Chennai was an interesting city to stay in. I had heard a mix of things before arriving. I had been told that it was a progressive city with friendly people and delicious food. I was told the beach was beautiful but dangerous. I was told that the city was “safe.” I heard it a city that produced machines and information technology. I heard it was a city for the youth. I heard it would be hot. For the most part, all of this was true. The continued rise in IT jobs has encouraged a progressively young working class to move toward the city. Further, it has given new opportunities to women seeking jobs that may have otherwise found difficulty entering the work force. This, however, points towards a larger city issue: infrastructure and public transit. There is a metro in Chennai, but it doesn’t really work. At the very least it only goes along a straight line between stops I had never heard of and never had any need to go to. The five main roads shoot out from the old central market place with smaller, arterial roads zigzagging in-between. It can be really hard to get around. There are busses, but they don’t always go where you want them. Tuk-Tuks work too, but they can get a little pricey. On a more personal level, I have found myself struggling to remain engaged academically at times. At other times socially. Others still I am practically on the edge of my seat with excitement listening intently (and internally debating) to every word said by our guest speakers. We have some truly spectacular guest lecturers. In terms of interpersonal relationships, there are just days when I am tired and need to find solitude to mentally or physically recuperate but for the most part I find myself engaged and enjoying the company of my peers. I am fortunate enough to have come to India with a fantastic group of people who never fail to surprise and inspire me with their intellect, curiosity, fields of knowledge, passions, determination, and strong senses of internal compass. After it all, I am thrilled to be in Kerala now, excited for Karnataka and Goa next. Varanasi will be a trip. Enjoying the travel. Why stay still when you can travel?
For more information on Lewis & Clark Overseas & Off-Campus Programs, visit our website.