JAIPUR!
The school is small and how I imagined it, with a small sign declaring “Tushita” over the door and a chalkboard with an inspiring quote greeting the visitor. The lower level features a small office, with drawings and photographs of the children and past volunteers. Across from the office is a small classroom, where the little ones learn. I was unable to spend much time with them on my first visit, and look forward to getting to know them better on Monday. The older classes learn upstairs in three different classes, separated by age and English-speaking abilities. As Veena had to tend to other visitors, after introducing me to the teachers and students, I was left alone to observe and interact. I did not want to interrupt the lessons, but the children were so excited to have me there, I fear that happened anyway. I can already tell that they are eager to learn and impress, and feel confident in their English. While I stood behind the class in the older classes, with the younger children aged about 10-13, I sat directly on the mat with them on the floor. They all thought this was very funny and were very happy to have me check their notebooks and write my autograph for them. They all asked my hobbies and where I was from and how long I was staying. The teachers are around my age and will also need basic help in English, although I am still unsure as to the extent.
Also, the Pink City and the capital of Rajasthan. (more on how it is not really pink in a following entry).
This is the city I will live in for the next three months as a volunteer teacher with the Tushita Foundation. Thank you to everyone who listened to me deliberate, worry, agonize and deliberate again about this decision - a special nod to Ramina Johal, Robin Rue, Sint Sint Moe Canode, Eileen McDonald, Shadie Tofigh, Stephanie Flaster and oh my lord I have vented to way too many people. Thanks guys.
I left Mumbai on Thursday morning, sick, my hands literally shaking from nerves. I am not so sure what I was so fearful about - as always with anxiety, the reasons behind it can be somewhat complex. Perhaps because I have planned for this so long (years) and worked hard for it, I was nervous that it wouldn't turn out. Worry is like a rocking chair - it takes so much energy, but you really get nowhere.
HOWEVER, now I am here. And it is wonderful. The city is beautiful, my apartment is adorable and clean and homey and I have two "bodyguards/chefs/houseboys" to look after me. Which has been the strangest thing to get used to, actually. Having house servants is a very normal thing in this country, but for independent Americans, it can take some getting used to. I have affectionately nicknamed the smaller man, whose real name is Beam, 'Dobby,' as he is tiny and perpetually wears a hat resembling a tea-cozy. I debated whether this nickname could be construed as derogatory by my readers, and than decided no way - Dobby was a kick-ass house elf who fought against repression and injustice, actually died trying to save Harry Potter's life (that useless boy) and loved socks (so do I.). I digress. So yes, Dobby is a wonderful homage for the nice man who cooks non-spicy food for me and got all wet trying to help me work the shower this morning.* I haven't yet settled on a fitting identity for the second man, Lan Sing, who speaks a bit of English and brought me eight bananas when I told him I liked them. In perfect Hindi, I may add.
I am living on top of a travel agency, as the school is run as an extension of the business. My residence is located upstairs, in a very airy and open apartment. There is a tiny kitchen, a small dining room and two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Since I am arriving before Geetika, the other volunteer, I chose the bedroom with the en-suite and smaller bed and closest to the road. The other room is quieter, as it faces away from the street, but I liked the blue decorations of the other room and the large windows. However, my favorite feature of my new home has to be the open veranda, which is large and allows me full view of the surrounding neighborhood. I drink my chai there in the mornings in the sun and watch the vegetable vendors sell their wares up and down the street.
I am the only volunteer here presently, as Geetika will arrive apparently in a couple weeks time. She has been held back in Dharamasala at her current volunteer post, but will be joining me as my partner to work with the children and teachers. My official workday begins tomorrow, although I was taken to the school on my first day by Veena, the program director. The school is located outside of Jaipur, in a neigboring village called Amber and the road is scenic, taking me through the old city and the “Wind Palace” (more on this later), past the Water Palace and winding past the Forts in the distance. Elephants and horses joined us on the road, which is tree-lined and winds towards Amber gracefully. I am so grateful to be away from the relative chaos of Mumbai and the endless traffic. The environment really reminds me of Arizona, to be honest - rocky and open with small trees and brush.
The school is small and how I imagined it, with a small sign declaring “Tushita” over the door and a chalkboard with an inspiring quote greeting the visitor. The lower level features a small office, with drawings and photographs of the children and past volunteers. Across from the office is a small classroom, where the little ones learn. I was unable to spend much time with them on my first visit, and look forward to getting to know them better on Monday. The older classes learn upstairs in three different classes, separated by age and English-speaking abilities. As Veena had to tend to other visitors, after introducing me to the teachers and students, I was left alone to observe and interact. I did not want to interrupt the lessons, but the children were so excited to have me there, I fear that happened anyway. I can already tell that they are eager to learn and impress, and feel confident in their English. While I stood behind the class in the older classes, with the younger children aged about 10-13, I sat directly on the mat with them on the floor. They all thought this was very funny and were very happy to have me check their notebooks and write my autograph for them. They all asked my hobbies and where I was from and how long I was staying. The teachers are around my age and will also need basic help in English, although I am still unsure as to the extent.
Everything is still new and raw, but I truly think I will do well here. There is so much to learn and to discover and new challenges to face. And I am sure it will be difficult and lonely at times, but that is perfectly alright.
Pictures will come. My wireless isn't working yet (in India, everything in its own time) so I cannot post the ones I have taken. I can hardly wait to visit the historical forts and palaces here, as well as the surrounding areas. I am nervous for tomorrow, but excited as well to form relationships with these children and test my teaching abilities.
More to come!
*My apologies to all people who have not read/watched HP. You missed out.
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