Late nights in the computer lab

Last published on January 6th and here it's already the 9th. Talk about slacking! I guess the two nights of lab work that went well into the early morning hours really through me off my deadline. Sorry world. Let me try and get you caught up. As the projects headed into the final stretch Windows Movie Maker threw another curve ball our way. When you try to trim AVI files they end up blacking out the backend of the show and all you get is audio. That is not cool. I read online in the forums and this is a known bug (not sure by whom, but at least Microsoft is aware that there is a problem - perhaps they will fix this in windows 7. Anyway, the task was to then convert the files once more into WMV so they could be edited. Now let's check the record. The video's come off the camera as mpg - since neither the Windows Movie Maker or iMovie would read these files they needed to be converted to at least a MP2 format. I checked the accepted formats for WMM and decided that MP4 would be good. Purchased a converter package and proceeded to convert well over 2 hours of video into MP4 format. Only to find out that these computers didn't have codecs for MP4 on them. Downloaded codecs and installed on all computers in the lab. Tried MP4 again with no success, so went back to the conversion tool and changed to AVI. WMM would accept them - but couldn't edit. One more trip to the converter to move to WMV - but wait - the conversion tool didn't include this format. Back to the web to find a free conversion tool. Downloaded Blaze Media Pro - free and a great tool for AVI to WMV conversion. Converted only video's needed for final projects. Phew that is a lot of handling of one video file! Imagine a whole room of them. Now I know why I am dizzy.

Anyway we solved the video format crisis with little interruption to class progress. Students were really getting loud which lead me to believe that they were engaged - and they were. I was very impressed with the group work that was being produced. The students really wanted to have a quality product.

While the video work took place our two webmasters, Boris and Aman setup shop in the front of the lab and built what I believe was the turning point in their day. I have never seen two happier students in my entire life. I was very proud of them. I will include the link at the bottom of this post. Now back to Thursday's lab session.

Students continued to glean their projects and get them just perfect. In the midst of all this chaos was studying if a final exam which would take place in the afternoon. Deadlines were set for noon on story and slideshow assignments and 4pm for video. I would love to say that all of these deadlines were met, but then that wouldn't be technology - would it....enter SAM.

What is SAM you ask? Well it is a very annoying virus that will pop up in the middle of your work and will simply say SORRY -SAM-. Exept he isn't sorry - in fact he quite enjoys ruining your project by shutting down your machine. This was popping up all over the lab - which didn't have virus protection! UGH. Back to the google groups for me. I found a SAM cleaner and installed it on every machine - instructing students to run the file if SAM appeared. Still it had infected all the thumb/flash/pen drives and would re-populate itself every time a file was transfered.

SAM is not my friend.

We continued to push forward. Three teams managed to make the noon deadline, three more finished over lunch and the final two finished mid afternoon. The video's became a bigger issue as conversion, sound quality and SAM started to make this more of a quest for the students and myself.

4pm came and went without a single video being turned in, as did 5pm and 6pm. Finally, shortly after 6:30pm the first video was completed. I never saw such big smiles as I awarded the first group with 3 extra bonus points. Then the urgency really set in with the remaining seven...they wanted bonus points. The projects continued to be completed about one per hour until close to 9pm when tragedy struck two groups. One has a reporter from the Times of India as a team member. He had been called away to cover a story about the petro (gasoline) strike and had to leave. Unfortunately his team's project was on his computer. I offered to come in early on Friday so they could finish - early being 7am. What was I thinking! Oh well, it is a good project and I wanted it to be completed...besides I couldn't let these students down.

Then another team had their project crash and be deleted just as they were finishing. They had ignored my cries of 'save often' and therefore had lost it. They would have to start over. They did, finishing at a little before 1am. The final team that I had been working with completed they project just a little after and we began uploading the projects to the website. Have I ever mentioned the bandwidth in India? Well it drops dramatically at night - and while you would think that 1am is prime time to work and upload - it is not. Needless to say the webmasters and I did not leave the lab until close to 2am. Hmmmm, did I mention I had told a group that I would meet them at 7am? I am in for a short nap instead of a good nights sleep. It is just a good thing that we have about 32 hours of plane riding at the end of Friday to catch up on sleep. Maybe I won't have jet lag this time.

