Can't talk long... only have a minute before my bus books out of this piece.
Here's all I want for Christmas ---> [my first away from home... : ( ]
One package.
One pink Nalgene wide mouth water bottle and a waterproof rock climbing watch (the one that we saw that day ... looks like a friendship bracelet..) (both avail @ Galyan's).
Three DVD's (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset (both Ethan Hawke), and the Lil Princess DVD (this one we have at home).
Some random newspaper/magazine articles to let me know what I'm missing in the world's affairs.
Letters from people at home.
Some M&M trail mix in the water bottle.
Now, here's the catch. My brother,
VISHAL HASMUKH,
is in charge of getting this to me. I'm putting this information up to keep Mr. Saying-you'll-send-me-a-letter-for-the-past-2-months-but-your-sister's-still-waiting-for-it-alone-in-the-desert Vishal accountable. Wink.
From everyone else, all I want is for you to ask Vish, everytime you talk to him in the next four days, whether or not he has sent this package. With the amount of nagging this one letter is taking, I estimate that with global participation in this movement, Vish may send this package in May.
Love you lazy. Write your sister.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Totally unexpected. On both counts.
The teacher's family next door, the one that included us in their meals while we adjusted, just moved. So we are now on our own as far as food goes.
The surprise? When push comes to shove, and I actually have to cook, turns out I am pretty damn good. After all those years of shirking my mom's attempts to teach me :) Apparently some skills are hereditary. Sweeeeeeeeeet.
Naiya's wedding was AMAZING. I've never seen an Indian wedding more elegantly done. She's helped in planning so many weddings for others that when it came down to her own, she had every detail down to a tee. AMAZING. Growing up in the states, I was raised with fairy tale images of a woman in white, knowing that wouldn't be me. All the Indian marriages around me have been (no offense to anyone intended) cheesy States versions (there's only so much you can replicate in the states.) For the first time, I could actually picture what I want my own to look like. Definitely a first. With that being said, no one get any ideas! :)
The surprise? When push comes to shove, and I actually have to cook, turns out I am pretty damn good. After all those years of shirking my mom's attempts to teach me :) Apparently some skills are hereditary. Sweeeeeeeeeet.
Naiya's wedding was AMAZING. I've never seen an Indian wedding more elegantly done. She's helped in planning so many weddings for others that when it came down to her own, she had every detail down to a tee. AMAZING. Growing up in the states, I was raised with fairy tale images of a woman in white, knowing that wouldn't be me. All the Indian marriages around me have been (no offense to anyone intended) cheesy States versions (there's only so much you can replicate in the states.) For the first time, I could actually picture what I want my own to look like. Definitely a first. With that being said, no one get any ideas! :)
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Stupid webjournal...
ate my last two, count 'em two, entries! Grrrrr....
Ok. Back to business.
On my way to my cousin's wedding. First time traveling overnight, in India, da sola. By myself. No fears. Yay, me! I'm facing a whole lot of my anxieties... and unfounded fears.. to the point where I'm really super surprised at how comfortable I am living here. Totally unexpected side effect of coming to live in India: I like living here. With that being said, I have yet to experience the summer in the desert. I may soon be eating my words.
You guys won't believe this one!!! Long story in a nutshell.... last time Rish and I came to the citay, we had 2 priority errands:
#1 Register as foreigners residing in a border region.
#2 Research at local NGO.
So, #1. At the registration office (which doubles as the tourist office), we are in line behind an old white couple. Woman turns to look at us when she hears American english coming from 2 seemingly local people (3 months, you know we look village...). I smile to acknowledge her but don't go beyond that b/c we were mid important conversation. As they leave, we exchange a few words and I tell them to enjoy their trip. We complete errand #1.
At errand #2, we run into the same couple, so we start talking to them. Have a tangent convo with the guy, about everything from politics, to media (American vs Indian), to our Rural design school, to development. I give woman advice on the clothes she's trying on, and talk to her for a while about fashion, life in CA, life in NY, being married, her travels and, as always, our project and the villages we work in. She seemed really interested, so I offered for her to come visit our site, that we'd show them around our villages (but we ended up not getting back until late).
Here's where it gets interesting: when I'd asked the guy what he did in the states; he told me he's 'in TV' but in a shady, I'd rather not get into it here kind of way. My curiosity got the better of me, so Rish and I did some detective work. Turns out he's the FOUNDER OF HBO!!! Standing in front of me, TWICE, interested in what we are trying to do... and I kind of blew him off as another old white tourist. I let the opportunity slip through my fingers!! The fates are sometimes very cruel. Very. Very. Cruel.
