Flights, Kites and Sights

Ok, so it took me around 30 hours from the time I left my house in London till I landed in India, and just in case anyone thought i was over exaggerating the security before I left...I wasn't. I went through 3 security checks at Pearson, which included the metal detector, two pat downs, being swabbed and a thorough rummaging through my wallet (you know the only thing they'd let you take with you). But I guess it was worth it, I made it here.
So the day i arrived was the first day of the Gujarat festival of Uttaryan, which involves flying kites and eating sweets. Seriously everyone was on their roofs flying kites, with the purpose of cutting other people's down. I don't mean to brag but i was the first foreigner (of the 6 exchangees plus me) to cut a kite down. It was a pretty awesome experience everyone on our roof cheered and yelled for me. Of course, i didn't keep track of how many of my kites were cut down by other people cause obvs that number is irrelevant. We finished the night with fireworks and releasing giant tissue-paper lanterns with fires under them. The paper reported 3 deaths and 150 injuries (it would probably be more, but thankfully Gujarat is a dry state).
I also started work last Monday which has been amazing. There are a bunch of students doing field placements at SVADES with me, and they've been invaluable. The organization hasn't wasted time bridging me in, I have already visited 3 villages to do various field work, attended meetings with UNIFEC and the State Government, and taken part in a ceremony to honour students who have completed community service. So far it has been exhilarating.