Anyway, everything is winding down. I have the equipment back in the shipping cases and ready to head out. My luggage is packed and except for this laptop and my cell phone I am ready to hit the road.

The final step today is a ceremony at 10am to celebrate the accomplishments of the class. Just two short weeks ago a tired team stepped off the planes and began a journey. It has been quite the adventure and the journey has had a successful conclusion....except that I believe we have just begun. Many email addresses have been exchanged and I have a few more friends in my facebook account. I look forward to keeping in touch with another group of friends from India.

Oh - here is the link I promised...enjoy. If you like the site, please click on the 'contact us' link and let Boris know - he is the registered account that you will send to!

http://www.stxaviersbpj.org

For now, signing off from India. Up next - tales of a long plane ride!

Showing no fear is not an easy task

I will let Steve tell you all about the monkeys we saw this morning and how the dogs on campus are responsible for keeping them away but chasing them all over the place. I will also let him tell you about the one we saw crossing the road in heavy traffic - they look both ways. I am not going to talk about crossing traffic and following behind Steve who is getting so bold that he walked in front of a bus. No, I am going to tell you about a much bigger threat. The threat of an unwanted guest in your room.

This guest must have entered through the bathroom window, which I had accidentally left open too long into the evening. I found him when I returned from my walk with Steve and Vince to the local store to pick up some soda. I opened the door to my room and he scampered behind my desk.

Yup - you guessed it - one of India's finest - Chippy the squirrel decided to make my room his own. I didn't scream - I have had dealings with crafty squirrels before and had emerged the victor. This time was to be no different.

I left my door open and went to find Ignatius - he would be sure to furnish me with my weapon of choice - a long handled broom. Finding no one around but Fr. Francis, the retired bishop, I knew I was to go to battle on my own. Putting on the bravest face I could I entered the battle ground. My first action was to close up the suitcases and equipment bags - no need to give him bunkers to hide out in. I removed the hershey's kisses I had stashed in the desk drawer - he didn't need any rations either. No this squirrel was going to have to rough it if he was to live in my bunkhouse.

Slowly I opened the remaining two drawers. No chippy could be found. I checked under the bed - not their either. This left only the curtains for cover. Bravely I grasped the end of one and flung it into the air. It came off the rod and with a thud landed on the chair in the corner of the room. This was no ordinary squirrel - he was a crafty one. I knew he had to be somewhere in my room - but just where was beginning to be a bit of a mystery.

Luckily for chippy I had to leave to visit Loyola High School with the rest of the team. This battle would have to resume, complete with reinforcements when I returned.

Pinky was waiting to take us to the school so I was distracted by polite conversation and a good meal - but not for long. Fr. Robert told us about another Jesuit's love of snakes. They discussed how you could tell if a snake was poisonous by its fang marks. I am not sure about you - but if you can see the tooth impression in your skin - too late! Anyway they talked about rats falling on you as you slept and monkey's jumping on them as they delivered mass. All the while I was developing my plan. Even Fr. Vinayak's memory of having a snake approach him while he delivered a traditional Indian service (they all sit on the floor) and his jumping on the alter to avoid it did not keep me from my task. On the way back I started to put my game face on and prepare my soldiers for the battle.

I would open the door and throw Steve at the mercy of the squirrel. He has taken on a six foot monkey and a bus - surely something as small, brown and fuzzy as a squirrel should be no problem. Steve was a willing participant, walking in and banging around to try and coax the beast from his hiding place. But he was not successful. Next, I tried a different approach. I chose my second warrior - Fr. Vinayak. He is from these parts and knows the enemy well. He checked out the room and closed the high closet doors so that if Chippy was hiding in them he would be trapped. He then pointed to the statue of Jesus in the room and told me I was protected and not to worry.

I felt a little better - but was really wishing it was a St. Francis statue - he had come through for me in the past when the squirrels of Marquette had stolen my keys - but that is another battle story for a different day.

Returning to my room I began to pick up and pack for the way home - which was coming sooner than we had planned with our flight being swapped to early afternoon instead of late evening. As I packed up I lifted and checked out each article. I had no need for a stow-away. Chippy was not found in the area. I am only hoping that he saw I was a strong foe and chose to sneak out a different route. I will keep my eye open just a little the remaining three nights. This may not be the end of the story. I will let you know, but for now, I am storing my peanut butter in a locked drawer.

