Back in the USA

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.

Visit to Perot Systems

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.

Pictures below

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.

Friday morning - March 14

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.

Thursday, March 13

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.

Bus Rides

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

Visit to Oracle

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.

Cultural Festival an Indio Asian Academy

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.

Monday, March 10

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

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!!

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

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.

Upcoming Trip

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."