tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45551945044596087952024-03-19T01:59:52.874-07:00GuiderGoneGlobalThe adventures of a lifetime Girl Guide travelling to Sangam World Centre, India ... and maybe even beyond.Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-74926844845455910842012-12-28T16:12:00.000-08:002012-12-28T16:12:10.777-08:00Full Circle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This time last year, I was a ball of nerves. It was the night before my flight to India for the adventure of a lifetime. Now I sit here, 365 days later, wondering how time can fly so quickly. It really feels like only a short while ago that I flew halfway around the world to embark on a grand adventure.<br />
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I have traveled many places before, and even taught in England for a year after university, but going as far away as India was a big leap for me, and I had a lot of uncertainties leading up to my departure date (particularly about food and health, and whether or not I'd be stranded in Mumbai when my flight arrived in the early morning hours two days later...) Funnily enough, everything worked out just fine!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of my family was able to see me off at YVR...</td></tr>
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So, what can happen in a year? I would love to say that the adventures have just kept coming, and to some degree that is true, but it's pretty hard to top celebrating the New Year in a different country.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year's Eve in India! What a way to start.</td></tr>
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For the three months I lived at Sangam and worked in the nearby community I experienced so many amazing things. I tried new food (mmm...kulfi and dosas. Even the McSpicy Paneer burger is pretty great.), learned how to get on and off a moving city bus, practically perfected sari tying, got a taste of the Indian education system, rode a camel, drove a rickshaw, and safely crossed busy streets. Better than all of that, however, I gained a whole new group of friends. Sure, most of us don't live anywhere near each other but the bonds of Guiding/Scouting (and Facebook) help keep us connected. Perhaps our paths will cross again one day soon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our welcoming ceremony at Sangam. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim and I on our camels. They were SO huge!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving a rickshaw requires a fair bit of coordination -- you shift gears on the handles.<br />(Yes, this photo is staged. Krista's coffee would be in her lap if I was really driving.)</td></tr>
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The rest of my year was just as busy, but definitely not as exciting as the first three months. I came home at the end of March to 5 degree weather and rain. Lot's of rain. I don't think I properly warmed up until the middle of July. My spring was full of teaching and sharing about my time India with friends, family, and Guide units. I've lost track of how many units I visited -- and there are more still to come. I also hosted an Indian afternoon which gave my sisters an excuse to wear their saris and my friends an opportunity to enjoy some home cooked Indian food. I put my Sangam cook book to good use that day! I'll post about those events in greater detail soon -- there are some fun things to mention. I started writing about them but then got distracted, naturally. (I only just finished putting together my second photo album yesterday. I have at least one more to go...) In amongst all of that, I applied to Grad school and am now working on finishing my MEd, while pretty much working full time. Yikes!<br />
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All in all, 2012 has been an amazing year. I am forever changed by my experiences in India and very thankful for the community in which I live where it is very easy to continue experiencing so much of the wonderful Indian culture through food, music, festivals, and even my students.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgn1xu753czha9S1a5QlPvIVVJsXRegshP09x7ZFI_4FrnxIYU1YCGvOjFVSiEFXXH07oFdaxGdn0BsY1kVHO9GylqjKAhLRFZFlH3qnUE6LDXWjLD4G2jrIAa2I0t664CtSfGKPa8w0/s1600/137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgn1xu753czha9S1a5QlPvIVVJsXRegshP09x7ZFI_4FrnxIYU1YCGvOjFVSiEFXXH07oFdaxGdn0BsY1kVHO9GylqjKAhLRFZFlH3qnUE6LDXWjLD4G2jrIAa2I0t664CtSfGKPa8w0/s320/137.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My local Indian takeaway. Delish!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Here's to a new year, with new adventures!<br />
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Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-57847160150764650102012-04-01T17:42:00.001-07:002012-04-11T18:04:18.251-07:00The Return<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqux9ie0FaRId1Y0SbZ9YQKLyFgtM4tRKvMHaM_IpZMmK7zDkqJZ-gF382pdOemOXqAw1m8iv1sa-W9RznFfGl2G0Ka6Lm0QWNDJmgGghYmDz7Scb6FqF4SA6AaQNh7YiEWN2zzFxT3RA/s1600/315.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730312369470799826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqux9ie0FaRId1Y0SbZ9YQKLyFgtM4tRKvMHaM_IpZMmK7zDkqJZ-gF382pdOemOXqAw1m8iv1sa-W9RznFfGl2G0Ka6Lm0QWNDJmgGghYmDz7Scb6FqF4SA6AaQNh7YiEWN2zzFxT3RA/s320/315.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br />It's hard to sum up three months into just a few paragraphs… A year ago, I never would<br />have imagined myself embarking on an adventure to the other side of the globe and now here I sit, reflecting on my time as a Tare at Sangam. How thankful I am for this amazing and life changing experience!<br />For three months, I worked at Anand Gram School teaching English to the children who live on site as well as in the nearby village. This position was equal parts challenging and rewarding as learned to how teach within a different education system. Spending time with each class of<br />students from 3rd Standard all the way up to 7th Standard was always exciting and their enthusiasm for learning English made riding the bus to school each day completely worth it.<br />I feel that, even in the short time we had with them, I have helped to make a lasting impact on their understanding of the world beyond them, as well as the potential they have to go out and accomplish great things. Seeing their smiling faces each day as also reaffirmed that I have this potential too; they have taught me just as much, if not more, than I have taught them.<br />As a part of the Community Programme, you are able to immerse yourself in so many aspects of Indian culture all while living in the safe and supportive environment that Sangam naturally gives. Being a Tare, I gained more than just friends, I gained a family. The time I have shared with everyone here will be treasured forever. We have laughed together and cried together, sharing and supporting each other in our journeys. I am coming away from this experience with a better understanding of myself, a renewed passion for education, and a desire to promote awareness of global issues. This truly has been the most amazing time and it has been a privilege to share it with such wonderful people. I can't wait for our paths to cross again.<br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730312376064961746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ59elnzufgUcpu8UuCB9fo0Sz7SYzxMjpgQHjdXLfIKZB08AvL8_WR3Z7vskZkvJAqRUMiUWzvMfy_bVt43E8wk208NGit3FuU-eNJYhw1OYbT2ajHE6ae6CE7dlb-2EL4XZtgqQOd28/s320/tare+2012.jpg" border="0" /><br />So now this chapter is closing and a new one is beginning. I'm not sure what it will hold, but I am confident that it's going to be great. Once I get used to a new, colder climate, that is. One thing is for certain, though, I see India in my future again.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-63409774772989067692012-03-18T04:13:00.003-07:002012-03-18T04:38:01.635-07:00Luggage!!!Moving to India for 3 months required some forethought. Below, you see my things laid out, ready to be packed.<br /><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721195286973500082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyn2SDYykclZ7bwfQEs-42UPkpGU6I0pDtU6nqbzu-Rw738DABTMsGJd8OrrWMmhjx2FYMvDx0aHFz06QpmQPbTDWQHFzMkhx0QWWMFX3_hppIEgrfeu5hSrnRZr9n2Q5qmyhaEOP0Ys/s320/DSC00641.JPG" />I managed to fit everything in this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">awesome</span> bag borrowed from my friend Lisa. Woo <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">hoo</span>.<br /><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721195299235117826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cZq1UhQyEP3yYCbkje-q1Gxg5UB23lXFSSXMSGqJNfNPf_IR_AUfMjx14FVFOKhSj-Af9eS6-wK7sgt0sf5d8o3NfaVDK_KXn1yaeE4OheGqOzc3QladHbhJzxOJPLZm9h5A9bvBoK8/s320/DSC02292.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>Now, with just under two weeks left, I'm starting to think about getting stuff home. I seem to have acquired quite a bit and I've had to go buy an additional suitcase. For the record, I'd like to point out that I am not the only one in this position! There have also been several trips to the post office recently...</div><div> </div><div>The crazy thing is that the bag I bought today at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Laxmi</span> Road is actually bigger than the one I started with. It's pretty full already, after my trial run at packing, and I still have a few more things to squeeze in.</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721195310019214530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lnK56pWhhGc3PnoByP2ne2H8qmtfQo5Sv8Rgasz2H5mvFZNzlK5NWO44fXHWr1XXHeJN04lCfNmdQAKjcTioGKmUiD33-_LDYgXWzbKOfi0sITnCEwN_PeeDrCDC9aUMB6syK-LhHkg/s320/DSC02294.JPG" /></div><div><br />Fingers crossed!</div><div> </div></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-68688817810990702302012-03-17T03:50:00.004-07:002012-03-17T04:13:45.070-07:00I Heart RecyclingI love India and it is a great place to live. However, one thing that I have not been able to come to terms with is the amount of garbage I see everywhere.<br /><br />But, rather than taint my viewpoint of this marvelous country, it has caused me to reflect upon my own environmental footprint. Back home in Canada I recycle quite a bit (I even compost!) but I will admit that there are far too many things I just simply throw away. Out of site, out of mind -- we have dumps away from the cities where all of our garbage goes. Do you?