I am working a day shift and am up at 4:45 am. I’m not very functional before 5:30 am, so I have to get up extra early in order to have some coffee and do the standard early morning routine of shower and dress. It’s funny how I can stay up for all hours of the night – although not with the same regularity that I did in university – but can’t get started in the morning without a large cup of coffee. In India, that means I need to drink 3-5 cups just to get a full dose.

Faisal suggested that we have a theme day at work which has been greeted with much enthusiasm. Everyone will be wearing traditional Indian dress. I haven’t purchased any clothing yet, so the women in my class have volunteered to take me shopping this weekend so that I can join them in wearing traditional clothing next week. I’m very excited about it, since one of my main shopping goals since arriving has been to purchase a saree or two and some kurta pajamas.

I think I might need another suitcase before I come home.

In the early evening, it takes a long time to go from work to the Leela Palace. The traffic is terrible. Instead of a 15 minute drive, it takes over an hour to get home. Each day as I pass, I see a small group of huts and tents at the side of the road. It has always been dark outside as we’ve driven past, and I had assumed the buildings were some sort of marketplace. Tonight, I discovered that they were peoples’ homes. When I mentioned it to Manish, he told me that many unskilled workers move into the city from the outlying areas. They work as labourers on construction sites and pitch their tents of build huts as close to the construction site as possible. When the work is completed, they move on to the next site.

I do not have much to write about today. I left the hotel for work early and wasn’t home until late in the evening. I did discover that unlike North American hotels, room service costs the same as eating at the hotel restaurant. A simple dinner of Dal Makhani and Naan hit the spot and I’m ready to doze off in my chair now.

Today was Malaria medication day – I’m on the once a week regime – and I’ve discovered that this provides another reason for Monday’s to be dreaded. It’s really hard on the stomache and makes a person feel horrible. No wonder they suggest taking it just before bed so you can sleep off most of the worst effects!

I’m sure I’ll have more to say tomorrow.

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