Today I headed out on my own. Prem, the driver picked me up at 9. My plans - to visit the Qatar minar , Prem would wait for me and then to Select City mall. I went to Qatar minar, a historic site, see pics above. The site was an entire living complex. The tower was started in 1193 and not completed until 1368. It is 90% original - absolutly amazing. Also what I loved was the building in which I am standing in front- it is the Alai-darwaza built iin 1311 with Islamic architecture. The building is white marble and red sandstone - all natural, it is beautiful to imagine the architecture back in the 1100's.
It was hot outside, but not too bad. I am glad I went.
My plans to go to a mall- the reasoning is that it will be over 110F and I want to go to a cool place that is not my apartment. I saw the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, in English, filmed in India. It was OK. After that walked around the mall, many of the stores were what we have at home. The only thing I purchased was lite cocunut milk needed for making my Thai curry mix- a hard product to find. No good coffee :-( I ate at a nice place in the mall. Had the buffet. Delicious. They had everything from roast lamb- it was fabulous, to my other highlight a- goan fish curry - oh so good and ended off with a double expresso. Prem picked me up at a 4. Went back to my apartment and was a bit restless. Went out for a walk to the markets. Found that I can walk around in the side streets with lots less traffic, so that was a great accomplishment. Bought a few items. Came home, feeling lonely and then my sister Jennifer skyped me - that was nice to talk and have contact with home. I realize how important my family and friends are to me. Thanks to all of you! I miss my friends and being relaxed and happy. I miss home with Eric, doing chores, gardening and my Miss Marcy. I don't think I have smiled or laughed since I have been here.
Still adapting but I miss you all!!!
At work I am not feeling very productive. I know what my project is, to train community health workers, CHW and dedicated project staff, DPS. The problem is that I don't know if they have been hired or even if they will be paid. There are three partners in this project and PH has not meet with the different partners so there is a lot to be done. Hopefully next week I will learn a bit more about the different partners. I have been learning about the healthcare system in India which is quite different than in the US. There are a few public hospitals, facilities not very good, and then the private hospitals where all patients must pay there own way or have private insurance. I am not sure if corporations offer private healthcare. It has only been two weeks but I am getting an idea of what I need to do.
What beautiful photos!. Sounds like a lovely day. One of these mornings we will have to skype. My morning, your evening. I love the dress you are wearing in the photo you posted on FB. Also, I love the details you share in this blog about what you do and what it is like there. I read it as if I am there with you and trying to experience it at the same time. Keep them coming and know you are always on my mind. Love, Jill
ReplyDeleteI wished that you were all here because I could BE happier. It's not that I am sad or unhappy but miss you and my home companions.
DeleteThanks Sue for taking us all on the trip with you via your blog! :-)
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, it is nice that people are interested. It makes me understand why you enjoy facebook. It's contact and knowing friends are interested in what you are doing - in you! Makes me feel good and valuable.
DeleteHi Sue. I read a little about Qatar Minar - the Tower of Victory. Amazing that it is still standing after all that time! So great that you are getting out and about. Funny, I would not have thought that the stores there would be the same as here. I guess we've exported our stores everywhere! I would like to Skype with you. Can we do that next Saturday or Sunday? How many hours ahead of us are you? Let me know what your schedule is like so we can set a time.
ReplyDeleteHi Marian, I would love to Skype with you also. My skype ID is blakeneysj. I am going to the Taj Mahal this weekend - June 1-3rd. The three of us Pfizer fellows are going to Agra (Taj Mahal) and then to Jaipur. I have arranged with a local travel agent that the car will pick JC and me up at work and then we'll get Melinda from her office (about 15 minutes away). The car and driver will be with us the entire time. Sounds nice. I am sure I will post about the experience.
DeleteHow about the following weekend. June 9 ot 10. I am 9 1/2 hours ahead of you.
Hi Sue,
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a wonderful job of describing and expressing your feelings, experiences and the environment around you. It feels as though you are here with us. Sounds like you are adapting to India slowly...which is normal. I can't beleive that you are watching tv and eating dominoes!!! Miss you!
I made a deal with myself that I cannot turn on the TV. I felt I was wasting my life and was not getting anything in return. When I get home now, I go to my ipad and play some of my music or tune into Jango. Regarding Dominos pizza - it was a treat and I will not make it a habit as I have found ingredients to cook. My favorite so far is the green curry mix and I add veges. Simple, you could eat it as a vegetarian. I miss you and friends. I have to say that I have not thought about work for awhile. I think about emailing Shannon, but it is not that strong a pull...
Delete"I don't think I have smiled or laughed since I have been here." This makes me very sad, but I'm sure it's not true - I can see you smiling in your picture here. :o) I'm sure you feel a little lost, but as others have said, you are very strong and will settle in and live the opportunity that you're so fortunate to have. I know that lost/lonely feeling from some of the times I've traveled alone, but it's just a part of the experience. It helps to learn more about who you are in new surroundings without others around.
ReplyDeleteI miss you lots. Blue wasn't the same without you. I fortunately remembered to get some flowers for the pots and Mom and Dad's spot. You usually do that piece. I meant to take a picture to get your approval. :) I'll be going back up in June because I forgot some things that should be there when Lisa arrives. But that's not too terrible a cross to bear...
Love you!
Thanks for this post. You remind me that I am very fortunate to have this opportunity. I just contacted a few Yoga places that are within walking distance of my apartment. I am sure once I start getting involved with the community things will start being better.
DeleteGlad you planted flowers for Mom and Dad I am sure they will be beautiful. I wish that we could do Skype or facetime at Blue, but no wifi. Is there anyway that we can contact each other through your iphone and 3G service?
Love you too and miss you.