<br /><br />Recycling is not a foreign concept in India, it just seems to be taking time to gain momentum in a way we are familiar with. Thankfully there are organizations, such as <a href="http://e-coexist.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">eCoexist</span></a> - one of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sangam's</span> community partners - that are making efforts to shift the practices of people here. One such way is by promoting the use of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">eco</span>-friendly canvas bags instead of plastic carrier bags (which are everywhere). It's also worth mentioning that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mumbai's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Dharavi</span> slum (one of the largest in the world) has incorporated recycling waste from the city into its own self sufficient economy. I have seen evidence of this resourcefulness in areas of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Pune</span> as well.<br /><br />So, as I prepare to return to Canada, where just about anything I need or want is right at my finger tips (excess packaging included), I am now more conscious of my contribution to that big waste facility that I cannot see outside my door.<br /><br />Have you thought about your footprint today?Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-53565194092701185772012-03-10T21:58:00.009-08:002012-03-17T03:43:15.309-07:00Holy Moly Holi<div><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div>My first introduction to the Holi festival was through an episode of the Amazing Race where the teams had to race through a crowd of people to find their clues, all while having coloured powder and water thrown in their faces. That's pretty much how it is, although much less staged and <em>loads of fun</em>!<br /><br />Holi festival takes place at the end of the Winter, in Spring (aka the two days before it gets really hot) and is a celebration of colour, light coming out of dark, etc. Indians love celebration and have some sort of festival each month of the year; Holi is one of the big ones.<br /><br /><br /></div><div>Our festivities kicked off with our Children's Camp, where some of the children came from each of our sites for a day of activities and a holi party. It was great to interact with them on a smallerscale and see them out of their school environment where they could just be free and excited. The camel rides were a highlight for them and I really enjoyed my ride with Vishl.<br /><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720795341776490786" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfE2oQ_QSHsFlURnjTmfLKnu1sh6B3u1vumh6J6lLEZKX8tfcBCudRsjbShAfSs-YGqcmKYUF9xifQopfzFNX976njgSMZChqzUHausaXgvi2FjD98n0I5tUFSaG2kftpaJbP6wEAXwQ/s320/IMG_4675.JPG" border="0" /><br /> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcTsq7XShj1DSwI7Z1hSDcHNzP5EudSgaqSLWxicUTEG6-tXbUMfX_0JDTFdV_GYw7nW3H19zTbA7O9u4EMcDdf6nbFdNNxi8bmfWnBP-j43N-C_aMww6IYYYJ5LZ3_FYsQ8BCDXQTVo/s1600/DSC02081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720801059638750002" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcTsq7XShj1DSwI7Z1hSDcHNzP5EudSgaqSLWxicUTEG6-tXbUMfX_0JDTFdV_GYw7nW3H19zTbA7O9u4EMcDdf6nbFdNNxi8bmfWnBP-j43N-C_aMww6IYYYJ5LZ3_FYsQ8BCDXQTVo/s320/DSC02081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJlwXlMbCd7fgVprZt3iMuyi0biosWn2Zyob59703vAuSFRrI5L5M4S_Pbrh9vzovE3oEovJMYN9_1wKCag9YYTSGtWpuWN8fj9J1w9KDQtGkAQwfcA1ONY_IpMjpla2nd60n4bn4DCs/s1600/DSC02070.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720801039434111554" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJlwXlMbCd7fgVprZt3iMuyi0biosWn2Zyob59703vAuSFRrI5L5M4S_Pbrh9vzovE3oEovJMYN9_1wKCag9YYTSGtWpuWN8fj9J1w9KDQtGkAQwfcA1ONY_IpMjpla2nd60n4bn4DCs/s320/DSC02070.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>eCoexist provided the natural holi colours and the kids had a blast throwing the coloured powders at us and each other.<br /><br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>On Thursday we celebrated together with eCoexist at a big party on the Sangam campground -- this time with water. Imagine a giant water fight with crazy sized water guns. Or just massive buckets.</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 217px; height: 152px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720790237699164450" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzTYtTenq6SuePecbjmF2StuW4BuVRIS_YgVhI9EtFEXPp7glndPvf-ISkzm2UlGpq0OM-lEO1vQ3fiSYyuo8ccFbWfrw5emkAfbDdkvx5i-HdaamG6B_dozqm8_ZYDDpSImOQTD0NWo/s320/holi2.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>After going crazy with the natural colours we decided to venture beyond the gates of Sangam to the streets of our neighbourhood to see how the locals were celebrating. As you can see by the vibrant (and chemically altered) colours on our faces and clothing -- it was a party out there.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSa7OU_SXiqC57jZDMqsjubugPN7VFO6laXXdodqdfa4LeKnnU9mWyndy1JAdnu_xLpoL4ukZIFUDF9FXQ0Tq2Kg-XcOXoba-Og-nXNlhuQOnp7Z6kxh62SFBwNuvavibmHD0ov7R2bw/s1600/Holi1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720801025683395266" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSa7OU_SXiqC57jZDMqsjubugPN7VFO6laXXdodqdfa4LeKnnU9mWyndy1JAdnu_xLpoL4ukZIFUDF9FXQ0Tq2Kg-XcOXoba-Og-nXNlhuQOnp7Z6kxh62SFBwNuvavibmHD0ov7R2bw/s320/Holi1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlxJHjbH7lEpiqzoMiOmN6kxvHkhulYgWYxfAKfFtRbwuuzBowoh5qjL4XTcjhPA5sDq3ar57SrrxbiISySA5TtHaS2ghgb7RvkdNDczkdYZoTrxunHNX7drfSdopNZDcixjyvmo5obU/s1600/holi3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720801033153753090" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlxJHjbH7lEpiqzoMiOmN6kxvHkhulYgWYxfAKfFtRbwuuzBowoh5qjL4XTcjhPA5sDq3ar57SrrxbiISySA5TtHaS2ghgb7RvkdNDczkdYZoTrxunHNX7drfSdopNZDcixjyvmo5obU/s320/holi3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>"Ranga pancha" is the fifth day of Holi and it just happened to fall on a school day. Our afternoon at Anand Gram involved absolutely no teaching. Instead the teachers started throwing colours at each other and naturally the students, Elly, and I joined in!<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720708748081970546" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvGRqer1uNLho0pT6Pnm0xkY-aj1xftVj8nh5ln9oFq_H2Ud2BxvfxHGPNRvkTzZd0mfWZjElp_rBI210WEOug75gpC_O1_M9-N_E_-AgfdeO4MTiAlrsjXzBVgn0dkvwsjkEPa2vXnA/s320/DSC02131.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /></div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720708750338367346" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmUfeJG0ZHP_NNn1eoJ79dCXAGIxz6_rfbmFGm58773WxGVVnri0848QFsbXmBs9aL6zoIhq8TlG1ASOKdT7f6tMJY17Ht7Tl3aEk5GehK8_8gSgRP8ojLbz1j4yz5RrF715X5cc0Rbc/s320/DSC02145.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720708757334416098" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7psbV_E_xPi1S7ZuUVXo3_oMtlcTq2GDU5KJ2QMIIE-8FAcSQAQiLcFHk3my1hzoEo2nt1tkLZPRL5QOYKLlyfKvb5B09v-_se9GhPapYTTWSQm0hhS8AGjru8U2actHFVsddpgGp1gA/s320/DSC02155.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-52963115101594994022012-03-03T23:03:00.007-08:002012-03-05T08:06:58.986-08:00A Teacher in India<div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 223px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715937892360968642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrafJi-aM0NYYo9OSV7I8SLDugnbD9A-by6rI2xDq_0an8ve8cCE-H4qmhF98VpFIcTNfv2aNxUzgPntbBRe6uG-6JQ63PPp_w31i6J-PBNQiX2cycAjxlkoR2_vTVUO8mN7TgbYFX8Y/s320/IMG_2766.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>I love being a teacher; it is woven into every aspect of my being. I am deeply passionate about education and providing opportunities for students to recognize their potential, which is why I was eager to work at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anand</span> Gram School. </div><div> </div><div>Settling into the teaching here was a challenge initially, as it is so different to what I know and do in BC, but I feel that together Elly and I have made some good progress and it's hard to believe that our time here is nearly over. From the beginning we have focused on teaching essential English skills in a way that would hopefully make them excited to continue their language students. We were also hopeful that the teachers would see some new teaching strategies...</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715937917133867266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMRILTi6MoDxNdgyxvbgI73R_QjBUNuIuftn0zOMVXGOtPliSIAnW3UA6t1GvhdmbqTFRTtXiNthJn-1aR5vRouMHE26pXFnQgvZCd3Q9l8Mq00LwhpJQ7cJ4w6zavClDfAqM9swnVqA/s320/IMG_3114.jpg" /><br /></div><div>It has been a remarkable journey, learning to work within an almost entirely different system. We have bonded with our students for sure; there are some great personalities that will never be forgotten. 3rd Standard has some real gems. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Harshal</span>, who chased us down the lane last week to return my star pointer. We could hear in the distance "Madam! Nadia Madam! Elly Madam!" and turned around to see him running towards us with that ever-present beaming smile on his face. There is also <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dipak</span>, who we only taught a few times before he switched classes, but whom we argue over which one of us will take him home. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vishal</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sandeep</span>, with their politeness and hard work -- they have learned so much!</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715937910649800818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2VOxsOe3SbJY20vbugtpHQbxoljaKLQK7N6XS9Il2VdwjUsBc28K7bEM8YzQl5N7yQ9ZGzDlTwf90kKD99JwTnyS380xFe3iek2Ybqv9V_D-gdVN3Z4B9JDHQu9cW0lsg-ib28gcrW8/s320/IMG_3067.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>Then in 6<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> there is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonali</span>, with her gentleness and infectious giggle, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Akshay</span>, who is our comedic translator. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mahesh</span>, the delightful keener, who is always trying to make sure his group is listening.<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JaPkK0JsNITvXOHZA6MvsLTD5Oi2GtKDsTHHNVKGJpyvcV9jeTcOZ0yXWuybbe2RPDx4algeXsUmH4nhS7tAVhY_10DEEVm0c4bh0PnVZ2cGWfysUrjg9EBAA3HUF-9o6qjFXpRsDq8/s1600/IMG_2921.