Feral Dogs

Back home in Milwaukee I have three friends, Linda, Joyce and Gee, that started a feral cat program at the Wisconsin Humane Society. It is a great program - check it out!

This program helps to curb the surplus animal population by spaying and neutering feral cats. This allows the cats their freedom, while making sure the numbers don't get out of control.


After spending a second year in India I am thinking they should start a similar program here for the dogs. One thing India has plenty of, besides roaming cows, is roaming dogs. It is obvious that no one owns most of these dogs (I have seen a couple with collars) and they are pretty common to see sleeping in sunny spots. They truly resemble the cats I see in my neighborhood. Just relaxing and enjoying life - not a care in the world. Except for the traffic and the rising number of animals. I am certain that in a short time there will be so many that although they seem tame today - could become mean due to lack of available food.


There is one young family of dogs on the St. Xavier's campus. You see them playing in the courtyard - dad proudly watching his family while mom rests in the sun. It is very peaceful. I am not allowed to pet them or even play with them and it makes me lonely for my dog Gracie back home. They do not seem too underfed and I am guessing living on a college campus assures them food. Even if I have been warned not to pet them - doesn't mean the residents don't. That makes me feel a little bit better. There is a hawk that lives on campus that keeps a close eye on the family. I am guessing he is weighing in to see if they are worth the effort. It may be easier for them to just take on a squirrel instead. There are lots of them on campus as well and they are never too happy when people sit near their trees.

But it's the dog family that has my heart. The puppies are cute, fuzzy and cuddly right now. I do find it interesting with so many dogs roaming that they all appear to be the same breed. Not a collie, lab or poodle to be found. Paris Hilton would have a hard time filling her purse in this environment.

Sunday - a day of rest.

I remember from my early CCD classes that on the 7th day God rested. Well, someone failed to tell Fr. Vinayak about that fact. So, of course, Sunday was anything but a day of rest. In all fairness to Fr. Vinayak though - it was a fun day and we did visit some neat places.

We gathered in the kitchen at 8am and had our breakfast. I am going to have to get a picture of the two gentlemen that take care of all the meals in the Jesuit residence - just to pay them a bit of tribute. They make sure you don't do too much on your own. I have only to sit down at the table when magically coffee appears before me, followed shortly after by a plate of eggs and toast. I can really get used to that kind of treatment. Anyway, after we all had our breakfast we were loaded into the community mini van for a trip to the step well.



The step well is what remains of an old palace. The well was created so that servants could easily get to fresh water by walking the steps to the water perhaps 4-5 stories below. This well is not small, baby Jessica would be safe. In fact, the general width of the steps is about fifteen feet. It is decorated with hand carved lattice work and the home to many green poppets (Gujarati for Parrot). It is a well known tourist attraction and therefore heavily visited by the poor in the area. I was told by Pinky that instead of working these individuals have made begging their main occupation. I was also told to not give out any money - no matter how much they begged. So I ignored the few that approached me and headed down into the well with the rest of the team.

Forgetting Dr. Thorn's warning to stick together, Vince and I lagged behind the rest and were approached by two men that insisted that I take their picture. I did, but then they proceeded to follow me. They wanted to see the image - well it wasn't good enough so they asked to take another - which I did. That still didn't satisfy them. They really wanted me to take a clear picture so that you could see the poster they were holding. It became quite clear that they wanted the message printed on it posted somewhere - they even showed me the name of a web page that they said contained 'knowledge'. Not wanting to appear to be the rude American I reached to take the poster, but they wouldn't let me have it - I really wasn't sure why. Thankfully Fr. Vinayak came to my rescue. I still don't know what the poster said, but he read it shook his head and crushed it into a ball. I am guessing it didn't promote happy thoughts. Not wanting a visit from the local government I deleted the picture with the clear writing. I still have the other one. Not sure why - maybe just to include in this blog.


After that great adventure Vince and I once again wandered away from the group. We were taking pictures in the grassy area when we noticed a camel cart wandering past. We each took a few shots and headed back. We told Ashley and Steve about the camel and before you could say "watch where you step" they were on a foot race to catch up with the beast.

