Classes and Curry in the News!

In case you aren't in Richmond and couldn't see the local paper this morning, there was a write-up in the Richmond Times Dispatch on Richmonders who survived the Mumbai attacks.  The article tells the story of an elderly couple who was actually inside of their hotel room in the Taj during the attacks, and despite a bullet being shot into their room, they made it back home alive.  It's an amazing story, and I'm honored to share my side of the Mumbai attacks as well.  

As far as what I'm up to, I've been back in the States since Saturday night and can see that being home in Richmond has been just what I've needed.  With my family and Barrett by my side, I'm beginning to process what has happened in Mumbai and move forward.  I'm doing well, and am happy and relieved to be right where I am but all the while missing my ASB family in Mumbai.  Time will tell what the remainder of the year will hold, but for now, it's just one day at a time.

Update

I'm in the Shanghai airport en route to Richmond. I should arrive home around 10:00 pm tomorrow night and am so looking forward to home sweet home. Although the attacks have supposedly ended and the violence is "over" in Mumbai, I just can't stomach the thought of going back there right now. I received word last night from Mumbai that two ASB parents were held hostage in the Oberoi and murdered during the attacks. As I cope with my grief and process these events, I think it will be best to do so with my family nearby. I'm not sure what's going to happen for the remainder of the school year, but I do know that I am one lucky, lucky girl.

Thank you so much Julie and Mary for taking me in for a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. I certainly have a lot to be thankful for this year, and I am quite thankful that I made it out of Mumbai and into Shanghai to be with you two.

Everyone reading from home: I'll see y'all soon.

I'm Safe

Thank you all so very much for your concern. I'm currently in Singapore on my way to Shanghai, and I'm OK but definitely shaken up. As far as I know everyone back in Mumbai from ASB is safe. I'll keep you all posted. Lots of love and Happy Thanksgiving.

The Fast Plane to China

My Chinese visa is confirmed, my bags are packed, and in 15 minutes I will be out the door and on my way to Shanghai! This is sure to be a Thanksgiving to remember... I'll try to stay in touch over the next few days, but I want to make sure to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone back home. I'm thankful for all of you!

Time is Flying!

Today is November 19th, and that means I...

• leave for Shanghai in exactly one week

• leave to come home for Christmas in exactly one month

• have been here for a total of 115 days

• am practically halfway there

How did that happen? Last time I checked it was August?!

Great...

The apartment building across the street is conveniently having a techno dance party on the roof tonight. Strobe lights are flashing, the bass is pumping, and ladies are screaming every time their favorite beat comes on. Seriously people? It's a Tuesday night! Looks like I have another restful night ahead of me. This is just fantastic.

Thank You, At Least, For Not Smoking

Recently the Indian government passed a law forbidding smoking in public places. Being a non-smoker, I have to say that I am pleased, yet slightly confused, over this good news. For one thing, I was initially under the impression that the Indian government didn't actually practice lawmaking and was astounded to hear that in fact they do. With all the chaos around here, it seems like Mumbai is just a giant free-for-all, so I've been pretty baffled since hearing about this new decree. Not only was it surprising to hear that a new law was in place, but I also couldn't help but wonder, "Why smoking?" Mumbai is a city of utter insanity, and I can't imagine what possible difference eliminating smoking will make in the (assumed) pursuit of establishing cleanliness and order. Perhaps the logic is that banning smoking will clean the air and be better for the environment, but then what are we to do about the sickening amount of car fumes that coat the entire city in a black blanket of smog? After swimming through car exhaust for the past 4 months, second-hand smoke actually seems like a decent alternative to the city's potentially pneumonia-inducing pollution. My only other hypothesis is that Mumbai is attempting to establish some sort of standard of conduct for its civilians, and the government feels banishing smoking is a rational place to start. In a city where people can urinate, defecate, and copulate wherever they please (you think I'm kidding...), however, I am flat out befuddled how cigarette smoking has taken the cake for the biggest issue that needs attention. I can't possibly understand how it is socially acceptable to flash hundreds of people while relieving yourself in the middle of the street, yet illegal to have a smoke at a bar. Like so many other aspects of this crazy place; I just don't get it. I guess at the very least, though, it's good that we've got the cigarette smoking under control.