A first weeker's experience

Heat.
If there is one word to describe this first week in India it is heat. Hot everywhere, all day, every day. It is a heat like no other. While this kind of temperature may seem like torture to some there is something kind of refreshing about this heat. Where I come from the weather right now is dreary and cold. But in India I get a break from that terrible climate back home. The pleasant thing about this heat is that I can enjoy it, it's such a nice change.
Besides the temperature, this first week in Kerala has been chuck-filled with new and exciting experiences. The 3 other new volunteers and I have been introduced to so much. The house, school, and the surrounding shops and restaurants have become very familiar to us already. We have been enjoying every moment of it.
We just celebrated our fellow volunteer Ana's birthday on Wednesday night, November 11th. She was taken away on a blindfolded tuk-tuk drive around Kerala. While Ana was away, the rest of us began decorating and preparing for her arrival back at the house. Streamers, signs, and flowers were placed perfectly around the upstairs lounge and candles were lit to set an intimate mood for our friend. When she finally arrived, Ana was slowly walked up the stairs with her blindfold still on in order to keep the surprise a secret. When the blindfold was finally removed we all screamed HAPPY BIRTHDAY, while a surprised Ana smiled from ear to ear. The rest of the night consisted of dancing, food, and music, and our favorite CHOCOLATE CAKE from Kashi. In the end the party and the surprise were a great success and the birthday girl was very pleased with her birthday.
Such a long week with so much going on and we're not even done yet. So much to look forward to and so many memories to experience. Who wouldn't want to live the life of one of us GVI Kerala volunteers.

Daria x

A first weeker's experience