Sarah Abroad

See what I learned from this year's trip to India

livenaturally — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:36:25 -0400

See what I learned from this year's trip to India

Time to catch up on personal blogging

livenaturally — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:10:49 -0400

So the first part of this trip has been…frustrating.

I don’t remember it being so difficult to get around India. I don’t remember having so much difficulty getting a story to work.

^Ekta^

I do have to say, though, the girl who is helping me and my fellow photojournalist on our stories has been incredibly helpful. Ekta is her name and she has helped us start working with migrant train workers, translated for us in multiple situations, helped conduct an interview with a family living in a slum, and even took us out shopping.

^Kaylee (left) and me (right) wearing scarves we got from shopping^

But miscommunications and delays have only been making the clock on my back grow heavier. And as of today, I only have two weeks left. Sounds like a lot, but when trying to do an in-depth story on someone from a foreign country who only stares at you and poses in all pictures the first few times you meet them makes it a little difficult.

^Guy at a restaurant who wanted his picture taken^

As for my stories, I’m focusing on the migrant train workers at Hazrat Nizamuddin station who receive no benefits from the government and I’m also doing a story on child malnourishment in India.

^Migrant train workers who live in a shanty literally between train tracks^

While I still love India, I’m beginning to understand it more. The corruption that all the people speak about is becoming more apparent. It’s difficult to see such wonderful people left unheard by a government that doesn’t seem to care. Like the family I met yesterday. Their daughter was killed in a train accident, but when the father went to the government to receive some aid, he was never helped. Living in a slum, he can’t afford to waste his time talking to officials who will never help him.

^Aarti, the sister of the girl who died in a train accident^

On the other side, it’s nice to see that people here make due with what they have. Kids play with old bike tires and rocks - not something that would entertain most kids I’ve met back home.

^Bhedi, a government-hired train worker^

Indians are just very resilient. No matter what’s thrown their way, they find a way to work with what they’re given. The more I stay here, the more resilient I grow, and the quicker I lose my frustrations.

Hopefully I’ll be able to continue working with the guys at the train tracks…as long as police don’t yell at us again.

Indiawesome

livenaturally — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:08:08 -0400

After a ridiculous series of delays and miscommunication, I finally made it to India. Today was my first full day in India. Started the day with some masala chai (Good God, I missed that stuff.). Then went to a coffee shop for some real food. Roamed about the area for a bit. Got passport photos taken so we could all get cell phones. Waited about an hour for our phones in a super cramped shop as a beggar girl slowly crept down the steps toward us.

Then went to World Media Academy headquarters to meet a few of the journalism students there and to see what their facilities were like. Then went out for lunch.

Next we all hit up INA Market so we could photograph mini-stories in 45 minutes.

Met a super nice guy there named Brian who was buying spices to take home with him. He’s a culinary student who’s been interning at Naandi in the Himalayas for two and a half months. He’s been spending the last part of his trip in Delhi with his “adoptive” mother. I was most interested in what he had to say about how people in India get very close very quick. I’ve discovered that a lot of my friends who have traveled to other countries notice this as well. A friend who went to Chile came back wanting to kiss everyone on the cheek when she would leave. One of my friends who traveled to Germany even had her host mom cuddle with her while watching TV the first night she was there.

Personal space in other countries is more different than it is in America. The girls here, for example, link arms so they don’t go astray. The guys hold hands as a sign of friendship; they’re not even afraid to snuggle up close when riding on the back of a motorcycle. That’s definitely something you wouldn’t see in America. But just an observation.

After INA, we all got dressed up to head to a dinner we hosted for our contacts. Definitely met some awesome people. Ekta was fantastic and will be able to help me on both of my stories (slums near train tracks and child malnourishment). Met a few other people who will be able to help me as well. Mostly, it was just nice to be around Indian people again and to talk.

Looking forward to seeing what the next few days bring.

Just arrived in Delhi last night...

livenaturally — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:52:10 -0400

Looking forward to seeing how today goes. Getting local phones and doing some trips to the markets. But first thing’s first…gotta get some rupees!

Big Apple tomorrow?

livenaturally — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:42:07 -0400

The lights of New Jersey twinkled below as the airplane began to descend.

The plane to Newark was delayed. The flight to Delhi was only missed by 14 minutes (because that one was delayed, too). I’m still enjoying spending time with my fellow travelers before we hit the ground running when we land in India.

Plans for tomorrow are to hit up NYC? Let’s hope so! The flight to Delhi doesn’t leave till 8:30 p.m. It’d be nice to have some fun before getting down to business.

So we meet again, India

livenaturally — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:42:53 -0400

I can’t wait to feel the hot, humid air when I step out of the airport. I can’t wait to feel like I’ll be flung out the side of a rickshaw again. I’m dying to eat authentic Indian food again and drink masala chai with people I meet. And come on, who could forget cold coffee with ice cream?

Most of all, though, I’m looking forward to the people. I really miss the hospitality I came to enjoy while I was there.

I’m so excited to have another chance to do a story there. Last time, I didn’t come home with a story I was really proud of. I made photographs I loved, but nothing that really told a story. And there’s plenty I wish I had taken pictures of to show others when they ask about it.

