Coconut, Hookah, and Kabob. Oh My!

Tour of Bangalore

Today we went on a tour of Bangalore.  Here are some of the main spots that we visited. 

St. Mary's Basilica

 Russell Market Square is the perfect place to go if you are looking to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meats and fish, flowers, and pets.

Sri Guru Singh Sabha

Ulsoor Lake

 ISKCON Temple complex.  Although we were not allowed to take photographs of this holy place, it was by far the most remarkable and enlightening experience yet.  

On the bus with Daniel, Ana, and Zack.

Living Life

This morning I had to meet one of the directors of the program on campus in order to go to the police station and get my residency permit.  I knew the day was going to be long, so I began it with a hearty breakfast from a stand on campus.  And if you were wondering... Yes, I did take an auto-rickshaw to campus :)

Fruit bowl with a stuffed roll.

 

A bit spicy.  One thing I learned is that if you ask for not-spicy, you get somewhat spicy.  I am working my way towards "medium spicy".  

 YUM!

 Breakfast buddies!

 After about 2 hours at the police station, we took a lunch break.  Monique and me at the restaurant.

 Some of the rest of the USAC crew.

 LUNCH!  Cheese masala dosa. 

 Every Wednesday is Lady's Night in Bangalore!

 Fun on the dance floor.

Isabel, Ethan, and Daniel demonstrating exactly what NOT to do with the stray dogs.

Orientation and Shopping!!

The second day in Bangalore was wonderful after a full nights rest.

 The view from my balcony.

Hanging out on the balcony by our clothes line. 

 Across the street from my apartment are lots of animals... Camels, goats, cows, dogs.

 The dogs are cool as long as they keep their distance.  I had a pack of four harassing me and licking my legs and hands.  Not cool.

The Indian students welcomed us with leis and giving us bindis (red dots)

My flatmates! From the Left: Gonzalo, Ana, Daniel, Lauren, and Tom.

Friends in the program.  From the Left: Ana, Spoorti, Monique, and Lauren.

 JACOB! He is the Resident Director and is the nicest man ever!  From the Left: Ana, Spoorti, Monique, Lauren, and Jacob.

My man Gonzalo being goofy eating at a restaurant. 

I meant to get a picture before I finished eating... Better late than never? 

The dining hall for the priests.

One of the many beautiful fountains on campus.

 The coolest tree next to a snack stand on campus.

 The ONLY recycling unit in all of India.  The recycling is done by hand.  The little gray sheets on the sidewalk are drying paper to be used to make folders, bags, and other goods.

My first auto-rickshaw ride!  Seats two comfortably, but five works too... It's India! 

 Our Indian "Buddy" joined us for our first ride. Dia.

The street where I bought my Indian attire for school.  I got tailored gowns!   And by the way, two custom tailored gowns with custom tailored pants and matching scarf cost less than 20 US dollars.

Tomorrow I go to the police station to get my Residency Permit.  Once I obtain that, I will be eligible to get a cell phone!