I never dreamed I would do this but it happened, and I'm so happy.
Visiting America
By Navya, a Shadhika Scholar from Baale Mane in Bangalore, India
March 11, 2020
Reading Time: 5 minutesThis week, Shadhika and Kiran Anjali Project (KAP) had the pleasure of inviting Navya, a Shadhika Scholar with our partner site Baale Mane in Bangalore, India, to the United States. While Navya’s original itinerary included speaking at Shadhika and KAP fundraisers this week, plans changed due to concerns of health and safety, so we flew Navya and Jemima to Denver – where our US team is based. Navya was able to meet and share her story with many local Shadhika friends and supporters, and has had many new experiences. Keep reading to hear Navya’s thoughts about her visit in America so far.
What did you think of the flight to America?
The flight was so amazing! In my life this was the first time I went out of my continent. I was surprised about the airport check in process, they checked our bags so much. I couldn’t sleep while traveling, but watched lots of movies. Once we flew above the clouds and it was like a Disney movie! I never dreamed I would do this but it happened, and I’m so happy.
What did you do while in Seattle?
In Seattle, I stayed with a KAP board member–she was so sweet and spoke Kannada (a South Indian language). I was preparing my speech so much for the events, but sadly they got cancelled because of the Coronavirus. Instead, I recorded a video of the speech which I enjoyed. I went sightseeing, and we went to the original Starbucks and to a market, we took a selfie with a fish stall and found a huge dog! I tried Mexican food–it was tacos, and they were my favorite thing. I enjoyed driving everywhere by car, and I liked how many dogs we met – two dogs called Popo and Coco were my favorite.
What are you doing while in Denver?
I enjoyed the flight from Seattle to Denver, it was so nice. I stayed with Kim (Shadhika’s CEO). We walked to a bookstore and found my favorite book by Michelle Obama called Becoming. I did a lot of fun things, like horseback riding, watching volleyball games (including a Paralympic volleyball game which I really liked) listened to a women’s choir, and went to the Denver Zoo. It was so awesome! Later this week, I am so excited to fly a small plane and see the world from so high! And it’s the first time in my life I’m going to see snow in the mountains.
What was your favorite part of the trip so far?
In Denver, we had a dinner party with many wonderful women. All of them achieved and are still achieving their dreams. I ate a lot of food, and I chatted with all the women. I heard lots of inspiring stories and I shared my story with them.
What was the most surprising thing about America?
In America, I see that all vehicles are in straight lines, and in India we can’t see that as the roads are crazy! Another surprising thing is that you can get hot water and filtered water from the taps. In India you need to boil water and can’t drink from taps. Also, I saw for the first time a dishwasher. It’s a good idea, but maybe it makes you lazy!
Thank you for the amazing trip, it’s my first trip to America. I’ve enjoyed it so much and learned a lot. Thanks to everyone who made it possible!
