2010 GW Art Therapy India

THE FINAL DAYS AND CULTURE SHOCK

2010-07-27T19:53:00.014+05:30

So, the class has ended and eight of us returned back to the US, the other ten are continuing their journeys in India. Just as we dealt with culture shock on our arrival in India, I find I am now dealing with reverse culture shock upon our return. The streets are surprisingly quiet--no constant honking horns, crowing roosters, barking dogs, scooters scootering, people calling. But, strangely our restaurants are louder--noisy pop music and people effusively talking. The other unexpected aspect is all the "scantily" clad people. We returned to DC in the midst of a heat wave and everyone is naturally in shorts and spaghetti strap shirts attempting to stay cool. However, for three weeks all of us have worn loose, long sleeves and pants and draping scarves as Chennai is very conservative and the clothing protects you from the hot sun, pollution, and stares and gives us the impression that we are blending in. :)

During the final days in India, we completed our art/journaling ritual which we did each evening (see photo of covered door), created chalk art which covered the roof of our B & B, participated in our final cultural self-awareness ritual stating what we would like to let go of and take with us, and had a celebratory farewell dinner. While it is always lovely to return home, what I will miss the most is creating art together and reflecting on the day as a group and connecting with students on a deeper level and witnessing their outward- and self-awareness increase with each new experience. Each of us has grown and stretched, learning from cultural experiences and from each other. While the whole purpose of this course is to increase self-awareness, knowledge and skills, what I love about this course is the development as more empathic, aware, and culturally conscious humans--as a professor, what more could you ask for?

LEFT WANTING MORE...

2010-07-23T04:49:00.004+05:30

The final day was filled with last-minute errands, shopping trips around the city and discovering new places and sights within Chennai. An impromptu trek to Parangimalai – St. Thomas Mount – revealed one of Chennai’s many hidden treasures. Tucked away from the quick-pace of most of the neighborhoods we visited within Chennai, the town stood as a metaphor for India. In the three weeks that we were in India, I was constantly awed by the unexpected, never-ending dichotomies and constant discovery. In the middle of a predominantly Hindu country stands one of Christianity’s holiest sites – a shrine to St. Thomas and the myriad miracles associated with the area. Looking over Chennai from atop the mount, I wondered how many more neighborhoods were still unknown to me and what other treasures lay within Chennai, wishing I had more time to explore the city and India; even if only for just a few more minutes…

AUROVILLE

2010-07-21T16:55:00.010+05:30

"The City of Dawn," Northwest of Pondicherry, was designed by French architect Roger Anger in 1968. Conceived as a utopian paradise by The Mother, Mirra Alfassa, it was devised as a international city where people would live together in peace. 2,100 people live there, including a friend of mine. As she cheerfully gave Janna and me a tour on her motorbike (yes, we were three on the bike and it was fun!) and by foot, I was amazed by its serene nature, as well as its avant-garde architecture, merging together modernity and a multicultural flair. I was surrounded by reminders of different cultures, from Japanese gardens, to tropical fruit trees, to peacocks roaming the grounds, to Ukranian and Brazilian Aurovillians at the delicious European/Indian cafe where we ate. I left feeling tranquil and content to have visited my dear college friend in her fascinating environment.

The first image above includes the Matri Mandir, a meditation center. This spherical marble chamber has a crystal placed inside it, reflecting the sun's rays. The concentrated light acts as a focal point to aid meditation. The second image is of the garden where my friend grew up, one of the many houses built by her father.

QUINTESSENTIAL INDIA

2010-07-21T08:38:00.013+05:30

I don't know if there is such thing as "quintessential" India; ask anyone and each person will have their own idea about it. The India of today is not the same as it was yesterday, and it will be different tomorrow. It is ever changing, rapidly, and hopefully with forethought. Ashish said today that South India is too focused on its traditions and religious values to change too radically. But to me, after only one year, the changes seemed remarkable. It is possible, I suppose, that I was able to see more, and see more clearly this year. Tonight half of us said good-bye to India and to half of the group. The other half is travelling on to northern areas, on to another, very different adventure. It would be almost impossible to come to India and not have an adventure; perhaps that is the quintessential India--adventure: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually...

LAKSHMI THE ELEPHANT

2010-07-21T08:35:00.003+05:30

In Pondicherry we heard of an elusive elephant that blesses it's visitors outside of a temple. Of course our curiosity was piqued by this, so many of us made sure to visit this temple to be blessed by Lakshmi the elephant. What we found was both beautiful and heartwrenching, much like many things on this trip. Lakshmi is a beautiful elephant, adorned with chalk designs on her ears and silver ankle bracelets on her front legs. Give her a few rupees change in her trunk or food, and she'll bop you on the head in blessing. What a beautiful elephant and so seemingly tame! Look a little closer and you'll see her trainer by her side yelling commands. I found myself wondering where the money in her trunk went, it didn't seem like it would go to her care, she had skin discoloration on her back and marks on her back legs where a rope may have tied her. I question whether the money continues poor treatment of this animal, or whether it fuels this community ritual where people from all over come to celebrate and be blessed by this elephant.

