Jailtime and Mangos

Yall, I have some great pictures (and videos! Shout-out Flip Video Cameras!!), but I am having serious issues being able to get wireless set up for my laptop...so words only for now (as if words could suffice!).

First - VERY EXCITING NEWS! We celebrated TWO convictions this week! The two accused persons had trafficked minors from Bangladesh to work in a brothel here, and after a loooong trial (many many months), the judge convicted BOTH perpetrators and sentenced each to 10 years of "rigorous imprisonment" plus Rs. 25,000 fine (2 extra years in prison if they default on the fines). This is the longest sentence we've ever had handed down, and they were convicted under a law that has never been successfully enforced in this court before. (!!!!!!) The rescued girls are safe in aftercare, and many many more girls will never have to suffer at the hands of these criminals. Joy!!!

Second - I did some sightseeing this weekend - pictures to come. I went with one of the other interns, who is half-Indian and able to blend in quite well. I, however, stick out just a little...short story, at one point there was a LITERAL crowd of 15 or so people following us and asking to take pictures with us. Whaaa??

Third - I LOVE THE (vegetarian) FOOD HERE! Favorite treat so far: there is a man who takes the pit out of mangos, fills the space with vanilla ice cream, then freezes the whole thing. You can recognize him because he sits by a giant bucket of ice and mangos-wrapped-in-cloth. Buy one for the equivalent of 4 cents, and he cuts it open and you eat the YUMMIEST frozen mango/ice cream combination. I was warned not to eat street food that's cut with a knife cleaned in local water, but I can't help it, it's SO GOOD. Other faves: chai from a lady with a teapot over a small fire near the office and bananas and lychees from the sweetest man (he always finds ones without bruises for me!

That's all for now - I'll keep trying with the pictures and video!! Thanks for leaving comments :o)

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO