India Fulbright Blog

Scenes from Bangalore: The Old City Within the New City

Posted by Colleen
On October 18, 2022

I suspect that when people in the U.S. think of Bangalore, what probably comes to mind is a modern, sprawling city and...

architecture, Bangalore, history, Karnataka, markets, travel

So Why Did I Come to India to Research Microfinance?

Posted by Colleen
On October 9, 2022

So far I’ve focused this blog on the cultural exchange component of my India experience, but there’s also a professional component to...

Fulbright, microfinance, research, women

Scenes from Hyderabad (Part 2): A Walk Back in Time

Posted by Colleen
On October 4, 2022

I learned so much about the ancient history of this region through my visit to Hyderabad! There are so many incredible historical...

history, Hyderabad, monuments, Telangana, travel

Scenes from Hyderabad (Part 1): Finding Inspiration at Mosques, Temples, and Sculpture Gardens!

Posted by Colleen
On October 1, 2022

Throughout my Fulbright, I’ve been trying to take weekend trips as much as possible...

Hyderabad, mosques, Telangana, temples, travel

Exploring Remnants of the Maratha Empire at Shinde Chhatri

Posted by Colleen
On September 27, 2022

During this second segment of my Fulbright, I've been seeking out the "hidden gems" in my adopted home of Pune.

architecture, history, Maharashtra, Pune, temples

Returning to Pune (and celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi)!

Posted by Colleen
On September 24, 2022

I’ll begin this post with a confession: I’ve been a terrible blog writer lately! I’ve been back in Pune for over a...

festivals, India life, Maharashtra, Pune

Mutton Keema, Curried Egg, and . . . Fried Brains (Food Experiments, Part 4)

Posted by Colleen
On June 27, 2022

I’m not going to bury the lead here. I ATE GOAT BRAINS. I was invited to a late lunch at a neighborhood...

food, India life, Maharashtra, Pune

Scenes from Agra: The incomparable Taj Mahal!

Posted by Colleen
On June 22, 2022

The Taj Mahal is the kind of marvel that needs no introduction! It’s the instantly recognizable monument representing...

history, Taj Mahal, travel, Uttar Pradesh

Scenes from a Tiger Safari (Ranthambore National Park)

Posted by Colleen
On June 13, 2022

I’m very lucky to have experienced a lot of safari game drives during my travels. They’ve mostly been in Kenya with a...

animals, national park, Rajasthan, safari, tigers

Scenes from Jaipur, the “Pink City”

Posted by Colleen
On June 10, 2022

I’ll cut right to the chase here and say: Jaipur was amazing! Although I’d been to Rajasthan on a previous India trip,...

architecture, history, Jaipur, Rajasthan, travel

Scenes from Mumbai (Part 3): A “City of Dreams” and Extremes

Posted by Colleen
On June 8, 2022

My time in Mumbai, nicknamed “The City of Dreams,” was an exploration of extremes. From narrow, winding, stone/brick/cement...

Dharavi, Maharashtra, markets, Mumbai, travel

Scenes from Mumbai (Part 2): Inspiring Religious Sites

Posted by Colleen
On June 6, 2022

I’ve been getting acquainted with Hinduism while here (more on that later), but there are other prominent religions in India that...

Maharashtra, mosques, Mumbai, religion, travel

Scenes from Mumbai (Part 1): Stunning Colonial Architecture

Posted by Colleen
On June 5, 2022

I’ve been traveling around India for the last eight days, and I’ll be sharing images from each city in the next few...

architecture, history, Maharashtra, Mumbai, travel

Birdsongs, Honks, and Cricket matches! (Sounds of Pune So Far)

Posted by Colleen
On May 24, 2022

Pune is a lush, green city, and if it had a soundtrack, the constant bird calling, singing, and cawing would be one...

India life, Maharashtra, Pune

Barefoot Bell Ringing in Pune’s Sacred Temples

Posted by Colleen
On May 22, 2022

Pune is a city filled with sacred Hindu temples. Most were built in the 1700s and early 1800s, but some are thought...

history, Maharashtra, Pune, temples

Admiring Ancient Architecture at Shaniwar Wada

Posted by Colleen
On May 19, 2022

There’s so much to explore in Pune and elsewhere in Maharashtra, and I’m trying to see as much as I can while...

architecture, history, Maharashtra, Pune

Deceptive Juice and Fishy Delicacies (Food Experiments, Part 2)

Posted by Colleen
On May 17, 2022

At a popular local fish restaurant I experienced unexpected flavors–some good, and some not so good.

food, India life, Maharashtra, Pune

Meeting Faculty at my Indian Host Institution

Posted by Colleen
On May 14, 2022

Week two of my Fulbright experience involved several days of meetings with faculty and staff at the Karve Institute...

Fulbright, Maharashtra, Pune

This Week’s Food Experiment: Pohe & Sabudana Vada

Posted by Colleen
On May 10, 2022

If you know me, you know that I love to try new foods when traveling abroad! So, I’ve been looking forward to...

food, India life, Maharashtra, Pune

Settling In & Getting Acquainted with Pune

Posted by Colleen
On May 8, 2022

My first few days in Pune have been a mix of Fulbright prep, getting set up, and starting to explore the city....

Fulbright, India life, Maharashtra, Pune

Welcome to India!

Posted by Colleen
On May 6, 2022

After three long days of travel, I’ve arrived in India to begin my Fulbright project! I landed in Mumbai shortly after 1...

Pune, travel