16 May 2008

Virology lab covered infection of chicken embryos as a diagnostic and culture practice. This allowed for specific lesions to form that might help identify a virus. We also learned how to subculture in the afternoon. There was a presentation on wildlife disease and epidemiology that was interesting. The presentation gave a good perspective on the variety of diseases affecting Indian wildlife. After relaxing a student (Ishmael) drove some of us to commercial street so the rest could fit in our rented car more easily. The girls all picked out sulvar suits and sarees. Matt and I traveled around and bought some knick-knacks and recharged my phone minutes. I learned that the “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil” was a symbol of Mahatma Gandhi. Afterwards we ate some Chinese food with the driver at a pretty classy restaurant. A few people even got a few drinks for the occasion. Outside here we met a girl that was frantically trying to sell roses to us. The fear in her eyes was truly terrifying to witness in such a young girl. She could not even take out money or candy when I offered it until I put it in her hand and closed it around the coins. Most people in the group did their best to ignore her. I only gave her the seven rupees change I had, but I hope she finds kinder crowds than us in the future. We drove back to the guesthouse with people piled on laps and good times were had all around aside from the one incident. The girls were about as giddy as possible after getting the chance to shop.