12/31: The One Where It’s the End of the Decade

December 31st, 2019

Dear Reader, 

Today is the last day of the decade. And we think it is also our last day in the office but we aren’t 100% sure. We are finishing up presentation stuff, presenting our final presentation, and maybe going to the community to look at a soak pit? Will keep you guys updated. Happy New Year’s Eve! What are you excited about for the new decade??

We gave our final presentation and then just finished up all our deliverables. I read And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini which was pretty good! It was a little bit all over the place and then “connected” in the end which is a tad extra in my opinion, but the story still had some interesting themes and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. I do think A Thousand Splendid Suns is probably my favorite novel of his but I would recommend any of them to a friend. 

We then enjoyed our final drive home from Setco Foundation, where we got a call saying that we will, in fact, be coming into the office tomorrow. So see you guys tomorrow! Once we got back, me and Kyra finally showered with warm water. It makes a huge difference. Then we chilled out, napped for a couple hours until it was time to hang out with my ~cousins~ for New Year’s Eve. Except they were coming back from a temple. Seven hours away. On Indian Standard Time. Us, being the absolute chillers that we are, just chilled. Until about 11:45 when we took an Ola (~with them~) to go to the family party. And celebrated the start of the decade in a small Green Toyota that smelled like samosas and the 80s while listening to Desi Girl. Vibe check check. 

All in all, it was a really good start to the decade. Wholesome (ish), fun, exciting, other adjectives that are positive. 

Also, Parth had a very funny New Year’s evening so here he is: 

Hello all! This is my first and last post of the trip (thanks to Niki for doing an amazing job with all of the other blog posts!). It was my great aunt’s birthday, so I went to visit her for dinner. However, my parents had given her a very specific list of items to buy, including sweets, snacks, and clothing. Initially I believed that these items had already been purchased, so when I sat down on my uncle’s scooter, I thought we were going directly home. But when there’s a language and cultural barrier, you should never be too sure of what’s happening.

I was surprised to find my uncle heading in the opposite direction into the heart of Baroda. We visited a wide variety of shops, and at each shop he handed me a bag to hold. I have been on a scooter perhaps 6 times in my life–but never with a backpack and 4 bags of groceries and clothes. Unfortunately, there isn’t a picture of this ordeal, but try to imagine an American holding all of these bags, incredibly afraid of dropping them, and trying hard to appear relaxed. I didn’t want to grip my uncle too hard, because I didn’t want him to worry, but every time there was a bump in the road, I dug my fingers–the ones that weren’t holding the bags, of course– into his shoulder. 

So that’s my story. The moral is that you should never take me on a scooter and give me things too hold. I didn’t drop anything this time, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t happen in the future. But to my aunt and uncle, if you’re reading this, it was a great experience. Thank you for showing me Baroda and taking care of me! Back to Niki!

Parth “So you know how my throat was dry yesterday? Well it’s still dry. I think I figured it out though. I have a very slight allergy to mangos”

Lol

Alright well that’s basically it. Pce

-Niki

12/30: The One Where They Do Work

December 30th, 2019

Dear Reader, 

Today is our last Monday in the office! It’s crazy to think we only have two more full days after today. It feels like just yesterday I was having my first cup of tea in India. We are just going to be grinding out a ton of work today, so not too many super exciting updates. But I’ll keep you guys in the loop. Also, our jellybeans are almost gone. All the black licorice is gone which basically means everything is gone since black licorice is the only flavor that matters. Tea. 

Update, we actually only have tomorrow left in the office. We spent most of today just working on our final deliverables and learning more about how to effectively communicate. Communication is hard. But on the bright side, it was puri day! Puris are so good. 

On the way home, we listened to this astrology video who told us our fates for the upcoming year. I forgot what my fate was already but did you know that in India there are places where you can legitimately get a Ph.D. in Astrology? Isn’t that absolutely nuts? We also listened to music on one of our last drives home from the office. I was really vibing. I think everyone else was vibing too. Except potentially our driver who had to suffer as he listened to our off-key scream-singing. 

Also, not to be dramatic, I kept noticing how the sky was like a really blended color. Like you couldn’t really tell where the sky sky started versus where there were clouds. Everything was blended together so well. I recognize this is an extremely random and irrelevant thought but we didn’t go into the community today and only worked on deliverables so there really isn’t much to say. 

Once we got back to the guest house, we played judgment (the card game, which I just realized is all about how good your judgment is which is why it is called judgment. Oh my god. India really has been an intense period of growth and reflection for me) with fifteen cards. That’s right. It was a meme. And we watched Splitsvilla, which is the only Indian love related TV show. For now…

-Niki

 

12/29: The One Where They Do Garba

December 29th, 2019

Dear Reader, 

Today is the day. I think I am going to start all of the posts like that from now on. It carries this vibe of optimism that I particularly enjoy. But by today is the day, I mean that today is the day to Garba! We first went to Setco, chilled out in the office for a little bit (there was nobody there because it is, in fact, a Sunday. This is what I mean by the language barrier resulting in spontaneity). Finally, we made it to the community and the women gave us chaniya cholis to wear. They were absolutely beautiful! We were Indian princesses. Kind of. We were trying to be Indian princesses. 

