I'm getting a routine

Trip Start Jul 18, 2007
1
7
25
Trip End Dec 23, 2007


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Flag of India  ,
Monday, August 13, 2007

I don't know why it only hit me recently, but there are over 4000 trainees on this campus, and I am quite literally the only tall blonde girl here.  I've been hanging out with a couple of the Indian trainees, and I keep thinking I see them and its not them... No one has that problem with me!  I can't go anywhere without getting stared at, and I really am feeling like I'm living in a traveling bubble.  I can't just pretend to be Indian, no matter how long I'm here and I'm always going to get different treatment because I am so obviously white.  Perfect example of this:  Last weekend a group of 7 Americans (4 girls and 3 guys) went to this club called Planet X.  When we tried to buy tickets they told us no because they had reached capacity.  We waited a little bit and started talking to some Indian guys.  About three minutes later a manager came by and said we can go in, and it would cost 200Rs per couple.  So since we had an extra girl we were going to try to bring one of the Indian guys in with us.. Video of my room
Video of my room
 . but they wouldn't let us!  Only the white people were allowed in!  It was SOOOO racist and I felt really bad about it, walking in after everyone else wasn't allowed to.  It almost seems like we are mini celebrities!  People staring all of the time, taking our pictures, and then the little extras we get everywhere, just for looking the way we do...  I'm going to go back to the states and wonder why I'm not getting any attention!  Reverse culture shock!

But I guess now that training is really started I have a good routine going.  I have to be in class around 8:45 for lecture until 12.  Two hour lunch break, where I eat and usually shower or nap, and then we have class time to do assignments.  The only thing that is really annoying about the second half is that we can't leave until 5:30, no matter what time we finish the assignment.  So I have no motivation to get finished early!  We have to sit at our computers until then, with no internet which kind of just shows the Indian way of waiting.  I think they love to wait!  Its a little frustrating, but I think a lot of people have been leaving early and then come back at 5:30 to clock out.  I might have to try that if my patience runs out... Which I think it might, and soon.

I did some shopping in Mysore today, and was really pleasantly surprised Spa we went to last week
Spa we went to last week
 .  I don't know why I didn't find all the cheap shops before, but there are some nice things here!  If anyone has any requests of things they want, I will be happy to get it for you!  Mysore is known for their sandalwood, especially in soap.  There is also a silk factory with cheap, really nice silk.  A factory that makes oils for The Body Shop is also here and I plan to visit and can probably buy some oils cheap.  There is really cute jewelry, lots of leather (think purses, wallets, belts), silver, cloth, and of course sarees and salwar kameezes.  I guess jewels are really cheap compared to the US (we are still talking 100's of dollars though) and I know that some people have gotten custom made rings and have orders from their friends of specific stuff to buy.  So, seriously, if someone has been wanting to buy nice jewelry, I can probably get it about half price here.  I want to get everyone what they want instead of random presents, so send me an email to give me color and design ideas, and I will keep an eye out.  After all, I am here for another 5 months, at least!
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