Jan 17, 2011 — Lucas Lax

Going through Jaipur, there was one thing that really stuck out to me, the orphanage we visited. It was sad seeing how that governments are just looking over their future. Walking down streets through all of India you see children in poverty and starving. There are limited of these programs in this country, and lots of children refuse to go, ever though they provide food, clothes, and education. We got to dance with the children, and the volunteers had said that is the happiest they have seen the orphans in awhile. It made me so happy to help even just a little, and made me see poverty in a new light.

Jan 16, 2011 — Lucas Lax

We went to the bird sanctuary today in one of the few national parks in India. Entering the park was scary since there was a warning about a tiger on the loose. I wanted to see it, but it lived in a different section. We rode bikes through the park, I was afraid I’d forget how to ride, but I guess it’s one of those things you never forget. We so lots of different birds and animals such as jackals and antelope. The ride was so much fun, the park was so scenic, nothing like what you’d see in Upstate New York. Then we had a long ride to a state called Rajasthan to the Pink City, Jaipur. They said the entire city used to be pink, but many of the building had been painted different colors now. The resort we were staying at was the most beautiful place. It was like a village lost in time. We all played a game in Professor Gupta’s room which helped us all get to know each other better.

Jan 15, 2011 — Lucas Lax

You can not fully experience India without a trip to the Taj Mahal. We rode to it from a camel cart, and I even got to ride the camel. It was kind of depressing that the site was filled with beggars and venders. We finally got in the gate and the building was more beautiful than any picture could describe. You could almost feel the love the king felt for his wife in the architecture. It was surprising on the inside, since it was just one small room for an enormous structure.

Jan 14, 2011 — Lucas Lax

Today we visited a business called DSCL. They specialize in agriculture and rural areas. It was surprising to find out that around 70% of India’s population lives in rural areas. I was happy to hear that some countries are investing in being green, since pollution is a huge problem here in the air, water, and roadsides. I found them to be the most interesting of the businesses we have been to so far. After leaving, we went to the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. The Red Fort was apparently one of the palaces for a the Mughal’s in India. The light and sound show gave a history of their rule. I was surprised to find that even though India is predominately Hindu, the Mughal’s were Muslim.

Jan 13, 2011 — Lucas Lax

At breakfast, my group and I presented to the class about the changes implemented by HTC, an Indian company which we visited today. It was very interesting that the most basic ideas that we easily overlook can change so much for companies. After breakfast, we went to this temple complex that was a sect of Hindu. The entire temple and area was picturesque and breath taking. It was interesting that they promoted their religion to others through an amusement park theme, but this made it very educational. Everything was so detailed and artistic, not leaving an inch undecorated. After, we went to HTC to talk to the CEO who was very open to our questions and queries. Before celebrating a holiday called Lohre, which is the last day of winter, some of us went shopping in a bazaar for clothing. It was an interesting shopping experience, with people everywhere and all are helpful. Everything is so cheap, but with inflation high, you see a sign for 100 rupees you get mad for a minute, then realize it’s only $2.
The festival was amazing. We marched around the fire, throwing peanuts in for good luck. We met all of Professor Gupta’s family, who were all very hospitable to us. Then we danced the night away with a mixture of English and Bollywood songs.

Jan 12, 2011 — Lucas Lax

Today was a very long day. We started off by going to to this Hindu complex. The statue were enormous, I came up to about the ankles. I learned a bit about Hinduism, which really helps you learn about India. After that, we visited two companies that we were all familiar with, PwC and Dunnhumby. The companies helped discuss the future roll of India in the business world. It was very interesting learning about how the government here is working, since it is a central planned economy. For dinner, we went to this restaurant where were able to try all sorts of Indian food. Almost everything is spicy, but in a way it is all still delicious and leaves you wanting more.

Jan 11, 2011 — Lucas Lax

Waking up was easy, it was falling asleep that was hard. It
was the middle of the day back home, and the middle of the night
here. We started our day off by going to the India Gate. Apparently
it was built during British rule as a monument to fallen soldiers.
In the middle is an eternal flame. It was hard to see since the
whole city was very hazy. As we walked down the path toward the
President’s house we saw thousands if troops marching and bands
playing in preparation for their Independence day on the 26th. So
many of them stared at us. We were surrounded for a few minutes as
they encircled us with phones and cameras, taking pictures of us.
There were so many stray dogs everyplace, a few followed us around.
Our next stop was the American Center where they gave us a quick
summary of different departments in India and their functions. One
was from Ithaca, NY which made me feel a sense of home in a way.
However, outside security was tough. If they caught us taking
pictures, they watched us delete them. Leaving there we went to a
Sikh temple, which was a very cool experience. We had to take our
shoes and socks off before walking on the grounds, and then had to
wear a cloth over our heads in order to enter the temple. Inside
was very clean and beautiful. Three men played instruments while a
priest chanted to an alter. No one seemed to care that obviously we
were not Sikh. After walking around, you could ask for a gift of
food which was actually pretty good. We then walked across the
street to the Parliament Museum inside the Parliament of India. It
was very cools and interactive. It gave an interesting history on
the founding of today’s India. Luckily the people and exhibits were
in English. After going back to the bus, we had some McDonalds,
which is apparently a luxury good. I had a McChicken and a Salsa
Wrap. The McChicken was similar to the American version, but it had
cheese. The salsa wrap was a very spicy wrap filled with all sorts
of vegetables. We came back to the hotel to change to explore the
area. Spice is everywhere, you can even smell it in the air and see
it in sidewalk cracks. Our teacher dared us to try street vendor
food. I had something sweet while someone else got something spicy.
Mine tasted like a sponge cake soaked in vanilla milk, so wasn’t
that bad. I tried the spicy food, called a water ball, and was one
of the spiciest foods I’ve ever ate. It was a thin dough with a
water on the inside loaded with curry and other spices. We also
witnessed “Minute to Win It” where they asked us if we wanted to be
on the show.