FIrst week of India

Well last time I wrote we had just landed and got a day of lectures. On Wednesday we went to Infosys (one of the largest software consulting firms). We got a lecture about what they do and then were shuttled off in 2 of the biggest golf carts I have ever seen to have lunch on their campus. We then got to tour the campus. Unfortunately 1 of the golf cart drivers was at lunch so we only had one cart that couldn't fit all of us. Luckily the campus has plenty of bikes that trainees and workers can use so a few of the group rode behind the cart. I stayed in the golf cart for our first destination to the convention center. We went by a huge glass pyramid based off the pyramids at the Louvre (based off the Great Pyramids of Egypt). It is a super cool campus. When we left for the next leg of our tour I decided to be adventurous and ride a bike. Let me tell you riding a bike is much more difficult then the stationary bike at the gym. But what they say is true, because I picked it right up! It was great fun. Afterwards we came back to XIME to have dinner and relax. A few of us walked down to the villages. We looked so much like tourist since we stuck out. I fell asleep by 9 because I have become a grandma.

On Thursday we went to the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore This school is considered the Harvard of India. The campus is AMAZING! It looks like Legends of the Hidden Temple, (you know that old game show on Nick?). It is all these beautiful carved stone buildings with vines and natural greenery. After a quick lecture we went to lunch on the campus. Then we got to tour the library which was pretty sweet. The library tour kind of fell apart when our professor went missing and this guy got stuck with us and had no idea what to do. Afterwards we got to see more of the campus and take some pictures. We then went to Forum Mall. It's just like an American mall, but after so many tours and school related stuff we wanted some fun. We then went to an emporium where they sell handcrafted Indian art. I might of bought a few things for myself and maybe others. Our bus driver then took us to see a Hindu Temple. A few went in, but most of use stayed outside and took pictures (we are all attached to our shoes and do not like walking around barefoot and it is required to remove your shoes to enter the temple). Then a few tried the coconut water that a vendor was selling. It was dark by the time we got back. We had dinner and then because these days are so draining it was off to bed.

Friday was a packed day. In the morning we visited HCL and learned all about their company. It was interesting to see how companies here manage information. These companies are super secure and you have to go through a vigorous set of checks to be allowed inside (sign the log book, visitors pass, picture taken, another visitor's pass that must be signed before we can leave, etc... you getting the point???). I unfortunately started to feel bad during that visit. It seems the time change and some of the spicy food has upset my system. I felt like crap for the rest of the day, which sucked because we then went to IndiaCan. This is a program started by the niece of our professor. It helps people who want to get into broadcast journalism get a start by teaching them various aspects and improving their English. One of the guys who works there gave a great presentation about India. He is knowledist (which means he knows a lot about the different cultures). He answered many of our questions about what we have observed here. We then took the bus back home. Everyone here drives crazy. They are probably second only to the Italians in my experience. They love to honk. In fact you can't go a mile without here 10 people honk. The traffic here is also crazy crazy CRAZY!!

Today since I was still feeling sick I have spent the day at XIME. I'm okay with that though. I'd rather miss a site visit (these visits are getting a bit dry) today, then sightseeing tomorrow. I'm really excited so I am trying my best to get healthy. Hopefully I will be back to 100%. I will try to write soon (though it is hard since the computer lab is usually closed by the time we get back).

Much love,
KP