Monkey-ing Around :D

                  While waiting for my auto rickshaw at the end of the school day (which happens every morning and afternoon) a few of us volunteers began to discuss some of the issues we have had with our area coordinator. It made me feel a little better knowing I wasn’t going crazy or something, but that there were many who had also experienced the unprofessionalism that is Dr. B. I came to the conclusion that that issue at hand was that instead of being support for the volunteers who are experiences extreme cultural differences when coming to India, he washes his hands of us. Walter, a fellow volunteer here for his second summer and ex-volunteer of Dr. B, talked a lot on the fact that we come here and pay a fee to be supported by our program, but that doesn’t happen. Several times he experienced the same abandonment from the coordinator and because of his unstable experience last summer, has returned on his own without the assistance of the program. Luckily he is amazing and wasn’t completely discouraged from returning, as it is for many volunteers who have gone through this program. I know if I ever return, which I hope to do one day, it will be similar to Walter’s decision to find his own housing and be on his own. I’m grateful for Walter’s honesty and willingness to share his experience with me and two other volunteers. I think some people can be afraid to be honest in fears that they are bad mouthing the program, but I think it’s important for people to bring their stories to the table so that others can really know what the situation really is. I know for me, I’ve had moments where I felt like maybe I shouldn’t speak honestly of my experience to other volunteers in fears that I would taint their image of the India experience, but I think that’s unfair to them. I know I’ve been most appreciative of the honest and true experiences of the volunteers I’ve come into contact with (i.e. Gabby, Walter, and Silpa). Us volunteers have to stick together, am I right!?

            Once I finally made it home from school, I was hanging out in my room when I heard something at my screen door to the balcony. When I looked to see what it was, I found monkeys! They were fighting and playing with each other. I got so excited I grabbed my camera quickly so I could capture pictures and video (see below). I’ve had a few encounters with the buggars, but this was definitely the best. I was able to get some footage of them, but then one of them saw me watching and decided it was time to bounce. I’m starting to not be as afraid, but I’m still very cautious of them. I’d hate to be attacked by a monkey!