The last few days were packed with speakers the last one was memorable because he started off with a question. Andy started an organization that recycles clothes and employees tier 1 and 2 individuals. His presentation was full of pictures. The first one was ok but wasn’t feeling well so kinda fell asleep then got called out. Slept through second speaker after being told I was running a slight fever. I am glad orientation is over. Not all speakers were good speakers. They are all highly intelligent and passionate about what they do. Some workshops turned into dry lectures while others were an overview of their story but no clear idea of the organization they run.

I took my first train ride in India from Bangalore to Hyderabad last night. The train started moving before all 5 of us boarded the train. The train was moving so slowly that Arham and Francesca had no problems getting on the train. Traveling with suitcases within India is cumbersome. We had an AC cabin which was nice.

Bangalore Train StationThe train was 3^rd tier AC and moved so slowly at times, I think it was a local train because it made many stops. Now I think I’ll try using Amtrak in the states. In the middle of the night one gentleman from Hyderabad entered the car. The man identified himself as federal police and walked past us a few times before sitting down on my bed. Arham tried to get him to leave and the man just switched seats and sat by Okorike. After a while the man left and later we found out from the train conductor that the man didn’t have a ticket for an AC cabin and wasn’t supposed to be in the cabin. People came and went as we made our trip to Hyderabad. We were supposed to arrive at 5:40am but ended up arriving after 7am. The 5 of us were split up upon arrival. Pryinka from Sankalp Taru picked me up, Arham was picked up by his coworkers and Francesca, Rae and Okorike were picked up by an IDEX employee. Priyanka hired a porter to carry my suitcases outside since it would have been a struggle going up and down stairs with so many people around. The porter carried my suitcases on his head with ease when I sometimes struggle to wheel them through the crowds.

 My new room

It turns out that I’ll be living alone in a very nice apartment complex and will be working with home. I was disappointed to find out that I’ll be working from home or anywhere with internet connection and be residing alone. Pryinka was kind enough to stock the kitchen with the basic pots, pans, plates, etc. and basic food stuff. So after my shower I made my first dinner in my new home. The place looks new and like it has been unoccupied for a while. I think I will be returning my travel stipend to IDEX since I won’t be traveling to work. I have no idea how far I am from the other fellows and Priyanka isn’t to familiar with Hyderabad since she doesn’t reside here. She took a taxi to the airport and then we went to her brother’s place to get his car before dropping me at Aparna Hills. The complex as its own market, tennis court and I am excited to explore the grounds later today. I have broadband internet already set up and Sankalp Taru will provide me with a work phone during my stay since my American phone is still locked. There is an intern based in Chennai and from my understanding will be my roommate whenever she is in town.  Furniture is sparse but I don’t foresee needing much else.