Berkeley University Orientation

My summer in India has not begun yet. I've only just met the 15 other elementary school teachers I will be traveling with for the next five weeks. So far, we spent two full days of lectures and conversations with Berkeley University faculty at the Center for South Asian Studies getting ready for the trip.  Professor Thomas Metcalf gave us an overview of the history of the British Raj.  His excitement for the topic was inspiring and he seemed mutually impressed by our job of translating these ideas for our students. Another highlight was Professor Raka Ray's lecture on gender in contemporary India. Her sister, Professor Isha Ray talked to us today about water and the Millennium Development Goals in India. These women are amazing. I am filled with excitement and ideas about how to approach these issues with my students in the fall.

Unfortunately, it rained the entire day, but the redwoods on campus looked glorious. Tomorrow, we leave foggy Berkeley to fly back to Newark. Our (14-hour) flight to New Delhi leaves New Jersey tomorrow night.