Travels with Pam Silvers

Upcoming Travel

2011-01-23T08:03:00.003-05:00

We are planning a trip in May - still trying to decide where to go. I think it will be Disney-related (cruise or DisneyWorld).

Oak Island

2010-01-31T08:46:00.002-05:00

I am not a picture-taking person so no pictures of Oak Island. I can take the camera and forget to take pictures. Oak Island is about 35 miles south of Wilmington. The Island runs east-west so you get to see a sun set over the ocean. I have now been there in June, August, October and January. All of them were great.

Beach travel

2010-01-21T07:54:00.002-05:00

I have had the opportunity to go to Oak Island, NC, a couple of times this fall and winter. The last one being January 15-18. I really get my energy when I am walking on the beach. This is interesting since I was born in Nebraska.

Trip Planned

2009-10-12T15:55:00.001-04:00

Well, a new trip is planned for May 2010 - Yellowstone. Not many details yet but more will be coming.

The gang is almost all here . . . 10 people missing

2009-09-09T07:04:00.000-04:00

Travels this Year

2009-09-09T07:03:00.001-04:00

In 2009 I haven't had a trip as exciting as the one to India. But we went to Nebraskas in April to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday. I enjoy getting a chance to see my 7 siblings, their spouses, by 21 nieces and nephews and the evergrowing number of great nieces and nephews

Two pictures from the Taj Mahal

2009-01-30T08:27:00.002-05:00

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

My favorite picture of me at the Taj

January Followup

2009-01-30T08:22:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-26T13:52:00.000-04:00

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

2008-09-26T13:47:00.003-04:00

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

Pictures from Friday

2008-09-26T13:37:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-26T13:31:00.001-04:00

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

2008-09-26T13:10:00.003-04:00

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!

Pictures in Bangalore - Thursday

2008-09-26T12:59:00.003-04:00

Me (Pam) presenting to 60+ students in the Indo Asian Academy
Pete showing students how the GPS works - the students loved GPS technology!!
Great food - again. I am sure I have gained alot of weight this trip. I don't remember the names of the food but I love it.
I rode a rickshaw! We had a few few hours Thursday afternoon and had a chance for a ride. It was awesome. Pete took some video - I will send you the youtube link when it is posted.

Pictures in Bangalore - Wednesday

2008-09-24T14:18:00.002-04:00

A shot of the Bangalore skyline
Visiting the new buiding of the IndoAsian Academy

Wednesday in Bangalore

2008-09-24T14:14:00.002-04:00

We arrived in Bangalore around 12 noon. So far all of our flights have been slightly late. We are staying at the Monarch Hotel which is right on the shopping strip of Bangalore. This means that after our meetings today we were able to do a little shopping. I like Bangalore for shopping the most so far - they have alot of woooden items (jewelry, figurines, etc.) which I really like. But first there was the work - in this case we were met at the airport by Dr. Raja of the IndoAsian Academy. This is the place I visited last year. After a stop at our hotel we went to the college to meet. There college is growing fast and we visited a new building that they are partially occupying while construction finishes. We will be meeting with them again until we leave on Saturday. Right now it is almost midnight here and time for bed so I will add more about Bangalore later.

Pictures from Kerala

2008-09-24T14:05:00.003-04:00

View of Kerala from the highway
Part of the Technpark in Kerala
Pete, Russ and me with some of the hosts in Kerala
Sunset over the Arabian Sea

Tuesday - We must be in Kerala

2008-09-24T14:00:00.002-04:00

Wow, Tuesday was very exciting. We flew to Trivandrum, Kerala, in the morning. We were met at the airport by our host and then went to the Technopark to visit with different personnel. It is a business park with @ 20,000 employees. The business park is beautiful because it is has "park" still in its vocabulary. By that I mean it has all kinds to trees. Kerala is in the extreme southern tip of India and after meetings we were taken to dinner at a hotel right on the Arabian Sea. It was almost too late for sunset but I got a picture. The dinner was a buffet with some great curry dishes. We got up early Wednesday morning to fly to Bangalore. Kerala is a vacation spot in India because of the ocean - I can understand that because I would definitely like to spend more time there.

