Settling In

Today, I had my weekly report due and even though I've only been here for three days, I had a lot to write. I found out my project will be on small holder farmers and nutrition. I love the topic of nutrition, but don't know much about the small holder farmers in India, so I'm excited to learn. I read information on each village located near ICRISAT and took notes on them. If I'm remembering correctly, there were about 20, and each of them were so different. Some had electricity, cell phones, and even cars and some didn't even have irrigation systems or indoor plumbing. The crops grown here are much different than anything I've ever heard of.  I have a salamander in my room and he eats all the ants and other bugs, so I'd much rather have him than a bug problem. In the middle of the night, I can hear him running across the tile in my room, that's how big he is. Someone comes to room everyday at 7am and puts a newspaper under my door and everyday at around 6pm and drops off cookies and tea in a little tin. I am so well taken care of here. I do get a little intimidated to go eat lunch in the cafeteria, but today some of my Indian friends took me. Their names are Sushma and Asha. They're 21 and 23 and working on their masters program. They've been here since February and are leaving around the same time in August that I am. We've spent the last few days asking each other questions about our countries. I asked Asha what her favorite food was and she said KFC chicken. I was shocked they had KFC here and she insisted on taking me next weekend. Sushma has a boyfriend, but she told me they have to breakup because Sushma is going to get married next year to someone her parents chose. The whole process really blows my mind, but she didn't seem bothered one bit. Finally after having a rough few days, today was great and very much needed! Much love to back home, I miss you guys terribly xoxo
-Kirsten