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715937900601785890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JaPkK0JsNITvXOHZA6MvsLTD5Oi2GtKDsTHHNVKGJpyvcV9jeTcOZ0yXWuybbe2RPDx4algeXsUmH4nhS7tAVhY_10DEEVm0c4bh0PnVZ2cGWfysUrjg9EBAA3HUF-9o6qjFXpRsDq8/s320/IMG_2921.jpg" /></a><br /><div>5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Standard is the lively group with a lot of kids that aren't yet aware they have the potential to succeed. Hopefully we've made some progress in this area... My fondest memory from this group is when <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nikhil's</span> father came up and spoke (in broken English) with us about us teaching English to his son. This was while we were waiting for our bus home on the main road!<br /></div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715937897059704242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eCmo1qc1uQ94-FB9_hKduBhyphenhyphen3wDfvxWyLfEuLQx5rADe_YVyqwtW6fNjy_epr0OgJP5uOReBAIvfe_oB0zS942fDFeKEfhI5V5BYi-Ut6TippfTYCkywNkNqzjWKA5xL2f1I0fQ4O0w/s320/IMG_2831.jpg" /></div><div>Our singers and quick learners can be found in 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Standard! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nagsh</span>, who was so excited about his ABC notebook that he took it home to write in. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shamboh</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vijay</span>, Ajay and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Protiraj</span> who share their ideas freely and with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exuberance</span>.</div><div> </div><div>I could probably keep going, but with 50+ kids in 4 different classes (most of whose names I've learned!!) this would be a <em>very</em> long post. So, I will conclude with a favourite quote of mine:</div><div> </div><div><em>Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. </em></div><div><em>~ Nelson Mandela</em></div><div> </div><div>I hope we provided opportunities for positive change during our time at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anand</span> Gram.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div> </div></div></div></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-15215549568133463252012-02-29T08:46:00.008-08:002012-03-03T01:22:43.295-08:00World Thinking Day<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bXXpx2J5KL3pxHN2OhJNm0EgWax0w-BpeqA15ph8pXqAseljYGoKE-KBuHRSkg5nCifgP3yztLRR9Z0rsE7eARFU6LGkb14rawKjykTpqvaD8YA6X_JxSB-0-1AkC4zyb8FduQbzvIw/s1600/DSC02004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714609506519617042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bXXpx2J5KL3pxHN2OhJNm0EgWax0w-BpeqA15ph8pXqAseljYGoKE-KBuHRSkg5nCifgP3yztLRR9Z0rsE7eARFU6LGkb14rawKjykTpqvaD8YA6X_JxSB-0-1AkC4zyb8FduQbzvIw/s320/DSC02004.JPG" /></a><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714609512264671378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_ujTEuO4IRRAYzZ5kk8byCBO_ANObOkZOcN6LaHmed5i4WK4GDx8gc_ym2j5Gfc91NFKSVCFjJPlJ-HUB5cjblVsQTZW4wKBYy2pzuC5BklgECHISnP4TgRvMK5Cv1bCK-zToyfHges/s320/DSC02006.JPG" /><br /><div>Waaay back when I was a Brownie, I remember learning about the four World Centres as part of our Thinking Day activities. The memory is so clear, I can even picture us all sitting in a circle looking at the pictures in our Programme books! I don't think I ever really imagined that I would have the opportunity to be at a World Centre on Thinking Day itself, but when I was in the process of applying to become a Tare, that was one of the first things that crossed my mind.</div><div> </div>I don't really have words to describe how it felt to be across the world, with my Guiding and Scouting sisters, celebrating the birthdays of our founders, Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. So, I write this blog with a caveat that it isn't likely to be very eloquent... ;)<br /><br />In true Indian fashion, our morning began with a flag and welcome ceremony in the campground under the jazzed up stage tent with 250 or so members of the Bharat Scouts and Guides from the Pune area. Then the Guides and Scouts participated in crafts and games activities organized by the event participants. As as Tare, I was a floater and so able to see bits and pieces of everything. </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714605613743316162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2LzLzoRjfp2y7VvwpsJxOfp_wVM-C6T3ubLzOXcQO8OsT4aTEFqEihDMYhk6QejCn8S4s9B5sHMjaBJR4fSK_WJSp_kONglwlj6oLXm4nxA35OOsFym-VL3xRYep1u0eIErtgREQDSo/s320/DSC01953.JPG" /></div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714605606503917666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjR6ZdmcHpUUYi0xigLX2428rB4JlV16EqTCabjIrFuFl9HnUAuCGb0xLzogozKcOD4fk7Fa3Xn6clj2GIKOjBYSkQENBX8JamHiXi8v8NzuUF1IytpFD32SU61FOvACVkeTrfTcvTK0/s320/DSC01952.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Throughout the morning various groups came and made presentations to the dignitaries on the stage, which ranged from modern dances, drumming, and traditional dances. I even got to try twirling a giant baton thing with some of the girls.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0OWJSybVY6PM2gUPB5phJb_LrSP0WhgeoS1jyx1_JfKPDEouRex6z1zr90AtmA3O7sF1t8XUAcH8PzjCpVLcQidmpzJgWupm4kj13jT38fSMlPTeAEl0XSq4MjPBzcw_0l_s1r2VA_8/s1600/DSC01971.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714605626410345362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0OWJSybVY6PM2gUPB5phJb_LrSP0WhgeoS1jyx1_JfKPDEouRex6z1zr90AtmA3O7sF1t8XUAcH8PzjCpVLcQidmpzJgWupm4kj13jT38fSMlPTeAEl0XSq4MjPBzcw_0l_s1r2VA_8/s320/DSC01971.JPG" /></a>Our regular Wednesday Tare activities followed...Hindi lessons and rest (this week!) The evening was the highlight of the day for me as the Sangam Family (and we are indeed a family now) joined together with event participants for our special Thinking Day Ceremony.<br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714605637434478738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wqI9rlzXrH9AP9HzPN9jvC3sdriud9c49LIqPRdRAG06TOSHI1JRisxVrAu6tQvG23JvE6SN5tZDP-TOuLLOBBNx-FsnKRl8WCyLezm1RmDObAJM1_qas05iZH7Rb50LbnwC2C4cUPI/s320/DSC01985.JPG" /></div><div>Carrying the flag in the procession and representing Canadian Girl Guides with Olivia was an honour -- I hope we have done our organization proud during our time at Sangam.<br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714609488024796482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt23PR7XWM8EwLoK3w4Da4HBKkh2UAHm_uBrV2-GK4eT9_Al4v2m4hpZQH_7laPQ2lGF4iDzcdbloFSG0SDpRGVSuWyreAlcU1Xjw0kI4S2AaGqrDwODPpH0wLkWmr7va8eiqAmxAsWvU/s320/DSC01990.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>The poolside readings and songs were thought provoking and setting our tea lights afloat at the end added to the overall ambiance. Our ceremony concluded at the Thinking Day tree, adorned with cards and letters from Guides and Scouts around the world.<br /><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714609491527012658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TEnn2fyMgcMrXga8eTBmAcm7NtqGdSDo0Jpa6jn7eGLlBgkM9JaJ3Xz11ZrVU8GfUpe9hROfJlamIXAKozBMYE-zFSUGAVKJRBBd-TEwQ-CYF0M9db7v04q_n1YDqpYUVLiM3oIVucE/s320/DSC01997.JPG" /><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div>It was truly a remarkable, memorable day. One for the history books.<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-44646996649959893192012-02-26T07:01:00.009-08:002012-02-26T08:31:58.808-08:00Northern-ish Delights<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJryDAFEHQ3mkZ1_tWILJEtoMuuTjKvYheSFSAUZU8NNKDxTvs4RmCKo3E0KhE09Sxdbq2oiSdHY6ZFJRRCh3B5FHa9X2fB0aadF29k_P842HY3dOLgOU0TeLnPiZTO3dZ1REkLzerGM/s1600/DSC01668.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713465148053559554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJryDAFEHQ3mkZ1_tWILJEtoMuuTjKvYheSFSAUZU8NNKDxTvs4RmCKo3E0KhE09Sxdbq2oiSdHY6ZFJRRCh3B5FHa9X2fB0aadF29k_P842HY3dOLgOU0TeLnPiZTO3dZ1REkLzerGM/s320/DSC01668.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Everyone loves a long weekend, right? Last week, eight of us Tare took a vacation from our "vacation" (working in India) and capitalized on Shiva's birthday, heading further north to explore the wonders of India. We touched down the first night in the super fancy New Delhi airport, however didn't stay long as our mini bus was waiting for us just outside. Hiring a car and driver is a fairly common way to travel here and surprisingly cost efficient. It also makes for an entertaining ride -- the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bollywood</span> tunes were pumping into the night as we made the four hour journey to Agra. Even in the dark, the sights along the way were amazing. Sleepy little villages right next to massive, lit up temples and industrial parks or colleges. At about one o'clock in the morning we pulled over at a random little stand, that was not much more than a tin shed on the side of the road, and had freshly made <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">chai</span> while someone slept bundled up on a cot in another tin shed. Despite arriving at our hotel in the wee hours of the morning, we still managed to get up early enough to enjoy breakfast in the roof top restaurant and have a full day exploring the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Taj</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mahal</span> and Red Fort. It's hard to put into words what the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Taj</span> is like, so I'll show you a photo instead:<div><div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713465134233996850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOHQMQlQ45HWC9py4jzgEzw4sxQ8Hi992i8Cnxxe2VP15OubpaxkXuvqYfIf-DuZ6Ap__dplxkiyqTrmQ_KeF2TBkXLJWP_y3wHzU21_5bjThPCOQ91pejXH62fhXMBF0MV8Y_Pxfduk/s320/DSC01612.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>It's a pretty amazing building from far away and the closer you get the more you are able to appreciate the details and craftsmanship that went into this marble monument to love. The story goes that after the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Taj</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mahal</span> was completed, Shah <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jahan</span> had the hands of all the workers cut off so that they could never build anything as spectacular again. I don't know, maybe that's just an urban legend... Either way, it's size and solidity are indeed remarkable. </div><div> </div><div>Our drive back to Delhi was more eventful than expected -- about an hour into the drive something blew in the engine preventing us from going any faster than 40km/hr. Now, many people might be frustrated at the slow pace (the rickshaws and horse-driven carts <em>behind us</em> for example) but I found it to be a great blessing. Instead of whirring past things at crazy Indian speed, we were able to have a leisurely, scenic tour of the villages and countryside we'd passed only two nights before. Rural India is something to treasure and I wish we'd had the opportunity to spend more time exploring this laid back part of the country. The tranquility was gone as we approached Delhi late in the afternoon...