Help yourself to some South Asian food…
Samosa With origins in Uttar Pradesh, samosas are a popular appetizer or snack, and are usually vegetarian, made with spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and lentils. They are accompanied by mint ‘green’ chutney and tamarind chutney. Papri Chaat A north Indian fast food. Chaat is a Hindi word that literally means lick, and is used to describe a range of snacks and ‘street food’ dishes; papri refers to the crisp fried dough wafers. The papris are served with boiled potatoes, chick peas, yogurt, and tamarind chutney, and topped with chaat masala.
Gulab Jamun A milk-solids based dessert popular throughout South Asia. Milk- solids are kneaded into a dough and deep fried. They are then soaked in a light sugar syrup flavored with green cardamom and rosewater.
South Indian Food… Dosa A fermented crepe or pancake made from rice batter and black lentils. Common as a breakfast dish, or street food, it can be stuffed with vegetables and sauces, and is typically served with vegetarian side dishes, including sambar (vegetable stew), wet chutney, dry chutney, and Indian pickles. Dosas are gluten free!
Check out the Dosa Factory in Central Square ! Indian Breads… North vs. South Most flatbreads in Northern Indian are made with milled flour, while breads in the South are made with rice and lentils.
Papadum Paratha Bhatura Chapati/Roti Naan
Puri And others…
SAI 2014 SUMMER ORIENTATION
4-4:15 pm Welcome 4:15-4:30 pm Travel Tips 4:30 – 4:45 pm Language, Nicolas Roth 4:45-5 pm Travel Logistics and Support 5-5:15 pm Q and A 5:15-5:30 pm Reflective Exercise
Clothing Tips
• Clothing should be: – Lightweight – Loose-fitting – Worth ruining • Consider buying local clothing items • Bring good walking shoes & sandals • Cotton undergarments are critical • For females: – Travel with a light scarf or dupatta – Bring a one-piece bathing suit
Dress to Impress
Kurtas, dupattas, pashminas… Food & Drink
• Drink sterilized water – Check bottle caps – Water purifiers OK • Take caution when eating street food • Always wash hands before eating • Be prepared to eat with your right hand – Do not use left hand for eating • Hosts will offer more than you can eat – Take what you think you can finish • Tipping a small amount in restaurants is standard – round up! Hygiene Tips
• Baby wipes come in handy – May be used as toilet paper, hand or body cleanser, & for wiping down surfaces • Carry hand sanitizer – For traveling & when soap is unavailable • General washroom etiquette – Most toilets are squat style – Have toilet paper on hand – Do not throw anything in toilet • Availability of feminine products
Gender Concerns • In some areas, gender relations may be restricted – Restaurants may have family sections – Transport may have women-only cars – Hotels may have women-only floors • Students of both genders should avoid traveling alone • Respect local dress & customs • Avoid taking public transport alone after dark • Be prepared for unwanted attention – Staring & comments – Crowded spaces
Health
• Heat and AC • Be vigilant with mosquito repellant, windows & doors – Malaria & dengue fever are risks – Repellant can be purchased in-country • Exercise care around stray animals • Travelers’ illness – Bring or purchase oral rehydration salts – Pack prescribed antibiotics • Purchase from reliable vendors – If something looks sketchy, don’t eat it!
In-Region Contact Information
India – Namrata Arora, Associate Director, SAI Mumbai Office [email protected] - Payal Narain, Consultant, SAI Delhi Office, [email protected]
Pakistan – Sana Mahmood, Program Consultant, SAI Karachi Office [email protected] – Umer Qadir, Program Consultant, SAI Lahore Office [email protected]
Bangladesh – Maria May, Program Consultant, SAI Dhaka Office [email protected] Keep in Touch with SAI • Join our Facebook Group! – Harvard & MIT in South Asia
• Submit posts for our blog • Contact SAI with any questions or concerns – Nora Maginn, Program Manager [email protected] (617) 496-2239
• When posting about your experience on Twitter and Instagram, use the hashtag #harvardsai • Stay up to date with in-region events – Sign up for SAI’s newsletter – Like SAI on Facebook – Follow SAI on Twitter and Instagram: @HarvardSAI • Submit a creative photo of you wearing the SAI t-shirt, to be featured on SAI’s website and social media profiles Travel Requirements
– Check US State Department website for security updates – Update Harvard Travel Registry for independent trips – Refer to Harvard Travel Assist for medical and safety emergencies and non-emergency help and advice • +1-617-998-0000
www.globalsupport.harvard.edu > Travel Tools When You Return
• You are required to submit:
– A reflective report of 2-3 pages detailing your experiences – A multimedia reflection (photo or video) of your experiences – A questionnaire about your experience and expenses – Share tips for next year’s grant recipients Reflective Exercise
“No man steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.” Heraclitus