1st month report from India: Dace, Martins
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The document summarizes the author's first month traveling in India. Some key details include: - They arrived in New Delhi on November 23rd after a long flight from London and were greeted by staff from their host organization. - They spent their first 4 nights in Haryana waiting for another staff member to arrive while getting acquainted with the local culture and transportation like auto rickshaws. - The author and another traveler took a train to Bhubaneswar, dealing with some attempts to scam them for tickets, and experienced crowded conditions during the overnight journey. - They were happy to arrive at their destination in Orissa and begin their work with the local non-profit organization,
1st month report from India: Dace, Martins
- 1. 1st MONTH REPORT<br />1638300110490-190501104903441700110490<br />Traveling <br />Destination: India<br />Travellers: Dace, Martins and Edgars (LV)<br />We left Hornsjoe early in the morning 22.11.2010 and we had flight to London at 7 am. In London we only had to wait 2 hours till next plane (hurray!) so we exchanged money and the time came to say goodbye to western civilization.<br /> The flight was long, but comfortable. We landed in New Delhi 23.11.2010 at 2 am. <br />So for the first time we breathed the air of India - and it really was different! The air in the evenings and night is full with strange fog and air density, especially in big cities. In the airport at first it was hard to notice someone looking especially for us (a lot of signs and welcomers). But we spotted two guys with HPP sign. They were the headmaster of TCGD Haryana and another dude. One of the first topics they wanted to share was: Do you know Dido? Hes having a picnic in Goa now! They were very enthusiastic sharing their opinions about him. <br />First 4 nights we stayed in TCGD Haryana, waiting for DI responsible person to arrive, but he was in some kind of meetings, so he couldnt come. Instead of him, came Pashupati Mahato. He seemed a really nice and trustworthy guy. With him we had meeting, where we decided, when we are leaving and other details. <br />I and Dace had to go to Delhi, to book train tickets. Auto Rikshas is a special topic first of all before you travel some route, ask one of your Indian friends, what is the price for this or that distance, because if you dont know this, the drivers may ask 20 times bigger price. And it is small vehicle, but its amazing, how many people can sit in it. The biggest, that I have counted so far, was 16 passengers and driver in between somewhere <br />The contradiction between Auto Rikshas and Metro in New Delhi is huge! Metro is ultra modern and by the way first wagon is always reserved for ladies!<br />The scenario for buying the tickets was classic for tourists here. We reach the train station. Ask way to a person, who is dressed like a railway station worker. He says that the office has already been closed for a month and he will show where the new office is. He shows the way. Then there we meet another dude in uniform who is super friendly, tells the name of new office and even deals with Auto Rikshas driver, to take us to that office. After 3 minutes we arrive in an office, where is sitting young Indian guy, he seems polite and very interested to help us.<br />Where do you come from? <br />First time in India? WELCOME!<br /> Have you been in Agra Its a beautiful place, you should visit it! <br />But when already was going 3rd circle of the same questions it was clear this is not the office!<br />He operates internet reservation page very quickly and shows, no place is available the following week directly to Bhubaneswar, Orissa, and suggests 5 times strongly, that we should travel through Agra. Overall we dont trust this guy and after drinking chai, we say goodbye, we will think about your offer. We decide to go back to train station and try once more this time without asking for help. And we succeed!!! We find the nice, Air-conditioned office with comfortable sofas for tourist tickets. <br />Its right there in that railway complex. Dont go out of it!!!<br />You have to find platform N属 1 and then its around strange curve. Be sure its there and its not closed or moved!!! <br />For 40 hours I felt like trapped in a gipsy market<br />But we are strong and we survived without deep mental traumas!<br />As we were sleeping in upper apartment and downside was full of Indians. (I really mean it full) we didnt see much of India, as we traveled across it. <br />Train started 2 hours later and we reached our destination Jajpur Road with 10 hours delay. We called Pashupati and he arranged, that teacher from TCGD and my PL picks us up.<br />We were so happy to reach TCGD Orissa, that it seemed like paradise!<br />The building itself is new project is the first to rent it. They have been living here since 2009.<br />My activities is to give presentations about different topics!<br />10267955943600<br />10267955943600<br />Another big action these days was Tree planting action.<br />It was sponsored by NOKIA and they gave 1200 small trees to plant in district. <br />66675370522534277307524750904875As CDP project is new the staff is also new and they dont have experience in organizing big actions like that. In the beginning it seemed, that they dont have any idea, how to plant distance, how deep, etc. but they are also learning, so hopefully those trees will grow big and strong. <br />Martis-my work is to visit local villages and talk with villagers, about their problems and explain about Humana organization activities. Its quiet interesting job and I am attractive to them and I draw attention. The only problem is that I dont know local language, so I need to use body language to communicate. That is why I am slowly learning local language Oriya and they are very happy to hear me speaking in their language. <br />0320040In our operational area we have 22 villages. We organize villagers in Self Help Groups.<br />Our recent activity is going from village to village with theatre plays (jatra). This is the way we explain to villagers about Humana activities. It is understandable for local people, because it is in their language and actors are using local way of expression and attraction. These guys are really funny. One of them is local Guru Ji. In their own way, they are unique, because of their ability to improvise according to situation. During the play they manage also to eat and drink. I am in good relationship with them ad they teach me how to play local musical instruments.<br />To the villages we are going with a special car, on which are fitted speakers. They usually put music far too loud and everyday I need to use anti-headache pills <br />11430006743700<br />My staff mebers:<br /> PL Omprakash Jogi-hi is gay wit good hard, his way of rooling staff and actions remains me litle Napolion but I can not imagine better leader in this place like hi is!<br />Anoter staff members are good gays and we are good frends!<br />