According to the ship’s television station we are at Latitude 12 degrees 13.6 North and Longitude 082 degrees 27.05 E.
Basically, I’m interpreting that to mean that we are damn close to
India since I haven’t the slightest clue what it actually does mean.
We set our clocks back ½ hour tonight since the time zone in Chennai (and I assume all of
India) is ½ hour off of everybody else’s time zone (except some island in
Canada that only polar bears visit).
Can you tell that I haven’t been doing any research on this subject?
I’m such a bad librarian.
My library card is going to be revoked if I keep this up.
The Global Studies test was this morning and, as I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, I leapt upon the opportunity to have fast internet access. I thought I would have at least an hour of this bliss, but the s&^%$@ students whizzed through the test so quickly that many of them were done in ½ hour. Grrrrr! I managed to get my blog loaded, e-mail my family, and quasi load some Vietnam photos before the internet slowed down to the pace of a turtle. It was nice while it lasted though.
Activity in the library was brisk after the test because we were the only location where the answers to the test were kept.
It was fascinating to watch the students go over the answers.
I learned a lot of new words today – and not necessarily words that can be shared on a blog!
The students had some pretty strong reactions to how the questions were phrased.
They weren’t happy, to say the least.
After dinner, we had the logistical pre-port where, once again, they try to put the fear of Shiva (we are going to India after all) into everyone. We got the lecture on personal safety, pick pocketers, beggars, STDs, diarrhea, drinking, and so much more. By the time the speakers get done, everyone just wants to stay on the ship. I’m thankful that this isn’t my first visit to India and know what the reality of the country truly is. I had such a wonderful visit with my friend Aruna five years ago. It was the perfect introduction to this amazing country and I’m thankful it was with her and her family. I know this visit is going to be nothing like that one and need to keep an open mind and not compare all of the experiences. Of course, that is easier said than done. One thing is absolutely for sure though – I am going to enjoy the food! I can’t wait to get off this ship and dive into the food of India. The rapture! The bliss! The joy! Excuse me while I compose myself.
We were warned that customs is going to take a very long time tomorrow. Many of the trips have flights that they need to catch so I hope it doesn’t mess things up too much. My flight should be okay since we don’t have to leave the ship until 3:30 but you never know. We’ve learned that customs in any country is a slow process but with the bureaucracy of India, I’m afraid that it will be twice as bad. Time to pray to Shiva again.
In the meantime, it’s time to get some packing done and make sure that I don’t leave behind anything important – like my anti-cranky snacks or extra batteries for the camera. I won’t have internet access until Friday, October 19th but I promise to take lots of notes and will faithfully record it in the blog when I get back. See you on the 19th.
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