Chai is a blend of spices (masala) the most common being cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper. These spices are added to a pot of boiling milk and water along with a robust black tea and a sweetener.In my quest to become a Gold member at Starbucks I often order an Iced chai. Well I have to report that the Chai here is a far cry from what Starbucks is serving. In the US we often move swiftly through our day not taking time to "stop and sniff the roses". In India I'm learning that people move on their own time and they "stop and drink the chai" I've been in Udaipur for almost 2wks and I have had Chai at least twice a day since landing here and each cup I've had has been slightly different some chai is sweeter than others whichever it may be the act of taking a Chai break is a slight reminder to slow down and embrace your surroundings. Chai breaks have been a highlight of my day!
I have started my work with my organization called Jatan Sansthan they are a grassroots NGO working with the rural population of the districts of Rajsamand, Udaipur and Bhilwada, within the state of Rajasthan. Jatan covers 250 villages across various blocks including Railmagra, Amet, Mawli and Gangapur. Within this organization I will specifically working with youth in the Apna Jatan Center.
The main goal of the Apna Jatan Centers is to provide educational opportunities and overall support to the children from poor and undeveloped areas of Udaipur. Therefore alternative non-formal education and support in developing life skills for children up to the age of 14 as well as pre-school education and a creche for very young children are the key services. I have visited the centers twice on my second visit I did home visits of some of the centers youth these children mostly live in slum areas right next to the center. During the visit I was greeted into these multi-family homes (mostly one room shacks) with open arms and immense gratitude for coming to work with these children. Sitting on the dirt floor listening to the parents talk to me was one of the most humbling experiences in my life. These families welcome a complete stranger in to their home and each house I went in I was offered a full meal, and water (I graciously turned down) these people literally offered me their last it touched my heart in the deepest way. After the home visits I was further motivated to work with these kids although I'm not sure how I can be of help in such little time I do know I want to leave them with something. The center severely lacks learning supplies, and toys I might possibly do a project to gather more resources I was also thinking off possibly raising funds to purchase two old IBM desktops as well as learning software for the children...Although that may be aiming too high these kids deserve so much more than that.
Each day I wake up not knowing what I will see or experience! Similar to my daily cup of Chai each day is slightly different. I see something new, I do something new, I smell something new, and of course I eat something new. Although I miss home I do find myself enjoying such a relaxed way of life that the US lacks. If I had to say one thing I've learned from being here thus far it would be take off your shoes, sit back, relax, and sip slowly!
I have started my work with my organization called Jatan Sansthan they are a grassroots NGO working with the rural population of the districts of Rajsamand, Udaipur and Bhilwada, within the state of Rajasthan. Jatan covers 250 villages across various blocks including Railmagra, Amet, Mawli and Gangapur. Within this organization I will specifically working with youth in the Apna Jatan Center.
The main goal of the Apna Jatan Centers is to provide educational opportunities and overall support to the children from poor and undeveloped areas of Udaipur. Therefore alternative non-formal education and support in developing life skills for children up to the age of 14 as well as pre-school education and a creche for very young children are the key services. I have visited the centers twice on my second visit I did home visits of some of the centers youth these children mostly live in slum areas right next to the center. During the visit I was greeted into these multi-family homes (mostly one room shacks) with open arms and immense gratitude for coming to work with these children. Sitting on the dirt floor listening to the parents talk to me was one of the most humbling experiences in my life. These families welcome a complete stranger in to their home and each house I went in I was offered a full meal, and water (I graciously turned down) these people literally offered me their last it touched my heart in the deepest way. After the home visits I was further motivated to work with these kids although I'm not sure how I can be of help in such little time I do know I want to leave them with something. The center severely lacks learning supplies, and toys I might possibly do a project to gather more resources I was also thinking off possibly raising funds to purchase two old IBM desktops as well as learning software for the children...Although that may be aiming too high these kids deserve so much more than that.
Our Auto Rickshaw got pulled over by a police officer for not having a license. I thought it was a perfect photo opportunity!
Sidenote: I tried subway the other day!
It was my first time having meat since being here! Although the subway here desperately lacks cheese options their vegetables are super fresh and flavorful! I had an Italian BMT however it was lamb salami and chicken ham! Not too bad but I think next time I'll stick to the Veg options!
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