Now, for the necessary talks. I am still waiting for some letters. This is unacceptable. You know who you are. Remember how in Super Mario Brothers, if you got a star, for a while your player was invincible? That is what letters are for me here. So write them! Protect me! Even if you gots nothin to say! Send a picture. Or an oreo. I'm so easy to please. And vim, send me a copy of the paper you changed topics on. I'd love to see it.
Xmas not at home. :(
Someone in my family passed away. Always a smile, with kids similar to me. I don't understand people dying. The news rendered me unstable the entire night. But I did have a clear night sky to give me solace. People passing away makes me want to hoard time w/ ppl I love, like in Blast from the Past, in a cellar, safe from the world.
Lessons learned: Never stall in telling people how much you love/appreciate them. Never put off doing what you know makes you happy. Life is too short to always be pragmatic.
Ok. Back to business.
On my way to my cousin's wedding. First time traveling overnight, in India, da sola. By myself. No fears. Yay, me! I'm facing a whole lot of my anxieties... and unfounded fears.. to the point where I'm really super surprised at how comfortable I am living here. Totally unexpected side effect of coming to live in India: I like living here. With that being said, I have yet to experience the summer in the desert. I may soon be eating my words.
You guys won't believe this one!!! Long story in a nutshell.... last time Rish and I came to the citay, we had 2 priority errands:
#1 Register as foreigners residing in a border region.
#2 Research at local NGO.
So, #1. At the registration office (which doubles as the tourist office), we are in line behind an old white couple. Woman turns to look at us when she hears American english coming from 2 seemingly local people (3 months, you know we look village...). I smile to acknowledge her but don't go beyond that b/c we were mid important conversation. As they leave, we exchange a few words and I tell them to enjoy their trip. We complete errand #1.
At errand #2, we run into the same couple, so we start talking to them. Have a tangent convo with the guy, about everything from politics, to media (American vs Indian), to our Rural design school, to development. I give woman advice on the clothes she's trying on, and talk to her for a while about fashion, life in CA, life in NY, being married, her travels and, as always, our project and the villages we work in. She seemed really interested, so I offered for her to come visit our site, that we'd show them around our villages (but we ended up not getting back until late).
Here's where it gets interesting: when I'd asked the guy what he did in the states; he told me he's 'in TV' but in a shady, I'd rather not get into it here kind of way. My curiosity got the better of me, so Rish and I did some detective work. Turns out he's the FOUNDER OF HBO!!! Standing in front of me, TWICE, interested in what we are trying to do... and I kind of blew him off as another old white tourist. I let the opportunity slip through my fingers!! The fates are sometimes very cruel. Very. Very. Cruel.
Now, for the necessary talks. I am still waiting for some letters. This is unacceptable. You know who you are. Remember how in Super Mario Brothers, if you got a star, for a while your player was invincible? That is what letters are for me here. So write them! Protect me! Even if you gots nothin to say! Send a picture. Or an oreo. I'm so easy to please. And vim, send me a copy of the paper you changed topics on. I'd love to see it.
Xmas not at home. :(
Someone in my family passed away. Always a smile, with kids similar to me. I don't understand people dying. The news rendered me unstable the entire night. But I did have a clear night sky to give me solace. People passing away makes me want to hoard time w/ ppl I love, like in Blast from the Past, in a cellar, safe from the world.
Lessons learned: Never stall in telling people how much you love/appreciate them. Never put off doing what you know makes you happy. Life is too short to always be pragmatic.
Friday, November 26, 2004
EEEEEEP!
Where to begin?
Ok. What I’m thankful for… 2004:
#1 Family and friends that support the fact that I am in India doing the work I’m doing.
#2 The fact that I am in India doing the work that I am doing.
Fun recent happenings:
My last trip to Ahmedabad included waking everyone up before sunrise to go to ‘Laughing Club.’ It is nothing that you’d expect that to mean. Picture about 40 old men getting together every morning before sunrise, for the past ten years… to get their daily exercise via a type of yoga that incorporates *laughing as hard as you can.* (It's surprisingly a workout!) Try to imagine the happiest way a Rup such as myself could start her day and that is exactly what it was. So funny!!!
I am training for the Mumbai Marathon. Typing it in this mofo is my contract with myself to follow thru on this … pending my health. I somehow found a decent pair of Adidii in the neighboring citay… and I’m trying to run every morning at sunrise. But the scenery doesn’t always make up for that extra hour of sleep. Dragging myself out of bed sometimes becomes a fight with myself. My body vs. my mind. Sometimes I fear it may escalate into violence. I don’t know what that means…. So I respectfully end this update here.
Much love to my family. Happy Tgiving! Miss you guys.
Snake run-in #2. A small one, inside our gate. The village kids luckily spotted it and we chased it out. No worries.
I met up with the potter in the next village over. He does everything. Sculpture, mud/mirror relief, painting… (as vim would say, ‘Wha???’) and he is willing to teach me. His family is apparently the only one left (in the world?!?!) that still does this type of work. Yay, new hobby! :)
All in all, life is happy. Good.
Ok. What I’m thankful for… 2004:
#1 Family and friends that support the fact that I am in India doing the work I’m doing.
#2 The fact that I am in India doing the work that I am doing.
Fun recent happenings:
My last trip to Ahmedabad included waking everyone up before sunrise to go to ‘Laughing Club.’ It is nothing that you’d expect that to mean. Picture about 40 old men getting together every morning before sunrise, for the past ten years… to get their daily exercise via a type of yoga that incorporates *laughing as hard as you can.* (It's surprisingly a workout!) Try to imagine the happiest way a Rup such as myself could start her day and that is exactly what it was. So funny!!!
I am training for the Mumbai Marathon. Typing it in this mofo is my contract with myself to follow thru on this … pending my health. I somehow found a decent pair of Adidii in the neighboring citay… and I’m trying to run every morning at sunrise. But the scenery doesn’t always make up for that extra hour of sleep. Dragging myself out of bed sometimes becomes a fight with myself. My body vs. my mind. Sometimes I fear it may escalate into violence. I don’t know what that means…. So I respectfully end this update here.
Much love to my family. Happy Tgiving! Miss you guys.
Snake run-in #2. A small one, inside our gate. The village kids luckily spotted it and we chased it out. No worries.
I met up with the potter in the next village over. He does everything. Sculpture, mud/mirror relief, painting… (as vim would say, ‘Wha???’) and he is willing to teach me. His family is apparently the only one left (in the world?!?!) that still does this type of work. Yay, new hobby! :)
All in all, life is happy. Good.
Now, the question is, who of y’all is coming out here to visit??? Can I get a witness? How bout just a phone call??? I'm willing to compromise.
:(
Rups in the desert have feelings ya know.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Hey friends
Diwali break is over ... i'm jumping a sleeper bus back to the village tonight.
Back to work.
Craziest discovery of the day--> There's a marathon in Mumbai in Jan! I want to run it. Desparately. Yet I'm left w/ less than 2 months to train. In the desert nonetheless! Man, I've been trying to run this mofo for the past 2 years. Year 1 - broke leg 2 places. Year 2- left country to find self. I never can predict where the next year will take me. It's kinda funny to realize that I'm already 24 and my life hasn't yet stabilized into something predictable. I don't want to let this opportunity go. Hmmm... we shall see.
Oh, and while we're on the subject of a stable life, let's talk updates shall we? Sara Baker, who I have known since high school spanish classes, has a little sister Erin, who I believe is 2 or 3 years younger than us. Sara and I watched Erin go through all of her high school phases (the goth eyeliner phase being my favorite). Somehow Erin lapped us both in the 'growing up' department and is now married... has a home and just a few weeks ago, gave birth to Emily. WHAT?!?!?! Congratulations, Erin! This news, however, effectively makes Sara and I the oldest people in the universe.
In Mumbai I got to hang out with the uncle I stayed w/ for my internship four years ago. So many memories flooded back. It was good to be back- I actually remembered my way through the streets. My little cousins are all grown up now and living large in Mumbai. My 19 yr old cousin is quite the Casanova now. Gross.
Man, I gotta jet. Like always. Much love from the desert. Jennaiya, I loves you too. Pass a hug to the corners for me.
Back to work.
Craziest discovery of the day--> There's a marathon in Mumbai in Jan! I want to run it. Desparately. Yet I'm left w/ less than 2 months to train. In the desert nonetheless! Man, I've been trying to run this mofo for the past 2 years. Year 1 - broke leg 2 places. Year 2- left country to find self. I never can predict where the next year will take me. It's kinda funny to realize that I'm already 24 and my life hasn't yet stabilized into something predictable. I don't want to let this opportunity go. Hmmm... we shall see.
Oh, and while we're on the subject of a stable life, let's talk updates shall we? Sara Baker, who I have known since high school spanish classes, has a little sister Erin, who I believe is 2 or 3 years younger than us. Sara and I watched Erin go through all of her high school phases (the goth eyeliner phase being my favorite). Somehow Erin lapped us both in the 'growing up' department and is now married... has a home and just a few weeks ago, gave birth to Emily. WHAT?!?!?! Congratulations, Erin! This news, however, effectively makes Sara and I the oldest people in the universe.
In Mumbai I got to hang out with the uncle I stayed w/ for my internship four years ago. So many memories flooded back. It was good to be back- I actually remembered my way through the streets. My little cousins are all grown up now and living large in Mumbai. My 19 yr old cousin is quite the Casanova now. Gross.
Man, I gotta jet. Like always. Much love from the desert. Jennaiya, I loves you too. Pass a hug to the corners for me.
Friday, November 12, 2004
ketchup
sorry to have been MIA for so long.
So crazy....
I don't know where to begin.
First, Happy Freakin Diwali!! The indian new year. Much love to all y'all.
I'm in Mumbai, which is weird... it's the first time I've been here (besides my internship) without my grandfather. Every inch of this city carries a different memory of traveling with my grandparents.. I miss my family. Especially today.
BUSH WON?!?! Noooooo!!!! this isn't a political site... but come on! I'm not coming home for four years... until the world begins to make sense again. Good news.. Obama won, and that gives me hope. Bobby Jindal is also in office now; I haven't decided how I feel about that one just yet. He changed his name *and* his religion???
Speaking of religion...Happy Eid as well. I fasted for 3 days of the Ramadan to test my willpower and show solidarity (3 villages that I work with are Muslim (the other 2 are Hindu)) w/ my community. My NGO is actually going to Pakistan for the Unity conference, taking one of the other fellows (b/c it isn't directly related to my project, i'm not going). They're taking a train to Amraser and walking across the border for a 3 day conference. Powerful stuff.
Mumbai is such a strange parallel universe. They had an elephant standing outside a McDonalds to advertise a shopping mall (in the middle of traffic). I am so angry sometimes I don't know where to start.
My mom is the new President of our Samaj -->250+ family members... events, trips, the board etc. (For those of you who I haven't dragged to a family event, let me tell you coordinating them is no walk in the park). Somebody, anybody, everybody... congratulate her. Yay mom!!! I'm so excited for you!!!
Other than that, life is good. I'm writing a lot, working on a collective effort book. Fingers crossed on the quality of writing... :) I've never written a book proposal before but so tips are for sure appreciated.
It feels good to finally being doing something that feels right.
Gotta go. A big hug to everyone back home.
Oh, and happy belated to Ace and Sara2%! I couldn't get to a computer earlier. Happy BDay guys.
So crazy....
I don't know where to begin.
First, Happy Freakin Diwali!! The indian new year. Much love to all y'all.
I'm in Mumbai, which is weird... it's the first time I've been here (besides my internship) without my grandfather. Every inch of this city carries a different memory of traveling with my grandparents.. I miss my family. Especially today.
BUSH WON?!?! Noooooo!!!! this isn't a political site... but come on! I'm not coming home for four years... until the world begins to make sense again. Good news.. Obama won, and that gives me hope. Bobby Jindal is also in office now; I haven't decided how I feel about that one just yet. He changed his name *and* his religion???
Speaking of religion...Happy Eid as well. I fasted for 3 days of the Ramadan to test my willpower and show solidarity (3 villages that I work with are Muslim (the other 2 are Hindu)) w/ my community. My NGO is actually going to Pakistan for the Unity conference, taking one of the other fellows (b/c it isn't directly related to my project, i'm not going). They're taking a train to Amraser and walking across the border for a 3 day conference. Powerful stuff.
Mumbai is such a strange parallel universe. They had an elephant standing outside a McDonalds to advertise a shopping mall (in the middle of traffic). I am so angry sometimes I don't know where to start.
My mom is the new President of our Samaj -->250+ family members... events, trips, the board etc. (For those of you who I haven't dragged to a family event, let me tell you coordinating them is no walk in the park). Somebody, anybody, everybody... congratulate her. Yay mom!!! I'm so excited for you!!!
Other than that, life is good. I'm writing a lot, working on a collective effort book. Fingers crossed on the quality of writing... :) I've never written a book proposal before but so tips are for sure appreciated.
It feels good to finally being doing something that feels right.
Gotta go. A big hug to everyone back home.
