Three interesting events took place recently; the russian holi party, the opening conference for One World project (which I was responsible for) and one of the interns' birthday.
You can read some details about all events on One World blog in the links below:
The Russian Holi party
One World opening conference
Sue's birthday
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
The magical palace..
Date: 12th of July
Dany, Dasha, Ludi and I went to that beautiful palace called Lakshmi Vilas palace. This palace is 160 years old. We enjoyed the beautiful architecture and the large green spaces. The domes and towers where built representing four religions; Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Sikh. Enjoy the pictures!
Dany, Dasha, Ludi and I went to that beautiful palace called Lakshmi Vilas palace. This palace is 160 years old. We enjoyed the beautiful architecture and the large green spaces. The domes and towers where built representing four religions; Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Sikh. Enjoy the pictures!
At the evening me and Dasha had a meeting with the trainees. They had a lot of concerns, we have a lot of challenges ...
Meeting with trainees
Meeting with trainees
PEACE re-union in Baroda!
Dates: 10th, 11th and 12th of July
These days were special to me; because I had a reunion with one of my best friends from PEACE project in Poland. The last time I saw him was in April, and now I see him in his homeland.
Deepak lives in Hyderabad; he took the train for 22 hours to Baroda. He stayed here for 3 days and then He went to Ahmedabad -he must have reached it this morning.
During these 3 days we had many activities together; I showed him the AIESEC office, took him to Goodies cafe and introduced him to AIESECers and CEEDers. Some AIESECers he already knew from conferences. One evening I went with him and his friend Moby to the Landmark library. I found a lot of interesting and cheap books. Deepak told me that I can even get half of them in half the price so I ended up buying 4 books -One of them is teaching Hindi for beginners. :-) So, at last I started learning some Hindi. After Landmark we went to McDonal's and I had a vegetarian sandwich; it was very delicious.
In the next day, Deepak, Dasha and I have gone exploring the city. We visited one park, we stopped by a man that has a cart full of coconut. He broke one coconut for each one of us for 10 rupees each, then we drank the juice from inside using straws. After we finished he broke them again and we could eat the white filling inside. You can see the pictures below.
The third day, Deepak, Dasha, Dany, Ludi and I decided to go to a famous palace. Deepak helped us get the tickets but then he couldn't join. The picture below was taken on the way.
These days were special to me; because I had a reunion with one of my best friends from PEACE project in Poland. The last time I saw him was in April, and now I see him in his homeland.
Deepak lives in Hyderabad; he took the train for 22 hours to Baroda. He stayed here for 3 days and then He went to Ahmedabad -he must have reached it this morning.
Me and Deepak - Reunion at AIESEC Baroda Office
During these 3 days we had many activities together; I showed him the AIESEC office, took him to Goodies cafe and introduced him to AIESECers and CEEDers. Some AIESECers he already knew from conferences. One evening I went with him and his friend Moby to the Landmark library. I found a lot of interesting and cheap books. Deepak told me that I can even get half of them in half the price so I ended up buying 4 books -One of them is teaching Hindi for beginners. :-) So, at last I started learning some Hindi. After Landmark we went to McDonal's and I had a vegetarian sandwich; it was very delicious.
Moby, me and Deepak in front of Goodies restaurant
In the next day, Deepak, Dasha and I have gone exploring the city. We visited one park, we stopped by a man that has a cart full of coconut. He broke one coconut for each one of us for 10 rupees each, then we drank the juice from inside using straws. After we finished he broke them again and we could eat the white filling inside. You can see the pictures below.
Dasha and Deepak at the park
Me; drinking coconut
The third day, Deepak, Dasha, Dany, Ludi and I decided to go to a famous palace. Deepak helped us get the tickets but then he couldn't join. The picture below was taken on the way.
Deepak, me, Dany and Ludi going to the palace
Nice outing by the river
Date: 9th of July
Krishnadas is the LCP. We call him KD. He has even got a "KD" tatoo on his leg. He took me, Dasha, Krina and Nancy (LCVPPD) to a bridge by the river out of town. He drove us in his Maruti 800. This is the main car in India. Mr Nalin said it is 50% market share.
The weather was beautiful; slightly raining. It was also farewell for Krina who ended her CEED. She will visit Sharm El Sheikh soon. "Krina, Enjoy the beautiful red sea!"
Krishnadas is the LCP. We call him KD. He has even got a "KD" tatoo on his leg. He took me, Dasha, Krina and Nancy (LCVPPD) to a bridge by the river out of town. He drove us in his Maruti 800. This is the main car in India. Mr Nalin said it is 50% market share.
The weather was beautiful; slightly raining. It was also farewell for Krina who ended her CEED. She will visit Sharm El Sheikh soon. "Krina, Enjoy the beautiful red sea!"
