Going into week two I’m definitely feeling the effects of sixteen consecutive days of India. On the one hand it is definitely the most culturally rich country with the kindest people I’ve ever met. Also it is magical to visit the sacred temples and ruins and be transported back hundreds to thousands of years. On the other hand the never ending bombardment of humid-intense heat, insane drivers, honking, con artistry by Uber drivers and inability to eat or drink almost anything without getting sick is definitely a giant cross to bear. 

I love the work that I’m doing with the children, it is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. That does make it all worthwhile. I’m sure that when I’m back home, comfortable and safe, that I’ll look back passionately and grateful for my time here. In my free time, this week alone, I visited the Taj Mahal in Agra and Varanasi, two of the most famous and beloved places for Indians. 

Varanasi was definitely the greatest culture shock of anywhere I’ve visited in India, or the world for that matter. While I was there I witnessed a street fight, had a holy man bestow me with a lay (necklace) made of flowers in the Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple as I chanted Om Nava Shiva, then watched two families loved ones that had passed away be cremated by the Ganges river. Not to mention seeing millions of flies on one street alone like a sea of pestilence while getting engulfed by crowds of Indians asking if I wanted to go on their boat, needed a ride in their taxi, or wanted to buy a token of some kind. Definitely a more edifying, thought-provoking and serious destination to visit than a fun one. 

At the school I’ve mainly been working with the kids on their English, the teachers that I collaborate with have had me correcting the kids as they translate Hindi to English. I’ve also taught Algebra and a dab of Calculus to them as I’ve realized they have great Math skills. I’m planning on getting them resources that will help them learn easier as well as trying to upgrade and update what they currently have to work with. When I first started I had apprehension to go to the school in the morning because I thought the kids would get tired of me but now it is my favorite part of the day.