We're quickly getting more established here and are getting (more) used to the food and heat. We haven't actually started our teaching but are supposed to be meeting with the Principle today to discuss our timetable. We've been warned, however, that time in India is 'stretchy', so any appointment is rarely concrete.
We still haven't seen very much of Vijayawada since we're yet to register our presence with the Police (again, the date of this keeps slipping...). We did see a little more yesterday when we visited a nearby supermarket (the "New Modern Supermarket"). Getting there was itself quite an experience: pedestrians come right at the bottom of the pecking order here and crossing a road requires speed, judgement and fluke. So far we haven't had any casualties but I'll be amazed if we get through the year without a few near-misses.
The supermarket itself was pretty similar to any Western one, although far busier. I'm embarassed to say we stocked up on some British-style crisps as well as some toilet paper - we haven't gone completely native on that front yet...
It was dark when we left and the streets were busy - the shops here stay open until about 8 or 9 in the evening and most people seem to come out around this time. The many beggars were a stark reminder of India's crazy inequalities - although the College is basic, it's easy whilst on the campus to forget how much better the situation is here in comparison to much of the wider city. Encountering one very persistent little girl in particular was quite a shock the system. It was clear that, realistically, we're always going to stick out on the streets no matter how accustomed we feel we are to the Indian way of life.
Yesterday we were invited to the nearby Atheist Centre for the "Condolence Meeting" of a preeminent Humanist and "freedom fighter", Saraswathi Gora. Our country representative, Bharavi, is married to her granddaughter and the whole family has a history of Humanism and social work. Although the service itself was rather long - and seemed especially so since it was conducted mainly in Telegu, the local language - she sounded like a fascinating woman. Despite the obvious ideological differences between the College (founded by nuns) and the Atheist Centre, they often collaborate on social projects. Although superficially the motivation appears different, the goals are the same.
All the staff and students here have been extremely welcoming to us and we're constantly being invited to events. We went to a concert at the College a few days ago which was described a fusion of traditional Indian and Western music. It was great to see the Indian instruments being played, although I was a little offended that the "Western" element was represented by a drum machine and a Casio keyboard..! Hopefully I'll be able to enlighten them with a ceilidh at some point.
We also went to church yesterday morning at the nearby Cathedral. On the way, we passed the Bishop's house - postively palatial in comparison to the surrounding buildings and with a guard on the gates. While the Sisters at the College are completely selfless and do extremely valuable work such as visiting the local prisons and slums, I'm not sure this approach is as true further up the hierarchy.
We've been getting to know some of the students better and have even begun learning names, which at the start was a nightmare. The standard of English varies but all are very friendly and infinitely curious. I'm looking forward to starting the teaching which hopefully will be soon..!
