Today was the last day of training, so for a treat, the class got to watch Big Bang Theory. Watching this, in India, was hilarious. Because my sleep schedule is so disrupted, I got ill after lunch. It wasn't bad, just nauseated due to lack of sleep. I pushed through and made it.
Akshardham (from their website)
After work, Rohit, Michael, Harry, Josh and I got to view Akshardham. It is famous temple in Ghandinagar. Sadly, we couldn't take photos of this beautiful place. We walked through the temple barefoot and viewed the museum. As someone who grew up in a museum (Discovery Place for 8 years) I'm a sucker for dioramas and preserved clothing. Granted, we were indoors, with no AC but I just studied everything. Here is the site, their photos are better than I could've done anyway. Akshardham Temple
The Laser Show all projected onto a water curtain. (from their website)
The viewing of the temple was followed by a laser show projected on a water curtain. It was so cool, but in Hindi, so Rohit had to retell the story to us after the show. We were all a bit lost. Again, no pictures, but there is a website. Laser Show
Again, I can't express how much I love this country. It was on my bucket list visit and I'm so fortunate to have achieved it. I can't wait to travel more. Also, I can't wait to come back to India.
Yesterday was full. I arrived at the center at 9:30am for training to begin. This group of people are amazing. They have shown me so much love and kindness. I am loving every minute of my adventure here. We went for lunch and ate amazing food. I've only seen the hotel and the center since I arrived so forgive the numerous pictures of food, but honestly it is all I've seen so far.
Food Court at Infocity
This is where we ate lunch, it was quick drive from the center and Dilipbhai took us. The food was awesome, of course, but it was even better seeing something outside of the center. Thankfully, Michael and I had Rohit to order for us. I just sit quietly while he does all the talking.
Paneer Tikka
I'm trying my best to learn all the words for food so maybe one day I can order for myself. Tikka is something that is on a skewer and Paneer is cottage cheese.
We ate until we could barely move and still couldn't finish...the best part for three of us, it was about $10. Wow.
The Beast
We came back to the office where the agents are continuing training. They are all such wonderful people and so very kind. The best part of their day, was my scariest moment. I was trying to go back to my cabin (office) and was thwarted by a lizard in my path. I was terrified. I made Rohit take this picture. One of the agents assured me, "he is an Indian lizard, he will not harm you." Still, it is a lizard, in my path...I was escorted past the beast by Dhaval. Dear, brave, Dhaval. Here's a pic of the beast.
Ganesha
Also, I have a wonderful friend attached to my Cabin wall. This is one of many Hindu Gods, Ganesha.
I need all the help I can get. I'll take it.
After work, Dilipbhai took Rohit, Michael, Harry and myself to dinner in Ahmadabad. Again, Rohit ordered and I continued learning more Hindi words. The food was so amazing and plentiful, I'm still full from it.
Cheese Naan
Chicken Saag, Lamb Masala
Cheese naan is probably the most amazing thing I've ever tasted in my whole life. It is covered in garlic and stuffed with the best cheese I've ever tasted. Incredible.
As I haven't seen much apart from my ride to and from the center, here is a video of my commute this morning. Notice how many possible collisions occur, yet everyone is ok. Everyone honks, the backs of trucks say, "Honk OK Please." It is terrifying.
I crashed hard last night. I went to bed at 7pm, my body was exhausted. This morning offers a new day of excitement and adventure.
My Greeting
I was greeted at the office yesterday with these beautiful flowers. The people here at Etech are incredible and so kind.
My Cabin
The monkey family
Then, I was shown my office, which is called a cabin...much nicer name than a cube! I will now have a cabin at TWC instead of a cube.
The office is actually in the jungle...not the 'Jungle Book,' type of jungle, but the actual jungle...with Monkeys!
There was a whole family of them and my driver, stopped to let me take photos. Dilipbhai is my driver, I will get a photo. He is so kind and makes the adventure of coming to work a pleasure.
He says Sunday I will get to ride an elephant and a camel!!! How exciting!
My room. I love pictures of hotel rooms from my past trips. They are all so very different. I'm staying at the Marriott. Thus, the Book of Mormon is in my bedside table...but notice the shower in the back ground. I had to take a close up then a wide shot of the room. It is all open.
I arrived yesterday evening to my hotel around 10:45 after over 24 hours of travel. In a word, I am exhausted, but so excited for this opportunity. I've met the Etech team and all the leaders. The first wave seems conifdent and ready to take on the Launch. For this I'm grateful. Everyone in India has been so kind. I am enjoying myself, I think...the sleep deprivation is getting to me. I was able to have a wonderful meal, thanks to DC and see, at a distance...Police prevented us from going further, the Arabian Sea.
I had a flight this morning at 5:30 that proved the scariest part of the adventure, thus far. I was taken to the wrong airport, but in the end all was well. I had a delicious breakfast on the plane and was met at the airport by Michael and Dilip.
My ride to the hotel in Mumbai.
A Camel...in traffic.
The ride to the center was incredible. I generally fear for my life while in a vehicle but moreso for the lives of pedistrians. Last night we grazed a guy and kept going. The cars driving on the left hand side takes some getting used to as well. The most exciting part, however was seeing the Camel!! I know this is such and American thing to say, but for real!! a camel in traffic. I also saw a monkey but didn't get a pic.
I made it to Buffalo, NY. This my first time in the state and the office overlooks Lake Erie. Another first, I've never seen a Great Lake. It is beautiful.
I'm loving the new job and the people I work with. Buffalo is a lot closer to the MLEA vibe. I'm only here for a day and next week I'll be presenting at ISPI 2012 in Toronto!
I am pumped! Last year was so much fun. The people are so full of knowledge and it is truly a booster shot of energy to get back to the grind. Sometimes we need a reminder of why we decided to do this in the first place. ISPI is an excellent example of that. I'm honored to serve on the Charlotte Chapter board...well I will be again, soon. I'm also thrilled to lead the Emerging Professionals Committee.
Not really a thrilling life, but I'm loving EVERY minute. I couldn't be happier to be where I am. I've worked so hard for this. I deserve it.
I'm so blessed in so many ways. I knew when I started Grad school it was the beginning of something wonderful. I knew it would change my life. I didn't know how much.
The last year has been one of constant change. I've moved, I've grown, I've loved. What more could you ask for?
I'm so happy and content with my life. Blessings abound. My life is so much different than I ever imagined it would be. It is exactly where I need to be. It took every step to get here. I'm loved so much more than I could have ever dreamed.
I am blessed.
It is Easter. A time symbolic of growth and rebirth. What an appropriate time to shed the hurt of the past and start anew.