Pictures from Mumbai

2008-09-22T12:59:00.002-04:00

Monday in Mumbai (Bombay)

2008-09-22T12:50:00.002-04:00

Our plane was late leaving Agra and we didn't arrive in Mumbai until 11:30 and our hotel at 12:30. And we had to be up at 7:30 to meet with CORE ECS. As a result it was a short night. But I am still loving it. Mumbai is huge - 18 million people. By contrast, 11 million in Dehli and 5.5 in Bangalore. We didn't get to see much of the city except by car. We met with CORE ECS who develops 3D Educational modules. We saw 3 of their locations - one they just moved into last week and one they are currently working on. I have visited their 3D Cube in Biloxi, MS, and it is great. Food is still wonderful - we had a buffet lunch and I had tandoor chicken for dinner. I am including a couple of pictures I took today. We leave tomorrow morning for Trivandrum (in the extreme south of of India).

Pictures from Agra

2008-09-20T11:44:00.004-04:00

Picture from Fort Agra - this is the place the king sat to hear from his subjects
A picture at the Taj Mahal - it still seems surreal that I have been here (twice)
This is work at the Taj Mahal - the colored flowers are stone inlaid within stone.
The Taj Mahal without me in the way.
Our evening tea service - it was so elegant

Saturday in Agra

2008-09-20T11:43:00.001-04:00

Saturday was a great day. I think I am adjusted to the time change although I did wake up at 5:30, but that gave me time to get caught up with e-mails and update the blog. Today we had breakfast in the hotel. It was a buffet with some unpronounceable foods. There were a few “standards” on the buffet including fruit and omelets.
After breakfast we went on a tour of the Taj Mahal and Fort Agra. It really was as wonderful as I remembered. Fort Agra was built in the 1500’s and the Taj Mahal in the 1600’s. It is hard to believe the craft that went into the building. I have included a few pictures from each. At both places there were lines to get in; I think because of a conference being held in Agra. We were asked several times if we were part of the group. I am not sure of the type of conference but it is big – many people today had on red baseball caps that were freebies from the conference.
After the tours we went out for lunch at an Indian restaurant (what else). Pete, Russ and I each ordered something different and shared – so I had a sampling of Curry Chicken, Tandoor Chicken and a Vegetarian dish. The food is outstanding – I don’t think I will tire of Indian food. So far no food pictures but I am sure that is coming. After that we took advantage of our free time to do a little shopping. Although it was mostly window shopping there were a few things I couldn’t resist. I love the carved wooden pieces and did a little Christmas shopping also.
After getting back to the hotel we met in the tea room for tea and pastries. From my experiences the desserts are as wonderful as the other food. The tea pots were beautiful. I have also included a picture. The menu had a choice of 17 teas.
Our hotel in Agra is pretty amazing. It is quite large and has 3 restaurants, a large courtyard, shops, and a fitness center. Unfortunately I didn’t bring along any clothing for working out. I really wish I would have thought of it.
Tomorrow we will be catching up on work during the day. Then we catch a plane for Mumbai (Bombay) at 5 pm. Monday will start six days of meetings in Mumbai, Trivandrum and Bangalore before heading back next Saturday.

Street Scenes from Dehli

2008-09-19T21:54:00.003-04:00

I thought this was a great picture showing the range of traffic on the roads

I love the students in their uniforms. These look like very comfortable ones.

I am in India!!!

2008-09-19T21:42:00.002-04:00

We left Asheville on Wednesday at 5:15. We then left Newark at 8:30 for a 15 hour flight to Dehli. I wasn't sure what to expect - but it worked out well. I had a window seat and the seat next to me was empty so I was able to sleep about 6 hours on the flight. We arrived in New Dehli at 8:30 Thursday night (there is a 9.5 hour time difference). By the time we got to the hotel and checked in we were ready to call it a night. Comparing notes Friday morning each of us got about 6 hours of sleep. So far I don't feel effects of the time change. It is now Saturday morning and I woke up at 5:30 but that is my usual time in the states.

On Friday we had some great meetings. We started the morning early (7:30 pick up time) by going to IBM to meet with their Country Manager of Government and Education. He shared some good information on creating a technology infrastructure for education. It is interesting how everyone seems to face the same challenges. After that we went to the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) where we met with 3 instructors in the Sciences and Engineering areas. This system has 1.8 million students and over 2,000 sites in India and other countries. It was very interesting to discuss the common issues that we have in the classroom. We also talked about 3-D visualization and how it can be incorporated in the classroom. Our meetings were set up by CORE ECS who we will be visiting in Mumbai on Monday. Just the meetings on Friday have made it a great visit.

