Week One

I've officially been in Varanasi for a week now and am beginning to understand the difference between Indian summers and summers in Indiana-- it's 106 degrees F here. My body has constantly produced sweat since the plane landed. I did get here safely and spend about a day in Delhi walking around before coming to Varanasi/Benares on an overnight train. My bag did not make the plane and I was forced (cough..cough) to buy some clothes in Delhi.
My first few days in the city, I spent with a group that was here from Canada. It was a nice transition because we worked in the school together and they let me do some activities with them. Once they left, I was sort of on my own for a few days, which was no problem because this city is teeming with new and exciting things to both do and see. Like I mentioned earlier, Benares is located along the Ganges, so if you walk along the ghats, you can find all sorts of temples, saddhus, food, music, vendors, etc. Each of them is a little bit different and tiny streets located behind the ghats lead you to even more stores and other findings.
The people are equally friendly and hospitable, especially here at Nirman. I am staying at the guesthouse and take all my meals here. Since the students are still on summer break, I am in charge of teaching 2 ESL classes (one in the city school and one in the country school) and working in the library, which needs catalogued and organized. Both classes are completely different, as are the schools, one being mainly an adult class (city school).
This past week alone has gone by very quickly, and I wonder if the rest of the summer will be like this. Although the country is full of friendly people and an incredible culture, the poverty is also astounding. For example, we went to a pre-wedding party at a village of untouchables this past week and it felt like walking into a completely different century. Yet, despite their socioeconomic status, they warmly welcomed us and entertained us. It was humbling.
I obviously can't post everything I'm doing, but I'll try to post again in a few days. Until then...namaste :)
Ana