Swine Flu!

The last few days have been a bit frustrating because a lot of our plans have been canceled due to Swine Flu. Just before we came to Pune there were a few cases of it and now Pune has been declared the 'epi center' of swine flu in India!

Not to worry, though. We are all safe and are being well taken care of.

August 15th was independence day and August 14th was the Krishna Festival...due to swine flu in this state, all the celebrations were canceled. Malls, movie theaters, restaurants and internet cafes are all closed (except of course the one I'm sitting at right now...). We're all going a little stir-crazy in our hotel rooms, but luckily we are still on track to do the last two NGO visits of our trip.

For Independence Day we were supposed to go to a village and participate in the festivities, but because of the danger of large gatherings and the stigma of foreigners bringing swine flu into the country, our in-country coordinator decided it wouldn't be wise if we imposed on the village. Yes, it's true that people are scared of us! Apparently the first case came from a guy who had been in the US, so when we pass people they bring their masks up to their faces just in case. It's not so bad in the city of Pune, but a few days ago in the rural area people were really cautious of us.

Instead of going to the village we went to a lake in the countryside and an Aryuvedic Health Center! It was so awesome, we ate a delicious lunch looking over an amazing view of the lake and valley below and then got a hot oil full body massage. Let me tell you, they weren't lying when they say 'full body' massage! There were a few times I couldn't keep from giggling because it was so awkward.

Overall it was a good day, but the swine flu thing still lingers in the background...until the 18th of August we're supposed to lay low. This is the first internet I've had in a few days...who knows when the next one will be. Take care!