Few people, especially college students, are given opportunities like this. I’m just so thankful to be given this chance.

So for the next couple months, my fellow India trippers and I will be scouting out story ideas and planning for our trip! If anyone has any ideas, send a message my way. I’ll be incredibly grateful!

India, here I come!

Just sent in an application for another trip to India!

livenaturally — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 23:12:58 -0400

You know that wonderful and delicious masala chai I had...

livenaturally — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:32:07 -0400

You know that wonderful and delicious masala chai I had everywhere in India? Yeah. I made some. It’s freakin’ amazing.

Well I didn't go abroad...

livenaturally — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:05:14 -0400

…but I have moved into my apartment on the UNL campus =]

Yeah, I moved in yesterday, and within twenty minutes of being back on campus, I managed to do something that had me wondering how I got into college.

I got checked in and grabbed a cart so I could start loading things into my apartment, so I opened my trunk and loaded it. Took the stuff back to my room and then got ready to head back to my car for another load. But lo and behold I had locked my keys in my trunk!

But I definitely have the best dad in the entire world! So to all those, near and far, let it be known that my dad is better than yours.

That’s right, my dad, with only two wire hangers was able to pop my car back open! Let me see your dad do that. ^_^

But yeah…even though I’m not in some crazy foreign country, I still manage to get myself into stupid situations, especially with my car. Like:

Locking my keys in the car…while it’s running. Luckily cute Blockbuster boy was able to help.
Leaving my lights on, draining my battery. Dad came to the rescue yet again.
After a party one time in Lincoln, I lost my keys and couldn’t find them anywhere. My dad drove the hour from Omaha just to give me a spare. Then we found the keys. Of course.

So yes, everyone, my dad is the best and helps me out of all my stupid situations! Thank you!

I really miss India. Lovely video put together by Carly...

livenaturally — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:44:48 -0400

I really miss India. Lovely video put together by Carly Shinn

carlyabroad:

I put this video together using clips from our #indiawesome trip.

Travel made possible by:

livenaturally — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:44:30 -0400

Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts

That’s right folks. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling for months and months at a time but don’t think you can because of money or obligations at home, THINK AGAIN!

I read this book in the spring and let me tell you…it really opens your eyes to the possibility of long-term traveling. This was one of the first books in awhile that I really enjoyed. It had a good mix of literature from other travel writings as well as tips. But more than anything, it’s a philosophy on travel.

To be able to travel for long periods of time would require the right mindset, and this book is a fantastic starting point. It’s really not that expensive and it’s a quick read, but really is inspiring. Go pick it up at your local Border’s…since it’s closing =(.

I really think anyone interested in traveling, and not merely being a tourist, will thoroughly enjoy this book.

English is prettier than I thought.

livenaturally — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 03:18:39 -0400

Growing up I’ve always wished to have one of those sexy British accents, or Irish or Spanish or Italian. After my trip to India, I discovered that people speaking Hindi is freakin’ sexy too.

So in light of all these beautiful languages and accents, I see English (and particularly American accents), as being ugly. However, I was just laying in my room listening to music when the lyrics of songs just kind of melted and it was all just…a mixture of melody and rhythm in a sense. I knew there was singing, but I wasn’t really paying attention to the lyrics. It was beautiful still. Just the diction and the flow of English can sometimes be really fantastic. (I probably sound high right now, but I think it just has something to do with it being 2 a.m.)

I don’t know…just makes me think of different people in my life. Like my friend Nate…when he gets passionate about something, I can always tell. He has a very particular way of speaking and will begin using fancy words. His descriptions just become elaborate and it’s pretty cool. I feel like I can’t ever piece together descriptions the way he does.

But yeah..this was my rambling on language and American accents (which will still never be as sexy as a British accent…)

Photo

livenaturally — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 22:17:21 -0400

Little piece of happiness:

livenaturally — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:49:01 -0400

MY NEW CAMERA LENS IS HERE!!!

Squeeeee!

This is a travel blog

livenaturally — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:16:29 -0400

However, I’m currently not doing any traveling. But I don’t want this lovely little blog of mine to die. So bear with me as I try to figure out ways to keep this thing alive for when I do go on more adventures across the world (cause believe me, I plan to)!

So for now, I want to hear from you guys! Do you have any travel tips or ideas? Think about good ways to pack, things to remember when you’re traveling, photo ideas, ways to meet people and get around, etc. These tips can be general or for a very specific! Just send your tips to my ask box or answer this post!

Have any pieces of wisdom to share?

What did you get me?

livenaturally — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:40:47 -0400

I wish I could really explain everything I experienced in India, or at least, explain it in a way that really means something to my friends at home. I’ve noticed the longer I’m away from India, the more it seems to affect me. The things I felt and saw while I was there are finally starting to sink in and affect me in ways I didn’t think possible.

Last night I went to a movie and when I walked out, the warm, humid air smelled like India to me, and I just wanted to stand there and soak it all in.

