Birthdays in Kolkata.

So, Allison turned twenty last week- while we were in Bangkok. To be honest, it was a total bust. We were both ridiculously jet-lagged and cranky and ended up eating Italian, lol. We decided early on that we needed a re-do, but we just kept putting it off. But tonight we finally succeeded- epically. We decided to go to Flury's- it's a famous tea and sweet shop on Park Street. After browsing for a while in the Oxford Bookshop yesterday I had found a whole book on the store, so we decided that we must go. We invited our friends from the hostel who volunteer with us, Sol and Joy, and we set out. Originally the plan was to eat there, but one look at the menuy told us that it was alittle out of our price range, ha ha. So, we decided to venture down the road and get curry. That was an interesting experience because we were the only people in the restaurant and had like 6 waiters to ourselves, but it was good food. Then we went back to Flury's and got cake. Because we had waited and it was later now we were relegated to sitting at a counter (me ON a counter because there was no room) --- but the cake was really good and it was a really nice, clean looking place , with bright lighting. Ironically, it is right across the street from the McDonalds- yuck. After we had been there for about 20 minutes the power went out. It was an interesting experience to be in one of the more historical and fancy spots in Kolkata during a black out.

After cake (but before the power came back) we headed back for Sudder St. There was another birthday party that we wanted to attend. The juice boy at Juice World turned 16 today and was having a little party while he was working this evening. We'd never actually met him before, but once we did he was instantaneously recognized as a real charmer. He walked right up to me, party hat and all, and shook my hand. Quite impressive for any teenaged boy. :)
(Of course- I can say that now at the ripe old age of 20, ha ha)

All in all, I think we made up for the Bangkok failure.

Kolkata- the first true installment

So, to my five devoted followers I must first apologize for my shocking neglect of this blog. This past week has been an absolute whirlwind. Thank you for your patience. :)

So- Kolkata! Kolkata is beyond anything I ever imagined. The first few days here have been trying, but every day has been better than the last so I see that as a positive omen.

We started volunteering today. We are working at the home called Daya Dan. This home is for children with physical and/or mental disabilities. The children there are absolutely amazing. Some of them can speak, and a few even a little English, but even with a language barrier they are able to amazingly express their affection and enthusiasm. Our work is pretty basic, but in the broad scheme of things, such work is necessary before anything else can be done.

When we first arrived at the home (after a breakfast of chai, bread, and tiny yet amazingly sweet bananas with the other volunteers at the Mother House), we helped change the sheets and re-make the beds of the children. After that was completed we went into the room where the kids were and helped each of them with some physical excersize. Many of them do not have complete mobility on their own and so to fix or prevent shortening of their muscles from disuse we have the job of helping them stretch and stand, etc. Of course their is quite a bit of playing involved too. After a while we had a short time for singing songs with them. Finally before they went for their naps we helped feed them their lunch.

Our shifts are from 8am-12pm every day unless we decide to take on an afternoon shift which would be from 3-5:30. We may end up doing a few of those - but for the first week at least we decided to start slowly.--- Also, it's been necessary to have some extra time each day just to run our errands. There are not really street signs here, so finding even some seemingly apparent things has been a challenge. Today our accomplishments include finding a place to buy shampoo, soap, detergent bars, and some bug spray. Yesterday we were thrilled to obtain a mosquito net and mosquito repellent creme. It's amazing how challenging it can be to simply obtain the basics of life when you are disoriented and out of your element...

We've found what I think is going to be a long-term residence at a hostel called The Paragon Hotel. We have a room on the rooftop and the hostel has several spaces (two on the roof) in which residents can meet or simply sit outside of the small room. Our room is much nicer than the one we were in the first night here- this one actually has two windows while the first had none at all.

If you are afraid of TMI do not read on... Lol.

Today I am proud to say that I used a squat toilet for the first time! The Western-style toilet wasn't flushing so there really wasn't much of a choice. Turns out it really wasn't that traumatic of an experience, but now that I have discovered a Western-style toilet on the first floor that DOES work- I doubt it will be a feat that will be repeated very often, lol.

The heat, I am happy to say, is not SUCH a problem as it was initially. Either we are getting bettr, or it's getting slightly cooler, or maybe a combination of both, but somehow it doesn't seem as overwhelming anymore. Don't get me wrong- it's certainly not great. But I'm not constanty afraid that I'm about to fall over dead anymore. Ha ha.

Well, that's about it for today. Allison and I are racking up quite the internet bill. I actually have a challenge for you all: Take the time to calculate how much time you spend online or on your phone/texting in one day. Then tell me how you would do if you only had an hour a day, or two hours (at tops three) every other day. Then maybe you can share in the absolute trauma of this current internet situation/ be as shocked as I am over how addicted we are as a culture to the interet. Ha ha.

Love you all and will hopefully have another update by Thursday... so your Wednesday, or whatever. :)

And we made it to Kolkata.

So here we are!!! It's ridiculously hot and humid and sensory overload but we're here!!! We are hoping to do our volunteer orientation tomorrow and should start volunteering on Tuesday. Alittle jetlagged so will update more later!
Love,
Hannah

Greetings from the Kingdom of Thailand!!!

So I only have 13 minutes left on this internet meter but I just wanted to let everybody know that we are safe and sound in Bangkok. Found a nice hostel and am looking forward to exploring some of the sites close to our short term residence here on Khoasan Road for the rest of the day. Will be in Calcutta come Sunday morning-- Calcutta time, Saturday night for you in the states. Will update you then!!!
Love you all,
Hannah

WE'RE GOING TO INDIA!!!!

Love you all and miss you. Let you know when we get to Thailand. 

Packing

So, I've been packing today. The big question was which shoes to take... specifically to bring the hiking boots or no. I think I have chosen to bring them. They have really good ankle support. 

I can't believe that we are leaving in three and a half days!!!! It's crazy- I'm convinced that there is no real way to prepare. Anyone have any suggestions/words of wisdom? I doubt it considering no one knows about this blog yet, lol. 

Grandma Love

Grandma will become a technology master!!!! 

India Adventure: Leave in 5 days!!!

So it's official. Allison and I are leaving for Kolkata in 5 days. Wow. 

<3 

Will keep you updated. 

P.S. My grandma rocks. :)