Oh, and happy belated to Ace and Sara2%! I couldn't get to a computer earlier. Happy BDay guys.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
It all started three days ago...
when I woke up in the middle of the night, cold. So I got three more blankets, buried myself and went back to bed.... (thought nothing of it, as desert nights get cold.) Woke in the morning with a fever. Slept the entire day, waking up for half an hour to have warm milk or oatmeal. Joked around about it being the end for me (as is my style), told the neighbor to tell my family I loved them, to scatter my ashes 1/2 in Kanyakumari & 1/2 in Lake Michigan --> I'm so morbid, I know. The next morning I had a headache but was feeling better, so I went into the community, helping women paint and cook and get water from the well. Evening hits; the fever comes back full force. I get Rishi to bury me under about 8 or 9 blankets and call a doctor to make a house call. He test for malaria but admits that he doesn't know how to use the test kit (his nurses usually do it). The blood test is negative, he concludes that it is probably viral, and then prescribes an antibiotic. Hmmmm.... I'm no dr., but aren't antibiotics for bacterial infections???
I don't trust indian doctors.
And so, we venture out to the city 2 hours away for a 2nd opinion. He does a professional blood test at a lab. The verdict?...
I have malaria.
Mom, no worries. I'll call you tonight. :)
I don't trust indian doctors.
And so, we venture out to the city 2 hours away for a 2nd opinion. He does a professional blood test at a lab. The verdict?...
I have malaria.
Mom, no worries. I'll call you tonight. :)
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Trip one out of the desert
Rishi and I came to A'bad for two days. Took this rickety sleeper bus .... I had a slight panic attack at how tight the space was. Man, I am so glad I am not claustrophobic! Luckily, the windows were huge, so it wasn't so bad.
Went out for Navrathri, a huge holiday/event in Gujarat.... we were out dancing until 4 or 5 in the morning. It was beautiful. Everyone was in super traditional Gj clothes, dancing til it hurt, improvising steps everywhere. Good times.
Rishi almost stepped on a cobra outside his bhunga door one night last week. Luckily, the neighbor saw it and stopped him mid step. So Rishi comes running over, 'hey, wanna see a snake?'... I'd never seen a cobra outside of a zoo. One of the villagers hit the snake with a stick ... the cobra fans out, like they do in movies... the villager and the snake duked it out for a while... the villager won 1-0. What? I live here?
Vince, Happy freakin Belated!! Sorry I forgot!!!... meaning I didn't not forget--- explanation below.
Other than that, all is good. Planning out Diwali break--> going to Mumbai w/ about 6/ 7 indicorps people ...
the project is kicking into high gear...
word on the street (aka from Sanjay) is that my paintings sold !!! (though it has yet to be confirmed) aaaaa!!!! Ok, gotta go.
peace y'all.
Went out for Navrathri, a huge holiday/event in Gujarat.... we were out dancing until 4 or 5 in the morning. It was beautiful. Everyone was in super traditional Gj clothes, dancing til it hurt, improvising steps everywhere. Good times.
Rishi almost stepped on a cobra outside his bhunga door one night last week. Luckily, the neighbor saw it and stopped him mid step. So Rishi comes running over, 'hey, wanna see a snake?'... I'd never seen a cobra outside of a zoo. One of the villagers hit the snake with a stick ... the cobra fans out, like they do in movies... the villager and the snake duked it out for a while... the villager won 1-0. What? I live here?
Vince, Happy freakin Belated!! Sorry I forgot!!!... meaning I didn't not forget--- explanation below.
Other than that, all is good. Planning out Diwali break--> going to Mumbai w/ about 6/ 7 indicorps people ...
the project is kicking into high gear...
word on the street (aka from Sanjay) is that my paintings sold !!! (though it has yet to be confirmed) aaaaa!!!! Ok, gotta go.
peace y'all.
Friday, October 08, 2004
getting up to speed
This past two weeks have been a whirlwind of meeting people. Artisans, community development field workers, designers, NGO heads... all while getting up to speed on the history of this community, this region and this specific project. All in all, a busy time..... right now, we just jumped in here to get our absentee ballot procedures going. It's almost amusing how complicated the voting process can be. Let's all do a silent prayer that this year's election doesn't take the Floridian turn it was the last time around. Amen.
My info:
me c/o Manav Sadhna
Gandhi nu Gao, Post Khavda
Ludiya, Gujarat, India 370510
Ph:02803-266048
call ~ 8/9 pm india time
Some first impressions:
* The region is a bit harsh as far as physical living conditions. I was *super* dehydrated yesterday and felt like I was going to pass out. It's hot and dry.... right. It's the desert.
* I live about 60 km south of the IndoPak border, 60 km east of the Arabian seacoast and 60 km north of the closest internet cafes (I'm too close to the border... where internet connections are highly restricted and regulated.)
