You know when you're a kid and you arent happy or your hurt or scared and then you maintain yourself until you see your mother, then you cry and cry and cry. That is today for me. Except mom is not around. They picked us up early from the apartment to take us to the orphan home. We drive to an area called Faridabad and if I can describe this place without any pictures, I say think national geographic. I'm sitting in a 70s van filled with volunteers on top of each other with luggage roped on top this poor vehicle and we're just screaming "foreigners." We honest to goodness look like refugees, and we continue to laugh amongst each other at this description. The 2 guy volunteers tease me about making sure I'm okay and comfortable in these conditions..i call them wise guys.. Alex from the east coast tells me he's going to hire an orphan kid to just stand over me and fan me all night. LOL I tell him thats mean but hmmmm, maybe not a bad idea. On the way we continue to see people living and working in conditions unimaginable to westerners but just an everyday norm to them. Cows with their rib bones sticking out graze the roadside, camels carrying straw, pigs eating garbage all around the ground, kids playing on top of their living area (shack), truck drivers, women carrying bowls of something on their heads, rickshaws and motorcycles with families FILLED in them....etc...you name it, its there. The picture opportunties are endless and I can come back with a really good photography storybook i think to myself. So then....... |
We pull into this area loaded with men who look like they havent gotten lucky in a long time. If ever. I'm sitting at the window. Staring would be a tiny understatement and i start feeling queesy. I remember a month ago at home getting my shots and my doctor asked me if i wanted hepatitis a or b shot. Asked the difference and he said "A for mishandling of food and B for intimate contact and needles." I had said "oh noooooo, i only need A. No plans sleeping with the natives or doing heroine." Now I think....i should have gotten the B shot.
The rocket scientist driver we have cant find the orphan home and stops to ask every guy on the freakin road where the orphan home is. I'm thinking oh my god, they're all going to know where we're staying , dear god help me. I'm a freakin paranoid american, I'm terrified.
The orphan home refuses us till tomorrow. Seriously.
So 3 of us girls, they split the rest of everyone else up into different orphan homes, are staying at someone else's house now until tomorrow. The house is fine, tolerable, who cares at this point. Just the guys hanging around the house area makes me paranoid. Only because we're 3 girls all alone and don't know anyone.
Coming to this internet cafe has been the highlight of this day. There are other americans i hear talking in this cafe that i havent met and i'm going to hunt them down and become best friends in a matter of minutes. If you watched Euro-trip movie, this place Faridabad is like that place in the movie where the kids bought the whole town for 5cents............yeah.
This is it.
We're here....woo hoo. ;)
20 comments:
You made it! Looks great, I'm going to go next time for sure. Keep the photos coming!
-John
oh dear, some dventure youre having. It's funny how you typically need images in a photography blog to "get it" but you honestly right so well and I fell like we're sitting together batting about it. You provide such a good visual that no images are needed. Hugs and stay safe!
hey girl:) keep your witts about you at all times, but most of all lokk up cause that is where your help comes from. thank you for sharing your experances with all of us. stay safe, looking forward to hearing more and seeing some fotogs:)"A MOMENT IN TIME"
I have to tell you, I was laughing so hard while reading your story. Great visuals. Why does none of this surprise me. Have fun!
hahaha ruby,
when we got the orphanage *which is in the middle of nowhere next to some huts btw..* we were figuring out which luggage was ours and which was going back to the house. Alex,Zahira and I were like "this one is Ruby's. This one is Ruby's. So is this one. The big one in back and thats it. wait no. also this one."
HAHAHA we wish we could see you right now.
also. we came into town bc Zahira wanted some incents to take the ass-smell away from their room.
also. alex and i sleep in what we call our "space cocoon". We are both under one massive mosquito net, inside we are in our silk sleeping bags up to our noses, tucked away in safety. Mine is white and shinny so i look like a gay astronaut while alex's is blue and matte and he resembles richard simmons. We seriously look like a bunch of pussies next to the orphans sleeping on the ground around us...
don't worry, you'll get a picture.
-Yves and Alex
Yikes. I feel for you. I can't even imagine. Good thoughts are with you!
hey babe, It is your DH.
I follow your stories and I just can't wait til we move to India next summer. JK of course. I miss you much and hope you stay safe.
love love love love love
Oh Ruby honey! I can just imagine this. All I can say is wow! I don't think I could do this :)
I love reading your stories. Miss you.
xoxo
hey D.I.L.,if not for your best outlook on a not so good journey, i would be in tears instead of laughing. stay safe my dear.
love [M.I.L.]
My precious Ruby--
Remember: What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us!
This trip is so important for you.I know it's meant to be and it will open new doors of many kinds. Don't forget to say to yourself: The divine design of my life now comes to pass. All doors now open for happy surprises and the Divine Plan of my life is speeded up under grace.
The photos are amazing. I'm sending you clear, cool, turquoise energy...
XO-Debby
Sounds like quite an adventure. I can't wait to see the images from your trip. Stay safe!!
what a journey... I agree with M.I.L... that's the only thing I keep thinking. I love your point of view. //enoch
MISS U! Great job with the pictures you allow all of us to really get a visual! hope things are better in hot ass India! take care and continue this journey with your head held high we are all proud of your accomplishment! Love ya! xoxo The Kids love you and send there love!
Ruby girlie! WHOA! Yikes! Don't know if I can dig this journey of yours! It sounds a bit challenging, but U know that something has gotta give! Hmmmm...we will have to stay tuned until U R next bloggie! Take some crazy pix! I love what U do! Hey dudes...Isn't my girl talented?!?! hehehehe : )
Luv U~
Be Safe
Ruby,
All I can really say is that your sense of humor is making me tear with laughter...I know this is a tough time for you and a learning experience for sure, but we are all SO proud of you for doing this! BTW, "Yves and Alex" are HILARIOUS. You must be making friendships of a lifetime. Kitty, Cleo, and CeCe miss you. I haven't talked to them but I already know.
I miss you so much, and can't wait for more updates!!
Come home. Cleo is annoying me.
Hey baby! You definately are experiencing a once in a lifetime opportunity! So glad that you can keep us posted/updated. Please have a wonderful time and be safe. I miss and love you lots! Joyce
P.S. I agree with Rena that you are quite the comedian! Thanks for the laughs and the wonderful experience you are sharing with all of us!!
Whoa! I told you it would be an adventure! I am dying laughing out loud at my computer. I am so proud of you Rubsies, be tough. Can't wait for you next entry!!
ruby...i am so beyond loving your blog. i am soaking in every word as your trip is dear to my heart. we lived in china for a while and all of this sounds very familiar...my husband and i are trying to get over to india as well. you already have amazing pictures and i can't wait to see more...
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