A MOMENT IN TIME

2010-07-20T23:19:00.009+05:30

There are so many moments when in the midst of chaos that there is a moment of clarity--a moment when I say to myself "this is why I love doing this class!" There was just such a moment this weekend.

This weekend provided each in our group a host of challenges and opportunities (depending on how you look at it!): taking a train through the Indian countryside and using the "hole to the tracks" bathroom, winding our way up the Yercaud mountains with 20 hairpin turns while our drivers passed slow moving vehicles on the curves, sleeping on hard mats in our tents while it rained and the wind whipped outside, hiking down a thorny, billy goat trail with machete and sticks to a beautiful waterfall, driving another 6 hours with numerous near misses to reach Pondicherry, exploring a new city, getting blessed by Lakshmi the elephant, and finally returning "home" to Chennai. But each individual rose to the challenges and made them into opportunities--opportunities to connect with each other, to prove that they weren't a quitter, to understand another culture just a little better, to try something new, to explore the unknown or untried--and in the end, we all benefited from it.

But there was a moment of unity and connection when the class was gathered on the top of a mountain and a student was presenting on the benefits of ayurvedic breathing for physical and emotional health. A moment in time when you stop and think that this is the whole point of travel learning--the whole point of exploring another culture while exploring who you are as a human--the whole point of connecting with the self and the other.

Our students rose to the challenge and marked a moment in time.

THE MARKET, PONDICHERRY

2010-07-20T22:27:00.011+05:30

We woke up early this morning hoping to fit in all the sights of Pondicherry before a noon departure time. First on the list - the market place. What an adventure. We arrived when unloading produce was still in process but the market was well underway. Weaving through the fish, we made our way to the produce section and finally to the flowers. With each step came stares as we were definitely the only foreigners in sight. Individuals either avoided the camera or asked to have their picture taken. New sights and smells surrounded us as we got lost in the bustling of the crowded market.

FROM THE CITY TO THE MOUNTAINS.

2010-07-20T17:27:00.020+05:30

This weekend we transformed from city folk of Chennai to humble campers. I have always been torn when thinking about which environment I prefer, the city or the great, open outdoors. I have settled on the fact that I favor both, equally. However, there are pro's and con's to both atmospheres. I will use this blog post to settle the differences my peers and I experienced while on this trip.

The city of Chennai.. Pro's: extreme visual stimulation, many options for dining, shopping, site seeing, a fast-paced flow that makes you feel that moving quickly is your only option and it can be exhilarating, observing how many people can fit on one motorcycle seat (I have seen 5). Con's: Pollution that makes your throat sting, the fear that crossing the street could be your last moment on earth.

Camping in Yercaud... Pro's: Beautifully breathtaking landscapes, fresh air, silence, animal life, less stimulation that allows for your mind to be clear. Con's: Sleeping on the hard earth, ants that bite, thorns on branches

that are so small you cannot see them, but they

prick you just as hard.

CAMPING IN INDIA

2010-07-16T10:14:00.004+05:30

Tomorrow at 5:30am we set off by train to Yercaud, for an overnight camping experience; then on to Pondicherry and Auroville, by vans, for two nights. We return Tuesday and will post then. Before we know it, some of us will be boarding the plane for home, while others board a plane for other parts of India to continue their adventure...

WOMEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MADRAS

2010-07-16T10:08:00.009+05:30

My first post to the blog, I am shocked by the realization that time is running out for our class. What I assumed would be plenty of time to write a few blog posts has turned into an endeavor to sum up all of my emotions, all of my experiences, into a few words and pictures. Today is the last day of our internships, our last weekend together, and we will be departing for our various destinations around the world....in about 5 days.

That being said, each new day has presented a series of serendipitous opportunities to meet new people, try new foods, buy new things (a lot of things), and realize with each encounter, I know less about myself than I assumed. I have felt the anxiety of walking down a street at dusk, my ankles and calves visible to passersby--the bliss of seeing children playing on the beach, jumping off dunes into the wet sand below, the serene feeling I get from painting in watercolor and doodling kolams--or the deep sadness and frustration of coming to understand the intense family dynamics prevalent in India--and the ripple effect this causes for the lives of so many women.
I am in awe of the strength and resilience of the women of India. Their passion, their spirituality and devotion, and their light-heartedness.

