Procession, Case Studies, Beach!

On Monday evening we stumbled upon a huge Aladdin-like procession that was celebrating the trek of cars, elephants, horses, bands and dancers from their journey across the state of Kerala to the temple of Trivandrum where they were transporting an Idol for worship. We went to the street where there was a huge gathering of people on either side of the road leading to the temple, and watched the first half hour so- it started with huge trucks and rickshaws that were decked out with flowers and decorations and incense burning, and blasting music. Between each vehicle was a group of kids and adults dancing wildly.. and then started the fleet of beautiful regal horses, mounted by officials. On either side of the road were men holding elaborate spears that were on fire, and gleamed against the evening festivities. We stood along the inside corner of the arch in front of the temple, and were asked to stand still as four massive elephants walked through, adorned with gold and jeweled headpieces, and riders who had umbrellas dangling with gems. It was such an amazing procession.. made me really love their celebratory and exciting culture.

4 classmates made it to the front page of the paper as they wore traditional Sari's in attempt to enter the temple, but were not allowed since they didnt have passports..

Festival at temple arches

Incense burning on adorned truck

Up close and personal with an elephante

This week my case study group explored the changes in diet and health perspectives of Keralites by visiting a local government school, interviewing students, speaking with an applied nutrition professor at the medical college, and doing mapping and observation exercises at the local grocery stores and market. We present tomorrow, but found that there has been a shift in the overall perception of health with the influx of female education, female employment, technology, labor trends, low social encouragement for physical activity, and increase in processed food. All of these themes have contributed to the gradual change in health of recent generations, and the increase of non communicable diseases in the area. We present our findings tomorrow, and look forward to hearing from other groups on their topics; Maternal and Child health, HIV/AIDS, Health Systems, Diabetes, Waste Management and Ayurvedic medicine.

I crossed off an item from my bucket list this afternoon! I wanted to spend a whole bus ride standing up.. and I did just that on the way to Kovalam beach with 9 other kids (many of whom were attending an organized celebration for the Jewish New Year at a buffet dinner at the local beach resort.. ooh ahh). We went swimming in the Indian Ocean which was much warmer than it was during the Monsoon Season a few weeks ago- but just as violent with huge waves and a strong current. We trekked up the bordering hill to the Vizhinjam Lighthouse which has been functioning since 1972. We sneakily used our medical college Id cards to persuade the ticket office that we should pay as Indian locals rather than tourists (saved 15 rupees!)- knew those would come in handy. We ordered milkshakes as an afternoon delight buuut they turned out to be more of a chocolate milk consistency.. not so appetizing. We drove back during sunset which was beautiful, especially around 6pm when all of the mosques are broadcasting their chants and prayers.

Greg and Hannah showing our instructor some partner yoga..

View of Kovalam from the lighthouse

At the lighthouse in new shawl