Vince and I met the group on the way to the car. When Ashley and Steve joined us they told of the success of their camel expedition. Fr. Vinayak chuckled and told them that we would see many camels at our next stop. He was right - we saw 36 - at least. You see we had turned down the road to our next stop and there was a camel farmer exercising his herd. Being the good tourists we all jumped out of our minivan and began another camel chase. It was neat seeing them up close and personal. In some cases a little too personal. The farmers were very patient with the crazy Americans and even posed for some pictures. I often wonder what they think of us taking these odd pictures. I wonder if they would find our streets boring.

Well, on with the story. We stopped for lunch and mass services at a school. Mass was held in the Unteshwari Mata Maria Mandir, or the Shrine of Our Lady of the Camels. Very fitting. The inside of this shrine was remarkable. The walls and ceiling are covered in ornamental mosaic's of glass and ceramic. At lunch I noticed that Vince was looking a bit pale. It would be revealed later that this was due to him being a little too adventurous the night before and trying a sweet called "water balls". Basically a sweetened bit of water inside a puffed up piece of bread. The problem is that the water was not filtered. Let it be known that green is not a good color on Vince.



On the way to our final stop of the afternoon, Ghandi's home, Vince invented a new game "name that smell". I think it was partially to keep his mind off of how bad he felt, and partially to keep the rest of the crew from getting sick due to a combination of stop and go driving and the exhaust coming in the open windows. One thing is for sure - it was a good game as every 10-15 feet there was another different scent coming into the van. I grew up near a tanning factory so I knew what some of the smells were - but some were better off unnamed.

At Ghandi's home everyone split up and relaxed a bit in the area where Ghandi had called home and delivered his sermons. It is on the river and there are high walls protecting the cliffs. When you look over the wall you have another pleasant surprise - more green poppets. They have managed to use their strong beaks to make burrows in the wall - sometimes you only see a tail hanging from the hole.

I watched them fly from the bank of the river up into the trees. They are truly beautiful when they fly.

Over in the far courtyard is a school that is still in operation. Young children were in the yard jumping rope and playing cricket. I watched a group of boys chasing kites as they fell from the sky. The festival of kites is on the 14th of January so much practice is taking place. You have to be careful with these kites, the strings are spun with glass so that you can easily cut the string of an opponents kite. One woman has been killed this year when her throat was slit by some string.

Ok - back to happy thoughts.

After our trip to Ghandi's home we made it back to the Jesuit Residence in time for Tea. 4pm - tea time has become a favorite time of day. I have decided to start this tradition at work when I return. I have been told I need to purchase tea before I leave. The evening was spent preparing for the final week of the workshop. Video's were downloaded from the camera's and all the batteries were recharged. On Monday we will be giving the student groups one final instruction on Windows Movie Maker and then they are on their own to finish their stories. Two students have been selected to work on the webpage. Steve and I will guide them along.

We will launch the site by Friday and show it to the community at the graduation ceremony along with the favorite pictures handed in by the students.

Only 4 days remain of our workshop. Friday feels like a long way off, but I know it will go fast.

After the well we headed to a nearby school that is focused on children with disabilities. As we were

Going with the flow

An open lab today allowed the students to catch up with their peers on the use of the technology that is introduced during the first couple of days of the program. While students checked equipment in and out with Miriam the rest of us worked on Windows Movie Maker. A quick word on Miriam, this young lady has really impressed me. She wants to be a teacher and she shows all the signs of being an excellent one. She has a good way with the students without being too stern. The other student that has really impressed me is Vince, not too surprisingly he is Miriam’s brother. He is very willing to try just about anything. He has imbedded himself into the student body so well that sometimes it is hard to find this tall American boy in a group of students from St. Xavier’s.

Since it is a Saturday we only held ½ day of classes. This gave the team a chance to get out and experience a little more of India. Explore we did! After lunch Miriam, Ashley, Dr. Byers and I headed out in a rickshaw. Yes all four of us in this one little vehicle. It was fun and we laughed a lot. It felt good. Fr. Vinayak had instructed the driver to show us many sights. The driver obviously took this to heart. He pulled over a number of times so that Ashley and Steve could jump out and get pictures of the area. Ashley had grabbed a video camera and held it to the side of the rickshaw as we traveled the streets. It makes me a little motion sick to watch – but truly gives a good view of just what the area is like. There just is no way to describe it any other way – it has to be experienced.

