Sarees and Diamonds

So, today started out ok. I woke up pretty early because my room is right beside the kitchen and bharti was up early making breakfast. I got up, dressed, and went out in the main room. I found an english tv channel and watched some of Lost. haha.

Then was breakfast. Not as elaborate as some of our other host families. Toast with butter, orange juice, and Indian bread. But good. Except for the carrot juice. I don't know what it is about carrots- but they are meant to be cut into wedges and eaten with ranch. Juice? Not so much. At least, not for me.

Off to our host's office, where we were supposed to receive internet access. My mother did, but the internet wouldn't work on my computer and my mother has problems sharing. But I guess it's ok. I'll get internet sometime.

Then we headed off to the first stop of the day: a diamond manufacturing company. This was mega cool. We got to see each step in processing and checking the diamonds. Because no two diamonds are alike, they first check them for any flaws- taking up to 20 days (sometimes more, sometimes less) to examine everything and find any imperfections. Then it goes to another person and after that another. After the diamond has passed this scrutiny, it heads to the cutting, polishing, and whatever else part of the building. Then there are even more people checking to make sure it's ok.

We ate lunch at the diamond processing plant after our tour. It was really good. I liked this better than most of the meals we've had before because the vegetables were just vegetables, not a mix of vegetables with a bunch of spices. The bread was fantastic as always, though.

Then we got back in the cars and went to a saree factory. Wow. It was like America 100 years ago. Child labor laws- hello. American Girl books anyone? The factory reminded me of Samantha’s friend Nellie. But it was cool to see how they make the designs on the saree fabric. Basically it's stencils. Lots and lots of stencils.

We were hoping for some samples ( :D ) but since we were running low on time, the guys said maybe at the district conference.

Later, we figured out that unskilled laborers make about $120 per month. The skilled hand painters make $300 a month. And the designers make $750 per month. But they work 12 hours a day and 6 days a week- so, 72 hours per week. The factory runs 24 hours a day. India definitely does not have a minimum wage.

Our crew then headed back to an apartment complex where we were to be picked up by our host families and taken shopping. Whee!

I wanted to go to a market, but we went to a mall. It was ok, but I'm still hoping for some lower prices and haggling. :)

I got some new shoes (flips) and an Indian dress with pants that I can wear with leggings at home.

Then it was time for dinner at individual host families. Except our host family and Steve and Elizabeth's host family made arrangements to eat at their apartment. So, after shopping my host mom and my parents and I headed over to Seema's house (Steve and Elizabeth's hostess).

She made Israeli food too. It was actually more american, but still intensely yummy. And such great fun. :)

Then "home". And... bed. Early morning to come.