January 6th was India Ethnic day, if not all most of the students where wearing traditional Indian attire. I was wearing a traditional dress of India called “kurtha” which is very comfortable compare to my custom attire. We also ate different variety of food and desert which was great. On that day we also had the opportunity to attend the first day of a 3 day conference “Make in India” which was very educational. I also got the chance to see the Defense Minister of India in person, which was very exciting and also just seeing how much everyone honored him was really awesome.

I must say the trip to Hubli, India what the longest trip I’ve ever taking. We left Boston, US on Sunday at 10:20PM and reached over Dubai at 8:30pm. Durning that first flight i didn’t get to sleep much , it was long and I don’t know if it was because of the time difference or just that i was uncomfortable but sleep what not an option. When we reached Dubai we we had to wait about an hour or so to get on another that wait was not that long at all. It was about one and a half hour flight. When we got to Bangalore now that was a wait for our flight got delayed for about 5 hours, we reached about 3am in the morning and had to wait until 12 to get start getting on broad, we did not reach Hubli until almost 4pm. But reaching Hubli was worth the long long long trip. When we reach the BVB kids were great, really help full and extremely nice. Looking around it honestly did not hit me that i was actually in INDIA. It really amazing how similar India was to my home country (Cape Verde). I was actually really worried about coming and not being in able to adjust but i did just fine. And i excited to the see India and do some shopping, the next coupe of days will be GREAT!

On December 31st, we got the opportunity to meet Gaurav Sha an entrepreneur that actual graduated from BVB. He is the created of Seven Beans, which is a coffee chain shop in India. During his presentation he talked about how and what he did to become a successful business owner, in six great steps. First one was “Ignore the real world”, which meant not to let others put you down, and go with your guts. In the world there will always be people other doubting in you in some way or form just because they are it does not mean you should do that you think within yourself is right and what your actually passionate about . Second is to “make meaning” meaning don’t go by just focusing on making money or you will attract the wrong people, which would end up in bad decision making. Third “Get going! and Keep going” for instance if you have an idea or vision don’t wait to last minute the time is now if your interested in something get it done now. The longer the wait no the more time you will waste. Also keep in mind that quitting is not an option. Forth was “Define a business model” which he described as you should and must have a game plan , one why or other. Fifth “scratch your on itch” meaning to fix your own problems, for example if theres something thats not all that great and means improvement try and improve it yourself, and make it your own. And last but not least is to “Think 10X” if you have any idea about anything you vision and effort should be multiple by 10. I also asked him if he was thinking about franchising and the fact that he said that the next store that they will be opening might be franchise is really excited.
Im truly grateful for having the opportunity to meet him and receive nothing but great advice.

Today we had the opportunity to attend a beautiful wedding, A traditional Indian wedding, it was very lively colorful and full of people. The bride and groom alone lite up the room. The bride was looking especially gorgeous, she was wearing her bright wedding dress which they call SAREE, she also had traditional Henna. On the bride i also noticed that the tip of her fingers were black, which i came to learn that the darker the Henna on the tip of the finder the more the groom loved the bride which i thought was very interesting. The food was amazing, tried new things which i love doing. Ive also noticed and was told that anyone can come to the wedding people come enjoy the celebration, music and the food of course.
It was AMAZING!