Day 1

I am safe in India! I am so terribly sweaty sitting in this cyber cafe with very badly abused and dirty computers from 1994 or so. But it is 15 minutes walking distance from my apt, and 25 rupees an hour! That's less than 50 cents. I'll take it.

I have a lot to say but have 3 other volunteers here with me, so I must be brief. I've met three girls, all in their upper 20s. Katie is from Arizona, Lou from Mexico city and Naomi is from the UK. Sweet girls who I feel will support me. We are all doing different programs, though. I'll meet all the other volunteers this afternoon.

I'm basically in suburban South Delhi. Of course it's nothing like US suburbia, but it is safe and has easy access to shops. I'm living in a small volunteer apt with 6 bunk beds, and w/ what will be 12 volunteers total. It's small but nice. It has a western bathroom, and even a TV although we haven't quite figured out how to turn it on yet. I slept very little so far due to the heat and from being jet lagged. It's crazy to think I'm literally 12 hours ahead of the states. I couldn't be any further away from home!

I'm considering paying the 400 dollars for orientation because we visit all over Delhi, and also travel to the Taj Mahal, which I could do on my own but maybe be apprehensive about. Money guilt is taking me over...but i probably wouldn't regret paying it in the end.

I'm feeling very camera shy and haven't taken many photos yet. It's hard to feel unobstrusive.

Alright. Time to go and take some passport photos, which apparently you need to buy things here. If you need to get in touch with me, please txt me (50 cents each) or email me at erinleeisalive@gmail.com

Namaste,
Erin