</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713465157942321170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGRQZDY4BOicMAJzBB7jECBowO1dnNI9ESoaQ9D274kuS3RzpLy05vRfzxcPa-boKT8R_HYV7DhEuvHW5PPlq_7wVXvQMLR6frDSSoZrcP1LzvhFgUqKBCVCaCY-APCed42tDr5HbxaE/s320/DSC01749.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>Exploring the Main Bazaar in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Paharganj</span> area of the city on a Friday night was an adrenaline rush and gave me many <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">opportunities</span> to fine tune my bartering skills. :) Another early morning departure for the first of three long train journeys and my introduction to the Indian Railway system. We're on our way to the deserts of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rajasthan</span>! I love riding trains and wish I had the opportunity to ride them more often; it was one of my favourite things about living in England and travelling through Europe. Indian trains are quite different, especially if you go the way of the regulars and experience Sleeper Class. Despite the steady flow of people getting on and off, and lack of closed compartments, I had a decent amount of sleep on the overnight journey from Jaipur to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jaisalmer</span>. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713468007506116690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpDlPneFJgsGeUKqUoqPuMHP9gVpMrK8fyJXShuP7CyhWGcIKz-kui4-A9Z2j69mzJJ10ax9DAZTZ9R-ol-NYpc0znR3dvm3_5WKFWGgfpF1H5hYwNLl2kGau3iJR_nYi5qEJcEntx_4/s320/DSC01798.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>I attribute this mainly to the lovely <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">pashmina</span> blanket I bought at a shop in Jaipur which shielded me from the wind. I am also thankful for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bec</span> and her jasmine oil which, when dabbed on a scarf, helps to diffuse the horrid smells at the stations. Sadly, I can never use this scent again...</div><div> </div><div>The excitement was building as we arrived in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jaisalmer</span>, ready to begin our desert safari and camel trek. At this point, I'd like to give a shout out to Trotters Independent Travels, the best place in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rajasthan</span> for authentic non-touristy camel trekking ("Unique Safaris from Half Day to 21 Days). The only other people we saw on our whole trek were across the sand dunes at least 5km away.</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713465167677879474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3Oyg4Xt0UdZ4-wd1vyxyF3I1yWa-bWzlKDkGpfxqYbHCteaOOTt0ypE982ANXrjFD96g_QEzPeLubclqfcilRBSam0G6oLEUWJP2SXlokX18x0JFKIzrKudodoDbg93z8R4MflsYmAQ/s320/DSC01835.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>By far, the camel trek was the best part of this trip. I have done a lot of camping in my life but <em>nothing</em> compares to waking up in the desert to fresh <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">chai</span> after being tucked into bed the night before by your desert guides, with a vast sky of stars to put you to sleep.</div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713479786252106946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcILJyx1VJkIjct5DJOyqIzDjGnnTiIvDpgX7tzqKxH85iZ1j4J25Wk6_i4vHqSs7AwoTWUgfdI1gduidBaW4kQVU1bNAQOpvcPepkxNWpmSCrhdXj_alTxGP3PvMLwrCVJQDDzA7_T-c/s320/DSC01874.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>Two hours of riding on a camel is more than enough at a time. I think I may still have some bruising. But, my camel <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lilyia</span> and my young guide <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rohit</span> were pleasant company. If it weren't for the occasional ring of a mobile phone, it was like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">I'd</span> travelled back in time 2,000 years.</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713468046821782258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaNiX_yQOUAHp6eKYC2a9jbzqCqszMhG0lxvrG_vsm75KXP0VMVUSeLsN3f5NlWNePsINSR_-lN5N2aRzDdwg4wAv6Z0mZG_zoDFET0uPHutzG1MEm0S047XVUKRrfE9FOt1uHA9CyZg/s320/DSC01897.JPG" /></div><div> Our three <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rajasthani</span> desert men were fantastic guides. Their campfire chapatis and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">dal</span> were the best I've had to date and we were all mesmerized by their traditional stories and songs.</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713468036888140050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB98RVNwSBPMYPbtPEyJUPQOsjAqTtN8OLGmMFsnC93hqGb-df1GcCUZYkvjbKoQn0B_Md4i_o20CJ7fV1pl_XExKgKYNX2CKVbX1yebx6flcjbwGIhgLdbALTRm7sYbhFdw7c5NgBvGA/s320/DSC01899.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>But alas, all great holidays must come to an end. After 6 crazy days it was time to come home to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sangam</span>.</div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-50597770249172240992012-02-07T19:41:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:20:28.349-08:00Hindi 101मेरा नाम नदिया है मई हिंदी बाल्टी हूँ मई कनाडियन हूँ मई संगम जाती हु अप हिंदी बोलती है<br /><br />One of the great things about being a part of the Community Program at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sangam</span> is all the extra cultural activities we participate in on our Wednesdays 'off'. A big selling point for me, when researching the program, was that we would get Hindi lessons. I <em>love</em> languages and wish I could be fluent in all but I will settle for knowing bits and pieces of a few.<br /><br />So, that script above should say (if the 'type in Hindi' button was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accurate</span>) "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mera</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">nam</span> Nadia <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">hai</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">mai</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">hindi</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">balti</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">hun. </span>mai Canadian hun, mai Sangam jaati hun. ap hindi bolti hai" which means "My name is Nadia and I speak Hindi. I am Canadian and I stay at Sangam. Do you speak Hindi?". I can also say a few other things and will now attempt to give you a quick lesson in key Hindi words:<br /><ul><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">jaldi</span> -- <em>fast</em></li><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">basa</span> -- <em>sit</em></li><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">kitna</span>? -- <em>How much?</em></li><li>ha (with a nasal sound<em> -- yes</em></li><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">nahee</span> -- <em>no</em></li></ul><p>Now for some important sentences:</p><ul><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">mujhe</span> _____ <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">pasand</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">hai</span>.</li><li><em>I like....</em></li></ul><p>For example: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">mujhe</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">chai</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">pasand</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">hai</span>. <em>I like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">chai</span>.</em> or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">mujhe</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">imli</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">pasand</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">nahee</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">hai</span>. <em>I do not like tamarind.</em></p><p>I really could go on an on about all the great things we're learning to say but what I love most is that I'm starting to use it a bit with the students at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anand</span> Gram as well as rickshaw drivers. We learned a whole rickshaw conversation -- provided the driver follows the script, I'll be good to go.</p><p>When I get home, I'd be more than happy to share with you my new knowledge... :)</p>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-15524655762552787422012-02-06T08:33:00.001-08:002012-02-07T04:31:45.439-08:00School Days<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQsxDJwTnEV9bQjc2Z82sM6xEafKg94zsOfgAzPQRA7jm6je2m8CYLOUFUqn1iMfcvc4k-H3_lPedu5Mf28RFTgcvsv8r-BQI3ydsHmhaF1jaWDUvIr_9_Z3LJy6a8tgW0OFIl5IsB6k/s1600/DSC01206.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706067878393318354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQsxDJwTnEV9bQjc2Z82sM6xEafKg94zsOfgAzPQRA7jm6je2m8CYLOUFUqn1iMfcvc4k-H3_lPedu5Mf28RFTgcvsv8r-BQI3ydsHmhaF1jaWDUvIr_9_Z3LJy6a8tgW0OFIl5IsB6k/s320/DSC01206.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>It has been about three weeks since Elly and I started our volunteer work at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anand</span></span> Gram and each day it seems there is something new for us to learn as we try to understand how this school is run.<br />School officially starts at 11:30 (although sometimes it is 11:15...) with a morning <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">assembly</span> on the outside stage which provides some relief from the heat in the summer. Here, the students are led in some quick <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">calisthenics</span></span>, they sing their national anthem (which I am slowly catching onto in Hindi!), and recite the Pledge of India. This is followed by Hindu chanting and meditation. Every now and again, a student or two will recite something in front of the whole school, and then we all clap for them. Did I mention that there are about 350 students at this school, only 8 teachers, and each class has anywhere between 40 and 65 students? Yikes! These numbers fluctuate daily it seems. Attendance is .... varied. :) Many of the students come from the villages that have sprouted up around the site as well as those that live at the orphanage there. (Check <a href="http://anandgram.org/" target="_blank"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anand</span></span> Gram</a> to get more information about this Society).