Wei Wong - #4

Today we’re visiting the GIM (Guruvayurappan Institute of Management), about an hour away from Coimbatore and from the City Tower hotel. We now have a tour bus (like the ones you see taking people around in the States), which is infinitely more comfortable than the buses/taxis we’ve had. Prof. Gupta has been so accommodating and helpful, and the times that I hear him negotiating to make things more comfortable for us reminds me of what a great professor he is.

After being put into the salwar kameez yesterday, I have a newfound respect for all the Indian women wearing sarees. When we first arrived at GIM, they played drums and had a welcoming ceremony just for us, and gave us a welcoming drink of coconut juice (out of an Indian coconut, no less). Then we were split up into different groups of two or three students and led to the women’s hostel to be dressed into sarees. I was the first to be dressed into a saree, and I was so surprised at how long it took to dress! I was so glad to be pinned up, and when we came together as a group, it was like looking at caterpillars becoming butterflies (since all of us were in different colors). The students also put on some temporary henna tattoos on our arms (so glittery) and then they gave us a cultural performance and told the history of women in Tamil Nadu (and in India).

Following the performances was an incense ceremony to the gods celebrating Pongol, and since they worship cows, we got to feed the cow. That was pretty amusing, as was watching some of the girls play a game similar to our piñata game. I’m still so amazed at all the hospitality that these people are offering us; we’re the first international visitors to the campus (in the world, no less), and they’ve catered to our every need. Everywhere we’ve gone in India I’ve experienced this, and I have a feeling that I’ll be bringing this back to the States with me.

Tomorrow we’re going to Cheruthuruthy in Kerala, to stay at a river retreat and relax (somewhat). I can’t wait!