It’s been frustrating trying to relate what happened to me to people at home. They don’t seem all that interested in what I experienced and the ways it affected me. They want to know what the weather was like, what I bought (and why I didn’t buy more jewelry and clothing), and if I rode an elephant.

I tell them that the weather was humid. You stand outside for about two minutes and you’re already dripping sweat. I tell them I bought a gorgeous tapestry that probably took hours to make, they’re disappointed. I told them I didn’t ride an elephant, and again, they’re disappointed.

Maybe my trip to India wasn’t one of shopping sprees and buying all the cheap stuff I could manage to stuff in my suitcase. Maybe it wasn’t a fairytale vacation filled with magic carpets and elephants. But it meant more than any of that ever will.

I had a chance to experience the real India, to go into the villages and see the conditions that humans are capable of living in. I made friends in a country far different from my own and know they’ll be there for me, even though we only had two weeks together. I ate foods I normally wouldn’t try. I pushed my limits and discovered new heights. And to me, that is far more rewarding than any cool trinket I could have brought back.

But from talking with my dad yesterday, he helped me realize something. He said that people here are no different than the Indian man selling kabobs on the street. Everyone is interested in what is happening to them in their world at that time.

Unless people want to care, they won’t. So for now, I’ll only tell my stories to the ones who are really interested.

Everything has come full circle

livenaturally — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:29:31 -0400

Just as I couldn’t believe I was in India when I arrived, I can’t believe I’m home already. I’ve only been home a few days, but already it feels like India was so long ago.

I don’t like it.

While traveling through the craziness that is India, I finally felt emotions I hadn’t tapped into for so long. I never feel quite as alive when I’m back home. It’s only the times I’m exploring and discovering new things about a place or myself that I finally feel right. So needless to say, the travel bug in me has only grown stronger.

Guess it’s a good thing I’m leaving for a couple days to go camping.

I have to admit, there have definitely been some nice things about being home.

Personal space is one of them. In India, it’s so hard to find alone time or even find a place where there aren’t any people. Even when we were traveling through the villages, there were still always people coming and going from somewhere, by foot, by bike or by car. And when they’re not moving, they’re on the sidewalks, sitting, talking, haggling and even sleeping!

Driving around town yesterday was just really relaxing. I couldn’t believe how much I missed being able to see blue skies, the sun and stars. In Delhi, there’s so much of a haze from the pollution, you can’t see any blue sky, and the sun is either completely covered, or you can just see the gray haze cover it.

Food is kind of a toss up. I did fall in love with the flavors of India, from their spicy chicken tikka to the constant flow of relaxing chai tea, but I just can’t forget the beauty of beef. I think I had one of the best steaks of my life yesterday when my parents took me to Outback Steakhouse for dinner. I honestly can’t remember the last time I savored a meal like that.

But before I forget what I learned in India (because I’m a very forgetful person), I’m working on a photo album to hold all my best memories and ideas: pictures of the friends I made, places I went and the things I experienced.

I know I’m going to miss the diversity of everything in India.

The people never ceased to intrigue me. From a photographer’s point of view, there was always something to take a photo of. The streets were always bustling with life and the people were my favorite. Their faces were just so interesting, and maybe it’s because they seem different from my own, even though they’re not. But I have to say one thing…Indian women are gorgeous! They don’t pile on the makeup or dye their hair like women here do. They’re just so natural and beautiful.

I really am going to miss India, which is why I plan to go back someday, hopefully for a longer amount of time.

So finally, five pounds lighter and feeling wiser than I did before, I think it’s time to close out the India part of this travel blog.

Thank you India.

Now it’s off on another adventure!

My last full day in India...

livenaturally — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:33:15 -0400

It was pretty good. Once we finally got out of the Business India office after 7. But dinner was a blast! Dancing all around!

I just really can’t believe there’s only one more day left, and it’s not even a full day. Guess we’ll see how that goes. Pretty sure I’ll be crying a ton. I don’t want to leave India :(

Just a reminder...

livenaturally — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:07:29 -0400

Remember to check our news site where all of our stories are being posted. A bunch of them will be posted today and tomorrow, so go check it out! Please and thank you!

http://digitalmediaindia.org/

Maybe it was being on a bus for 14 hours…

livenaturally — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:04:32 -0400

…or maybe it was waking up at 5:30 a.m. Or maybe it was the ridiculously slow food service at lunch. Or maybe it was because everyone was sick, tired and/or cranky.

Whatever it was, I have to admit that I finally did not thoroughly enjoy my time in India, despite the fact that I saw the Taj Mahal.

I know, right? I saw one of the Seven Wonders of the World and for some reason, it lost its wonder after the first five or ten minutes. Don’t get me wrong, it was absolutely gorgeous and incredible! But I feel like I have experienced things in India that are far more glorious than the Taj Mahal.

This stunning building that was created out of love for a wife was magnificent. But to me, the greatest wonder I have experienced so far is still the hospitality of absolute strangers. The joy I feel in those moments far exceeds the joy I felt at the Taj. So hopefully I am not offending anyone by this post, but I felt like getting my thoughts out there.

I guess this is one of those moments that makes me realize it’s not what you have, but who you have.