Above – Random. Very random.
Below – On the road again with Nana. These photos were taken a couple weeks ago. With the Alandi and Fergusson College photos they got put on the back shelf.
This photo is taken from a very busy road. Behind the approx 5′ wall is a slum community. These slum communities can be found around just about any corner. They’re usually hidden behind walls or down alley-like roads. In fact there are two such areas very close to the flat where I’m stay. This is a rare photo for my blog, as I choose to not share these types of photos. I think this photo is in good taste because it shows mostly rooftops. The rest can be left to the imagination if so desired.
Two different style buildings on busy corners.
There’s standing room only on this bus. I’ve tried to get a good photo of a packed bus, but the pictures I’ve taken don’t give the same impression as seeing it with your own eyes.
Nana took me and Jill to a modern “western” grocery store called Dorabjee’s (pronounced dur-ob-geez). I took this photo because it made me think of the Olive Tree store down the street from us in OB. There’s no other significance here.
Here’s Jill going up the “travellator.” I found the name funny but quickly learned that an escalator is called a travellator in Australia too. I still find the name funny.
Here are instructions on using the travellator. I don’t know why, but I found this funny too.
Selfie while waiting for the sales clerk to bring me my free gift. Here’s what happened … I bought the grandkids a gift here. I got each of the boys a Hot Wheels car (I actually think I paid more for them here than I would have in the US). On the packaging it stated if you buy two, you get a third item free but they didn’t have that third item. I didn’t care. I just wanted the gifts I bought. The man at the check-out counter insisted someone look to see if they have the free gift. Waiting, waiting, waiting. No, they didn’t have it. But, to my surprise I was given a tupperware-type bowl with sealing lid! Something I didn’t need or want, but I was pretty much forced to take. I found that funny too.
On the way out of the store these bakery items caught my eye. After I took this photo, I was told photos are not allowed in the store. Oops. I found that funny too.
On the way home …
I guess all it takes is a few buckets of water to keep the pigeons off the statute.
Does anyone care for a refreshing glass of water? No thank you …
That brings me to the next item. This handy Camelbak UV water purifier is a life saver. To purify water, fill to the line, put the lid on, press the blue button, then agitate the bottle for 60 seconds (when the blue UV light goes off). It neutralizes bacteria, cysts and viruses from tap water and other sources. I bought this before my first trip to India and have used it all three trips. In fact, I keep it in the kitchen and all my flat mates use it. Unfortunately it doesn’t make the water taste pure, but it’s kept me and my flat mates from contracting nasty gastrointestinal problems. The lid charges by USB which is very handy!
Here’s the lid charging on the only power source I brought with me. Conveniently, all the electronics I brought charge by this 6-port power adapter made by Anker – iPhone, MacBook, PMB bluetooth speaker (Evan bought me a couple years ago for my birthday), Bose noise canceling ear buds, Camelbak water purifier. That leaves one USB slot left for the dongle which I may not have to use again now that wifi’s up and running. I highly recommend this power adapter.
And here’s the US to India converter so I can plug into the only working power source in my room. It’s the little things in life …
Yesterday I did classic Sirsasana (head stand) for the first time since I got sick – 10 minutes without getting a sinus headache! Of course that was followed by a 10-minute Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) with no sinus pressure. Hopefully that means I’m on the road to recovery, although I don’t necessarily feel as though I’m improving at a very fast rate. Today is a Ganesh Chaturthi which is a holiday so I’m staying quiet and hopeful to make it to the women’s class in the morning.
Yesterday, Abhijata and Raya held a Q&A session. Abhi did most of the talking which started out with her asking everyone in attendance about the stories they heard about coming to Pune from their friends who came here before them. The talk went on to cover students’ fear of attending classes here and how to better improve the experience. Then there was considerable talk (at least an hour) regarding teacher training courses and assessments, and how they are conducted in different parts of the world. The message is clear that RIMYI wants to see mentorships grow above the need for teacher training courses which, it was made very clear, are not mandatory to become a certified teacher. I count my blessings for the mentorship I have with my teacher. Thank you Gloria!
It’s pouring down rain here.
I suppose that’s all for one post. Sleep well US.
Blogged on Amma’s iPhone and Macbook from iNdia with LOVE!