<br /><br />After this the students file back into the school and to their respective classrooms and the teachers go off into the staff room for bit. Around noon, the teachers make their way into class. As for our schedule, the teachers have asked Elly and I to teach English to three different classes a day for one hour each, covering Standards 3 to 6 (and now they would like us to do 7 as well). That's a lot of prep!! We've discovered that there are great variations in the English abilities between the Standards (as to be expected) but also huge differences within each class. Schooling in India seems to be mainly rote and the teacher in me struggles with that method, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">especially</span> in light of recent coursework. However, given the class sizes, I can appreciate the need to teach this way although I suspect that it is easy for kids to slip through the cracks...<br /><div><div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706067849690150818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Wok2M4xsal38HiTyhsKBCknLgFab-79A5bGBl6cxKj_4AKxo_atbJAZk6WmlaMUblICcsT1ttwFsSEnk5zibhvb9hmMelICd4o2GiFv1pv82-K0I0eKvAjE4Fyd_gGok6ttDaCSfGco/s320/DSC01382.JPG" /><br />There are some other aspects of this school that I have found much more challenging than their methodology. Corporal punishment has been illegal in India for about five years now, but it seems that things are slow to change in this little school way on the outskirts of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pune</span></span>.<br />The other week, as the children arrived and lined up in their class groups, if they were not in uniform (or the <span style="font-style: italic;">new </span>one the had just been given) they were either slapped across the face, smacked repeatedly on the back, or (if they were lucky) sent home to change. I found this really hard to watch and it left us both very unsettled. I'm sure my gasp was audible to the students nearest to me. Despite this horrible start, the time with the kids that day was really great, we left feeling enthusiastic about what our impact on the students could be. Conversations were had when we got back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sangam</span></span> that day, in an effort to understand this discrepancy in punishment style.<br /><br />The following Monday, the teacher who had been implementing most of the abuse, made a point of initiating conversation at lunch time about the reasons for this kind of punishment (a term that he used) at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anand</span></span> Gram. While I do <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> agree, I a) appreciate his willingness to help us understand, despite broken English and b) recognize that this is part of the culture at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anand</span></span> Gram particularly and that our Western 'punishment' (discipline, consequences...) wouldn't work immediately. There would need to be a <span style="font-style: italic;">huge</span> shift in belief and practice. Elly and I felt more comfortable after this conversation, knowing that they were aware of our feelings towards such punishments. Conversations around this continued on Tuesday as well. Some of the teachers are curious about how we manage students in Canada and England without hitting them...<br /><br />So now, I look to the next 7 weeks with mixed emotions. It's hard to feel like you can make a positive impact in a situation that seems to be stuck in the past. I am hopeful that between the two of us we can model some other teaching strategies that promote classroom environments based on trust and respect, not fear. For example, today I showed the teachers another use for a stick -- I made a star pointer to use in our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">vocabulary</span> lessons. :-) Both the kids <em>and </em>the teachers loved it. Small steps....<br /><br />All this uncomfortable stuff aside, the kids are generally really lovely and super keen to learn English. Naturally, every class has their clowns, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">hard workers</span>, helpers, and mischief-makers -- just like at home. But, seeing their smiling faces and hearing echoes of "Good afternoon, Madam. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Namaste</span></span>." every time we walk into the classroom sure makes it all a little better. We've got some real characters that we're teaching and I can't wait to get to know them better.</div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706369649749196530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6WwwAs5KvaGRvhhEzBBPaB-clrPxS-SasfNUgyGditevcNQUtKyAz8NfbihDjYXAt-24hVx-8WlZLyX-0g-t3hl0Lf581Y-lpA2tcTAZEVy8vrmE9eHCc7iCm1wuLtydJEBJv1wO-3A/s320/DSC01213.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706067855351481874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1oS91zUvOQmgoZ6R3fhOB9iylJEd-ZJhIqXjanVgsXhC3amXwGucExdV5L-3rnhsentHdEQ1ydUYIszuCM59Ow3DnNL2mV4yOhbjEdkMo2QAdlikeh8gBnsDRx-h17VioZipmuLFPRM/s320/DSC01400.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-87886291752126786962012-01-28T23:19:00.000-08:002012-02-01T08:41:54.430-08:00Busin' About<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSLXpwx0Axv-S4Xghk9j65ZLYYyB9NvsTt8A29fsVHni6cTPpcZHqE_Vjj0TLMRPYGu2mI8Y9kjjUFvvp3BCQ-MZOBfqGi7R_ibFe1FbcpZ-nVLwb1i5XYdTcl92kG3Ok7ul1UBuRPug/s1600/DSC01204.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704206238507596594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSLXpwx0Axv-S4Xghk9j65ZLYYyB9NvsTt8A29fsVHni6cTPpcZHqE_Vjj0TLMRPYGu2mI8Y9kjjUFvvp3BCQ-MZOBfqGi7R_ibFe1FbcpZ-nVLwb1i5XYdTcl92kG3Ok7ul1UBuRPug/s320/DSC01204.JPG" /></a>An exceptionally empty bus!?!<br /><div><div align="left">When I was preparing to come to India, it never really occured to me that I would have to take the bus anywhere. But, as it turns out, Elly and I are the two Tare who ride the bus each day to our Partner site, Anand Gram. Perhaps many of you have an idea in your head of bus travel in India. If it looks anything like this, you're on the right track.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 281px; height: 179px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704094064880867362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEHUc9y7EnC65oSWoJuax8mhYzOGh2B3q3nH4vTFr3UqGVZUg9xppzUmdflvobiouWjei-2wSRiT76JMFR1ri1l30_-0Tv9rgQtQXyQueJO-eKmCfRqYk55UnJFWW78zeFtHt9dtk_AI/s320/bus+ride.png" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Fortunately, this type of scenario seems rare in Pune, although it is very common to find 4 or so people holding on in the rear stairwell because there isn't room elsewhere on the bus. Why, just last week that was me! Thankfully, it wasn't for very long -- after a minute or so things shuffled enough that I could push through the crowd and actually be standing <em>in</em> the bus. My general rule when I'm riding on the stairs of the bus (yes, I have a general rule for this now) is to hold on tight and don't look behind me at everything we're zooming past.</div><div> </div><div align="left">Somethings to note about riding buses here:</div><div align="left">Everything is written in Marathi. I don't read Marathi, so this is a challenge. Our typical tactics are to flag down any public bus that is coming and as it slows down (they don't really stop) we shout "Alandi?!?" to the conductor at the back and if he bobbles his head in that lovely Indian fashion we run and hop on. Yes, run. The other day, I still had one foot 'on the ground' (mid-air) when the bus picked up speed. After successfully boarding a moving vehicle, it is then time to communicate with the conductor our destination. Me: "Kate Vashti, 2." "Kaste Vashti?" "Ha." (This means yes in Hindi) Money is exchanged and we hold on for a wild ride. Of the 20 or so bus trips we've had to date we've been able to sit for about half. A few times some courteous locals have given up their seats for us. This is because they want to talk to foreigners. :) There is definite crowding, although nothing like 'super-dense-crush-mode' which, believe it or not, is a form of measurement for train carriages in Mumbai. I await, with trepidation, the summer season when things really start to heat up. What will the buses be like then??</div><div align="left">So, as our stop approaches, we begin to make our way (if possible) to the front of the bus where exiting is meant to occur. Thankfully, the conductor rings the bell to let the driver know he should slow down -- just a bit -- because two people want to get off. The cool thing is that this bell is really a bell, on a yellow rope, that hangs the length of the bus and jingles just above the driver's head. Truthfully, I'm not sure how he hears it over the roar of the engine, grinding of gears and squealing of breaks... We brace ourselves for the hasty exit, fearful of getting left hanging mid leap.</div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704094067050390482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinP353e8nY1n2Fvs0q2hCrFfjZM8mHbgDdz05KeJj1YDUYdcKASszNRv5uK2Aet2RW55ww8OfSG54VZPpiHQ5agAHaUzCUlyMInUdF1PX-v7kVX4m5_exL5IJCb6xFPpIuvXRoAnQyb0M/s320/DSC01203.JPG" /></div><div align="left">This is Elly and I on our first bus ride. It's blurry because it was fast and bumpy --going over speed bumps it felt a bit like the downward motion on a roller coaster where you're kind of hanging and gravity hasn't kicked in yet. But hey, at least we're sitting.</div><div align="left">Another thing to note about Pune buses, is that most don't have doors. On Friday afternoon's bus, some of the vertical bars weren't attached to the ceilings anymore... that made for an interesting ride.</div><div align="left">I wish I could share some more photos of our bus rides but, quite frankly, I need to hold on with both hands. :) The good news is that I am starting to enjoy this daily routine and it gets easier each day. We've yet to get on the wrong bus, so that's always a bonus. I have conquered rickshaws and buses; next on the list is trains...