Blog - Page 113 of 131 - Off-Campus Study

Living in Delhi

Lodi Gardens is one of my favorite places to do homework.

I have noticed recently that all of my blogs have to do with traveling outside of Delhi. Although that does consist of over half of my program, I should probably also talk about what happens when I am in Delhi. Long story short, when in Delhi, I do a lot of homework, meaning I don’t usually have a lot to talk about.

I live with a host family and one other girl from my program, Cassie. Our host family is a mom, dad, and their 22 year old daughter. They are all really busy so Cassie and I do a lot of things together. Every morning we have to leave for school at 8am. We have about a 10 minute walk from our house to the closest metro station. Then we take the metro for about 20 minutes and walk the last 20 minutes to school. It sounds like a lot of walking but I usually really enjoy it. Walking the streets in Delhi is never boring.

Seeing camels has become somewhat normal and it is great.

It is fun to have a ‘morning route’ because we are starting to recognize people. It is nice to start feeling more like a local, even if I will never look like a local. At school we have Hindi class for 2 hours; 1 hour as a large group and 1 hour in small groups. After Hindi we have a 1.5 hour lecture on various topics that deal with public health in India. The lecturers are people from Delhi, usually professors but sometimes heads of NGO’s. It is really interesting to meet all these different professionals and learn from them. We are served lunch at school and we are usually done by 2 in the afternoon. I always try my best to go and see things in Delhi but usually I have to meet with teachers or do homework. My program puts a strong emphasis on school work. Sometimes it is really difficult to find the balance between being a student and a tourist but I have to remind myself that I came here to learn. The best way I have found to balance is to do homework at a place you have wanted to visit. I have written papers and studied Hindi while sitting on the lawn of a temple.

Taylor Swift's new line of air conditioners-only found in India. — Taylor Swift’s new line of air conditioners-only found in India.

Lost in Jaipur

This past weekend was a “free” weekend where there were no classes or trips scheduled through the program so we were able to travel outside of Delhi on our own if we wanted. Some of us in my program decided that this would be a great weekend to travel to Jaipur.

Jaipur is a great city located in the ‘golden triangle’ of India. It has a lot of temples, palaces, and other great things to discover. It was impossible to see everything in two short days but we made the best of it. Saturday we visited the Amber fort which is on top of a mountain and gives a great view of the city and valley below. Then we did some shopping where we were able to see how textile fabrics are made and watch someone sew beads onto an Indian wedding outfit. Then we visited the monkey temple where we were able to get really close (sometimes too close) to monkeys and feed them.

On Sunday the group split up. Some people went shopping but I along with others decided that we wanted to try and find the city palace. We got some directions from a rickshaw driver and headed out. It didn’t take long to realize that we had no idea where we were going. We asked people in our broken Hindi for clearer directions. Everyone we asked pointed in different directions and said 1 kilometer. This is where we learned that in India everything is only 1 kilometer away even if it is actually multiple kilometers away.
While wandering around we came across a field where there were a bunch of kids playing cricket. There were at least 30-40 games being played! It is currently the cricket world cup so cricket is everywhere! I have always wanted to play cricket so I asked some of the kids if I could join and I hit a few times. I like to think I was pretty good at it (thank you high school softball!).

We kept walking around the neighborhood and saw a beautiful archway that looked like it led to a park. We walked in to look around. Half of the park was a green space with grass and benches. The other half was all playground toys. Have you ever wondered what happened to the toys that were on your elementary school playground as a child but are now considered unsafe? They are probably in this park in India. It was fun to walk through and relive those childhood memories. This park also had carnival rides for 10 Rupees. I rode on the boat ride. This is probably the most unsafe situation I have put myself in yet. There was nothing to hold us in, just a bar with loose screws that we could hold onto. The ride went so high that you actually lifted off of the seat. This is easily the hardest I have laughed in a long time.

We did eventually end up finding the city palace but we did not have enough time to go through it before we had to go to the train. Instead we opted to go through Jantar Mantar which is a garden with different structures that have to do with astrology and weather. The structures are all very unique and it kind of felt like walking through Alice in Wonderland.

León Dormido

One of the things I love about diving is how close you can get to the marine life

I’ve always wanted to learn how to SCUBA dive and when I made it to San Cristobal I figured…when in the Galápagos, right?! And let me tell you, learning to SCUBA dive was one of the best decisions I’ve made while studying abroad, allowing me to enter even further into the underwater realm.