After the meetings we stopped for a late lunch (1:30) before heading to the airport. Our guide stopped at a little shopping area (no time for shopping) - where there were many Western restaurants - Ruby Tuesdays, Subway, McDonalds, etc. However, we opted for an India restaurant and had a fantastic meal - the food was even better than I remembered.

We then went to the airport to catch a plane to Agra where I am now. We will be going to the Taj Mahal and Red Fort today. It is also a time to let outselves adjust to the time change. Sunday we leave for Mumbai for the beginning of a hectic week.

The traffic is as crowded (if not more so) than I remembered. Dehli has 11 million people. I am including 2 pictures from yesterday and more pictures will be coming.

Leaving Today

2008-09-17T12:11:00.001-04:00

It is hard to believe - but departure day has arrived. Our plane leaves Asheville at 5:15 - then to Newark and a direct flight to New Dehli. I am not sure how soon I will add a post from India. We get in at 8:15 Thursday night (around 11 am EDT). But I might be tired. Then Friday is very booked. So if you don't see an update until the weekend keep looking.

India - 8 days

2008-09-09T08:03:00.002-04:00

Next Wednesday, September 17, we leave for India. This trip is going to be different than the last one for two reasons. First, there will only be 3 of us going instead of a group of 15. Second, we are going more places - last time we spent 7 of 9 nights in Bangalore. This time we will be visiting and staying in Dehli, Agra, Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Trivandrum and Bangalore. We will be meeting with educational institutions, tech companies and government officials. I will have my notebook computer and Internet access so plan on including regular posts (I almost put daily posts but some days are heavily scheduled).

25 Days and Counting

2008-08-24T12:05:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe that we will be leaving for India in 25 days. The details are coming together. Right now the biggest issue is that we have about 3 places visit in New Dehli and will be there less than 24 hours. Nothing has been finalized yet but it looks to be a fast start to our visit.

We met last Thursday with representatives of CORE ECS. They have facilities in the US and in India. We will be visiting their Mumbai offices on Monday, September 22. I visited one of their U.S. sites in Gulfport in July. It will be really nice to have the comparison.

Reservations for September Trip

2008-07-04T10:01:00.002-04:00

The reservations have been made for our September trip. There will be three of us traveling (all from AB Tech) - Russ, Pete and myself. We will be leaving on Wednesday, September 17. This time we are flying Asheville to Newark and then a direct flight from Newark to New Dehli which will be about a 16 hour flight. I haven't ever been on that long of a flight before.

Although all details haven't been worked out - we will be visiting Red Hat in New Dehli. Then over the weekend we will go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. On Monday we will be in Mumbai (Bombay) to visit an IT development company. On Tuesday we will be in the southern tip of India (the state of Kerala) to meet with officials in IT and education. On Wednesday we will fly to Bangalore where we will both meet with our collegues at the Indo Asian Academy and experience some on-site training (possibly at IBM). Saturday we will be flying back.

India II - September 2008

2008-06-23T07:13:00.003-04:00

We received notice last week that the grant funding has been released. I will be going to India again in September. I am very excited about the chance to visit a second time. We will be visiting two places I already went to - Agra and Bangalore - and visiting two new areas, Mumbai (Bombay) and the state of Kerala. We should be making our air reservations this week.

Update

2008-06-07T15:19:00.002-04:00

Not alot new for the journal but I want to make sure it remains active. After 3 months I still remember the India trip as remarkable and exciting. And as of now I will have the opportunity to go back in September for another trip. We are still working on the details but it will include Bangalore, probably New Dehli, and Mumbai (formerly Bombay). I will update announcements as I have them.

Back in the USA

2008-03-19T16:47:00.002-04:00

Wow, it is hard to believe the trip is over. Everything about it was fantastic. Given an opportunity I would visit again instantly. The only thing that was different that I didn't like were the bathrooms. The traffic was unbelievably hectic but seemed to work - we went to Agra on Saturday to see the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. It was approximately 124 miles from Dehli and took 5 1/2 hours each way. On the trip (sharing the same road) we saw a camel caravan (5 camels), an elephant, cars, rickshaws, buses, trucks, motorcycles, ox drawn carts, people and probably modes of transportation I have forgotten. I definitely would not drive in India.

The people were absolutely wonderful. Everyone was friendly and very excited meeting Americans. Although the street vendors were strange at first we got used to them and started bargaining as we walked.