* It's an artistic paradise. Everyone creates something. It's such a great feeling to know I come from a place like this. I'm working with master craftswomen who do patchwork, mud relief sculpture, mirrorwork and world renowned embroidery. And the men are these amazing woodworkers. The area itself is insane. Block carvers, sculptors, tie dyers, block printers.... AAAAA!!! I love it! Apparently, international designers pull through the area all the time. I met an Australian fashion designer and stayed with a Brazilian last night. Crazy.
So, that's the typical Rups, highly romanticized version. The other side of the coin is that there's also a lot of tourism, village politics, mismanaged drought relief funds....
It's going to be one hell of a year.
My info:
me c/o Manav Sadhna
Gandhi nu Gao, Post Khavda
Ludiya, Gujarat, India 370510
Ph:02803-266048
call ~ 8/9 pm india time
Some first impressions:
* The region is a bit harsh as far as physical living conditions. I was *super* dehydrated yesterday and felt like I was going to pass out. It's hot and dry.... right. It's the desert.
* I live about 60 km south of the IndoPak border, 60 km east of the Arabian seacoast and 60 km north of the closest internet cafes (I'm too close to the border... where internet connections are highly restricted and regulated.)
* It's an artistic paradise. Everyone creates something. It's such a great feeling to know I come from a place like this. I'm working with master craftswomen who do patchwork, mud relief sculpture, mirrorwork and world renowned embroidery. And the men are these amazing woodworkers. The area itself is insane. Block carvers, sculptors, tie dyers, block printers.... AAAAA!!! I love it! Apparently, international designers pull through the area all the time. I met an Australian fashion designer and stayed with a Brazilian last night. Crazy.
So, that's the typical Rups, highly romanticized version. The other side of the coin is that there's also a lot of tourism, village politics, mismanaged drought relief funds....
It's going to be one hell of a year.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
What? Who lives in a hut?
Aaaaa!!!!! First off, much love to all of you guys. Random comments make me SO happy ... cuz it makes me remember that people still think of me. EEEEEEE!!!!!!
So, it's been many moons since an update and there is so much to say. ** I have officially moved into my new residence for the year. ** If I could post some pictures on this mofo I would. But since I can't (damn you, blogger surcharges!!), words will have to suffice. Ummmm... I live in the desert. the desert!! In two huts, each with a bathroom, a separate kitchen, all connected by an open air courtyard. If you could call anything a 'hut palace', this place would be it. There is plenty of room for both me and Rishi to stay here... (2 rooms, 2 bathrooms.. etc) but the community wouldn't accept that, with us being unmarried and all- so he lives in his own hut about 100 ft from me. I would've stayed there... but the teacher that lives on that side strikes me as a shady character....so I chose to keep distance and wanted to stay in the main office area b/c it has a fence. Rishi agreed and for that I thank him.
The situation is cool. Certain families have already chosen to adopt us as family. Really, really cool. The women are amazing. I came here to 'empower' them through self expression in their traditional arts.... ummm... right. I'm coming into realizing that it's crazy to think I'm empowering anyone who survives here. They carry the day's water on their head... raise an average of 5 to 9 kids... clean...cook... make and embroider their clothes.... make their blankets... the men do woodwork... raise animals.... everyone works in the fields if the year is one that brings rain.... um.... yeah. I'm too much in awe to see how I will be able to deliver on any sustainable empowerment/ community development strategies.
The award for absolute coolest part about living in India goes to: ... Sleeping outdoors. I drag my cot out into the courtyard every night...and sleep under the stars. I can't put it into words. There is little electricity so there is absolutely no interference btw me and the sky. Crazy. I've never seen anything like it. The first night I thought I had left a light on... only to realize it was the moon. The moon?!?!? The moonlight actually leaves a shadow, no joke. It's all good except the one time I woke up to rain in the middle of the night... completely soaked (me, my clothes, my sheets, my bed...). It's funny in retrospect, but definitely wasn't when I had to drag my stuff and my groggy self inside.... :)
I now have a house phone. Would pass out in happiness to hear from anyone that wants to call. I'm 10 & 1/2 hrs ahead of Chicago time... and the best time to call would be around 6-7am my time ... or in the afternoon. No answering machine... but patience is a virtue. (I'm such a punk).
