More than halfway through!

prv24

June 8

I can't believe how far into the program we are!! It's been such an amazing experience so far and I've enjoyed every moment of it. Coming from Pittsburgh to India, it's definitely been a huge change not only in scenery, but also in the community and culture. There is so much diverseness and richness in Mussoorie and it's been really interesting to see how people conduct their lives here. People live very simple lives here compared to Pittsburgh, yet they still hold to their culture and diverse way of living. I've been able to experience this first hand in our day trip to Rishikesh where we were able to see a pooja and a variety of cultural practices that people do here. Specifically, I've been able to see the differences in healthcare systems in Pittsburgh versus here after our clinical day at the local community hospital. It's astonishing how little resources people here have and how they choose to use it, especially in places like the hospital. They make do with what they have, but they use it in such a way that is remarkable and respectable, as they don't have the means to waste anything.

A typical day here in the eyes of the residents here consists of spending time with family, sending the kids to school, and going to work. In Mussoorie, I see the majority of people working in the street stores or whatever stores they own, but I also see people who work at the local schools, as security guards, or in restaurants. In this way, they live very similar lives to us in Pittsburgh and they equally value spending time with family in the evenings. I walk through the streets in the mornings and smell the scents of fresh food and sweets being prepared and hear the sounds of the gates for each of the stores opening. There are parents getting their kids ready for school and sending them off and others who get on their bikes to go to work. In the evenings, the same streets are filled with parents hand in hand with their children walking through the stores for groceries. The way and pace of life is very similar to that of Pittsburgh, but Mussoorie life is unique in its own way and has its own hustle and bustle. Can't wait to spend the rest of my time here in this beautiful town!!