Today was an India-tastic day filled with almost every unique-to-India cultural experience one can cram into 24 hours. We awoke bright and early to drive four hours to Agra to see the glorious Taj Mahal. It amazed me how taken back I was from every angle I looked at it…I kept having to pinch myself and I realized why it is a true wonder of the world.

After lunch, we went to the Agra Fort. This one was one of the highlights of the day for me because we stumbled upon Ohioans. Not only Ohioans, but Semester at Sea travelers. Being an alumna of this study abroad program, it was incredible to be able to talk to folks who are experiencing what I did three years ago. It’s a very special bond, what I imagine meeting an OWU alum in the middle of India would feel like…moments like this make me realize just how small the world is.

Our final destination was the Shri Krishna temple in Agra. This was especially moving for me, as the chants and music were more enthusiastic than any church service I’ve seen in the states. It took all my might to keep from dancing and clapping with the locals. It’s a very intimate experience, witnessing worship and prayer on such an up-close and personal level. I felt a little out of place, but I’m so glad we were able to see those beautiful shrines of the gods and goddesses,  and get a glimpse of the passionate ritual and praise.

THE highlight of the day was after the Agra Fort when a Holi parade on the street caught our attention from our bus. We’re not quite sure why this holiday was still being celebrated, as we were told it ended on Sunday. I’ve seen remains of the festivities throughout the city, but it became very clear to me what the source of those piles and stains in the streets was when a crowd of locals approached us with yellow and green and red powder. They threw some on our cheeks, and cheered and drummed and danced…it was a celebration that a few of us were very grateful to participate in, and the musky smell of the Indian dust is still in my hair.

There were several moments today in which we had to refrain from using cameras, such as inside the Taj and the temple. I learned to appreciate this today. Sometimes I worry that I’m not soaking up an experience when I’m so concerned about capturing the best image. Sharing those photos with others is one thing, but being fully present in the moment is another. I hope I can see India, not just through a camera lens, as I learn to put down the technology sometimes and truly be where I am.

I think today was emotionally draining for some of us…there is a lot to be conscious of here. Personally, it’s been difficult for me to deal with the stares, some of curiosity, some of untelling motives, from all of the locals as we walk through the streets in a pale parade. It’s hard to ignore it, when you know everyone, men and women, are surveying you up and down. Then there are the merchants, who I’ve learned to just smile at, and not even say anything to. They are pushy, way worse than those kiosks at Polaris mall. I feel rude, as I’m sure a lot of people do, disregarding their pleads and “special price for you” calls. The worst thing to “try to ignore” (which is what we’re told to do), is the beggars. When their wrinkled dark hands leave dusty prints on our bus windows after tapping when we’re at a red light and then bringing their fingers to their mouth to signify them needing food, it breaks my heart that I can’t give some to everyone. But sometimes I wonder, especially with the children who have mastered the art of guilt-tripping, just who those donations are going to. Regardless, it’s difficult to witness the poverty-stricken who target white tourists, and even more difficult to keep walking or close the window shade.

This is a learning experience for all of us, and it’s a very real part of India that is part of the whole package. The economic divide is so in-your-face here, there is no denying it, and it will never get easier to confront for me.

I apologize for ending on that note…overall, today was incredible…beyond incredible, beyond any adjective I can think of. It was…Indian Tomorrow we have community service planned, which I cannot wait for. Our team is getting along great and growing  closer with every day. I couldn’t be more grateful that I’m here with OWU people. #bishops go global

Day one=huge success. We visited the lotus temple, which was magnificent.

Not only was the architecture admirable, but the purpose behind the place of worship was inspiring. Lotuses are known for growing in murky water, symbolizing their ability to bring beauty and life in an otherwise yucky environment.

The temple is non-demoninational, and there are no services or sermons preached there, as to allow all faiths to pray among one another in a secure, serene place.

I also really enjoyed meeting the girls who will be hosting us for this week. They are all so friendly, and I’ve connected with them much more easily than I anticipated. They are really just like us, and I find familiarity in their young, collegiate outlooks and perspectives.

All the food was great…nothing like spicy nan to bond the group. And the cherry on top of the day was the rickshaw ride home from dinner.

It’s been a long, busy day of wide eyes, smiles and head bobbles. I’m off to bed!

This last week of school has been a blur of exams and papers, so after a long night of last-minute packing, I’m relieved to finally be in the airport. It still hasn’t hit me. We will be across the world. In India. WHAT. It’s kind of a surreal feeling….

-Emily not being on the shuttle to the airport was enough to give me a panic attack. But we found her All is well.

-There was an adorable puppy in front of us at the check-in line.

-I learned that peanut butter is considered a liquid. (Thanks, Anna).

-Kelsey

In order to understand Kelsey’s comment about peanut butter, I have to take you back a couple of weeks when my mom gave me a jar of peanut butter to take on the trip.  Although I was slightly confused of why I would need peanut butter, I kept the jar.  As I was packing this morning, I filled my bags completely and everything fit… except the jar.  I asked Kelsey if she could carry the jar for me in her backpack.  Well, in the security line, the security guard confiscated the peanut butter claiming it was a liquid.  Kelsey said “no, its a butter,”lol, but he wasn’t buying it.  So she told him it was mine and he told me that I couldn’t have it.  I offered it to him because it hadn’t been open but apparently he had to throw it away, which he did right in front of me.  So sorry mom, but no more peanut butter…

-Loved seeing two puppies in the airport

-Super pumped to be going to India for the first time!

-Anna

-The poor puppy was being shipped But I am so excited to be finally going to India!! I can’t believe that we will be there sooo soon! I’m kinda mad that our flight got delayed to Newark because we are all really excited to eat dinner together!

-Alecia

I’m a cat person.

Flight to Newark is only slightly delayed, but that’s not so much of a big deal for me–I’d be more anxious if the flight to New Delhi was delayed. That’s the longer of the flights, anyway. I am preparing myself to catch up on sleep, journal, and watch a series of all the bad movies the plane has to offer–basically all those movies you kind of want to see, but would never wanna pay for. Yep. Endless fun, all the way. Jai Ho!

-Shannon