Dancing with them was such a fun experience because they were so eager to help us (and we needed a lot of help). I’ve talked about this before, but it was super interesting to notice what kinds of actions and expressions transcend different cultures and language barriers. I made friends with this fabulous older woman because we both vibed with a particular style of dance. She was such a g. We also took a bunch of pictures! Literally so many. I felt like we were famous or something. It was kind of funny. 

Then, Salmaben and Kajal (being the amazing people they are) took us out to lunch! However, again due to logistical and language barriers, there were some funny miscommunications. Since we were all dressed up in our chaniya cholis, we couldn’t really get out of the car and walk into this casual restaurant, so we had to wait in the car instead while the food was ordered. Instead of having the foresight to change in the office, or change in general, or turn on the air conditioning, or bring more water, or literally do anything logical, our team decided to sit in a hot car for 45 minutes. We have only ourselves to blame for this. And we blamed Parth too because we were feeling dramatic. Sorry, Parth! We love you.

Finally, the food came! A joyous celebration ensued – quickly halted by the harsh reality that we had to wait another 30 minutes to consume the food. Because we can’t eat in the car. Once we got back to the apartment, we quickly realized we were locked out. So, we took our food up to the roof. Oh, memes. Memes only. 

Usha came to our guest house later to play some monopoly (I WON! I WON! I WILL DEFINITELY BE ANNOYING ABOUT THIS FOR AWHILE!). And we ate some good butterscotch ice cream and played more cards. I also read The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult which was absolutely wonderful! I definitely recommend it. Her writing is pretty enjoyable, although it is a little cheesy in my opinion. But regardless, they usually communicate powerful messages and are super easy and fun to read. I also really loved Small Great Things by her, which deals with themes of racism, justice, and redemption. 

-Niki

12/28: The One Where They Get In The Car And Go

December 28th, 2019

Dear Reader, 

It is our last Saturday in the office! Today we are going into Ratwa faliya to ~make some new connections~ and then go test our stoves again. I think today is our last day of stoves testing so yipee for that! 

So small update. We went to test our stove one last time – it took us literally like twenty minutes to start a fire and even then it wasn’t successful. But anyway, we finished! The plan then was to go to Ratwa faliya but that didn’t end up happening…

Urja had brought a guest to come see the communities, specifically the compost bin, the low smoke cookstoves and speak with the women from the SHG groups. We tagged along and go to sit in on the conversation between Urja, her guest, and the women from the SHG group. They even sang us a Garba song that they composed themselves which was a super incredible experience. Because of our giddiness and excitement toward the song, they also agreed to teach us Garba tomorrow morning! Yup. That’s right! We will be doing Garba with the women tomorrow morning. Yup. I know. It will be very interesting. None of us are that coordinate or graceful. Except for Parth. Lol. Memes only. 

After this singing session, we somehow ended up back at the festival for lunch. We also have been realizing how much spontaneity comes when you don’t understand a language. You might think you are going home or to work but end up at a festival instead, eating kulfi. Not that I’m complaining. I love kulfi.

Once we finished eating, there was a lot of talk about a palace located in Jambughoda. Urja’s guest was staying there and we heard bits of conversation about potentially going there to drink some tea. Still confused about the plans, we got into a car and found ourselves in Jambughoda. And do you want to know something about Urja’s guest? Well. She is royalty! What! I know. It’s casual. 

Anyway, the palace was absolutely beautiful! It is located on a nature and wildlife reserve and it is kind of like an oasis. Super peaceful and secluded. Once we got back from the palace, we ended up watching Bahubali (Paulina and I fell asleep halfway through – on brand).

Today did not go at all as expected but it was probably one of our busiest and most fun days in India! I would typically spend another paragraph talking about how spontaneity is good and all but I think I may be becoming too predictable. See you guys tomorrow!

-Niki

12/27: The One That Is A Meme

December 27th, 2019

Dear Reader, 

Today I, unfortunately, have a migraine. Which means I didn’t go into the office. Which means there aren’t a lot of updates to be given. I wrote a good portion of the trip report whilst I was stranded in the guest house. The rest of the team finished up the midtrip presentation and updated some other documents and posted them on our Instagram. 

Since Niki was at home for today, Paulina (me) will be writing this post. We went to the office. Ate some jelly beans. Left and got street corn. The end. 

– Niki and Paulina 

12/26: The One Where They Spend Too Much Money

December 26, 2019

Dear Reader, 

We went to a festival. And tested stoves a little. 