</div></div><br /></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-9444602456014370412012-01-22T07:44:00.000-08:002012-01-22T08:21:40.003-08:00Indian Essence<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic26noNpxpZh3jZCJ7w29BHeW014OQljMpr3rnykEoQtBzhnNfyNV7JhSfWtaVvJOkG3KSu1E3hZ89yNaSIC7DNFhUoyrnod4yBlko8WOMuzhHdToKokIGHlAjRHRtC5vQMfIzsKFsHcU/s1600/DSC00927.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkUwxVs55Fd5qEAU2Xd6gh0kg2aE0Jp-4c7g7xAxBtLEzIiooATljWPAbW9TWIKzo-tgevrWwry4ibhFrHDv5L72DforQM6WFqigZW2CLTJcAcMRcuQolOpvACLImu6bSnCr6ccUiNyM/s1600/DSC00953.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700490834831370066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkUwxVs55Fd5qEAU2Xd6gh0kg2aE0Jp-4c7g7xAxBtLEzIiooATljWPAbW9TWIKzo-tgevrWwry4ibhFrHDv5L72DforQM6WFqigZW2CLTJcAcMRcuQolOpvACLImu6bSnCr6ccUiNyM/s320/DSC00953.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>What's the date today? I can't believe it's the 22nd of January and I've been here almost one month. The time has just flown by in a whirlwind of activity, so I thought I'd take a moment to reflect upon some of the highlights of my time in India so far. Pictures included, of course. The Tare (<em>pronounced Tar-ay, in case you were wondering like I was at the beginning</em>) had the benefit of participating in the Essence of India event as part of our orientation, and what a great event it was. (Thanks SVs!!)</div><div>Here are just a few of my favourite things we did:</div><div>1) Sari, bangle, and bindi shopping on Laxmi Road</div><div>2) Exploring Phule Nagar, the neighbourhood across the road from Sangam</div><div>3) The Pune Challenge -- a bit like The Amazing Race (minus the whole "last team to check in may be eliminated" thing), where we had to navigate our way to specific locations via Rickshaws. Everytime I get in a rickshaw I feel like I'm on The Amazing Race a) because I'm never completely sure they've understood/know where I want them to take me and b) I have this crazy urge to shout "Jaldi! Jaldi!" which means "Fast!Fast!" in Hindi.</div><div>4) Visiting an Indian Family for dinner and having spicy food. The food at Sangam is farely tame, due to the 'international flavour' of the place.</div><div>5) Our Indian Afternoon, complete with a lesson in tying our saris (and then wearing them), chai (yum!), mehendi, and a traditional Maharastrian Wedding Feast -- and I mean feast! There is no end to the food. Oh yes, and playing badminton in our saris. I realize this is not particularly Indian, but it's really worth trying. </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700490822932364530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4z_EKjHzwyF_4OM4jDPUU7IyKThry4fh5RMDKHRKOfQkZRunSi3cznCtIyDea3_fqIxWTAzsK3zJez5JDcRA46n3obCcRJLftEcx48TK8I80bxVmIHFPietHE5gDgDdNi-bOrU2zt84/s320/DSC00935.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700490825691151570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfs6eoBicBicnWVsW8c2LTeleng_lNvtkESzVuXNEOGpxx_mfKpTsLeLPXRWsWCoGNRxW2jOkOqFh0XyzYUQL-iqBju_c9fHY8B0sPF4YeUffQRWOE0Jxpbs2ZtNf-LfCEtRclpkgj1g/s320/DSC00944.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>6) Learning about some of the WAGGGS initiatives to do with gender equality and the other UN MDGs.</div><div>7) Bollywood Dance lessons and a Bollywood movie night. We watched an Aamir Khan movie which in English is called "Every Child is Special". Not your typical bollywood flick, but sooo great. To all my teacher friends: you <em>need</em> to see this film.</div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 191px; height: 263px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700490851334728754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8YI-u1xUi0tzQHDwDat772VJXlkFl-9-pdDRY8wBw36G1AVWQ5jmkl2cvsTu2pBhkfv4r3bElpeuDlbdc9cKsgZw5ANtEjQEoAvztwA1F53vIicid57Ut7SVbqc8wgtT1Dzb0PyTSmo/s320/every+child+is+special.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>At the end of the two weeks it was hard to say good-bye to Maxine, Anne, and Christine; they felt like part of the Tare team. But, the great thing about Guiding is that our paths could very well cross again.</div><div> </div><div>Onto the next part of the adventure...the Community Program!</div></div></div></div></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-71775945758024766392012-01-13T03:05:00.000-08:002012-01-14T18:53:03.724-08:00Childrens' Camps Continued<div><div><div><div><br /><div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697681012878523410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ePKyiH4IVXKWXsHtlN-M1XZAdxmbdMG5A2G10Tnj-Q4IJ5xmyeky2tAwZJ1pxmfjwSPFCl1apPtMGJ4M3-h8sbmL_OAa49GwJIdBy0QA_u3-fVB3aSf4cmEhi8Xw8IGbSaXVDdd8fP8/s320/DSC01055.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div> Days two and three of our Children's Camp were indeed much more successful! We rearranged the schedule to accommodate the heat and energy levels of the children and things ran much more smoothly... The children from Tara Mobile Creche were amazing! During our biscuits and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">juice</span> two of the older girls sang a beautiful (albeit long!) song for us in Marathi. Then, it was on to the games. At our Sports station we decided to finish with playing on the playground and this was definitely the highlight for me. Their shouts of 'Didi, Didi!', which means Auntie in Marathi, filled me with joy as we all played together. The children from Mobile Creche rarely leave the construction sites where they live and go to school; so a playground, something which we may take for granted, was a real treat for them.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Adri</span></span> joining in the see saw fun.<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697684174581607778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ChNk9GkvrM-THOnqHI3PzwgGnC1nw-GZ-5s8yzARHfhgvjt3aIGuifKZo5i-gsygJa70snD-D6wby4Z4VpfN9BF4yeAbpBJiH92C4rnG4xb4claFcw5SOOgNrESxXrUa0Nxe7TwSu9Y/s320/DSC01071.JPG" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The merry-go-round was a popular choice -- even for Alison!</div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697684180444016146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwgxp90hVloKp2xr4Vejq9S3_cSy-1f3R3CSMu6tsvfjmzeWrLrPdQZcf8sDz9kRZwDszaGQ9NPAQty7Jvx-LwrlmkAKswFDdxToWUp4yUKmjw3ew32Etn2Yuh67lVS5g-OAFHM6g8ek/s320/DSC01076.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div align="center">I enjoyed hanging out on the monkey bars with this character!</div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697684204098756962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvsG5V-jbdSgjXYDnz8fjb51qtlpjOA2plSzBilnLa6CbYlhap4zW-vUhvGBHUQOCC1ACejP1bbza9LLHtxXyZXiRSEM6Q8lmmga8bUyYvg39YbC1Ytl-bKUQww4v-GPhhXKvngFqpvI/s320/DSC01100.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>On our last day we welcome the children from Door Step School and Deep <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Griha</span></span>. Door Step School provides non formal education and study classes for children who would otherwise miss this opportunity. Deep <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Griha</span></span> is an organization that provides various programs from health to education for adults and children living in the slums of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pune</span></span>.</div><div> </div><div>This day was much different from our day with both <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anand</span></span> Gram and Tara Mobile Creche -- it was easy to notice that these children had had less exposure to structured activities. However, despite the challenges of organizing this group and maintaining some sense of order it was still a great day. These children, too, were experiencing many things for the first time and the smiles they left with were even bigger than the ones they arrived with.</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697685818938665730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUdcLba7GrPeB30GGJpoJQ4MLwEibQ8ccGEEUv4lXwEVJgPZOlTkavtQN4Fa6zXzyeL3t2hyphenhyphen0E5iasqJRxn7vbXtXbHNBTYW2NKSotJL3ONd-lzWTk5i7pAnZG_S5kfWDIGtYhfqncPw/s320/DSC01134.JPG" /></div><div align="center"> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bollywood</span> dancing was a fantastic end to each day!</div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-35894758352509576892012-01-11T08:29:00.000-08:002012-01-11T08:55:46.014-08:00Children's Camp --Day 1<div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKgEnBdIJq09GG11GyREXYe4hHhxFxUOSLhw66VNB27l8eFIGujuj5TRREo-8vlINiO9bny4uenOcMEZUVUk8GTtlepF44p-6v7kxsddrVocO9XtVO0-ysm6gBJhTJV46d8GvAITFofo/s1600/DSC01013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696415933853806930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKgEnBdIJq09GG11GyREXYe4hHhxFxUOSLhw66VNB27l8eFIGujuj5TRREo-8vlINiO9bny4uenOcMEZUVUk8GTtlepF44p-6v7kxsddrVocO9XtVO0-ysm6gBJhTJV46d8GvAITFofo/s320/DSC01013.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Today we had the first of three Children's Camps with some of our Community Partner Organizations. This morning 40 kids arrived from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anand</span> Gram (my placement) for a day of games, songs, and crafts.<div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696415938280220994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbCr7-37mE5uidQtd9dVbYWN3xeleafnZyVy8QDDY8jbnD9rnk0QR2aA8uT5ybf1q_JUMM_7LoJebCPrp19gWv5u-mtXRhr4z57eHFl_1UugfRlUwb0NWu-HoFZJNvX7DaiNQj_pfeT8/s320/DSC01014.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>It's been awhile since I've helped lead a day camp and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a challenge! The language barrier also added to the challenge of the whole day. Here are some photos of the kids and what they did at our "Sports" station. Boy, do they LOVE cricket -- I actually learned a thing or two from them, when they were willing to let me have a turn, of course.</div><div>All in all, it was a great day. Some kinks were ironed out during our debrief this afternoon and tomorrow we get ready to welcome 40 more kids from Tara Mobile Creche.</div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696415954377355378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHerBdQ4jv_RDzC22AzGIYlIkUW-mfZ59uI-1HjdBuHzgaO2QM2YJ0UeR2a5Ax6bdAzXq0nLy7c8Fguf3P68sJMZBIFeTGPJl_ap5u55zruKpULMacSIk53kJKvPttvEf4Zsg8KGgOgQc/s320/DSC01021.JPG" /></div><div align="center"> Parachute Games -- they loved playing Cat and Mouse!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696415966405787698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8dTAgi0qjvCGY8biwmQ0frNocoeQmZ_OZnm8nJrz_E33RWIwwLy7tJBGiqK3wVm8Sa2Vmrs42N0DUTZZe0rbsvreGnPfA8zRG5v0ksI71uyU5kXk7PnO8YYD4sNoWHjtfLQA0ZvhjF8/s320/DSC01028.