I have called the Consulate once again about my Visa problems, and they seem to be willing to overnight my visa, yet, I can't help but doubt that everything will work out, as my hopes have been on a roller coaster ride this past week. I am sure the people at the consulate are sick and tired of hearing my chipper voice request an update on my visa application. I have had to knock on wood so much that there is a permanent dent in my parents kitchen table. But, as my grandma Shirley keeps telling me, "keep a positive attitude, and you will be rewarded." I have had quite an attitude these past couple of days...come to think of it my entire life, and I am not so sure how positive it has been. This would really not be the time for karma to bite me in the...rear. Maybe if I fake a positive attitude I can fool the fates.

with a positive smile and attitude~K

new delhi or bust!

This is the first of [cross my fingers] many posts to come...I leave for my Hinkley Institute internship this Sunday. Maitri, the organization I will be interning with, works for AIDS/HIV awareness for women and children. This spring they will be holding their annual international conference in New Delhi. This mainly is what Phil, Matt, (the two other interns) and I will be doing for our three month internship. Sometimes, I forget that my internship is the reason I am going to India. It is so easy to lose track of the goal when the stresses of international travel seem to be at every corner. My motivations spur from my passion for social justice and human equality...Hmm....I also forgot to mention my intrigue for adventure. (much to my familiy's dismay) There have been many bumps in the road that have attempted to hinder our departure dates. Visas, plane tickets, shots, etc....I am STILL waiting for my visa, which is held up in the Consulate of India in Houston. But, this is all par for the course, I have been told in the scheme of international travel. All I can do is keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.


Also, check out the link for Maitri in the upper right corner of this page.

Cheers for now~K