AIESEC Baroda and the Fruits Party!
Baroda lies in Gujarat state. Gujarat is in the west of India. It is the state where Gandhi was born. I think this is why Gujarat is the only dry state in India; which means it is the only state where alcohol is not allowed to be served unless you are a foreigner you can get a drink permission.
Baroda is not so big city with lots of students living. Most of the people use 2 wheeled vehicles. The main public transport is the Autorikshaw (toktok). The meter starts counting from 6 rupees, the average fare for a close place is 15-20 rupees. After 11pm the fare is multiplied by 1.5!
The regional language there is Gujarati. In Mumbai it is Marati, so it is different from one place to another. I heard it also depends on ethnicity; like Muslims speak Urdo, Sikh speak Punjabi.
Whenever Indians from different states meet they speak Hindi.
Date: 4th of July 2007
First morning in Baroda. Sonesh took me to buy a SIM card for 600 rupees. It took many days to work with full functionality. Calling inside Gujarat is local calling. Calling another states is more expensive. Calling from another state has roaming charges! However, international calling is very cheap compared to Egypt.
We went to AIESEC office. There I met Fiona, a trainee from China who has just arrived for an MT. The office is a small one with one main room with 3 computers and a smaller room for meetings. The internet was not working so Sonesh took me to the internet cafe. On the computer next to me a young woman was sitting, wearing saree. She asked me to help her with something then introduced herself to me. She shaked hands with me in a very bold way and kept my hand in hers longer than usual. Then she talked a little with Sonesh. She told him that her husband has run away and now she wants to immigrate to Australia.
Afterwards we went to Goodies restaurant for lunch. It is the closest restaurant to the AIESEC office. I even saw the AIESEC poster on the door. All trainees and CEEDers go there. There I met new people; Joyce from Holland - came as a trainee for a women empowerment project, Ludi & Dany from France - CEEDers mainly working on recruitment, Kim & Son from Korea, trainees for One World project, Krina - CEEDer from England who has Indian roots, and Dasha from Russia who is coordinating project One World with me.
After lunch we took autorikshaws to INOX mall; which is a big shopping mall. I went to the clothes shop and found some "ethnic" wear. I bought 2 Indian kurtas. Then we went to a bollywood movie! It was a movie called "Aap ka Surrour"; it was in Hindi with some English. It was an amusing movie with too much songs!
Date: 5th of July
All the EB were there at Darshan's place since the MCP and another MC member were there. We had indian shisha with 2 pipes!
Date: 6th of July
More trainees arrived that day from China; some of them are Korean studying in China.
Darshan is the Vice President for Education Sector in AIESEC Baroda. So he is the EB member responsible for project One World. I and Dasha have come to Baroda to coordinate the project. That day we had our first meeting where we read the job descriptions and divided our responsibilities.
Date: 7th of July
Dasha has prepared a reception party for the interns at Sonesh's home; many members were there also. The theme of the party was "Live Brightly"; everyone would wear bright colors and bring one fruit. We played a lot of interesting games, then Dasha prepared a dish with molten chocolate and fruits. We made a lot of jives (AIESEC dances). I played some violin for them. It was a nice party.
Baroda is not so big city with lots of students living. Most of the people use 2 wheeled vehicles. The main public transport is the Autorikshaw (toktok). The meter starts counting from 6 rupees, the average fare for a close place is 15-20 rupees. After 11pm the fare is multiplied by 1.5!
The regional language there is Gujarati. In Mumbai it is Marati, so it is different from one place to another. I heard it also depends on ethnicity; like Muslims speak Urdo, Sikh speak Punjabi.
Whenever Indians from different states meet they speak Hindi.
Date: 4th of July 2007
First morning in Baroda. Sonesh took me to buy a SIM card for 600 rupees. It took many days to work with full functionality. Calling inside Gujarat is local calling. Calling another states is more expensive. Calling from another state has roaming charges! However, international calling is very cheap compared to Egypt.
We went to AIESEC office. There I met Fiona, a trainee from China who has just arrived for an MT. The office is a small one with one main room with 3 computers and a smaller room for meetings. The internet was not working so Sonesh took me to the internet cafe. On the computer next to me a young woman was sitting, wearing saree. She asked me to help her with something then introduced herself to me. She shaked hands with me in a very bold way and kept my hand in hers longer than usual. Then she talked a little with Sonesh. She told him that her husband has run away and now she wants to immigrate to Australia.