Today, I asked for the assitance of the head gentleman who works at the Bed and Breakfast--looking for a tailor to make two dresses before we leave. Five minutes later, I was on the back of a motorcycle, blowing past rickshaws, cars, and buses on my way to the tailor. Most women sit side-saddle on the backs of these motorcycles, holding their children on their hip or carrying groceries. Facing forward, my hands gripped the seat tightly-aware that I was not wearing a helmet, and my life was in the hands of this kind man--it was the most fun I have had all week. The tailor's shop was only a few blocks away, and then ride ended minutes after it began.

While I cannot even say I understand a little Tamil, I have come to not only understand, but internalize many of the customs, removing my shoes at the door to the tailor's shop, knowing that the tailor's horizontal wiggle of his head (symbolizing "no" in the U.S.) actually means "Yes, I can do that."

Fresh from my motorcycle ride back to the guesthouse, I am re-energized--present and truly aware that I am alive, the chaos of the streets both exhilarating and humbling. I am ready to embrace my last day at TTK Hospital, working with men of all ages to understand their alcohol abuse through art.

BAD INDIAN SEAFOOD

2010-07-16T09:21:00.004+05:30

This is Lisa and my stomachs on bad Indian seafood--urp!

ART OF CONNECTION

2010-07-15T09:03:00.005+05:30

We named them the "Rangoli Girls" last year. The women at Bambino School usually are helping with the children and doing chores around the school, but this afternoon they transformed the courtyard into a beautiful painting. The materials were wet chalk, rice powder, rock salt and pigments. They showed us how to create the rangoli and kolams, and encouraged our participation. Working together, we connected the lines, shapes and colors while at the same time, connecting with each other.

SUNRISE...IDEAL BEACH RESORT

2010-07-13T14:04:00.005+05:30

Sunrise and sun saluations for me....waking up for the sunrise felt great. The feeling was calm and quiet, compared to the busy street noises of Chennai.

MULEE

2010-07-13T08:53:00.004+05:30

At the Mamalapuram temple on Sunday, Heidi and I were befriended by a bright-eyed, young Gypsy boy who showed us the beach shortcut to the temple. Unlike the other Gypsies selling beads in a pleading and desperate manner, he was charming and didn't try to sell us anything. Instead, he asked many questions, and we entered into a bantering, relaxed conversation. He showed us his extensive coin collection and stayed with us or the group until we left the temple. We did buy some of his beads, which he discretely hid while on the temple grounds. Gypsies are not high in the Indian class hierarchy, and are persecuted here much the same way as they have been and still are in other areas of the world. Mulee was such a sparkling child, exuberant and endearing; he can't afford to go to school, yet he has a sharp intelligence and is so eager to learn. He really touch my heart, and every time I think of him, my eyes well up with tears as I wonder what will become of him.

FIRST GROUP PICTURE!

2010-07-12T09:30:00.002+05:30

CONNECTION--IT'S IN THE EYES

2010-07-09T23:24:00.016+05:30

That moment of connection that we seek when we meet new people, when we are introduced to a new culture. I have experienced that connection so often here in India. Whether it is watching our students work with their clients at their internship or whether it is while walking on the beach and hearing children call out "picture, picture!" I am not always aware of the connection in the moment, but when I look at the photos--there it is--in the eyes. That connection of human to human--soul to soul. We are in each others' world and have become a part of each other. There are children I photographed years ago who still remain a part of me--eyes to s0ul. I wish I could carry that into each moment, each interaction that I have with my students, people on the street, shopkeepers, auto rickshaw drivers--pursuing that connection--eyes to soul.

MY DAY IN THREE PICTURES

2010-07-09T23:08:00.009+05:30

PRESENT MOMENT, WONDERFUL MOMENT

2010-07-09T22:26:00.004+05:30

At my internship, I have struggled with the idea of communication, and how to do it. Because the patients speak primarily Tamil or Hindi, much of our dialogue has to be completed through a translator, which makes creating a therapeutic rapport nearly impossible....or so I thought. In the past few days, I have realized that the best gift I can give the women of The Banyon Tree is being present with them. Seeing, feeling, experiencing, and offering encouragement through smiles and gestures has helped me to be more present with them, and in turn help them to be more expressive and creative. For example, in four short days, I have witnessed a woman progress from filling in her mandala with only one color, to choosing three the next day, and then five the day after that, and then today coloring in her mandala with not only five different colors, but also filling in the space around the circle. The progress in expressiveness has been incredible.

Today when asking the women what made them excited, many of them said that it was US being there with them that made them feel excited. Hearing this made me feel an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude. Little do these women know that the truly lucky person in the room is me, because I have the honor of being present in this wonderful moment with them.

