Tuk Tuk Goose

Week One: First week of work, first week of Chennai, first week of jet lag, first week of adjustments.

At this point, I would consider myself a pro at dealing with ambiguity. However, this week challenged that. Work was…interesting. With people going in and out, it was kind of a whirlwind. I’ve met all of the people I’ll be supervising, and they’re great. They’re really patient, which is fantastic.

First week in Chennai has been sheltered. I haven’t really left the hotel except for work and one venture to a local shop for some snacks. I’ve decided to take it easy and kind of stay at the hotel this weekend. I think I just need some stillness before I leap into next week.

Jet lag has been okay. I think I’ve actually adjusted pretty well, but I’m still waking up earlier than I’d like. The good news is that sleepiness hasn’t hit me until about the last hour or so of work, so it’s not like I’m struggling through the entire day. I think after two plus years of working the night shift has probably helped me.

Other little adjustments: food has been hit or miss. I’m reeeally slowly introducing local food into my diet, because I’m terrified of getting sick. I’ve stuck to lots of fruits and vegetables thus far. I’m actually starting to like rice, so that’s new. The language barrier has been hard. I have so much respect for everyone I’m working with, because the mastery of more than one language is not easy. They speak so fast and low! I’m sure over time it’ll get better, but right now it’s a bit of a struggle. Punctuality does not exist in India. I don’t think I’ve actually arrived to work on time this whole week. Traffic laws do not exist in India. The most I counted was at one time there were 7 vehicles across 3 lanes. I don’t know why they even paint lane lines when absolutely no one adheres to them.

I love the energy here. I love the colors and the layers and the sounds. I do wish it was easier for me to just walk around and take pictures, but it’s not safe for women to travel alone, especially foreigners. Next weekend I will definitely try to make more of an effort to go out and explore. It might be difficult because we’re all working different schedules, but we’ll see. Fingers crossed!