The Journey Begins

India! I still wake up some mornings in disbelief that I am actually living and working in Varanasi for five months. The trip thus far has been fairly characteristic of someone readjusting to a completely altered universe. These characteristics being somewhat wavy. The first sentence about Varanasi in the lonely planet is "brace yourself" and the last sentence is "persevere". That being said, the lonely planet also goes on to write that Varanasi could be the most impressionable, memorable place you visit in India.

This was my experience with Varanasi when I came to India two years ago. I was here on a semester aboard with the University of Guelph where I spend 4 weeks studying in Kerela, 4 weeks studying in Jaipur and 8 weeks traveling around the country. Never would I have imagined though that I would be back in Varanasi of all places to live.

Coming to India to work as an intern is a vastly different experience then traveling India as a tourist or student. Instead of peering in and catching occasional glimpses of Indian culture and life, I feel as though I have an 'outsiders insiders perspective' working and living alongside people from India.

My favorite days so far here have been spend in the mobile library and with its driver/librarian, Uttam. He is the best. He looks like the archetypal ice cream truck driver: jovial, large, always smiling. We are officially buddies. He drives around to eleven rural communities over the six day work week. When he arrives at a village he spreads out wicker mats for the kids to read on and then hops back into his open concept van, picture a fish and chip stand on wheels ( if they are not already) and checks out books for kids to read. In addition to the books that are checked out he also has fun games such as bowling pics, balls, lego and puzzles for the kids to play with. He is excited and open to adding new programs. This has sparked thoughts of starting a story telling session, creative writing days, art activities, drama etc! The mobile library could really be its own internship. The best part about shadowing Uttam is that the excitement generated from books and reading is comparable to that of ice cream and treats. Many of these children seemed starved for any kind of academic stimulation.

Work aside I am happy that I am starting to feel "at home" here. I had a moment walking down the stairs today to work where my surroundings were starting to feel "normal". I am also getting more excited and less overwhelmed about the freedom of starting new programs at both the Tulsi and on the Mobile libraries. In terms of living arrangements I have my own room on the balcony of a guest house that is literally right across from the office, right on the Ganges. The guest house is like a little hippie haven. There are always old expat, yogi gurus and enlightenment seekers coming and going. No doubt we will be meeting some interesting characters in the coming months.