I haven't really been updating regularly with thoughts/news of daily life so I figured now would be a good time to start. First: Some frustrations we've experienced, starting with the most recent. 

1) I just got back from the IT office. I went at 9am because, after three weeks of persistent badgering, two of our girls convinced the tech guys and the "Fathers" (catholic priests) that those living at Jonas Hall with the USAC program should be allowed to have Skype. This may seem like an obvious fact, however, Father didn't want "girls chatting" on his campus, and has subsequently blocked most modes of online communication, including facebook. Of course Skype is the cheapest/most convenient way to keep in touch with people back home, so this is a huge victory. I do not, however, have Skype right now. Because I must return this evening. "When?" "5:30" "Why so late? Why not now?" "Come back in the evening?" "I need it earlier." "4:00. " .....was the exchange. Why 5:30? Why 4:00? Why not now? because nothing is logical, nothing is convenient, and you must bargain for everything/anything you want. ((only slight exaggerations). 

2)  Right now, at this very moment, we've just lost power. obviously. I'm typing in the dark. And this happens at least three times a day. Ok....its back on...

3) My internet problems have been a constant hassling/bargaining process. I've gone into the IT office numerous time and left frustrated and ignored after nearly all of them. Hopefully tonight, at four, will be the last time I ever go there....this issue of "the Fathers" and their control brings me to my next point: This is a patriarchal society in the extreme and the administration (all Fathers) strive for complete control: exemplified by the recent 'weights scandal'. A program advisor from USAC, Michelle, visited us here in B'lore for a few days and gave us free weights for our "gym"....which consists of one treadmill, one elliptical, one bicycle, and one row machine, as well as one yoga mat. All of these...wrapped in bubble wrap which must not, at any cost, be removed. The weights were removed by a the "warden" and her cronies as well as one man....via the elevator, and are currently being held in "custody" to use their words. I asked where our weights are going and the man answered "Father did not give his permission for their use." I asked what the issue was that he has with them and the man replied "Well, two girls might fight over them. Or something might happen." .....enough said. 

4) The nonsensical reasoning continues to astound....after spending four hours at the bus station, and various travel agencies, we were told that no seats, on any buses or trains, going anywhere, are available for this friday. After a few exchanges that consisted of "We need to go to Wayanad" "No Wayanad. Wayanad no." "Do u have tickets anywhere?" "All full. Where do u want to go?" "Where can we go?" "Where do you need to go?" "We need to go to Wayanad." "Ok, one minute......*proceeds to call his friend*.......1200 rupees on special vehicle. ok?" we decided to try the travel agent nearby campus. at this point, because the long weekend is so close...it will be cheaper to hire a driver than buy a seat on one of the "sold out" buses. 

we experience all of the frustrations on a smaller scale every day with Rickshaw Drivers who pretend to not have change or pretend to know where a place is when they don't have a clue. All in all...this post has been a complaint session. But its made me feel better. India is actually pretty cool....maybe  I'll focus on that in my next post. Right now, I'm really eager to get out of the city. The smells of trash fires, sewage, exhaust, urine, heady temple incense, and the constant beeping/screeching of traffic and the persistent crush of thousands of people have made me desire a break from the city. Wayanad...where we hope to go, is a wildlife preserve a night train away. I just need some nature. I'm also getting really excited about traveling up north to darjeeling and nepal this April. I need mountains. I'll write again soon and maybe try to post more pictures!