This post is from Thana, an Iraqi colleague who has shared in several training programs run by Simmons. She is currently in Chennai (formerly called Madras), India on a six-week training program. She writes:

October 30
On Thursday morning our first lecture was on Library Networking & Internet Facilities, given by Dr. G. Kulanthaivel.

He discussed what is information & communication technology, and about CBT, CBI, WBI and also storage devices. Then we discussed what are the major components of communication – and then LANs, WANs?etc.

At evening there was no class, so we enjoy being free. A small group went to visit GRT House of India Jeweler for silver & gold?it’s amazing and so hard to choose because everything is WOW – so many designs and models, especially the pieces containing stones. I saw chairs made of silver and table & chairs for dining room. We also saw an amazing swing made of silver. They didn?t allow me to take pictures for this place but everyone can visit this place using the web ?.(GRT) Google it ..u will enjoy it sure.

On my way back, I found people dancing in the street and cars covered by flowers. I was so happy to see that I guessed they were celebrating a wedding?but while I kept looking I saw a man laying inside this car was dead and covered with flowers too. I was surprised so I asked the man who drive the car why those people dancing if he is dead. He respond it is Hindu culture. Oh, my, it is strange for us. Then I said okay, may this man now have a rest from this hard life for that they are happy for him?

October 31
Friday morning our lecture was about web technology, web architecture, and internet topology. Then we learned about internet protocols and HTML. The lecturer usually uses Data show to explain – he teaches us how to create our own page as an exercise, then he asked us to do our page. After, he came to check our work at evening lecture. At evening, he gave us more information about the topic – it was a wonderful lecture and all of the group found it useful.

We have holiday for Saturday & Sunday?.early morning Saturday Dr. Ravi. come to our dorm – he wanted to check if we need something because he knows five from training group have flu. He took the sick students to hospital for treatment. He is so nice a man do his best for us .

Till next blog?greetings to everybody

Thana