Afterwards we went to Goodies restaurant for lunch. It is the closest restaurant to the AIESEC office. I even saw the AIESEC poster on the door. All trainees and CEEDers go there. There I met new people; Joyce from Holland - came as a trainee for a women empowerment project, Ludi & Dany from France - CEEDers mainly working on recruitment, Kim & Son from Korea, trainees for One World project, Krina - CEEDer from England who has Indian roots, and Dasha from Russia who is coordinating project One World with me.
Left to right: Krina, Ludy Joyce, Dany, Dasha, Kim, me and Son
After lunch we took autorikshaws to INOX mall; which is a big shopping mall. I went to the clothes shop and found some "ethnic" wear. I bought 2 Indian kurtas. Then we went to a bollywood movie! It was a movie called "Aap ka Surrour"; it was in Hindi with some English. It was an amusing movie with too much songs!
Date: 5th of July
All the EB were there at Darshan's place since the MCP and another MC member were there. We had indian shisha with 2 pipes!
Date: 6th of July
More trainees arrived that day from China; some of them are Korean studying in China.
Darshan is the Vice President for Education Sector in AIESEC Baroda. So he is the EB member responsible for project One World. I and Dasha have come to Baroda to coordinate the project. That day we had our first meeting where we read the job descriptions and divided our responsibilities.
Date: 7th of July
Dasha has prepared a reception party for the interns at Sonesh's home; many members were there also. The theme of the party was "Live Brightly"; everyone would wear bright colors and bring one fruit. We played a lot of interesting games, then Dasha prepared a dish with molten chocolate and fruits. We made a lot of jives (AIESEC dances). I played some violin for them. It was a nice party.
Left to right: Kim, me and Dasha
Party!
Vadodara; City of Scooters!
Date: 3rd of July 2oo7
worried about recognizing the station. So I asked that man who serves the food and he said something like there are 5 stations left for Baroda. I also checked the ticket, the ticket would take 5 hours, adding the delay time then I still have time. But when I asked one of the passengers he told me that Baroda has just left and now we are standing in the following station. I found out that the former man did not really understand me. So I left the train at Anand station. Many people where staring at me. I went to the phone and tried to call Palak, Darshan and Anit. No body was answering. I asked at the reservation office about the next train to Baroda; he said at 4pm. It was 2pm but I had no other choice. I paid 22 rupees for the ticket. I tried to call anyone to pick me up again and again. Some young students started to talk to me. They were taking the same train; so we waited together. After 4 small stations we arrived at Baroda. They helped me call Darshan and he told me that someone will be waiting for me near the cash machine. On my way to there I saw an area like a parkingI woke up very early to catch the 7 am bus going to Baroda. Mrs Binty and Somnath took me to the station. It was very rainy; which caused a one and a half hours delay for the train. Somnath stayed with me till the train arrived. He knew some english so we talked a little about our countries. He told me that Amitabh Bachchan is called Big B. Somnath also told me that he is 20 years old and that he has been married for one year. He comes from Pune; where Akriti goes to study. Finally the train arrived. It was the AC train with comfortable seats (I got the ticket for 570 rupees). I had tea, snacks and a meal. I didn't even have to pay for anything. I was just place. It was totally full with motorbikes and vispas; hundreds of them. I was very surprised. I found the guy waiting for me; he is an AIESEC member called Hamza. He took me to were he parked his vehicle. It turned out to be a motorbike. I told him that I would not be able to ride with all my luggage but finally I could. It was a very scary experience for me; the first time I ride a motorbike and I had to trust the person who drives whom I just have met 10 minutes ago, adding to that the speed breakers, and traffic system which is totally opposite in Egypt. We safely reached a meeting point where Sonesh -my host- would pick me up. He came to the place riding a vispa. It is actually called scooter there. Scooter in Egypt implies a different vehicle rather for kids. So we took the scooter, this time I was less nervous. I noticed that there are more motorbikes and scooters in the streets than cars. It was unusual to me to see girls wearing sarees riding pink scooters!
We reached his home; it is like a 2 leveled villa. He showed me the room where I would stay in the second floor. I was very tired that I had a long sleep.