Our first stop was the market in the walled city. I am sure if I traveled to this market a few more times I may be bold enough to stop and purchase something from the shops. But to borrow a phrase from Ashley it was like “sensory overload”. The sites, sounds, and smells took on the senses like a tsunami hitting. People crowded the streets that were already full of rickshaws, bicycles, motorbikes, dogs and cows. The shops – and there were plenty ranged from fine silk fabric hanging in and around doorways to piles of plastic imports made in china. Kitchen items, clothing, food, spices, car parts, you name it and the item could be found in these streets.


The phrase "show no fear" became the mantra for the day. One thought I had as I boldly led the group was that this could only be compared to one of our malls at the height of Christmas shopping, but now add in about 3 times the number of shops and throw all of the merchandise on tables in the mall area. It was truly something. We walked around for about an hour and then decided to head back. We had all figured we would make it to the college and relax a little before dinner.

But Fr. Vinayak had other plans for us. He must have instructed the driver to take us to a number of malls because even though we had told him a number of times to head back to St. Xavier’s he kept on driving to different locations. We stopped at one mall that had a McDonalds. We headed in and had a coke while we relaxed in surroundings a little more familiar to our heads. For a couple of seconds it almost felt like we were in the states. Until you looked at the menu, all the items were vegetarian. Big Macs couldn’t be found – but a Big Veggie burger could. Ashley and Miriam had their picture taken with Ronald McDonald. We walked through the mall. At the back of the mall was a replica of the Eiffel tower. I knew this because it was labeled Eiffel tower in case you would be confused with another similar structure.

Back to the rickshaw and with a request of “St. Xavier’s” we were off to another unknown destination. We traveled through many streets. Ashley and Steve were thrilled when we saw a camel at the side of the road. Being a good driver he did a U-turn and stopped the rickshaw. For those of you who just read that and didn’t think anything of it – imaging doing a U-turn in rush hour traffic on the expressway. I was very impressed how well he was able to avoid busses and other vehicles as he maneuvered his way over to the camel. We all poured out of the back of the rickshaw and took turns taking our pictures with the animal. It was huge. Sadly it was covered in sores and had flies all over it – this animal needed someone to take care of it – but we all agreed we could never get it back home in Ashley’s luggage.

Back in the rickshaw and with a mighty “St. Xavier’s, please” we were off to points unknown. We were laughing at the thought that we may never see the college again when he pulled up outside of yet another mall. While we were out and stretched we called Fr. Vinayak and asked him to please ask the driver to return us. We promised that we would not be bored back at the college.

After another half hour and many close calls on the streets we arrived safely at the front door of St. Xavier’s. Steve paid the rickshaw driver. Cost for a four-hour ride through the streets of Ahmedabad….250 rupees – about $9 American dollars – including tip. Amazing.

My day was not over yet – I still had a business meeting with Dr. Thorn and Fr. Vincent. I grabbed a quick shower and dressed for the occasion. I like it when I use everything I packed so this was a chance to wear the nicer clothes I brought along. We met with Fr. Vincent in his office about the future of the program between our two colleges. He was very happy with our current program and wants to see it expanded.

Fr. Vincent’s office is a large area with many display cases of trophies, trinkets and electronics equipment that create a sort of technology museum. We sat on some very comfortable couches. I took notes while Bill relayed the wishes of Marquette University. After an hour of talking we left for dinner. We went to Barbeque Nation. What a neat place. Each table has a hole in the middle that a hibachi type grill fits in. The waiters bring skewer after skewer of meats, fish, cheese and vegetables to roast over the coals. This is only the appetizer. Once you have had your fill of this they remove the grill and the group is invited to the buffet area. Rice, salads, sauces and more vegetables as well as meat dishes can be chosen. It is all you can eat and we could have easily stayed for days feasting on the good food. But we didn’t. After dinner was finished we made one last trip to the buffet area – but this time for deserts. One of my favorites here is deep fried whey dipped in syrup. It almost tastes like a plain donut hole dipped in warm maple syrup. You can’t eat too many or you will be sick…so I had one. The ice cream is also a treat – it is very sweet and creamy. This dessert table had a sundae bar.

