Hello from Bangalore!
We are now at the halfway point of IGL, and it has been quite the experience! Arriving here four weeks ago, I was very apprehensive and nervous to live in an environment so different from home. As time has gone by though, I am feeling more and more comfortable every day!
The coolest thing about Bangalore for me has been the contrast between the city center and the suburban outskirts. During our first weekend here, a group of us decided to explore our new home and visit a flower market about an hour metro ride away from downtown Bangalore. As soon as I stepped out of the station into the small town called Chickpet, I felt like I was a world away. I had never felt more out of place in my life, as the locals were clearly stunned to see a group of foreign-looking tourists. We navigated the narrow streets, which were also filled with tons of cattle, and finally found our final destination.
The flower market was the craziest mix of overwhelming and incredible. Walking in initially, I felt like I needed to hold onto a friend at all times or else I would be immediately separated and lost in the crowd. People were yelling from across the room, I could barely hear myself think sometimes. Despite the chaos, the sights within the market were amazing. Bright colored flowers, spices, and little trinkets were everywhere I looked and the mounds of vegetables and herbs being sold were massive. To put this adventure in perspective, Bangalore is very much an urbanized city. Modern restaurants, malls, and even high-tech cars fill the streets that we are living on. Just an hour away from this metropolis, it truly felt like I went back in time. This was definitely a once in a lifetime experience for me – I don’t think I could ever go back again, but I am very happy that I went!
Since this excursion to Chickpet, I’ve spent most of my time in the heart of Bangalore. One of my favorite days thus far has been a trip to a local primary school to observe a new initiative by my IGL placement company; we were experimenting with wearable technology in physical education classes. Originally, I was purely there to observe and get a sense of how the initiative was implemented. After some time though, I was given the opportunity to actually be a part of the kids’ PE class! The most fun I’ve had here to date was being able to coach and play a game of basketball with the children. The kids were so keen and eager and seeing the smiles on their faces when my team won the game was amazing. I’m hoping I get the opportunity to go back to a school again before I leave!
Until next time,
Erin