Poverty definitely exists in India - and seeing people living on the street or in tent cities was hard. Having beggers knocking on the windows of the bus, and mothers with young children asking for money tore at my heart.

I was very impressed with the commitment of the students. They attend classes 6 days a week and are often in tutoring sessions on Sunday. Families see education as a means to improvement - and also as an opportunity. I wish I could bring some of that commitment back with me.

I LOVED the food. However, Indian food has always been a favorite - and the variety that was offered at meals made it hard to choose. However, we did alot of walking so I didn't gain any weight on the trip (although I didn't lose any).

Where else could I visit Perot Systems, IBM, Oracle, and InfoSys all in 4 days. And if we had more time Microsoft, Dell, Yahoo and many other companies also had buildings in the same area. However, the Indian people we talked to still see the USA as the land of opportunity - and also see a direct tie in of our success and theirs. As we talked about a global economy Romania and Vietnam were often mentioned as new sites for globalization.

Ghandi's Memorial - Burial Site

2008-03-19T16:45:00.000-04:00

Pictures from the Red Fort - Across from the Taj Mahal

2008-03-19T16:40:00.000-04:00

Taj Mahal - Do I need to say more!!

2008-03-19T16:34:00.001-04:00

Visit to Perot Systems

2008-03-19T16:32:00.002-04:00

Of all the places we visited I would most like to work for Perot Systems. They have a very employee centered work place. The flowered arrangement is a lantern which has five places to be lit - each of the faculty on the trip and a student lit one of the wicks as well as a Perot System employee. The lighting of the lantern is to symbolize Enlightenment. This is also the place that gave us each 2 dozen red roses. High tea was very good and included sandwiches, desserts, and of course tea.

Perot System Pictures

2008-03-19T16:25:00.001-04:00

Pictures of school kids at garden and outside school

2008-03-14T02:45:00.003-04:00

Pictures below

2008-03-14T02:41:00.004-04:00

The first pictures below are of the state capital. The other ones show people working. A lady is sweeping the sidewalk and the men are cleaning the lily pond. The last one is the hands of two of the Indio Asia Academy students showing the henna (sp??) design on their hands.

Pictures from Friday Morning

2008-03-14T02:36:00.002-04:00

Friday morning - March 14

2008-03-14T02:34:00.003-04:00

This morning we did a quick bus tour of Bangalore. It included a stop at the State Capital, Cappon Park and the Botantical Gardens. We are back at the hotel to finish packing and eat lunch before leaving for the airport to fly to New Dehli.

Pictures of roses and buffet

2008-03-14T02:26:00.001-04:00

Thursday, March 13

2008-03-14T02:16:00.003-04:00

Today we had two great events. The first was going to the Indo Asian Academy where we had a last fellowship exchange with students and faculty. Their hospitality has been so gracious. Each day they provided a buffet of traditional Indian food but each day it was different choices.

After lunch we went to Perot Systems. Their welcome was the best yet. At the door they had a lantern that is lit by 5 people - I think it was called a Light of Knowledge. Dr. Harris, Jackie Harris and I all lit the lamp along with a student and a person from Perot Systems. There are 5 slots to light the lantern. Then they presented flowers to the faculty - 2 dozen long stemmed roses each. It was really amazing. We had a presentation on Perot Systems including a very good presentation on HR in India. They also served High Tea which in this case included heavy appetizers.

In the evening we went shopping to the place where the locals shop. I am glad I brought along fairly empty suitcases. We ate dinner at a place called The Only Place - it was basically American Cuisine. We got back to the room around 11 pm which was late considering we had to get to pack and be ready for a bus tour of Bangalore Friday morning at 8:30.

Friday, March 14

2008-03-13T22:12:00.002-04:00

After we left the hotel yesterday we didn't get back until 11 pm. And are leaving this morning at 8:30. After a tour of Bangalore we fly to New Dehli. So if there are no posts for a few days that is why.

We went to Perot Systems yesterday - a fantastic welcoming ceremony with the lighting of the lamp and I received 2 dozen long stemmed red roses.

More soon

Pictures of me at the ceremony yesterday

2008-03-13T00:45:00.000-04:00

Bus Rides

2008-03-13T00:11:00.001-04:00

I have already talked about the traffic while riding the bus. It continues to amaze me. However, as we are stopped in traffic I have been able to take some pictures of street scenes - a few are shared below. NOTE: The statue of the elephant is on the front window of the bus

Pictures from the bus

2008-03-13T00:04:00.000-04:00

Visit to Oracle

2008-03-12T23:59:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday we visited Oracle. It is very interesting to listen to the IT ideas from different companies. Where else could I visit Infosys, IBM, Oracle and Perot Systems (on Thursday) all within miles of each other. All of the facilities are very strict about no pictures inside. However, Oracle has a rooftop garden and let us take pictures of the city skyline.

