ATMs

I returned to Forbesgunge today to do some emailing and hit an ATM. Might I just say here that in this part of the world, they could consider putting more than one terminal at an ATM location.  As it is, I have to have a male escort to the ATM so that I, as a female, can cut in front of the 20 or so males who have been waiting for probably 30 minutes or more in the hot sun, and have a ‘security’ guard admit me (why I can cut in front of everyone, I don’t know but that is how it is done) so that the guard can push the buttons on the touchscreen for me and try to peek at my password and see how much money I’m withdrawing.    But I should really tell the KGBV story while I have the luxury of having internet access.

KGBV is in a little village called Simra.  The compound that the girls live in has an open courtyard in the middle with a hand-pump well.  The girls stay in rooms adjacent to the courtyard.  There is a kitchen, and an attached bathroom area.  I will not get into how different it is from back home, but suffice to say, it is very different.

The girls here are gems.  Here’s one shot of a few:

They have such spirit, and they all call me ‘Sister.’  It seems to me that there is, in fact, a chorus of ‘Sister’ whenever I’m around.  I should explain one small fact:  rarely is a foreigner seen in this part of India.  It is not a western tourist area by any stretch of the imagination, and I am gawked at constantly by men, women, children, goats, dogs, and I am sure by unseen small rodents, as well.  So the fact that something fairly rare and exotic has come to their school is a real novelty, and everyone wants to show their thing.  They are proud of their newly planted vegetable garden, their artwork, and especially of their karate.  It is difficult, let me tell you, to have 20 girls all shouting and tugging at you, literally, to have you see their kata.  And woe to the person holding a camera.  Most of them are hams and camera hogs, not unlike many young American girls.  In fact, there are a lot of similarities: they are very self conscious, take a lot of time doing their hair, have a hard time getting out of bed for school, and give plenty of attitude when they are not very self assured.  So, if I get the camera out to take pictures, I am mobbed.  Stay tuned:  I plan to get some candid shots.

5 Comments

  1. Jezebel said,

    August 11, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    I found you “Sister”! Hip Hip Hurray!! Whew… I was worried. Now that Im up to speed, I can tell you are doing what you need to be doing right now in the universe. What a legacy you’re developing!!! GIRL, IM VERY PROUD OF YOU!! Just remember who you are and stay centered. I feel your mission now has a purpose similarly to “The Matrix” (Neo you’re the one). They have been waiting for you for a long time my dear but remember, with such a bright light, darkness will always be around, so always LISTEN to yourself & BELIEVE in yourself (NEVER doubt) as I have always did/do!! Now for a brief intermission: August1st = officially a slumlord! If you need anything wired, just say they word. Happy Trails!

  2. mnamna said,

    August 11, 2010 at 7:09 pm

    “fairly rare and exotic” Ain’t that the truth!!! 🙂

    Keep yourself safe lady.

    JS

  3. Larry - Hub Caps said,

    August 11, 2010 at 7:38 pm

    Knee Caps,

    You’re more of an inspriation than I ever imagined. It sounds like you’re having great success and the girls are responding well to you. Keep it up.

    Just remember, you’re not only teaching the girls in India, you’re also teaching people at home about real life in a crappy, real world. I know I’m looking forward to seeing you and hearing all about your adventures. I just hope others will want to do the same and start appreciating what they have.

    I would imagine you stand out like a sore thumb and even the small rodents are looking at you like you’re a zoo animal in a cage. I’m not sure why the protection though. I actually pity the one(s) who try to take anything from you, you’ll turn them into mush and we will have to send someone to bail you out of jail.

    Hugs,
    Hub-Caps

  4. Belle said,

    August 12, 2010 at 3:47 am

    Hub Caps,

    You have no idea how much your support means. This is a very different place, one where trying to just get cash can take 30-45 minutes. Not a place for people who like, and are used to, getting things done fast.

    Got to go because my ride just arrived. Thanks, and more when later.

  5. Belle said,

    August 12, 2010 at 7:19 am

    Hey, JS, I am keeping safe. Well, uh, except for that little thing where I got kicked out of Nepal before being thrown in jail for not having a visa. Technicalities, geez. Does that constitute safe? But as I was walking away from the border crossing guards, I did yell over my shoulder, “I’ve been kicked out of better places than this!” However, due to the language gap and a constant cacophony of truck, car, jeep, motorbike, bicycle, and rickshaw horns, bells, and whistles, I don’t think they heard me…maybe for the best…

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