So, it's been many moons since an update and there is so much to say. ** I have officially moved into my new residence for the year. ** If I could post some pictures on this mofo I would. But since I can't (damn you, blogger surcharges!!), words will have to suffice. Ummmm... I live in the desert. the desert!! In two huts, each with a bathroom, a separate kitchen, all connected by an open air courtyard. If you could call anything a 'hut palace', this place would be it. There is plenty of room for both me and Rishi to stay here... (2 rooms, 2 bathrooms.. etc) but the community wouldn't accept that, with us being unmarried and all- so he lives in his own hut about 100 ft from me. I would've stayed there... but the teacher that lives on that side strikes me as a shady character....so I chose to keep distance and wanted to stay in the main office area b/c it has a fence. Rishi agreed and for that I thank him.
The situation is cool. Certain families have already chosen to adopt us as family. Really, really cool. The women are amazing. I came here to 'empower' them through self expression in their traditional arts.... ummm... right. I'm coming into realizing that it's crazy to think I'm empowering anyone who survives here. They carry the day's water on their head... raise an average of 5 to 9 kids... clean...cook... make and embroider their clothes.... make their blankets... the men do woodwork... raise animals.... everyone works in the fields if the year is one that brings rain.... um.... yeah. I'm too much in awe to see how I will be able to deliver on any sustainable empowerment/ community development strategies.
The award for absolute coolest part about living in India goes to: ... Sleeping outdoors. I drag my cot out into the courtyard every night...and sleep under the stars. I can't put it into words. There is little electricity so there is absolutely no interference btw me and the sky. Crazy. I've never seen anything like it. The first night I thought I had left a light on... only to realize it was the moon. The moon?!?!? The moonlight actually leaves a shadow, no joke. It's all good except the one time I woke up to rain in the middle of the night... completely soaked (me, my clothes, my sheets, my bed...). It's funny in retrospect, but definitely wasn't when I had to drag my stuff and my groggy self inside.... :)
I now have a house phone. Would pass out in happiness to hear from anyone that wants to call. I'm 10 & 1/2 hrs ahead of Chicago time... and the best time to call would be around 6-7am my time ... or in the afternoon. No answering machine... but patience is a virtue. (I'm such a punk).
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Advantage of the internet
Totally trying to take advantage of the next while I still gots it. I'm in Ahmedabad for a week before hitting the desert... getting to know my NGO and whatnot. AAAAAAA!!! it has begun!!
Ummm.. so this morning... we went to a museum with art exhibits similar to what we're trying to do with our project... it was this little hobbit door in the middle of a busy intersection (no joke.. like a part of a drawbridge that you have to duck to enter...) ... there was a gatekeeper sitting inside telling us we would have to come back in an hour.... so we look around the park area and there's a little group of animals... (peacocks, chipmunks, pigeons, and these flaming green parrots) just chillin, eating breakfast together next to the grass. It was CRAZY.. and I didnt have my camera. :(
My mom told random relatives in India that I'm out here ... and so some auntie just called me (I have no idea who she is...) and invited me to two weddings. What? Who? What?? I don't know if I'll have the vacation time to do it but we'll see.
Ummm.. so this morning... we went to a museum with art exhibits similar to what we're trying to do with our project... it was this little hobbit door in the middle of a busy intersection (no joke.. like a part of a drawbridge that you have to duck to enter...) ... there was a gatekeeper sitting inside telling us we would have to come back in an hour.... so we look around the park area and there's a little group of animals... (peacocks, chipmunks, pigeons, and these flaming green parrots) just chillin, eating breakfast together next to the grass. It was CRAZY.. and I didnt have my camera. :(
My mom told random relatives in India that I'm out here ... and so some auntie just called me (I have no idea who she is...) and invited me to two weddings. What? Who? What?? I don't know if I'll have the vacation time to do it but we'll see.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Last official day of Orientation
Wha?!?!? You mean I've been here a MONTH?!?! My orientation is OVAH?!?!? What craziness is that?
I miss my brothers so much it hurts. I missed Rakshabhadan. Sorry guys.
Yesterday, I had a one on one mtg with the other Roopal (who is the method behind the madness of Indicorps)... great, great meeting. I can't put it into words, but this is so important to me that I am here. She made me reflect on my motivations to come ... and the initial passion that brought me here. (please excuse the cheesiness). Also, I'm learning on how to put what is happening into words. Rambling as always...
ANYWAY
1/2way thru the mtg, one of the staff guys runs to where we are on the lawn in a frenzy telling us that there is a 'Sumitra from Canada' on the phone for me. This causes some confusion b/c 1. we are both rup's and 2. we don't know people in Canada that would call us in India. We stop the meeting and race to the office to find out that it is none other than my mom, ** Punita from Chicago**. I was on the floor laughing. A great random happy surprise to hear from my mom for sho. Yay.
