Delhi

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar

Adorable girls at Qutub Minar

Family from Iran who wanted us to know how much they liked the US

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar

Annie at one of the markets

Applying Henna

Vickey, the administrator, showing us how he puts on his turban

Suresh, the fabulous cook!!!

Gateway to India

Fresh water vendor - always looked so inviting but........

Red Fort

Red FortEntry fees are more expensive for foreigners, but the lines are not as long

Indian family that wanted that wanted their picture taken with us

Safdarjung Tomb

Safdarjung Tomb

Notice how the lady is doing the work while the men watch

Safardung Tomb

Lodhi Gardens

Hamayun Tomb

Humayun Tomb

Sign on the Delhi Metro floor for the women's Metro car

Hanging out at our favorite cafe (Daisy, Annielu, Lorenia).

Sikh Temple

I have two more days left in Delhi and I'm trying to figure out what to do. Everyone else is either taking off and traveling for the weekend, or like me, they are returning home. The time went by so quickly and of course, I didn't do all that I wanted to do. India is so big that it would take years to see it all. Just trying to see all the sites in Delhi would take months!

I did, however, get to a point where I now feel comfortable getting around Delhi, and I really enjoy going to the markets and bazaars. I found a cafe about a 15 minute walk (depending on the traffic) from my apt;, and right next to the cafe is an amazing bakery/sweet shop.

A couple of us went to the movies and that in itself was an experience. The cinemas here are very plush and comfortable. You can get food delivered to your seats, and you can even have your own lounge, with waiters. The movie we saw was Zindagina Milegi Dobara (No Life Again) and it was very, very funny. About 10% of it was in English, so we did not have a problem following the plot. It was about 3 hours long, but the cinema was so comfy and with our Chai tea, we were perfectly happy.

I think for my last two days, I will visit some bazaars and spend some time at my favorite sweet shop and cafe!

Volunteer Placement at VIDYA

Area outside the school. The houses do not have running water but there are communal water spigots dispersed among the houses. Lots of dogs, rats, trash, and sewage, though the inside of the houses look very swept.

After English, Math and games, we color!

The teacher that supervises us and keeps the kids and dogs in order. He is playing Nose Aerobics, which is a pair of glasses that my friend Jenny gave me before I left for India. They are a bit hit at the center!

Trying very hard to get the ball into the basket

Kum Kum and her brother. She is very smart and serious; she also takes care of her brother and her little sister.

Kum Kum trying to make a dunk!

Beginning the Hokey Pokey, which the kids just love

"Put your right leg in......."

The kids love to have their picture taken

I love the little toughie on the left

He's always causing trouble, but boy is he cute!

The kids are chalk drawing on the floor. In the background are women who are learning how to sew.

More chalk drawing

My two favorites: Kiran and Pankau. I always have to write "Excellent" on their lessons, add 5 to 10 stars, a smiley face, and then my signature.

We get served Chai around 10:30 and it's so good.

Annie with the kids

I always forget her name, but I think it is Kashish

Bhawana - she is very smart!

Here I am with Pankau

Annie with the kids

VIDYA (Integrated Development for Youth and Adults) is an Indian non-profit that educates and empowers children, youth and woman. I spent my last week volunteering for this organization that provides education to school-going and non-school going children, especially girls, up to the age of 14. The kids all come from the "slum" in which the community center resides. The kids are so funny that it's hard to keep a straight face, and forget about any form of discipline. I think the dogs that wander in and out are disciplined more than the kids. If only I could stay longer.

End of Placement at MTHDD

The pictures taken above are of my ride to and from MTHDD. These are scenes that I saw on a daily basis.

I was able to sneak a picture of the area in which the patients spend their days. What you are seeing in the last photo is the ladies section of MTHDD. To your left is an area that looks exactly the same that houses the men.

My volunteer placement at Mother Teresa's Home for the Destitute and Dying (MTHDD) ended last Friday, and I am spending my last week teaching English and Math to first through fourth grade students. Actually, it's a little bit of English, a little bit of Math, and a lot of playing, coloring, and doing the Hokey Pokey. I miss my ladies at MTHDD but I know a new volunteer will be coming soon to take care of them. I was never able to take pictures of them, but their faces and personalities will stay with me for a long, long time.