Live from Mizoram

Greetings from Aizawl, Mizoram, India!

I arrived here on the 3rd simply relieved to be done with airports for a while. So, here's a little info about my life right now:

Mizoram is located in the far NE region of India. Geographically and culturally distinct from the rest of India, Mizoram is a predominantly Christian state. As a matter of fact, the population is roughly 86% Christian. The main denominations are Presbyterians (in the North) and Baptists (in the South), who are more influential than the government here. The Church in Mizoram is responsible for building hospitals, universities, and other public works. Nevertheless, the Indian government extends control in the financial district which is primarily controled by non-Mizos here.

The term "Mizo" and "Mizoram" are derived from words meaning "hill" and "people." Quite literally, the "Mizos" are "hill people" living in the "land of the hill people." The land here is incredibly beautiful, lush mountains filled with beautiful greenery. Indeed, riding on the roads here is akin to the mountain passes of Colorado. Roads only slightly large enough for two cars (some times not that wide) make their way snaking up and down the mountains. Aizawl is a city which sits on the side of a tall mountain, expanding down the side with white buildings making them appear to be fog. Indeed, some times it's hard to see the city from the campus as thick clouds roll over the mountains daily. I have arrived during rainy seasons, which last until August, making flash rain storms an everyday occurrance.

Classes begin next week so until then my time is spent settling into my new surroundings. The campus rests about a thirty minute drive from the city in a peaceful hill top. The accommodations are reasonably clean and nice so I am happy to be here. But there are also fun parts that I'm adapting to. First would be the fact that I don't really have a shower. I have a fosset which gives only cold water, a bucket, and a small hand pitcher. There no real drain in the ground of my bathroom either so you basically have to wash with just a bucket (if you have any tips of how to do this properly I'm open to suggestions). There are, however, a number of water filters around providing clean drinking water which is great. In addition, the principal has been inviting me over for meals which makes eating clean and easy. I might, however, try to venture to the student's mess once and a while. But the principal wants me eating at her place so we'll see where I end up. Don't argue with the person feeding you, that's a general rule of thumb.

Thus far I've had some good conversations both on my flights here and in Mizoram. I'm doing my best to make friends although most people here look at me as a visiting professor of some sorts or are intimidated by my english. I think it will be easier once classes start up though. Yesterday I went into Aizawl to run errands and check in with the government. The city is home to about 500,000 people, roughly half the population of the entire state. I was asked this morning if I'd like to attend a Mizo wedding and of course accepted. "Yes," "Sure," and "That'd be great" are operating words for me around here.

Well, I have an interview with the faculty and students in about thirty minutes so I should wrap this up. It's no big deal, mainly to ask me questions about my background, the USA, etc. so that people can get to know me better. So many things here are different than back in the states, but more on that later. For this blog post I just wanted to give everyone details about where I am, that I'm alive, and that you can check here each week for updates on the happenings of my life in Mizoram. I hope you're all doing well and I'd love to hear your comments each week. Hope life is good back in the states!