The last event of orientation, and the reason I hadn't written in a while , was this 3 day camp we organized in Mumbai. The other 9 fellows and I took 50 kids in some pretty tough (meaning unimaginable) situations to a nature resort and did our absolute best to give them the time of their lives. These kids face problems on a daily basis that I can't even picture. Kids of sex workers, slum kids, homeless kids, dock workers, one girl was 12 and took care of her household as well as her 3 younger siblings(!!) ... I can't even begin to understand ... anyway ....
we organized a 3 day camp for them to get away and just BE KIDS. Playing, singing, swimming, running, dancing, you name it. THERE WAS A POOL!! I thought I had sacrificed them for the year ... but this amazing pool was at the resort we found... with four waterfalls!!! Totally my element. I taught four, count them four, girls (who have NEVER been in a pool!!) how to swim laps freestyle and breaststroke. (in two hours!!) I was beaming at how fast they learned.
Really hit it off with the kids and the group of us congealed as a team. We had some pretty tough discussions after we got back... and I'm feeling better than ever about the support structure I've found here. It's a great feeling b/c I know this year is going to be hard as hell. I'm glad I'll have Rishi to lean on though. The boy is a crackhead... he's so unpredictable. We'll get along and drive each other crazy I'm sure.
So we all split starting today. My ride out is tomorrow morning. Orientation comes to a close and I'll be out in the field in about a week. The meantime is in Ahmedabad getting to know the NGO I am working with, their history/philosophy/goals etc. By this time next week I am heading to the desert.
[i was reading a book the other day on the area where I am going to live... and it was described as one of the most difficult climates to live in...... ummmmm..... yeah...... what have I done!?!?!?]
and a sidenote to all y'all: I love you guys!!! I can't express HOW MUCH your efforts to keep in touch mean to me. emails, calls, commenting on this mofo.... whatever... it totally makes my day. So thanks!!!
Yay you!
I miss my brothers so much it hurts. I missed Rakshabhadan. Sorry guys.
Yesterday, I had a one on one mtg with the other Roopal (who is the method behind the madness of Indicorps)... great, great meeting. I can't put it into words, but this is so important to me that I am here. She made me reflect on my motivations to come ... and the initial passion that brought me here. (please excuse the cheesiness). Also, I'm learning on how to put what is happening into words. Rambling as always...
ANYWAY
1/2way thru the mtg, one of the staff guys runs to where we are on the lawn in a frenzy telling us that there is a 'Sumitra from Canada' on the phone for me. This causes some confusion b/c 1. we are both rup's and 2. we don't know people in Canada that would call us in India. We stop the meeting and race to the office to find out that it is none other than my mom, ** Punita from Chicago**. I was on the floor laughing. A great random happy surprise to hear from my mom for sho. Yay.
The last event of orientation, and the reason I hadn't written in a while , was this 3 day camp we organized in Mumbai. The other 9 fellows and I took 50 kids in some pretty tough (meaning unimaginable) situations to a nature resort and did our absolute best to give them the time of their lives. These kids face problems on a daily basis that I can't even picture. Kids of sex workers, slum kids, homeless kids, dock workers, one girl was 12 and took care of her household as well as her 3 younger siblings(!!) ... I can't even begin to understand ... anyway ....
we organized a 3 day camp for them to get away and just BE KIDS. Playing, singing, swimming, running, dancing, you name it. THERE WAS A POOL!! I thought I had sacrificed them for the year ... but this amazing pool was at the resort we found... with four waterfalls!!! Totally my element. I taught four, count them four, girls (who have NEVER been in a pool!!) how to swim laps freestyle and breaststroke. (in two hours!!) I was beaming at how fast they learned.
Really hit it off with the kids and the group of us congealed as a team. We had some pretty tough discussions after we got back... and I'm feeling better than ever about the support structure I've found here. It's a great feeling b/c I know this year is going to be hard as hell. I'm glad I'll have Rishi to lean on though. The boy is a crackhead... he's so unpredictable. We'll get along and drive each other crazy I'm sure.
So we all split starting today. My ride out is tomorrow morning. Orientation comes to a close and I'll be out in the field in about a week. The meantime is in Ahmedabad getting to know the NGO I am working with, their history/philosophy/goals etc. By this time next week I am heading to the desert.
[i was reading a book the other day on the area where I am going to live... and it was described as one of the most difficult climates to live in...... ummmmm..... yeah...... what have I done!?!?!?]
and a sidenote to all y'all: I love you guys!!! I can't express HOW MUCH your efforts to keep in touch mean to me. emails, calls, commenting on this mofo.... whatever... it totally makes my day. So thanks!!!
Yay you!