Two pictures from the Taj Mahal

In the September trip I went with two colleagues - Pete and Russ.

My favorite picture of me at the Taj

January Followup

It is hard to believe that a year ago I had never been to India and now I have had two trips. Both were wonderful experiences. If I had a chance I would go back again. Reflecting on my experiences after several months - the people were wonderful, the food was fanstastic, the country does have a wide disparity in income levels, and I still would not drive in the country (even being a passenger was hard). I finally scanned in some pictures of me at the Taj Mahal which I am posting

Friday - Bangalore

Today was another great day in Bangalore. It is hard to believe this was our last day. My next post will probably be from the USA. Our plane leaves Bangalore at 6:15 pm tomorrow and arrives in Asheville on @ noon on Sunday. However, we gain 9.5 hours so our travel time will be 28 hours +++. The journey is Bangalore – Mumbai (Bombay) – Newark – Asheville. So if you see me Monday excuse my tiredness.
Today we had meetings at IAA followed by their Fresher’s Day Celebration. This is held close to the beginning of the semester and greets new students as well as providing entertainment. Russ, Pete and I were included in the ceremonies including lighting the lantern at the opening of the ceremony and presenting gifts to students.
The program lasted about 3 hours and included skits, welcome talks, awarding of certificates, dances, and the selection of Mr. and Ms. Fresher 2008 (Fresher is the equivalent of our term for Freshman).
The day included a lot of dancing, humor and talks. I have included some pictures. I also received flowers – now I have about 4 dozen flowers in my office. I LOVE it.
After the ceremony we had lunch. Then Russ headed for the airport and Pete and I went back to the hotel. We went out and about a bit tonight. Tomorrow we are meeting with Dr. Raja in the morning and he will take us to the airport to begin our trip home.

More pictures - Friday

Traffic is still the most intriguing thing for me. It is SO heavy - but manages to flow

Pictures from Friday

Bharatanatyam dance
Bhatan dance
Flowers I was given at Fresher's ceremony.
Kathak dance
Russ Yelton (from AB Tech) presenting a certificate to student who participated in the Aua Solix Water study project wiht students from WCU. AB Tech and Mexico.

Thursday in Bangalore

Today was another great day in India. We were in Bangalore for our second day. In the morning we went to the Indo Asian Academy (IAA) for meetings. Pete Kennedy and I addressed two groups of students today. One was upper level (2nd and 3rd year college students) and one group was first year (11th and 12th year students). They were very attentive. It was a little strange when all the students stood when we walked in the room. I could get used of that!! After the presentations Pete showed students how the GPS device worked. It was a big hit. Students loved the hands on interaction.
After the presentations we had lunch with various IAA personnel. The lunch included India food. It was great – but I love Indian food. I have included a picture of the food. After lunch we had a meeting with the faculty of the IAA.
After the meeting we went back to the hotel at 4 pm. The hotel is close to the shopping area so we had a chance to do a little shopping (OK, maybe a lot) and ride a rickshaw. That was an experience. At one point we were talking to passengers on a motorcycle traveling next to us at about 25 mph. Pete took a video of the ride and plans on posting it on youtube. When I have the URL I will let you know.
We went out to dinner with the Chair of IAA, his wife, daughter, son-in-law, niece and the equivalent of our VP of Academic Services for dinner. I am not accustomed to eating at 8 pm but that is early in India. Our restaurant was amazing (but all of us neglected to bring a camera). Dinner was served “family style” and when they brought dishes we were eating and enjoying. I didn’t realize cottage cheese came in “chunks” that could be cooked in a variety of ways. Well, we ate and thought we were finished and were told it was the first course of a 4 course meal. The food is fabulous but needless to say I was stuffed by the time we finished all courses.
One of the instructors at IAA asked Pete is a car and driver was included in our contract. For many instructors that is one of the perks. Housing is sometimes also provided. I could get very spoiled if I stay here much longer.
We got back to the hotel about 11 pm. I don’t think I am getting as much sleep as needed but figure I can catch up when I get back. Between meetings and wanting to see some of Bangalore there aren’t enough hours in the day!

More Pictures - Thursday in Bangalore

Students during a lunch break at the IAA. Note that they have taken off their jackets during lunch hour. Usually students where jackets that a color matched to their program of study.
Students listening to our presentations. If students are found to have a cell phone on them during class time (@ 9-4) it is taken away for the rest of the semester and they have to pay a fine.
We were headed back to the hotel at teh end of a school say and saw many students from different schools heading home. The uniforms vary.
Students are also picked up by family members!