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Cricket!! </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696415973675804882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EuQI2ydyJKQH8Pcy2wzI0AMJu6Z0B57KDUPqfNEVP6q4tlj23Fz-50a0Hp14wYgdfvEINd1ASqhePWrceFfXOzHks4lfU3vondwDfX_6JPO2CIrcS_oTnZwTtpL9mp8OQSRrrymiQwU/s320/DSC01045.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Washing up for lunch</div><div align="center"> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696418773856707890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-E_S5o_lNJqmLlKLJduej31q2T5iSGvBJYIveufTbw1-UsrJQc_x8oJi1lAMB7JS1M-mzxuLkWp77gBK7itlG8VYyFiUopptZMjVd7g7nSE2sOb1gGeADWsPbJUMv1EapZoUawG6Nb4/s320/DSC01047.JPG" /></div><div align="center"> Enjoying a delicious meal together...it was spicier than usual today.</div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-66320306728731549112012-01-08T22:53:00.000-08:002012-01-08T23:26:23.537-08:00Community Partners Visit<div><br /><div><br /><div>This week we set off to visit our Community Partners for the first time. Myself and Elly from England are placed at Anand Gram, which means Village of Joy. Initially this organization was established to provide a community for Lepers and their children where they could become self sufficient and educated, despite being ostracized from the mainstream community. Now, Anand Gram's primary focus is on education of their students, as well as those of the nearby village.</div><div> </div><div>It was certainly an eye-opening experience as we were given a tour of the site and met some of the older residents and children who live there. I realized that my Western self will indeed be learning a lot, which is a good thing. The quality of living there is unlike anything I am used to, yet the people have all their needs met and appeared truly happy. </div><div> </div><div>The school at Anand Gram has approximately 300 students (maybe more) and there are six teachers, which means each class has anywhere from 30 -50 students.</div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695524117581538594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtXZxpFjd_IpL0s1CHxy_0etsNLgCmWMz3aDVPremqhncqy5kbA9OC2mArSSVk9Wka8tTXqDCanbG6pRBLySp0POQwAj8uOnKvN48p66iCtEmRCqr4ioBuUaX1xzn2RNqZLtSZscvos8/s320/DSC00916.JPG" /></div><div>This is a typical classroom at the school. There are no smart boards or even whiteboards, just a chalkboard. No space for centres or storytime, just bench tables. The style of teaching in India is primarily rote, which will be a shift for me. However, I can appreciate this style in a situation</div><div>where you have 40 students. Hopefully I will be able to learn from the teachers at the school and also share with them some other strategies. </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695526413073820994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSPXhCksBqQaXRCzvr6wDLPHtKLSTMY3SzKtxIq05Zq3BuZkqgJ1v1aL7ZErLwaDXUO7QbB6XimWIa0kGRLG9LckbgFI2_YLUhAJnHPmfDrCLvbR1OUdpthpjP7zphiSiLslchPsMsrg/s320/DSC00918.JPG" /></div><div> These are the on time students lined up to start their day with an assembly. School starts at 11:30am here. This teacher is reprimanding the students for not having the stage swept and being late and out of uniform. The amazing thing is that he just came out and calmly started talking and they all fell into line and were attentive. Would this happen at home? Not so sure...</div><div> </div><div>After their assembly where they recited school rules, said prayers, and other stuff (all in Marati) some of the students went off to class and the younger children stayed with us to play games. We had a great time teaching them the hokey pokey (0r the hokey cokey as it's called in England) and Duck, Duck, Goose, which they loved. I'm sure we could have played for hours as these kids seemed to never tire. But, as I was 'goosed' many times, I was somewhat relieved when it was time for us to say our good byes and head back to Sangam.</div><div> </div><div>There will certainly be more posts and pics to come as I get to know the students and teachers at Anand Gram.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-47802561317357740602012-01-05T01:11:00.000-08:002012-01-06T01:57:45.434-08:00Really Awesome Rally<div><br /><div><div><br /><div align="center"><div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694450525576357074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDFsGjSLKgi5Ly3BXUHndmDPB5rVJHzmi7XaQFSaCdg1iMtTvDPg9R6qEpRKL8-4l7nhEEfcSZo2teIpwxHrpmtDu65bVBj2sGb-WOHO3V7-hgY8VZD62cDshrQyJ4_5topBVR7niACQ/s320/DSC00815.JPG" /><div><div><div><div align="left">On Wedneday, January 4 we all had the MOST amazing opportunity to visit a Scout and Guide Jamboree just outside of Pune. The Bharat Scouts and Guides is the national organization here in India and the Maharashtra state puts on a massive rally every four years -- there were over 10,000 Scouts and Guides from around the state camping at this event. The fact that it was happening during our own program at Sangam is amazing.</div><div align="left">So, mid-morning 17 of us piled in a bus and drove for just over an hour up into the hills outside of Pune. We knew we had reached our destination when we saw the rows and rows of canvas tents with uniformed children roaming about.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694455429190086226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIk11uSOLvAliVf4zSqUiTpLQ1SfdcYF0VG0SzAhmnFF5RwdEKVvye5qibar2DlxLNDxDDt9FHotMc_IioJZxHqqkdZugyhzMwJLPd1Z2IQpzD258wPP3G1EIqGxhO6cMBXnb5GkBWs2s/s320/DSC00818.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Knots, just like home -- except for the Marati writing, of course.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">This began our day's adventure.... We met our tour Guider and it was soon announced over the loud speaker that "foreigners are visiting the rally today." We certainly felt like celebrities with all these people following us around. If we stood in one place for more than 10seconds, we were swarmed! "Picture please, Madam!" "What's your name, Madam?" "Madam, where you from?"</div><div align="left">While this aspect was certainly overwhelming, I felt extremely fortunate to be able to witness this giant event. Everyone we met was extremely friendly and seemed like they really wanted to get to know us and hear about our own Guiding experiences back home, as well as what we do when we are not "Guiding". The director of the camp came and spoke with us and shared a bit about how such an event is organized. It reminded me a lot of SOAR -- just on a much bigger scale. Aside from meeting all the Guides and Scouts, the best part of the day was when all of us were presented (in an impromptu ceremony of sorts) with the official necker and woggle of the event.</div><div align="left">It's opportunities like this that make me really proud to be a Guide.</div><div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694451510047112786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KxvXWy4kx9FvHqFh6oJB7KdU1NTDb8OrQ_gBE5pviEzkH2fiCcYqyotdk97mJ86aqbt7Ov24SwW6IxlBqVwsGrW1kbPgnr02eLmTiHa9843piwYcJHENSN-XbkYyNaLYjH3gepTFjsU/s320/DSC00838.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>The crowds following us -- everywhere!! <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694450523180037730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_GkPETTS7xeXtpuhiz4oddryCodJ86oE9cvGQhCt9XqMBOijHAkcpcCWGa6YD8H4eINi2M3PW9BYyU9PLHvaS6wJjhbNYOgWXnLSZ4ESjedFqsKRlA1Cavfbi20GLJ27JIzSlI_les4/s320/DSC00841.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-53088737941428792352011-12-31T21:54:00.000-08:002012-01-06T01:10:47.026-08:00Rules of the Road<div><div>The realities of this trip came upon me rather suddenly over the Christmas weekend. Only 3 more days left till I boarded a plane to India. Despite my careful planning, it still seemed like I had so much left to do, never mind all that Christmas stuff. I'm pretty sure I covered all the important things, but only time will tell.... aack.</div><div> </div><div>Flash forward a few days and here I am sitting in the courtyard garden at Sangam World Centre. It is certainly an oasis in the bustling Pune city. All around me is the caucophony of new sounds...strange birds, voices of the local staff going about their dailie duties, bollywood music in the background, and the chaotic honking on the streets outside.</div><div> </div><div>I knew to expect all the horn honking, but it really is quite something. It seems that this is how they communicate with each other, as there are no apparent rules of the road. I also haven't seen very many traffic lights. My first introduction to Indian driving came with the ride from the Mumbai airport a few days ago where I discovered that seat belts are merely for decorative purposes. Cars have belts only there is nowhere to buckle them in. Then there was the drive itself. Unlike at home where we have lanes we stay in, here they are merely guidelines of where to drive but everyone just weaves in an out of each other, always honking, sometimes signaling. This would not work in Canada but it sure seems to work here.</div><div>I tried to capture that first ride with a video, but it doesn't really do the trip justice. Just try to imagine moderate speeds with lots of weaving, honking, and sudden braking. There were many times where I could have stuck my arm out the window and shaken hands with someone in the vehicle beside us.</div></div><br /><p>Last night we all piled into a few rickshaws to go out and celebrate the birthday of another Tare on the team. Another adventure of road travel in Pune.</p><p>One day soon I also hope to be able to cross the street without my blood pressure rising quite so much. Huge adventures are just around the corner on this Indian journey and I can't wait!</p><p> </p>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-9315176217981546282011-12-12T09:12:00.000-08:002011-12-12T09:21:50.475-08:0017 Days and CountingThe last few weeks for me have been insanely busy, so it came as a bit of a shock when I consulted my calendar and realized that I will be heading to India in less than 3 weeks! This realization fills me with equal parts excitement and anxiety. I know that I am going to have an amazing time and my life will be changed forever, but this is unlike any travelling I have done before...<br /><br />Since I am entering the almost final countdown it’s time to make a list of what I still need to do. I’m finished being jabbed in the arm (opted against the rabies immunizations, if anyone was wondering...) and my fees have all been paid. Those are the big ticket items; now it’s on to the little things like figuring out what to pack. I don’t even know where to begin!!