When we were finished the bill was paid. Surprisingly for this upscale restaurant with all the food and attentive waiters the bill was only about $10 each. A good price for a good meal.
We arrived home about 11pm. It was a very long, fun, eventful day. So I headed to sleep before I wrote my blog, again, a little late on the entry.

It is starting to be easier to fall asleep. I am not sure if I am becoming used to the outside noise and the firmness of the mattress or if I am just that exhausted. In any case, good night from India.

Street Walking for Technology

This posting comes a little late - it really should have been setup yesterday - but I was too tired. So therefore, my friends you will be treated to a second posting later today.

Yesterday started out a normal teaching day. We met at breakfast and decided on the path we would take. Dr. Thorn, Ashley and Vince worked with half the group on video while Kellie, Miriam, Dr. Byers and I worked with the remaining groups on photo. This included pulling all of the equipment out of the bags and getting them in the hands of students. One thing to remember when in a different country with technology - bring plenty of back up batteries. I figured we were in good shape. I had brought a power strip, power converter (for the US to India difference in adapters), and rechargeable batteries.

The night before I had setup all of the equipment on my desk to make sure the batteries were at full strength. But as we all know - technology likes to mess with our heads. Even after 15 hours of charging the batteries would only remain active for a little more than an hour. This proved to be a downfall in a daylong class. The morning session was able to shoot their video assignment, but by afternoon the cameras were running out of power. Thus began our quest....

I checked Goggle and found a number of shops nearby with batteries. This is quite the discovery since most of the shops around the college are run out of what resembles a 1-car garage. It is truly amazing the amount of merchandise they can hold in that small space.

Steve and I both had wanted to explore a little more of the neighborhood so we put on our walking shoes, grabbed one of the still cameras and set out. We traveled streets packed with motorists and foot traffic. It is difficult to truly describe the traffic patterns here. Dr. Thorn did a pretty good job of comparing it to the flow of water in a stream. When the water encounters a rock it just moves around it and continues to flow. That would be pretty close. Consider Steve and I rocks in the stream. My rock is a little more nervous to be in the flow than Steve's - but we are definitely obstacles to be dealt with.

Our trek took us down roads packed with pushcarts, cows, feral dogs, families and shops. In one area the cow pies lay baking in the sun - I am sure to be used as fuel for fires. After only a short distance we came upon a market place that would resemble a small strip-mall in Wisconsin. We stopped in a couple. Steve purchased a can of diet coke - he is more adventurous than I am when it comes to consumables. What I thought was interesting was that the can had a pull-tab. I hadn't seen those since I was a pre-teen!

We checked out video game stores, toy stores and a pharmacy that wouldn't even fill a cashier area of a Wisconsin Walgreen's. Steve needed aspirin and we purchased 2 sheets - cost - 6 rupees. At 48US per rupee a true bargain.

Across the street we hit pay dirt - Kumar's Japan Style Collections. This shop had batteries for just about every electronic gadget that Japan developed. I not only found AA for the still camera's but a 10 hour camcorder battery that would have cost me over $130 in the US for only $32. They only had one in the store and we have 7 cameras with us. The clerk assured me that he would get 6 more - but we would have to return the next day. I bought the one they had so I could test it out. It sits in my room now charging up for its first use later today.

Back to the travels in the street. We left the shop with all of our needs met-but decided to take different routes back to the college so that we could discover more shops. We turned left and went three more blocks to an intersection. This was truly a rare find. Not only were there streetlights, but also a traffic officer. In my last trip to India I had learned that generally street signals were ignored. I think the addition of the traffic officer helped – but he was greatly outnumbered by the vehicles. In any event, it is a start.

We crossed safely and headed (hopefully) back in the direction of the college. As we walked we checked out more of the shops along the way, Steve took more photos and we talked. It was a very nice time, and just the movement I needed to spark my appetite. But before we made it back to the Jesuit Residence we made one last stop in a gold shop. The items were pretty and very reasonably priced. We each purchased a gold-platted statue, thanked the storeowner, and headed back out. To our surprise and amazement we actually found the college! My son’s would be so proud of me that I didn’t get lost. No GPS – just a small familiarity of the area – and Steve – my human compass.