I hadn't realized the Romania was also becoming an IT hotspot. And the concept of "follow the sun" was new to me. This means that companies want to have a support site in North/South America, Europe and Asia. This means that personnel can work day hours but someone is always working 24/7 for customer support.

Oracle also showed us wonderful hospitality - after the presentations and tour we had high tea which consisted of a mint type tea and corn sandwiches. Yes, it was 2 pieces of bread and kernals of corn and some very delicious spice/seasoning. I loved it, although some in the group were not as impressed. As many of you know I say if someone is willing to feed me I will eat anything - maybe I am proving it on this trip.

Skyline view of Bangalare from the rooftop of Oracle

2008-03-12T23:55:00.002-04:00

Cultural Festival an Indio Asian Academy

2008-03-12T23:51:00.002-04:00

On Wednesday we attended a wonderful ceremony at the Indo Asian Academy. It including a lighting of a lamp, an honoring of the guests from the United States where they presented the 3 faculty members with a shawl, a sandelwood lei, and gifts and the students with a lei and gifts. Students then performed dances and songs from their local region or country. Below are pictures of the some of the students in their native dress. Some pictures look smoky because they had a smoke machine and added the smoke at appropriate times. It was an amazing event and alot of time and effort was put into it. I loved the ceremony and attention to detail.

More Pictures of the Cultural Program on Wednesday

2008-03-12T23:42:00.003-04:00

Pictures from the Cultural Program on Wednesday

2008-03-12T23:34:00.002-04:00

Wednesday night - March 12

2008-03-12T11:22:00.001-04:00

Wow, it was exciting to have comments on my blog. I loved reading them. Bangalore is a strange mix of American and Indian Culture. There are many of the food chains we have in the US - mostly fast food like McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Dominos, etc. However, there are also street vendors selling food and the traditional Indian restaurants. Our hotel serves a buffet every morning and we were going to take a picture so we had the names of the food. Many of the foods have curry or tandoor in them.

Today was another great day. This morning the Indo Asia Academy had their students give a Cultural Festival that included dances and costumes from different regions of India. Our group were given leis made out of sandelwood - I am trying to figure out how to get mine home safely.

This afternoon we visited Oracle - another great visit. And at the end of the visit we had "high tea" which sounds very English to me.

I am very tired and heading for bed - but plan on posting some pictures in the morning. We don't have to leave the hotel until 10:30 - as opposed to the usual 8:20 starting time.

Tuesday, March 11

2008-03-11T10:13:00.002-04:00

Another great day. I really am enjoying the opportunity to visit India and meet with our counterparts at the Indo Asia Academy. We went there this morning where we enjoyed a lecture on Indian culture. Afterwards I made a presentation to about 100 students about our program. They seemed to enjoy the presentation although some of my jokes might not have worked. Our hosts served an excellent Indian buffet - so far with eating Indian food 2-3 meals a day I am not tired of it. It is delicious and has so much variety. It would be much the same as saying you ate American - the diversity is great.

This afternoon the students with us went out for an afternoon on the town with their counterparts from the Academy; so the Harris's and I had an opportunity to also go out and about. We walked through two shopping areas relatively close to the hotel - everything is very tempting. I have to remind myself that @ 40 rupees = $1.00. So when something is R 200 it isn't that expensive.

The students at the Academy are very gracious and pleasant. It is really fun learning about their classroom experiences. They are in class 5 3/4 days a week (getting out at 2:15 on Saturdays). They also wear uniforms - there are different colors for different majors.

At lunch today I had the opportunity to visit with Professor Daisy again. I really have enjoyed comparing teaching notes.

Tuesday am - March 11

2008-03-10T21:30:00.001-04:00

I added a couple of quick pictures. One is the scene from the front of our bus as we were driving in Bangalore on Monday. The other is passing a city scene. More pictures soon.

2008-03-10T21:28:00.000-04:00

Monday, March 10

2008-03-10T08:32:00.002-04:00

It is hard to believe that this is almost the end of our 3rd day in India. The traffic continues to amaze me. It is truly like a giant puzzle.