Getting ready to go on our first open water dive

Besides being known for Darwin’s finches, the Galápagos Islands are known for having the most biodiversity in almost the entire world. Think about it, there is NO OTHER PLACE that has as many different species in one place. In fact, the Islands are considered to be one of the world’s best SCUBA and snorkeling destinations. I’ve gotten the privilege to dive twice at Kicker Rock, known to the locals as León Dormido.

Kicker Rock was originally a volcanic cone but has since been eroded from water, forming a channel that is perfect for diving and snorkeling. The channel is home to many species of fish and sharks including: scalloped hammerhead, Galápagos sharks, White-tip Reef sharks, and Black-tip Reef sharks. The scalloped hammerhead can be found throughout the archipelago in coastal areas, but you are almost guaranteed to see a Galápagos shark if you go to Kicker Rock.

Kicker Rock is also the perfect place to spot frigate birds and blue footed boobies nesting.

I still can’t believe that I have been on San Cristobal for over a month, I can’t wait to see my next few months have in store!! 🙂

Bucket List #12

Believe it or not, this was taken early in the celebrations.

Happy Holi!!! Today was the day I have looked forward to since I made the decision to come to India. When I started to tell people of my plans to come here and they asked why I would want to I always answered with “Well, I’ll be there for Holi.” Meaning I will be in India for the best holiday in the world. Let me tell you it did not disappoint in the least bit.

My host family does not play Holi because my parents are older and my sister is allergic to the powder that is thrown. Luckily there is one other host family with students in my neighborhood and they invited us over to play with them. Cassie and I were told to walk over no later than 10am or else the streets would be too crowded and unsafe. The 5 minute walk to our friend’s house was much more than we bargained for. Nobody is safe on Holi. I mean nobody. In just the short walk we were hit with multiple water balloons and covered in colors. Due to the utter chaos we got a bit turned around. The guys that covered Cassie and I in colors ended up helping us finding our friends apartment (more about them later).

When we arrived at our friend’s house we continued to throw colors at each other until we were all covered from head to toe. Now one thing I did not realize about Holi until getting here is that they also celebrate with water (balloons, guns, buckets etc.) and sometimes even eggs. The apartment we were at was on the second floor which is prime location for throwing water balloons at people passing by. Most people walking around or on motorcycles are loaded with their own balloons to throw back. Basically you have a huge water balloon fight with the whole street. It is great fun….until you realize that the door to your balcony is unlocked. Yes. A group of guys that we threw balloons at ran up the stairs and covered us in colors. My first instinct to seeing them run up was to zip my backpack shut and face it to the wall so that nothing could be taken from it (my dad would be so proud). My friends’ host mom yelled at them and locked the door behind them. It was hilariously terrifying.

Later in the morning the guy who helped Cassie and I find the apartment stopped by with about 50 of his friends. They all rode up in motorcycles screaming “HAPPY HOLI” and played drums while we threw water down. It was so incredible. Soon after, we started to clean up the balcony which was full of colored water, balloons, and eggs. Cassie and I still had to get back to our house but we elected to get a bike rickshaw this time. On the ride back we were hit with more colors and water balloons.

I am so happy that I was able to celebrate this great holiday and cross something off of my bucket list!

A Few Must-Do’s in NZ

My friend Marc and I toward the end of our tramp around Rangitoto. The volcano can be seen in the background.

This past week has opened my eyes to more of the natural beauty New Zealand has to offer. It’s no wonder why Kiwis have been calling it God’s Own Country, or Godzone, for over 100 years.

A few days ago, a large group of us planned a day trip out to Rangitoto Island to climb the youngest volcano in New Zeland, which emerged from the water roughly 600 years ago. We took the twenty-minute ferry ride over to the base of the volcano. It was only a few kilometers to the summit, but it sure was tiring. The elevation increased hundreds of meters by the time we reached the top. The views at the summit were remarkable, but as many people say, pictures do not give this beautiful country justice. If you are spending time on the North Island, be sure to add Rangitoto Island to your itinerary.

After experiencing Rangitoto’s sheer beauty, I had a strong desire to quickly experience more of what the North Island had to offer. With this in mind, we decided to venture around the Firth of Thames and on up to the Coromandel Peninsula. Supposedly, the best way to experience the Coromandel is via kayaking. Considering this, a group of us scheduled a three-hour kayak tour in Cathedral Cove and it was the most enjoyable three hours I have experienced in New Zealand. This area is home to many scenes from “The Chronicles of Narnia” movies! The water was as clear and smooth as glass. There was one point where we were kayaking in 50-feet-deep waters and the ocean floor could be seen clearly. The tour was located on the Hahei Nature Reserve where fishing isn’t allowed and nothing can be taken from its beaches or waters. This resulted in some remarkable marine life. Following these two trips, I was extremely drained but so deeply satisfied with what I had seen and learned.

