This past Sunday we arrived in Goa. Megan's work has a project in the coastal city and have sent us here for the week. We just barely made our red-eye flight and upon approach to Goa we had to circle the runway because of a possibility of bird collision. I was hoping that our pilot had skills to rival Captain Sully. Our pilot proved his mettle and we landed safely. A few first impressions - walk-able sidewalks; significantly less traffic; cattle roaming EVERYWHERE; air that you can cut with a knife. More soon!
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This past Sunday we had the pleasure to see some of India's furrier residents at the Banner Ghatta Biological Park. Our group rented a Jeep at the park and were then guided through a very regulated Safari to view Elephants, Deer, Lions, Bears, and Tigers. I do believe that the more dangerous animals had been sedated and moved close to the Jeep path. No zoo is perfect though and we had a great time. It was another outing with our new Bangalore friends and many of them had never been to this park either, so together we were experiencing it for the first time. It was definitely a good day. We have ventured out on our own a couple of times now without any help from local friends. Most recently we took an auto-rickshaw to Commercial Street and then onto Bangalore Palace and back again. The horrible truth is that the rickshaw drivers love American passengers, they play this game called "dupe the foreigner". I don't blame them for trying but, when we are clearly aware of the laws I wish they would then back-off. The trick in India is to make sure the drivers always use their meters. It is against the law for drivers to refuse the use of the meter, of course that doesn't stop them from insisting upon setting a price up front. Our trip home from Bangalore Palace this past Saturday cost us double of what it should have been. We had the sinking feeling that our driver kept stopping to tell random people about the great deal he had brokered with the two American schmucks in his backseat. India is so funny for an American, at one moment it is a marvelous place full of history, culture, and life the next moment societal differences make you want to pull your hair out. This is all part of the magnificence of India and Megan and I are soaking in every bit of it. Folks I hope this post didn't mislead you, Megan and I are having a wonderful time here and Saturday's adventures were mostly a blast (definitely eye-opening). Check out our photo page to see some wonderful picks from that day (titled "around town"). Happy Trails, -Bo The beautiful Bangalore Palace and garden. A winter retreat for the Maharajah his family, and retainers.
Sriharsha, the office manager at the OSI-India office, has taken us under his wing and has been a great host. Showing us around the city (his driving makes me feel like I'm in a Fast and Furious movie...) and ensuring we are settling in fine. We found ourselves at Opus in the Creek for karaoke last Friday night with Sriharsha, his wife, Gowri, and another new friend, Prachie. Bo serenaded the crowd with a Neil Diamond favorite. Saturday night we met some of Sriharsha and Gowri's other friends at an indoor beer garden that resembled a green house with misty water spritzing down from ceiling. It was quite lovely. They treated us to dinner that evening at a great shawarma place "Empire." I wish I had thought to take photos of the food. We ended the evening with Paan, a traditional mouth freshener made with betel leafs and stuffed with spices, coconut, fruit and topped with cherries. It was quite a minty mouthful of an experience! And...I stole this photo from the internet as I forgot to take a photo of the real deal... So you are probably wondering how we are handling the change in diet, for the most part all is well. We have not had to spend any of our days creating a tight bond with a local porcelain throne. Though our systems seem to be maintaining a level of peace not all of our meals have been a gastronomic dream. The interesting consistency that we seem to be discovering is that any attempt to find a western type meal leaves us sorely disappointed. There have been only two or three occasions where we have sought out some American fare and each time has been an utter failure. All is not lost though, the local food has been wonderful and we have been ushered around by some marvelously generous new friends.
Our new Indian friends are eating machines (I mean this as a compliment). Poor Megan and myself are not representing America as well as we would like. Megan never has been a big eater and, as a Crohnie, my abilities just aren't what they used to be. The two of us marvel at the massive quantities of food that has been laid before us. As I stated before the new dishes we have been introduced to have been a pleasant surprise. I am however making it my quest to find a decent burger while I am here. I have so far tried one burger and it was more like a meatloaf sandwich. Halfway through my "meatloaf sandwich" I thought the flavor and texture were going to make me retch. The treatment of the beef in that sandwich was devoid of any respect or love. I will power on though, a carnivore in a veggie-land. I am just lucky they (Indians) seem to be accepting of my carnivorous ways. Happy Hunting, -Bo We were forewarned and mentally prepared for the traffic and constant congestion and sure enough, it is quickly becoming our every day norm. We're training ourselves to first look right (not left) when crossing the street. Don't smile at strangers and for sure don't make eye contact with the rickshaw drivers or they'll follow you down the block hassling you for a ride. I can't help but smile to myself as I'm walking home from work. It is so bizarre to watch the madness of traffic and I sigh with relief when I've made it back to the hotel, safe and sound. Walk home from work: So far, I don't feel like I've had major culture shock; this is probably due largely to the fact that we are staying in a hotel - a sweet retreat from the chaos outside. Continental breakfasts, cappuccinos every morning, lounging by the pool before work.
We're excited to move into an apartment in the next week or two, to start learning how to buy groceries and move about without hotel staff constantly ensuring we are happy. Auf wiedersehen for now, Megan We arrived in Bangalore on Wednesday morning, luggage in hand. Made it to our hotel in one piece and are excited for this new adventure. We went to the OSI-India office around noon on Wednesday, met the team and had a little pizza party. It was great to finally meet all the people I have been working with for the past 6 months. At the IT Park where the OSI-India office is located.
The blue/green building behind me is a hotel (not our hotel). Other IT buildings in the distance. |
Adoption UpdateOur adoption has been put on hold until Spring 2017. Stay tuned for more updates!
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If you feel called to help fund our adoption, please click on the Donate button below. Check out our adoption and fundraising pages for additional info. Mil Gracias, in advance! Prayer Opportunities
If you feel called to pray for us, please pray for peace, guidance, patience and safety for everyone involved in the adoption process. Thanks! Team BoganTwo curious mid-westerners with inborn wanderlust, we travel when opportunity arises and we recharge with loved ones at home in the interim. Archives
September 2016
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