– Paulina (bc Niki is feeling sick) 

What’s up team, it’s Niki. I had a really bad migraine yesterday, so I couldn’t write the blog post for the previous day (which was December 26th). But, I’m back in action. 

*writing from the perspective that it actually is the 26th and not the 28th*

We were able to wake up pretty late today and have a chill morning. Then we went to go test stoves as per usual. It was super chill. Then we came back to the office and had lunch. Drank some chai. Ate some jelly beans. Did some work. Then we drove over to the festival! And we forced Usha, one of the Setco members who is also our friend, to show us some popular Indian songs. I’ve said this before multiple times to many people, but singing along to songs in the car legitimately makes you happier. Like I can guarantee it. There must be some studies on this. 

Anyway. We arrived at the festival and walked through all the booths, just observing and seeing what we liked. I spent way too much money buying earrings, shoes, bags, books, and more. All of the items were made really well and they were extremely colorful! That’s one thing I’ve noticed so much – there are so many more colors in India. The trucks are colorful, the people wear colorful things, the buildings are colorful, everything is so beautiful. And even the things that are ugly are colorful so they are still fun to look at. 

Anyway, part 2. We tasted this really good spiced, buttered corn, ate Indian Chinese food, ate kulfi, tried pan (which, for the record, I aggressively don’t like. It is so weird! But it’s one of those things that you either love or hate.) Again, visited Chinaben and bought like a third of her snacks because they are actually so tasty. Going back to America and eating American food after all this is going to be super tough. Maybe it’ll be easier on our digestive systems, but definitely not for the tastebuds. 

More updates to come later!

-Niki

PS sorry this one is short, it is a lot harder writing blog posts two days later. 

12/25: The One Where They Drink Too Much Chai

December 25th, 2019

Dear Reader, 

Merry Christmas! But more importantly, our stoves testing data is absolutely beautiful! This is the best possible Christmas present ever. The data shows that our stoves have significantly less carbon monoxide emissions, which was our goal, obviously, to confirm. So yay!

Before we got to the office, our driver Sabir took us on a super fun little detour! We drove along a river that was absolutely beautiful. There was a luscious forest with a variety of trees on our left and a beautifully green-blue river with interesting water movement patterns. We stopped near the end to observe a stunning view of the forest, with a haze that resulted in the most picturesque silhouette of the trees I’d ever seen! It was also awesome to see our driver so excited and interested in the scenery, especially in showing it to us and making sure we appreciated it. This all started because we asked him to turn up his music at the beginning of the drive. THIS is how you make connections people!

Now we are back in the office to create a midtrip presentation, analyze our exciting stoves data, and work on messaging. Rumor has it we will be stopping by the village/town festival today so stay tuned.

We stopped by the festival and it was super beautiful! There were so many colors and very jolly faces everywhere. We had a mini photoshoot, tried Chinaben’s snacks (I ate a whole bag), and just hung out with Setco workers. I really enjoyed watching people at the festival because there were so many different kinds of dynamics to observe. There were couples that were so obviously on their first date, families with their first child trying to have their first family outing, older women gossiping and shopping together, young boys excited for the opportunity to hang out without their parents for the first time, etc. 

Once we got back to the guest house, we played with the kiddos again for a little bit, obviously had to play a couple card games, but then we started watching this Bollywood comedy called Ready. It was absolutely ridiculous like most Bollywood comedies tend to be. 

-Niki

12/24: The One Where They Finally Get Cards

December 24th, 2019

Dear Reader, 

Today we have a busy schedule! Updates to come. 

We went to the community today, specifically Barola, to talk to Kusumben who is one of our water partners. We had the opportunity to ask her a couple questions about how she collects water during the monsoon season and what really ails her about the process. It was super helpful to interview her, but I did notice that she has basically “accepted her fate.” By this, I mean that she has accepted the fact that water collection is difficult but she needs to do it. The hardest part of implementing this new design is ensuring that the women understand and agree with the need. This has to come through education. No worries, I will keep you guys updated on what we brainstorm next.

Next, we went to go see the compost project, which was super cool. It just started, but we talked to Rajeshbhai about expansion and it sounds like it could be a very interesting project for BLIP. I’ve worked with compost before on my old farm, but not with the same crops and weeds that are found in this particular village (obviously, because I worked on a farm in Michigan and this is India). 

Then, as per usual, we tested the stoves. It was cool. We got some yummy snacks too. And we got to see a bunch of puppies drink milk from their mom. That poor mom though…she looked exhausted but still powered through. If there are any moms reading this – you are amazing!

Now we are back in the office to deliberate. 

We are super super excited about a potential composting project. Think of all the mechanical, chemical, material science engineering aspects! How does temperature and moisture levels affect the compost? What about the worms? The design? What will expansion look like? Wow. We will find out and let you know asap. See! I told you I’d add more stuff about BLIP projects and less about my paragraph musings on the human condition. Potentially. We’ll see where the rest of the day takes us. 

