Outings

2012 Mango festival last week in Delhi. Over 500 varieties of mangoes but none to eat! There was no taste testing and they only sold Mangoes by the case. Very disappointing on the Mango front, but nice to go with Melinda and Kristin for an outing. We bought one case and split among 3. I was expecting something like the Saugerties Garlic Festival, where there are tons of tastings from salad dressings, to raw garlic, to dips, even they have garlic ice cream. I have gone with Christopher for the past couple of years and we always enjoy ourselves. I recommend the Garlic festival to everyone.

The Mango Festival had many booths of food and crafts. These fennel sweets were on display, so colorful.  Indian after-meal snack or digestive aid made primarily of fennel seeds, anise seeds, coconut, and sesame seeds. They are sweet in flavor and highly aromatic due to added sugar and the addition of various essential oils, including peppermint oil. The seeds are often also coated in sugar and brightly colored.
Vishwa, from the office had a party celebrating his brothers wedding. It was nice as I met a few people who have worked at PH, we had something in common.  A good evening.

Sunday I went to the mall to see Madagascar 3.   At the beginning of the movie I was concerned that my eyes were failing me because it was a bit blurry.  Then I remembered that the movie was 3D and once I put on the glasses everything was clear.   Bought a couple of puzzle books - one was Sudoku.  I don't watch TV anymore but have become a regular at the Sudoku in the local paper.  I continue my quest for coffee - there was a place that had an extensive coffee menu.  Took a seat in the restaurant with my puzzle book, coffee and dessert - not a bad way to spend a afternoon (in the city).  The coffee was very good and asked to buy it BUT they only serve no sell. I ended up buying two different varieties from various stores. One was very good. Yea! I can relax when my coffee supply starts dwindling.

Work is starting to pick up. Talked with the manager and mentioned how I would like to have some interaction with the people In the field. He was open to it and said that he would try to facilitate me traveling to the study sites to talk with the heads of health care facilities in the area and learn how care is given to the rural population. Sounds OK. The start of this project has been delayed for a few months. By the time we get started, next month, the first three months we will be developing the training material. I did not plan on spending 6 months in an office. If I knew it was going to be like the past 2 1/2 months I would not have signed on. Once my fellowship is up in October is when their focus will be actual training.

The one thing that I do that keeps me excited is trip planning. Two trips have been planned.  On July 26th, only a few days away, I will be traveling with 2 others to Ladakh - the northern region of India - Himalayas. We will be in the capital, Leh, for a few days to acclimate.  Unfortunately we will not have time for much trekking as I don't have the vacation time.  I hope to share photos and experiences soon.
 After traveling North I will then head South to Kerala, known for the lakes and backwater tours.  There are 4 of us going on this trip.  I will need to start thinking about a trip for September and October.

Safety is not always considered.  This park carosel ride is a perfect example. You can see in the picture how the red airplane swings out into the people walking path.  If the man and child did not move away from the carosel they would have been knocked over.  Never in

America!