That day I could not have photos of the city while riding the bike but I had a couple of photos in the room. (below)
worried about recognizing the station. So I asked that man who serves the food and he said something like there are 5 stations left for Baroda. I also checked the ticket, the ticket would take 5 hours, adding the delay time then I still have time. But when I asked one of the passengers he told me that Baroda has just left and now we are standing in the following station. I found out that the former man did not really understand me. So I left the train at Anand station. Many people where staring at me. I went to the phone and tried to call Palak, Darshan and Anit. No body was answering. I asked at the reservation office about the next train to Baroda; he said at 4pm. It was 2pm but I had no other choice. I paid 22 rupees for the ticket. I tried to call anyone to pick me up again and again. Some young students started to talk to me. They were taking the same train; so we waited together. After 4 small stations we arrived at Baroda. They helped me call Darshan and he told me that someone will be waiting for me near the cash machine. On my way to there I saw an area like a parkingI woke up very early to catch the 7 am bus going to Baroda. Mrs Binty and Somnath took me to the station. It was very rainy; which caused a one and a half hours delay for the train. Somnath stayed with me till the train arrived. He knew some english so we talked a little about our countries. He told me that Amitabh Bachchan is called Big B. Somnath also told me that he is 20 years old and that he has been married for one year. He comes from Pune; where Akriti goes to study. Finally the train arrived. It was the AC train with comfortable seats (I got the ticket for 570 rupees). I had tea, snacks and a meal. I didn't even have to pay for anything. I was just place. It was totally full with motorbikes and vispas; hundreds of them. I was very surprised. I found the guy waiting for me; he is an AIESEC member called Hamza. He took me to were he parked his vehicle. It turned out to be a motorbike. I told him that I would not be able to ride with all my luggage but finally I could. It was a very scary experience for me; the first time I ride a motorbike and I had to trust the person who drives whom I just have met 10 minutes ago, adding to that the speed breakers, and traffic system which is totally opposite in Egypt. We safely reached a meeting point where Sonesh -my host- would pick me up. He came to the place riding a vispa. It is actually called scooter there. Scooter in Egypt implies a different vehicle rather for kids. So we took the scooter, this time I was less nervous. I noticed that there are more motorbikes and scooters in the streets than cars. It was unusual to me to see girls wearing sarees riding pink scooters!
We reached his home; it is like a 2 leveled villa. He showed me the room where I would stay in the second floor. I was very tired that I had a long sleep.
That day I could not have photos of the city while riding the bike but I had a couple of photos in the room. (below)
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Touring around Mumbai
Date: 2nd of July 2007
I woke up so early. Mrs Binty took me to a travel agency which arranges a tour around Mumbai. I was told that this tour includes 51 places; which I found it impressive. I got a ticket for 150 rupees. I got on the bus; most of the people where Indians. Later on, I talked with some of them. They came from different places in India like Banglore and Rajasthan. Each one has got a flyer with the 51 places written. Some of the places -about 8- were in red font and others were black; it was written below that we only get to enter the places in red. The bus started moving, the tour guide held the mic and started mentioning that 4 places are closed on Monday. We spent a long time till we reached the first place. During this time I took a lot of pictures through the bus window. Every time we reach a "black written" place the tour guide would explain some facts about the place in Hindi then in English; sometimes I had difficulty to recognize when he switched between languages. Sometimes the guide gave more information about places which are not written in the list. He showed us places like the American consulate, famous hospital, tallest buildings, Amitabh Bachchan's house, ... etc. We also entered some places like temples, parks and the Gateway of India. Again I went to ISKCON temple and Juho beach; this time I took beautiful pictures inside the temple. I also visited a science museum which was very interesting. It explained a lot of things about physics, biology, history, music, .. etc through interactive ways. Inside the museum there was a 3D show about global warming. It was very nice. We also went to a mall where we watched a 4D show, it was also fun. These shows cost 125 extra rupees. At the end of the day I had a big tour around Mumbai. Below you will find some pictures.
Juhu beach
I woke up so early. Mrs Binty took me to a travel agency which arranges a tour around Mumbai. I was told that this tour includes 51 places; which I found it impressive. I got a ticket for 150 rupees. I got on the bus; most of the people where Indians. Later on, I talked with some of them. They came from different places in India like Banglore and Rajasthan. Each one has got a flyer with the 51 places written. Some of the places -about 8- were in red font and others were black; it was written below that we only get to enter the places in red. The bus started moving, the tour guide held the mic and started mentioning that 4 places are closed on Monday. We spent a long time till we reached the first place. During this time I took a lot of pictures through the bus window. Every time we reach a "black written" place the tour guide would explain some facts about the place in Hindi then in English; sometimes I had difficulty to recognize when he switched between languages. Sometimes the guide gave more information about places which are not written in the list. He showed us places like the American consulate, famous hospital, tallest buildings, Amitabh Bachchan's house, ... etc. We also entered some places like temples, parks and the Gateway of India. Again I went to ISKCON temple and Juho beach; this time I took beautiful pictures inside the temple. I also visited a science museum which was very interesting. It explained a lot of things about physics, biology, history, music, .. etc through interactive ways. Inside the museum there was a 3D show about global warming. It was very nice. We also went to a mall where we watched a 4D show, it was also fun. These shows cost 125 extra rupees. At the end of the day I had a big tour around Mumbai. Below you will find some pictures.
The Boot house, one of the parks
Gateway of India
Inside ISKCON temple
Juhu beach
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