One of my favorite aspects about NZ. So many islands scattered throughout the water. — Bright and early kayaking in the Coromandel. One of my favorite aspects about NZ – the islands scattered throughout the water.

Irish Adventures & Deep Thoughts

I know, I know. It’s been a while. But I have to be honest I have not have time! I barely have time to sleep let alone take a few minutes to write about these beautiful experiences I’ve been having.

Ireland has been making me fall in love more and more with it as each day goes by. I can’t quite put into words how incredible this experience has been. I have been learning so much about myself, other people, and my art. This country contains so much new history, culture, and language. It’s fascinating to learn about, especially from the Irish themselves. This is such a gorgeous place. I mean look, just look!

Just a gorgeous rainbow I saw on my hike from Greystones

It’s hurts me so much to know I only have 46 days left here, but I will have to make the best of it and be positive. Today was an especially interesting day…

I got a free scone, was told my accent was lovely [wait… I have an accent? what?], and an older woman and man who both didn’t seem like their minds were all there stopped us while we were on our way walking home and apologized to my friend and I for September 11th while kissing our hands. At first, we thought we had been distracted and then pick pocketed, but no. They just wanted some conversation, I guess?

I also had a really great day at college. In my manifesto class I had to write a short scene/sketch from the brief “The Call of Nature”. So I wrote a scene where I’m standing on the Ha’Penny Bridge taking a bunch of photos with my phone, selfies included. Then, I just stop and put my phone away and tell myself and those watching to just breath in and out. To just look at our surroundings and be present. Breath in the air and listen. Just listen.

This was inspired by noticing that I was taking way too many pictures of my surroundings without taking the time to really focus on where I am and the beauty that’s around me. Yes, it’s great to take pictures, but we can’t keep looking at life through a lens. I had to ask myself, “So why do I need to take these photos? To remember? Just to have? Or am I just wanting to post these photos on Instagram and Facebook later? It’s important to take a moment to soak in the moment and be present. I believe being present is one of the most difficult things for human beings to do. We’re always thinking about what to do next and where to go. Where will be tomorrow? What do I have to do now to get to the next place in my life? I’ve found I worried about these questions much too often, and that I have to learn how to be more in the moment. There was a moment during my trip to Northern Ireland where I didn’t bring my phone. I just looked out onto the coast and let the wind whip against my face and I let myself feel everything I felt in that moment. I let go of my thoughts and looked out at the ocean and huge hills.

Carpe Diem means seize the day, but maybe, sometimes we should let the day seize us.

Enough of my deep and internal thoughts. Here’s more pictures.

Typical Irish weather - unpredictable and sometimes absolutely gorgeous — Typical Irish weather – unpredictable and sometimes absolutely gorgeous

Me inside Dunluce castle! A castle all the way from the 1500s

The geological phenomenon that is The Giant's Causeway — The geological phenomenon that is The Giant’s Causeway

Dunluce castle- This used to be an oven!

Study Abroad Europe?

This past week my program took another excursion outside of Delhi. This time we went to the incredible tourist city of Udaipur located in Rajistan. Udaipur is known as the city of lakes and therefore is a big destination.

Many of the people in my program joked that this is the closest we will come to studying abroad in Europe. The city is full of temples and palaces. One day I was eating lunch on the waterfront with the view of a palace and had to keep telling myself that I really was still in India. It has been so fun to travel around and realize how different each part of India is.

One of the day trips we took was to visit with some traditional healers. They are called Gunis and work in a community educating and providing plant based health options. The first Guni we met took us through his garden showing us all the different plants and what they can be used for. I really enjoyed this part of the trip because I have never used medicinal plants before. I was surprised to find that a garden with 20 different plants can cure multiple different health issues.

Abandoned baby cradle built with the hope of preventing infanticide.

Another day we went to a local med school. Here we toured their malnutrition treatment clinic and visited a non-profit mother’s milk bank. These were both great programs that work to stop the cycle of malnourished children. Also at this medical college was an abandoned baby cradle. In India it is unfortunately common for families to not want female babies. This cradle was built so that families can anonymously drop of their unwanted children. The cradle has heaters to keep the baby warm and after two minutes an alarm rings inside and someone will go out to pick up the child. The children are then put in caring homes until they are domestically adopted. It is so encouraging to see such great organizations doing amazing things in India.

