Incredible India

Just so you know, all the rumors you have ever heard about India are true and false. At least from what I have seen so far. I have officially been in India for 10 days and it still feels like I arrived yesterday. It's all been a blur so far, but I LOVE India. It is an amazing place full of amazing people. I am so lucky to be able to share it with you!

My Arrival~

I left Dallas at 8:35 am on Tuesday, July 27th. I was a nervous wreck, but I probably wouldn't have told anyone that except Laurie! (Sorry mom you would have cried with me and just told me to come home.) My flight from Dallas to New Jersey was fine, it was when I arrived in New Jersey, collected my luggage, and realized that one of my bags was ripped apart and taped back together. The people at TEA obviously didn't realize that bag needed to make a trip around the world! Anyhow I freaked. I started freaking about everything. I was doubting all "my mad skillz". Thank goodness for all of the love and positive thinking that I heard from everyone especially JET AIRLINES!!!! They taped that suitcase up tighter than tight with some supersonic tape.... and it made it. I arrived in Mumbai, India almost two days later on Thursday, July 29th, at 12:30am.
Upon arrival into Mumbai I just knew that when I stepped off the plane my "nostrils would burn from the smells in the air". At least that's what I read. They didn't. India smells fine! I also read that I would feel the heat. I did feel heat... but hell... it ain't nothin like Texas heat y'all so I'm fine!
ASB, being the smart people that they are, flew all the newbie teachers to Mumbai at the same time. So it was great that on the plane and in the airports we had bonding time. We were also able to bond as we waited for everyone's luggage to come around on the carousal. We were a high-fiving bunch of idiots when we caught sight of our bags!
Walking out of the airport into the humid hot air got a little scary again with everyone staring at you, but there they were... our ASB Leadership Team. At 1:30am our superintendent, assistant super, all three principals, technology crew... all of 'em were there. They took us in teams of 3 -6 to see our new homes..... Awwww... home sweet home.

My Home~

Um... are you sure I live in this? "Excuse me Assistant Superintendent.... are you sure this is the right place." Okay, that's what I felt like saying! My apartment is not exactly what is was in China. And those of you who visited China know that my pad in China was the "bee's knees!" Well in India it is not, but it is really growing on me and that's good. It just needs a touch of familiarity and it will be golden! Except the bathroom. I am not quite sure how to fix my problem of the shower being in the middle of the bathroom with no shower curtain and no sides or bottom just out in the middle of the bathroom. I am now keeping my toilet paper in a zip lock bag. Tiffany is open to suggestions!
I have officially hired my ayi! YEAH!!! Her name is Veena, you see, it was very important to me that she have a great name! I mean the fact that she will be cleaning, cooking, washing, & ironing is also very important... but a name says a lot right!

My School~
The American School of Bombay is a fantastic place to be. I already know that there will be many challenges and expectations ( what do you expect working at the highest paid tuition in the world for a private international school), but I am ready to meet and rise above. I love the one-to-one laptop program and every resource available to teachers is at my fingertips. The possibilities are endless. Like I said... lots of expectations.. but I am ready! I am encouraged & inspired by this place.