An incredible summer in India

After staying up until 4 am my last morning in Bombay, catching a taxi to the airport, two 9 hr flights (through Frankfurt, Germany), due to delays - missing my connecting flight to Charlotte, NC, taking an extra flight to Philadelphia, due to more delays - missing my next flight to Raleigh, NC at 11 pm, sleeping in the airport on the floor near my gate, taking the first flight out to Raleigh at 6:30 am, getting a stomach virus, and getting picked up at the airport (where they lost one of my bags) early in the morning, I finally reached UNC Chapel Hill.

Besides the return trip, this summer experience was one of the best I've ever had in my life. It's unexplainable how much I learned both medically and culturally. Through this amazing journey, I've learned a lot about myself in the process. When I look back, it feels like a dream; one that I still can’t believe came true.

I learned about hundreds of ways in which Indian veterinary medicine is different. Some people believe that they do not have the right equipment or technology to decently practice medicine in many rural areas, but I learned it is much more about motivation and attitude. I met some amazing veterinarians that put their heart and soul into what they do, and personally make it a successful practice. Whether they continued a surgery with no lights during a power outage or they disinfected a butterfly catheter by autoclaving it (just because there was no money to buy a new one for each animal), it was turned into a successful procedure and an animal was treated. I hope to better myself from what I’ve learned in the advent of the next chapter in my life.

Until school starts, I will be busy completing my veterinary school applications as well as studying for the G.R.E.

God bless

amazing haircut

I decided to get a haircut this morning. After breakfast I walked down to the hair dresser shop and asked for a regular haircut. This guy was just amazing. After he cut my hair with insane speed and accuracy, he asked if I wanted him to shave my beard as well. At this point I just said, "Sure.." In the next 10 mins, I got the cleanest shave I've ever had in my life! After that was over, I asked him to rub coconut oil in my hair. This was where the fun started. He then began rubbing coconut oil in my hair and asked if I wanted a head massage. I said once again, "Sure!!" For the next 30 minutes I got the best massage ever. He rubbed that coconut oil in my hair and massaged my neck and my back. The other 3 people in the shop were laughing because they saw how much I was enjoying it. I actually fell asleep for a good 10 mins because it was like I was floating on a cloud the whole time. In the end, about an hour after I entered the shop..he said, "50 rupees please." Wow, it's amazing how good of a job they do with haircuts in India.

Me, after my intense one hour experience..

A few more pics from Goa:

Meeting Supriya in Panjim, near the river where the Ferry Boat crosses from Betim to Panjim.

At the Assagao International Animal Rescue Shelter. Helping to treat sick/injured cows and calves.

Our lovely, Saligao village church lit up at night.

One of the Saligao village roads, leading up to Uncle Allen's house.

Another small road leading to Uncle Allen's house.

Crossing on the ferry boat (to Panjim).

Palm trees near the church.

Visiting Dr. Ravi's family.


Also...I've put the other 350 on facebook so check it out.

time just flies..

Yesterday, after a lovely journey on a city bus from Saligao to Betim, a ferry across the river from Betim to Panjim, and another city bus to Campal, I visited Supriya and her family in the Geetanjali building. It was the most beautiful ride being on the ferry boat and I took a lot of pictures :) We ate at this nice restaurant (mutton masala of course, chicken, paneer tikka, mmmmmmm). At first, it was funny seeing someone else from America and Supriya definitely noticed that I talk like an typical Indian kid now. My sentence structure is completely different and I automatically shake my head when I talk to anyone or agree to something. I'm sure it will wear off after a week back in the States.

Tomorrow, the bishop is coming to our Saligao Church and my little cousins are singing for mass. I'll be going to the church early and spending a few hours there meeting people that I haven't seen in years. For lunch I will be visiting Dr. Ravi and his family. I haven't seen the two children (23 and 27 years old) in a long time and now they are both basically doctors themselves.

The time is just flying by around here, but I am enjoying everybit of my stay. I definitely love Goa :)