Bangalore

The first picture is a very, very, very typical scene from any corner or any street in Bangalore. Wall to wall people from 8 am to 10 pm. Auto Rickshaws belch along, spewing thick white smoke all over the city. I witnessed 5 accidents in one day, two involving men on motorcycles. There are no street laws, pure Darwinian chaos on the streets. 1,700 people have been hit and killed while WALKING in Bangalore in the last 3 years....yes, it is frenetic and overwhelming.

The second photo was a painting that hung on the wall in my hotel room in Bangalore. Beautiful.

Delhi Fog

After spending almost two entire days in airports I finally reached Delhi. And was greeted by a fog. We sat on the plane and did not move for almost 7 hours...the universe crushing any last bit of "western impatience" in me.

Photos and More tomorrow!!

Okay,
we just finished our workshop in Hyderabad. It went very well...really good people doing some great work over the 2 days. I will post some photos from our work.

One exciting thing...part of my work at WV-ATC has been working with my friend Peggy on Social Skills Clubs. I was able to bring the model we use in WV to India and train teachers and parents how to begin a club. Good thing to note is that the model Peggy Hovatter developed is a universal one...the kids here did excellent with the club meetings...and the same joy a meeting brings to us in the U.S. was present both times the model was presented. Hats off to Peggy.

Now to Madurai where I will get some rest. Please watch for photos starting tomorrow.

My love to you all...can't wait to get some images to you.

andrew

Day 2 at ASHA

Hello friends,

I have been able to log on to blogspot now...but won't have pictures up until 5th. They will be interesting shots from the streets of bangalore as well as from some of the work we have been doing so far.

Today was an incredible day of work...used songs and acting techniques with children to help them develop emotional awareness, emotional expression, eye contact and joint attention...but mostly had alot of fun and laughs with the kids...that is ALWAYS the top priority....Day 3 tomorrow where we are ending the workshop with some group presentations of the work they have done...

Tonight I am meeting with the Rotary of Bangalore to attempt to set up international cooperation for a general "US-India Autism Education Exchange"...at least getting the conversation and wheels rolling. Wish me luck.

I miss my wife and kids very much, having to stay in the moment to avoid getting a sore heart, I owe them so much for allowing me this time.

So, okay, pictures up in the next 3 days!! Stay tuned.

I am safe, happy, and loving the trip so far. Will likely see some elephants in the wild, Ghandi Museum, and a famous Temple in Madurai in 4-5 days...pictures to come!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Andrew

Blog for My Trip

Family, Friends, and Colleagues,

Hello. I'm getting ready to leave for my trip and decided to create a blog where I can upload photos, media, and make journal posts during my visit.

Check in periodically to http://www.indiaautism.blogspot.com/ for updates.

See you when I return!!!

Andrew