It is a pretty good feeling when you don’t get lost in a foreign country. Especially since I have difficulty traveling in my own state, where I can read the road signs!

After getting back inside I sat and relaxed in my room and waited for the dinner I was sure would be the best I had ever tasted. Unfortunately for me I was confused as to the dinnertime. I don’t like to hover and appear that I am impatient so I try to get to the cafeteria a little before time. It would be the first supper I had actually had in the Jesuit Residence since arriving. The other days we were out or I had fallen asleep before it was ready. I headed down to the kitchen at about 8:45. But the door was closed and there was clearly some kind of meeting going on inside. No sign of any other team member. The students from our team are in a different building. Steve and Bill are in the upstairs of the Jesuit Residence. My room is on the first floor, no women allowed above. So I sat with my door open and watched a movie until 9:15. I was sure that the dinner had to begin soon – it would get way to late otherwise. I walked back down the hall. The door was now open and team members were sitting inside. To my dismay I found out I had missed another wonderful dinner. Everything was pretty much cleaned up and put away.

I was tired so I said my good nights and headed back to the room. I feasted on a power bar, water and smuggled Christmas candy. I plugged my headset into my laptop and continued to watch “Into the Woods” until I drifted off to sleep.

Good night Ahmedabad – I look forward to another wonderful breakfast in the morning.

Pass the Tums - PLEASE!

We had a slower start today. It is New Years and the students have the day off.

I was surprised by my friend, Purvey (Pinky) coming for a visit and to hit the shopping malls. Ashley, whose luggage never made it to India, needed some clothes. Since she is above average in height compared to the India women she has been having difficulty finding jeans that cover her ankles. Not a culture requirement - just a personal one. Being 5'4" myself I can honestly say I have never had that problem. So Pinky took us to a couple of shopping malls where Ashley was able to pick up her needed supplies. We returned from shopping in time to head out with a group of students from St. Xavier's College and Susan George, another faculty member. They took us by bike (not bicycles but motorbikes) to a local Gujarat restaurant. Kelly and I took a rickshaw since there weren't enough seats on the bike. I have seen up to 6 people on one scooter here - but since I am the equivalent in size to about 4 India residents I felt a bit more comfortable in the green and yellow rickshaw...Vince on the other hand rode with Susan. I just want to mention that Vince was wearing a bright fire-engine red T-shirt. I believe this is the real reason that Susan received had to pay a 100 rupee (about 2 US dollars) fine to a traffic cop and had nothing to do with her disobeying the signal. Yes - I blame Vince.

On the way Kellie and I saw an elephant traveling the roads. No one will believe me since the camera I brought along had dead batteries. OK - rule from now on - always check the batteries before heading out on excursions!

Once again I was tricked into believing the spices were mild and would not upset my stomach. However, an Irish/German stomach is much wimpier than an India one. The food did taste wonderful, but I am hoping my tongue recovers before I return home.

In the evening the team was honored to attend the Eucharistic Celebration of two Jesuit's making their final vows. This is the last step before becoming full Jesuit priests. The ceremony was beautiful and the music/singing well done. I was impressed by the number of community members that attended the celebration.

After the service there was a reception in the courtyard. Rice, chicken and fruit were served. I thought I had a safe tray with a a piece of flat bread, some rice, and a chicken dish that resembled Chicken Chow Mein. I steered clear of the chicken curry and was hoping that this would settle my stomach down. Well to quote Britanny, "Oops, I did it again!". So the package of tums that I picked up at the corner Walgreen's and packed in my suitcase are now being put to good use.

Tomorrow is a teaching day with classes starting at 9am. I am charging batteries for camera's in my room. It now resembles a poor imitation of radio-shack. Cables and equipment everywhere.

Oh - I forgot to tell you my favorite part of the day. I discovered a thick comforter in the closet of Father Joe's room (that is where I am staying). I aired it out today and it is now on my slab - er - bed. I also took the pillow case off the pillow in the bed and replaced it with my folded up the fleece blanket. Finally, I used my aroma therapy eucalyptis on the bed and pillow - the room now has a very nice home feeling to it. If I were staying longer I would place some pictures on the walls and the room would be officially "mine". If only I had packed my Lord of the Rings calendar! Oh well, maybe next year!