Everything You've Ever Heard About India.... Is True

That was the statement at an orientation today from our superintendent that really seems to sum this crazy chaotic and amazing place up. There is a new truth every time you turn around. I've seen videos and heard about things like the traffic, weather, etc... but it is definitely something else to experience it! One minute we're flying high on something and the next it's overwhelming and confusing. The one constant though is the support from the school and the feeling of having a "safety net" if we need it!

The flight over was actually pretty painless. For sure it was long and we only got about 2 hours of rest (I do not say sleep here) out of the total 28 hours or so of travel, but, it went by faster than expected. We met most of the new ASB crew in Newark, the rest in Brussels where we had a connecting flight. The administrators and other staff were at the airport to meet us, take us to our apartments.

PS- our apartment is quite spectacular. We didn't know what to expect, but, we definitely did not expect being on the 6th floor and having a HUGE terrace, already stocked with plants. Two bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, nice kitchen, dining room, office, living room.... so, plenty of space for those of you thinking of coming to visit!!

And it's been nonstop going ever since we landed (as I write that I realize that it's actually only been two days.... it feels like weeks!). Thursday morning we had an introductory orientation with the whole staff. We all needed to get registered with the Indian government and Reid and I were in the first group to go. As they warned us, it was a chance to experience the bureaucratic side of India... it was kind of like going to the DMV, only more lines, more back and forth waiting, and not really sure what was happening. But, we are officially registered residents of Mumbai.

We were immediately put into all sorts of tech training. We have tablet PC's and everything is paperless here, even student work. So much info has been thrown at us that we have to keep checking in with each other to make sure we're where we need to be when and how to do the things we were "trained" on.

The other time has been filled with either group meals all hosted by the school and a couple shopping trips (the apartments have some things, but still need lots of odds and ends as well as day to day things. We now have Indian cell phones! Reid is really excited about his Bollywood ringtone.

I feel like there is so much to say. It's like a whole new life has been created for us today- new bank accounts, cell phones, computers, hiring household help, meeting with the school doctor, talking with customs about shipments... oh, and getting over jetlag!

But, we can already tell that this is going to be an amazing school. Well, and our superintendant today informed us that ASB is now the most expensive American international school in the WORLD, so, we are expected to be "AMAZING" teachers (no pressure!!) So, keep tuned on all of our supposed amazingness that is to come, whether at school or on our personal adventures. Love to you all. We miss you and we will keep in touch!

Rachel