Lately, I have been observing medical doctors and nurses at the rural health clinics, and mobile clinics. I am learning about the common illnesses that patients come in with and the different remedies prescribed. I have seen a lot of common cold, cough and fever mainly because it is monsoon season. There is a lot of upset stomachs because since it is monsoon season, when it rains the drinking water gets contaminated by the other water. Most of the illnesses are s...

The caves were breathtaking. We first went to the Ajanta Caves, which dates back from around the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD. There are 30 caves that line the steep face of a horseshoe-shaped rock gorge bordering the Waghore River flowing below. Each cave filled with carved sculptures and paintings which were created from local minerals. Most of the ceilings were decorated in a floral pattern. Words can't measure up to the scene. So much dedication and t...

Now that I have a little time, I can catch you up on the rest of my trip in Nashik. I think I left off about to tell you about the MSMs and migrant workers. The Mukta Project has 900 registered homosexuals. I also interviewed the MSM peer educators. It was interesting to find out that most of the MSMs were married to women and had children. There are many components that could play into why this is but I think it may start with tradition and religion. Arranged ma...

I had a difficult time labeling this blog entry because I don't know how to sum up all of the things I did and encountered in a couple of words, but I think Nashik in a Nutshell will do. There is a honking language used on the Indian roads. (I'm sure you all have heard of the Indian road situation before). I haven't quite decoded the language, but I think it might depend on the driver with how many times they honk or the duration of their honk. The honking can me...

After a 30 hour plane ride, I finally landed in Mumbai! Just from the airport I could tell I was in a developing country. The other airports were very clean, and had nice shops etc. Lets just say the Mumbai airport didn't exactly have that kind of style. I arrived at 3 in the morning, but then it took a hour or so to get my bags, and fill out a report because they lost my other bag. Thankfully on one of my more difficult days adjusting, I received my lost bag, so...