On to Vellore...

Yesterday morning I woke up around 5am, which would be perfect for an OB/GYN intern to do automatically, but since I haven't reached that part of my life yet (thank god!) I thought it was weird. I guess the jet-lag is still in effect.
My friend Aruna and her family picked Bimpe (my partner in India) and me up in the morning and it was off to Vellore, which is 70km away from Chennai. The traffic was crazy as we drove away from the city, but once we reached the outskirts it was smooth sailing, or I guess I sound say smooth driving. :) We stopped at a restaurant on the way and afterwards I experienced what Aruna called, "My first India bathroom."


The rest of the way there I watched the side of the roads and saw things like rice patties, Motorola factories and huts. It was cool to watch the people live their everyday lives as I catch only a glimpse of what they do on a daily basis.
We finally reached Vellore. Bimpe and I are staying in the Avanna Inn and costs us a whole 30USD a day! It is located across the street from the CMC hospital, which for me is a plus because walking to work is always nice. The rest of the group is staying at the International Hostel on the CMC College campus which is about a 15 minute rickshaw ride away. Bimpe and I will make that trip in the morning to register and pay 100USD to the main office.
The hotel is definitely not like the Comfort Inn in Chennai. The sheets were stained and the shower curtain was dingy, but hey at least we have HBO! :) Three weeks at the inn won't be to bad and Bimpe was smart enough to bring sheets from home.
Again I woke too early (6am) and we ate breakfast in the hotel restaurant. I opted for an American breakfast and we saw a lot of people around us eating Dosa (which looks like a crepe), a traditional South Indian breakfast. I hope to try that tomorrow morning before heading to campus.
Afterwards, we met up with Aruna and Nicolette and walked around the open market on Ghandi Street. We were looking for saris and salwar kameez, which are clothing for Indian women, but since today is Sunday many of the shops were closed. Walking up and down the streets we again had to be careful for the guys on motorcycles and bikes. I love the colors of the fruit and clothing and the hustle and bustle of the people. Even the cattle love the market!
Tomorrow I start my rotation and I am looking forward to everything I will see and learn in the near future...