July 22, continued

On Sunday we had a day trip to Vellore, where we saw a huge fort from the 1600s. It was a fast day but I survived...until we got back to Kanchi and I got hungry.

We travelled to Vellore by way of a highway-the first one I've seen here! And in Vellore, we saw trafffic lights-also the first ones I've seen here!

After walking on ther amparts all the way around the HUGE fort, we went to the market across the street. However, it was so disgusting that Leah, Steve, Abby, Brooke, Melissa, and I went back and paddleboated in the sun for 25 minutes or so. It was very relaxing.

After we got back and had a late lunch, we had a long break. There was a huge storm, and I stood on our balcony under the overhang and watched the rain pour down, right in front of me. I could see it drenching the neighborhood, and it was absolutely beautiful. After it stopped, we headed into town, attempting to dodge all the huge puddles and lakes that had formed. It took a while to find a share-auto (kind of like a sherut/bus), but we finally got into town. At Googly, I talked to Gabe Seed via gchat, who told about how things were going at camp. It was depressing to think about how life at Nyack is going on without me, even though I know my summer here in India is something that will benefit me in so many ways more than a summer at camp ever could.

After some quick grocery shopping, we tried to find some rickshaws to take us back. In the midst of all of this, Steve was hit by a motorcycle. He didn't fall, just kind of wobbled and staggered off balance, but it was an incredibly scary thing to witness so close. He only hurt his knee-it could have been a lot worse. 

Yesterday at work was a very fulfilling day. I gave it my all, trying to make up for being sick last week. We got a lot accomplished, and Ic hallenged myself successfully in some new tasks. Before coming ehre, I could have enver stood on top of a wobbly brick pile 4 feet high and lifted up heavy bricks, cement, and water to the height of a few feet above my head with nothing to support me. But I did! All morning long!

Yesterday afternoon we had a session about development, which was very interesting, and helped me understand a lot more about the basics.

Then at dinner, we had a dish with soy balls which was amazing. 

Today at work was a continuation of yesterday's work, which continued to be very satisfying. The upper walls are almost done!