<br /><br />I have also just found out the Community Partner I’ll be working with, which I’m super excited about. I’ve been placed at <strong><em>Anand Gram</em></strong>, which means ‘village of joy’. This institution started in 1964 by Dr. Indutai Patwardhan to reach out to the victims of leprosy. As I’m sure we all can imagine, leprosy has a huge social stigma and those affected often are feared and ostracised by their own family members. According to the information I’ve been given, all of Anand Gram’s residents are healthy and those that were affected have been cured. As leprosy declines, Anand Gram’s focus is shifting to the support of children who have been stigmatized unfairly for having a family member with the disease. Anand Gram runs a school and home for about 300 of these children, none of whom have leprosy.<br /><br />Along with another participant, I will be working at the school teaching English classes and other things. I’m looking forward to putting my teaching qualifications to good use in a new situation.<br /><br />If you want to find out more about Anand Gram, check out their website: <a href="http://www.anandgram.org/">http://www.anandgram.org/</a>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-21816958632899110162011-11-23T16:07:00.000-08:002011-11-23T16:12:15.698-08:00Be Prepared...Most people recognize these two words of the Girl Guide Motto. I have known them since I was nine years old and whether you are a Girl Guide or not, those two words just make good sense -- especially when you are planning a trip.<br />It is just over a month now until I leave for India and I am in the midst of my preparations. I don’t think I realized how much prepping I would have to do! Not that I’m complaining, of course, but I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t a bit overwhelmed. This is particularly true with regards to immunizations (refer to an earlier post to see my initial thoughts on this process). In the last four weeks I have been jabbed more times than in the rest of my whole life. Perhaps I’m exaggerating a bit, but I’ve lost count of the different vaccines I’ve needed in order to travel safely in India for 3 months; and I’m not even done yet. It looks like I’m also going to need shots for Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis A (which both come at a very significant cost!) – just to be safe, you see.<br />This is where I start to wonder if I’ve taken our lovely Girl Guide Motto and twisted it into something much less wholesome. When does “Be Prepared” go too far and become “Be Paranoid”? Is it when I’m considering the likelihood of encountering a rabid dog or monkey? Or perhaps the odds that I will be bitten by mosquitoes carrying horrible diseases? I generally do well in mosquito season out here, with only a token number of bites, but perhaps my foreign blood will be more appealing to the mozzies over there.<br />So, I have one week to do some reconnaissance regarding these final jabs in my arms to see if I can justify the costs. (Can I put a price on my life? I think I hear a MasterCard commercial playing in the background of my brain...) If I end up going ahead with these shots I may have to seek out a rabid monkey just to even things out. Just kidding.Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-89367905266514718572011-11-11T11:15:00.000-08:002011-11-23T16:23:54.275-08:00Travel Bug<div align="left">I am thankful to my mom and for passing <em>The Travel Bug</em> on to me. When she was in Grade 8, my mom, uncle and grandparents took a year-long sojourn to Europe. Starting near the Crystal Palace in London, they travelled around Western Europe in a mini-van, spending time in places such as France, Italy and (most memorably) Spain. I have countless childhood memories of Mom and Grandpa retelling the highlights of that year abroad – some of them awe-inspiring, others downright hilarious.<br />For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to explore the world and see firsthand some of these places I’d heard about as a kid. When I graduated from University I took a leap of faith and moved across the pond to the Motherland to spend a year or so teaching (and travelling).<br />While living in England I was fortunate enough to stay at two World Centres and tick those off my bucket list of places to see. <strong>Pax Lodge</strong> became my home-away-from-home- away-from-home. Whenever we came down to London from the north where we lived, my friends and I stayed there. In the world of London’s Budget Accommodation, it’s the jewel in the crown. But, it being a Girl Guide Centre, was there ever any doubt? </div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678344385331568578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M6-JG-TZEqySeUp4HJQyfI_9TT6ZcdSy5X-HCJMg7UtT31nS9jLxot2zqiGH_sVF9l3cLsUjFwvguMTxVcAK7VxaEnVpIXCRRKx1cAVcpPShXAPivCv601aUnja3oPWKBmRqsB9SMGI/s320/WAGGGS_0001.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678345115707762994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH6Ifwm5_EGcyf5b4Ui5sHpCe3DvFhhsJBcf7G4MOEu-uSksZL5kAeOiDiEdU9IIqcuhcVkaeTo_87c12faEZTOrPU3LQAeq_sY0v-0bSCISa9GBoBSdY2_JvoDF8hueFJpW-24BhA1c/s320/WAGGGS_0002.jpg" border="0" /> Pax Lodge has this great map in the dining room where you can stick a pin in where you are from and add a crest to the mix. This is my friend Jess and I several years ago.<br /><br /><br />During the summer I lived in the UK, my roommate and I decided to do the Canadian thing and backpack through Europe. (Please note: I did <em>not</em> sew a Canadian flag to my pack – that was taking the cliché <em>too</em> far).<br />On that trip we spent a couple nights at <strong>Our Chalet</strong> in Adelboden. How we actually made it to the chalet, I will never forget. Since we were doing things on the cheap, we passed on the idea of taking a taxi and decided to walk up, up, up, up from the main road in the valley to Our Chalet. Oh yes, and in the pouring rain. With heavy backpacks. Upon arriving at the door soaking wet and just a bit tired, we were welcomed there in true Girl Guide fashion – just in time for a warm supper.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678345477150291026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfqZi6HYYcWcMWiYbImbLu2iSoATNIyn3Lax3CgK_tG-PGx_mUMIQ5GpamUBClc23Y-LnEIpWhwWeVkQVNQgf0oejGYvsDBuj_rZyzJVMKM3hf0AMFUv1Ul0n1m3bvKHgLh1KAuD92Xk/s320/WAGGGS_0006.jpg" border="0" />Almost there! Will this rain stop?<br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678345481767244002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5BgIOluymqio103docwVL2oRmr7DRgQ4FBb70UVyFWCGGykQTB6ev5zlLSly-W4ebyCCHXM2d7Q45-tes3nfxYeVN-NnMT__fjqoPZaX3DSZpfGt7M4Gf1NiSyEQ08Rxx3j244djcmg/s320/WAGGGS_0005.jpg" border="0" /> I love Our Chalet.<br /><br />I’m looking forward to ticking a third World Centre off my bucket list in just a few weeks’ time.<br />I wonder what adventures I might have while travelling to <strong>Sangam Centre</strong>...</div>Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-68547551941558470462011-11-01T19:00:00.000-07:002011-11-02T21:39:57.966-07:00Immunizations, Round OneOne of the things to consider when travelling to a developing country are the SHOTS you will need in advance. For the record, I really don't care for doctors offices. I find the vibe in them to be disconcerting. That being said, I'm willing to put my aversion to the side knowing that preventative medicine is the better option.<br /><br />So, determinedly I head off to the Travel Medical Clinic on Monday afternoon. I'm sure the doctor thinks I'm crazy because of the questions I'm asking and the speed at which they are being asked. (I talk fast when I'm nervous).<br /><br />Here is what I learned:<br />1.The typhoid vaccine is not actually live stuff. I don't know where I got the idea that they actually injected you with typhoid to keep you from catching it later...<br />2. Malaria pills can be crushed up and taken in yogurt. This made me feel much more relaxed. I have difficulties swallowing pills, you see. I realize this is likely a psychological issue because I probably swallow pieces of food that are bigger than a Tylenol on a regular basis.<br />3. My non-dominant arm is actually used more than I thought. When I sleep on my side, for example. It is very hard to sleep when my right arm is throbbing from that Typhoid shot. I think I may switch up arms next week when I head back to the clinic for Round Two of my immunizations.<br />4. And lastly, the Travel Medical Clinic looks less like a doctor's office and more like a travel agency. There are cool maps and magazines to look at while you wait!Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555194504459608795.post-42468370805926659782011-10-25T20:49:00.000-07:002011-11-02T20:53:19.203-07:00A somewhat brief introductionOkay, here it goes...this is my first foray into the world of blogging. “Why?” you might ask (especially those of you who know me well and know that I am NOT the most technically savvy person out there...) Well, the answer is more or less simple. I am about to head off on perhaps the biggest journey of my life and I thought it might be a good idea to keep a record of the adventures (good and bad) that will unfold over the next few months.<br /><br />From January to March 2012, I will be heading to Sangam World Centre in Pune, India to participate in their Community Program. Sangam is one of the four world centres within the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and it is a true honour to represent Girl Guides of Canada there. I am a Girl Guide to the very core and have been a member of this movement for 26 years – basically my whole life. I have to thank my mom for signing me up for Brownies all those years ago. As a Brownie I remember learning about the World Centres and wondering if I’d ever get to visit one of them. And now, in less than two months I will be boarding a plane in Vancouver and heading half way around the world to a place I never really thought I’d ever be able to visit.<br /><br />I’ve done a lot of travelling before and have been blessed to be able to explore parts of this amazing earth we live on. But, travelling to India is going to be a completely different experience. There is no question that it will be life changing to live, work, and contribute to a culture so different from mine. There are bound to be bumps along the way, but I know that the memories I’ll take home with me will be SO worth it.<br /><br />I invite you to join me on this journey...Nadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699253545410240827noreply@blogger.com1