This morning has been so weird and confusing.  I successfully took the university bus which was good, and got some documents submitted, and even snuck in a trip to the library to print my wire transfer information for the bank.  None of the above are simple, straight-forward tasks here.  I realized as I was scurrying from the library to class, I've not seen other Indians rush (except when getting on and off a bus or train).  Do they simply arrive late or do they just not cram so much in like I do, causing me to rush?  Well, I met my classmates and we just stood and waited for about fifteen minutes.  The language is definitely a barrier.  So a lot of times I just stand around clueless while others speak and when they move, I follow.  The girls seem especially shy.  It's awkward and can be isolating and a bit lonely.  Our first class was good.  Socio-economic Development.  Though the professor mostly spoke directly to me and I'm not sure how much of what he said was actual lecture or just catching me up to speed.  And I wondered if the other two students were understanding his English enough to learn anything because they don't seem to understand my English much.  But I like that the professor is down to earth and engaging.  Our next class (after more weird waiting and following) was Gandhian Approach to Health.  The professor read the syllabus, which none of us had, then informed us that we'd have no class the rest of the week because of some university activities he is involved with.  I'm hopeful about the class.  The syllabus looks incredible, which a student later made copies of.  Yoga, nutrition, vegetarianism, environment, community, etc.  But then he said since classes begin next week, we can just spend the rest of today's class time at the library.  He left the classroom and I followed to ask him if there is a different class I'm to return to after the library and at what time and he seemed to just answer some question I didn't ask.  I don't even know.  All the students were still in the classroom.  Seemingly waiting, yet again.  Eventually most left, except for those in my program so I stayed.  One of them ran through all of their names for me so that was nice but then awkward silence.  Then they asked if I speak Malayalam and I said no - only English and some Spanish.  They spoke in Malayalam and then laughed.  So that's fun.  So then I got this out to write.  Not that any particular thing is upsetting but overall it's a feeling of loneliness.  I know it will pass.  Now the students from my program said they were going to the library and I just stayed back.  I need a break from this confusion.

Another student came in to tell me that his next class is beginning (a different program) and that he thinks my classes are done for today so I packed up like I was going home and found my "time table" (class schedule) freshly posted on the bulletin board.  I have another class at 2.  So now I'm in the library for about an hour.  I've got some good books by Gandhi: The Moral Basis of Vegetarianism, Key to Health, Nature Cure and Letters to Americans.  So at least now I know my course schedule and have a hideout when things get awkward.  That's a relieving accomplishment.  I asked the librarian where I can buy these books and he said it's very simple and they're widely available in some nearby city I've never heard of.  I can't even navigate this city much less another city.  I'm feeling the depth of the value of convenience in the US.  I miss it a little but I know I'll acclimate and things will feel easier and less confusing in time.  And I'll grow.