This morning we visited IBM - no pictures allowed. There were some great talks. Some ideas I will definitely be bringing back for curriculum development. One tradition I could get accustomed to really fast is "tea or coffee." During our meeting this morning a gentleman came in with coffee cups and saucers and two pots - nicely asked "tea or coffee" and served us during the presentation. Professor Daisy said every afternoon after classes the faculty have tea also. IBM provided lunch - it was personal pan pizzas from Pizza Hut.

This afternoon we visited the Indo Asia Academy - we had a presentation on the history of India. They are providing a CD of the presentation which is good because 1 1/2 hours of information was too much to absorb. I knew I was going to make a short presentation tomorrow. I found out today more people are going to be at it - and part of my presentation doesn't work on the machine I am using. So it might be a short presentation.

I am not sure what I am doing this evening - dinner and/or shopping are mentioned. Shopping is too tempting - great items at great prices

I will try to upload some pictures soon. I have taken alot.

Sunday, March 9

2008-03-09T11:19:00.002-04:00

It was a good day - long. We left the hotel at 7:30 to take a bus to Mysore Palace and Infosys Training Facility. It was a 3 hour drive each way. It is 9:00 pm and we are just returning.

Mysore Palace was beautiful - you have to take off your shoes and socks to go in. I also did get to ride an elephant and have pictures to prove it (coming soon). We were accompanied by faculty and students from the Indo Asia Academy. They are definitely impressive hosts. Professor Daisy (that is her last name) and I enjoyed visiting on the bus both ways. As college instructors we face many of the same challenges.

Infosys was impressive. Right now they can train 4,500 at their training facility and in 6 months when they finish their new building the number will increase to 8,000 at one time.

Food is still great. On the way to Mysore Palace, the bus driver stopped and got everyone a fresh coconut which was pierced and a straw put in to drink.

The traffic still amazes me - the combination of all the different vehicles and hardly no accidents.

I am in India!!

2008-03-08T06:39:00.002-05:00

I had wondered about the plane trip but it was really great. The first 8 hours I slept. We left Charlotte at 8 pm on Thursday evening and arrived in Frankfurt at 10:30 Friday morning. After a two hour layover we boarded another 8 hour flight. I stayed awake reading so when we arrived at our hotel at 3 am Saturday morning I was ready to sleep. There is a 10 1/2 hour time difference here - I am not sure about how the 1/2 hour happened. And I haven't figured out what the effect of the time change in the US tonight will be.

We were met at the airport by a delegation from the Indo Asian Academy. Dr. Raja was a great help as there was a bus waiting to take us to the hotel. After sleeping in a little, our group walked to various shopping areas close to the hotel. However, before setting out shopping we were again greeted by students and faculty and given roses for our room.

The traffic is unbelievable - on the same road were horse drawn carriages, bikes, mopeds, buses, electric rickshaws, and people. And yes, in one case a cow. I am glad I don't have to drive - trying to cross the street is scary enough. Tonight we are going out to dinner at a place Dr. Harris went when he was here last Fall. Tomorrow starts our visits.

48 hours and counting

2008-03-04T20:58:00.003-05:00

I attached a map of the planned trip. I leave Charlotte with a group from App State on Thursday night at 8:00 pm. We fly to Frankfort, Germany, and then to Bangalore, India. Each flight is approximately 8 hours in length, and there is a 10 hour time difference. As a result, we arrive at 1 am Saturday morning. My plans are to add to this blog on a daily basis including pictures. However, if you don't see anything until Sunday don't be surprised.

My Travel Map

2008-03-04T12:57:00.000-05:00

View Larger Map

Upcoming Trip

2008-02-29T14:49:00.002-05:00

I will be leaving for India for a college-related trip on Thursday, March 6. I will return on Monday, March 17. During the trip I plan on updating my blog with pictures and activities that we have participated in during the day. I hope you view the blog and add comments. It will be a method to "stay in touch."

Update

2008-02-16T12:20:00.002-05:00

I am auditing the class and haven't updated the journal as much as others. However, I love what I am learning about GIS. Each class makes me want to delve more into the software.

My first reading - January 27, 2008

2008-01-24T11:00:00.000-05:00

I am really excited about this class. I was nervous when I saw the number of chapters that were assigned but it was a really easy read and interesting. I also enjoyed getting to open ArcMap the very first week. The Amelia Earhart exercise was fun.