100% Pure New Zealand

Beautiful scenery and incredible wine at Cable Bay Winery in Waiheke Island. Justin Timberlake hosted a party here recently!

I have been in Middle-earth for a few days now and I have already fallen madly in love. I am convinced there is no city comparable to Auckland. One minute you’re walking down Queen Street (similar to Michigan Avenue in Chicago I’d say) and then the next you’re at the ferry port overlooking dozens of islands scattered across the horizon. New Zealand is truly remarkable.

Woke up at 6:00 a.m. on the last day on Waiheke Island. Climbed some big hills for a jaw-dropping view.

Adjusting to the cultural differences hasn’t been too challenging. Adjusting to 75 and sunny everyday hasn’t been too challenging either! Every day I wander the city and find new things to do. The Auckland Domain is located directly behind my apartment and it is the oldest park in the city. There is delicious, fresh sushi all over the city. The ferry rates are fairly priced (unlike everything else in Auckland) and it will take you to islands all over the region. For orientation with IES, our study abroad provider, we had a two day trip to Waiheke Island. We were welcomed by Maori men and women, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Throughout the trip we explored the island, kayaked around the bay, ate delicious food, drank ridiculously priced beer at a local pub, and more! It was a perfect way to kick off my time in New Zealand!

Ferry ride from downtown Auckland to a place called Davenport. Great beaches over there!

Life Outside of Delhi

Went for a walk one night and was followed by a pack of goats. This is the opposite of a problem.

One of the many things that attracted me to do a program with SIT is the excursions planned with every program. Before I left it was hard to explain to people that even though my program is based in Delhi, I would only be spending about half of my time there. The rest of the time I would be traveling to various parts of India.

One day we went to a Buddhist religious site. There we met a tourist group from Sri Lanka. They were separating flower petals to use as an offering and let us help them.

My first trip outside of Delhi happened this week. I was very excited to get out of the city for a while. I am one who loves living in big cities but it is also nice to see the stars and breathe some less polluted air.

During this excursion we had a lot of really cool opportunities. The week before our excursion we learned about how the healthcare system in India is set up. This excursion allowed us to witness it. I loved that were able to take our learning outside of the classroom. Throughout the week we visited different hospitals, talked with a variety of doctors, and had many question and answer sessions with women in various villages about what healthcare means to them. I learned a lot of different things during this week and I am excited for our next excursion. Unfortunately I was unable to get many pictures during the excursion simply because I felt it rude to photograph people when they are in the vulnerable state of receiving health care. I will, however, attach a few photos of other activities that we did during the excursion.

The first day we arrived a local school was celebrating their second anniversary. There was a large show where the kids performed different dances, most of them relating to an important political issue. This dance was in protest to child marriages.

Los Lobos (aka Sea Lion Paradise)

We made it to the Galápagos Island of San Cristóbal (also known as Sea Lion capital of the world)! I’m still having a tough time comprehending that I have been abroad for a little over one month.
We left Quito a week days ago and taking a plane from the city of Quito to Guayaquil and from Guayaquil to the small airport of San Cristóbal. San Cristóbal is small in comparison to Santa Cruz with a population of only 6,000 people. So picture the population of Hope plus a couple thousand extra and you have all the people that live on this island. Oh and it also only takes 15 minutes to drive from one side of the island to the other.

Driving to campus we were greeted by a beautiful view of the ocean with pristine blue waters. That’s right, the beach is right across the street from our campus! Playa Mann is nicknamed Sea Lion Paradise because there are so many sea lions roaming around in the sand. The sea lions are so comfortable around humans, that they literally swim right up to you, going between your legs and right up to your face when you are snorkeling or diving in the ocean. They especially like the bubbles from your regulator when you’re diving. It’s one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. And let me tell you, there is nothing cuter than a baby sea lion, frolicking after another baby sea lion, in the sand.

For my Marine Life class we are responsible for coming up with a research project based on something we can observe on the island. My friend Kristi and I are looking into the familial relationships between sea lion pups and their mothers by studying how long the pups nurse, and how many pups are nursing at one time. The sea lions gave birth shortly before we came to the island so there are plenty of little pups running around. They communicate by barking at each other, resulting in the beach sounding like grunts and burps all day long (we can sometimes hear the lobos all the way from the university).

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