part two

(continued...) Getting to be a part of this had made me think a lot about working in international relations. Upon arrival here in Delhi we had an orientation and we went to the American embassy. We had lunch with the foreign service officer, and his job sounds pretty amazing. Every few years he gets to pick another country to work in! Not too bad. After the two day orientation I met my host family. They are really sweet- I get along with my host sister really well. The first day I stayed with them was actually indian independence day- which is celebrated at my school by walking through the streets at 6 am singing patriotic songs, and then going back to the school for a presentation and food.I also saw my first Bollywood movie that weekend- which I understood none of, as it was in hindi/bengali. It was cool though. Since then I've been really busy studying (I'm taking Bio, Psych, Socio, English, and Painting). I love my school, and I'm having a great time. How are you all? write me and let me know!

much love,

helen

FINALLY

a new post! I am really sorry it has taken me this long to update this, but getting into the swing of things here has been pretty exhausting, and time consuming! In fact this may not be the best time for me to post- at the moment I am a little bit homesick- but all in all I am having a great time here. For starters my orientation in DC was wonderful- we got to meet all of the inbound YES kids, and an incoming and outgoing student from each country was chosen to be interviewed by the state department- I got to represent the five of us staying in india and it was an awesome experience (part 1, I have to study right now...)

I'm here!

I'm here! I hope to make a longer post with pictures of everything thing soon- from the mosque and state dept. interview in dc, the the surgical masks we were required to wear on the flight, to the indian independence day celebrations today-but for now I just wanted to say that I'm here, I love it, and I cant wait to tell you all the stories. This year is going to be crazy....
-helen
p.s. cows really do just chill out in the road. no lie.

5 Days out!!!

I'm 5 days out from leaving for DC, and I'm really excited. Packing is pretty complicated though, I can only bring 44 lbs of stuff, which, as it happens, is not so much! I keep thinking of things I'm going to miss, but I doubt there is really that much I wont be able to find in india- besides you all of course. If you ever want to get in touch with me you can email, or facebook me, or just let me know if you want my mailing or skype address! Have an amazing year everyone, and if you ever have some spare time, check this blog for pictures/reflections on life in india (of course I would love to hear your reflections on life in the USA as well). Take care,


helen

(you can email me at hepburn_girl@yahoo.com)