We left the office early to go get some absolutely delicious snacks. I had dahi vada that truly tastes like sweet, scrumptious happiness. And the chai. The chai! Or cha? Chuh? I need to figure out what the proper pronunciation is. Anyway, it was awesome. Then we took a walk to get some cards! FINALLY. A semi intense euchre session then commenced. Cards are an excellent game. I, Paulina, and Kyra went to go play with the kiddos again in our little apartment complex which was very fun. You really can’t think about anything else when there’s a bunch of children, ages four to fourteen, running around screaming. Unexpectedly wholesome escapism at its finest!

-Niki

12/23: The One With Puris

December 23rd, 2019

Dear Reader, 

It is our first Monday in the office! We have a lot to get done – planning out everything we want to do and beginning stoves testing. We went into the village to test the two stoves in Chinaben’s house. It was a lot of fun because Paulina ended up showing Chinaben and Kulpnaben how to use her camera and they recorded a bunch of footage. It was a super cool experience to teach them and see them excited about the cameras! 

We tested both the traditional and our new smokeless cookstove in Chinaben’s house and it only took us about 40 minutes to do both, which was super fast. We then had a mini photoshoot with some fun backgrounds and with each other!! Thank god for Paulina’s camera. Chinaben also let us try her snacks that she will be selling at the festival in a couple days and they were actually delicious. I don’t know how to describe them in a way that will actually make sense but imagine this: a crunchy but soft chip with a powdery crumble and just enough spice to let you know that you are alive, but not to the point where you wish you weren’t! 

Highlight: there were puris at lunch today. Happy Monday! We are currently sitting in the office – which is absolutely beautiful – post puri eating, content and full. 

During this trip, I’ve been thinking a lot about how people connect with one another. Back home, many of my friendships form based on common interests such as specific, alternative music or weird films. Or they are based on something that is actually only common to a specific group of people, such as wealthier people. Since I’ve been here, I’ve realized that it’s important to connect with people based on values and motivations. Or form relationships based on finding common things to laugh at. That’s how you connect with people across language and socioeconomic barriers. I just think it’s interesting to think about how you form the relationships you have now and what they are actually based on. Convenience? Money? Or values?

During a small break, Parth and Kyra introduced the concept of the bachelor / Love Island but the Indian version. A tremendous idea! Paulina and I were stunned. We really hope this happens. It would be so much fun and I would definitely want to be one of the people on the show that stirs the pot. 

After finishing some more work and planning out our day for tomorrow, we headed back to the guest house. Our team started talking at around 5pm just about boys and life and gossip and we didn’t stop until 9pm. It was super fun to learn about each other and exchange stories, but the coolest part, in my opinion, was recognizing that we all have certain feelings and ideas in common. This goes along with what I was saying earlier – what really connects people? Not things like music or film, but deeper and more personal motivations and ideas. But I guess you can’t really get to those until you have music and film. Anyway. Tomorrow I will talk more about what BLIP is actually doing and I promise to scale back on the random paragraph musings about irrelevant, theoretical thoughts. 

-Niki

12/22: The One Where They Play Knock Knock

December 22nd, 2019

Dear Reader, 

Today is our day off! Last night we stayed up a little bit later than usual because we went to go see a movie and then we came back and spent a lot of time just talking as per usual. We woke up this morning peacefully, had some delicious chai and breakfast, which was upma, and talked some more. Our team has gotten really good at sitting on the couches in the guest house and talking about life. 

At around 11am, my grandparents (my Nanima and Nanaji, so basically my mom’s mom and dad) and my grandparents’ sister and husband came to visit us! Again, we sat on the couch and talked some more about engineering, business, politics, and of course, life in general. Thankfully, my grandma made some delicious ladoos and snacks and brought them to us, along with some sweet crispy apples that I have yet to try. The ladoos, however, will likely be gone by Tuesday. 

 

Next, we went to the mall! We trekked over to Inorbit, which was a pretty big mall, and shopped at some typical, modern Indian stores. Kyra and Parth both ordered some giant chola baturas and I and Paulina split some Bangkok noodles and momos. 

Yuhhhhhm.

The mall was fun because it was cool to see just daily life and normal people interacting and think about the small differences between America and India (in terms of little cultural things and fashion). During our trip to the mall, I felt an overwhelming sense of positivity and contentedness in our current situation. 

 

Once we came back to the guest house, some little girls knocked on our door. How can we not say yes to little girls who want us to come to play with them? We can’t. We said yes. Then, for the next three hours, we played games with a bunch of kiddos. It was really fun but also really exhausting. I and Paulina literally fell asleep at 7 pm once we got back from playing with them. 

-Niki