MUTUAL LEARNING

2010-07-08T09:36:00.015+05:30

Facilitating an in-service for teachers yesterday was exhilarating and rewarding for me, and hopefully for them as well. The group of 23 teachers of special needs kids jumped right into the art experiential, asked probing questions about art therapy and seemed to enjoy the process and interactions (of a different kind) with each other. The two students at the site also participated and were able to show some of the kids' art and talk a bit about the children they're seeing. They say here that "guests are like gods," meaning that it is part of the culture to make visitors feel at home. We certainly felt welcome and appreciated throughout the in-service, and left with many expressions of thanks.. The warmth, helpfulness and friendliness of people in Chennai has been the one thing that has been consistent through all that is inconsistent.

CITY OF GODS

2010-07-07T16:11:00.010+05:30

A morning walking tour takes us through city streets that wind around humble traditional homes and breathtaking temples. Anchoring the bustling streets that surround it is the Kapaleeswarar temple. This Hindu shrine, dedicated to the God Shiva, keeps a watchful eye over the city of Chennai.
So many Gods and so little time... Even Shiva has thought of a solution for the modern worshipper! There is a spot in the far corner of the Kapaleeswarar temple that provides a perfect view of all the shrine rooftops within the temple walls. With a good view of all the Gods you can quickly offer your prayers and be on your way.

REDIRECTION

2010-07-07T15:29:00.008+05:30

As a self-proclaimed photographer, I came to India eager to photograph the women in colorful sarees, innocent children, and market vendors. To my surprise, I feel extremely uncomfortable behind the camera, and am realizing that there is a fine line between capturing and exposing the people of Chennai. As I struggle to find a respectable balance, I am embracing the opportunity to redirect my lens to the fine details and vibrant colors of the land.

MARINA BEACH

2010-07-07T09:11:00.003+05:30

ROOFTOP YOGA

2010-07-06T00:40:00.036+05:30

Oftentimes the anticipation leading up to a trip like this one can be a whirlwind of planning, packing, laughing, hugging, crying, and last minute freaking out (thanks again to Amy's boyfriend, Bob, who managed to deliver her passport to Dulles Airport from Baltimore with ten minutes to spare before the airline counter closed!). As we set foot into Chennai, after traveling for nineteen hours by bus, plane, van, and foot, the kinesthetic aspects of this unique city forced all of us of us to stop, take a minute, and realize that we had reached our destination. Finally.

And suddenly, all of the creature comforts which I had so meticulously prepared for myself over the past few weeks seemed unnecessary. My perfectly portioned TSA approved toiletries, newly updated iPod playlist, and neurotically organized class binder then seemed superfluous. All I needed at that moment was food, water, and sleep (lots of it!) to nurture my mind and body. And yet, once my belly was full, thirst was quenched, and body was rested, I realized that there was still something missing. It was the marriage between the two. That's right, yoga. We are in India, after all!

Led by an MP3 of Bikram Yoga’s Beginning Series, six of us took full advantage of India’s climate by turning the apartment rooftop into a makeshift yoga studio (ok, so maybe the time spent updating my iPod playlist wasn’t completely for naught...).

Fun, challenging, and interesting for both the new and seasoned yogis in the bunch, our mini hot yoga session left me sitting peacefully with its closing remark of “Namaste,” which according to one interpretation means "I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me."

It is my hope that these next few weeks allow me to do just so with my classmates, professors, students, and staff members at Bambino school.

MOVIE STARS

2010-07-04T23:57:00.010+05:30

Today was comprised of much hustle and bustle in the afternoon as we raced across the city competing against our classmates on a photo scavenger hunt across all of Chennai. As we struggled to find meanings and to make sense of the clues given to us, laughter was abundant and I certainly felt alive. Jumping in and out of our cars, buying flowers for our hair, juggling mangoes in the street, begging our driver to help us by giving us clues, convincing an autorickshaw driver that we were not going to steal his vehicle as we sat in the driver's seat and he sat in the back; we joined the life and movement of a town that only seems to stop for moments of prayer.

Among the constant movment it's still apparent how different we are than the culture around us. While leaving the mall during our hunt, a group of school-aged children ran up to us, showing off their English skills. Smiles were plentiful as they repeatedly shook my hand, taking turns using their English phrases from "Hello" to "How are you?" to other phrases that were probably taught in an elementary English class. I felt like a movie star, with all the attention they were giving. Chennai is certainly a city with constant movement and how wonderful it is to be a part of it.

CHENNAI PHOTO HUNT

2010-07-04T23:01:00.012+05:30

Beth, Kate, Karie and Amy
solve cultural clues and take photos for proof of their solution.

QUESTIONS REMAIN

2010-07-03T23:46:00.007+05:30

To the left is a picture of a group of young children enjoying the sunshine at the National Shrine of St. Thomas Basilica. Their happiness and joy help me get through the hard sites and experiences of India. Today on the streets there was a young woman, begging, holding her young baby. She asked each person individually through sign language to be given money or food. As each person said no, she waited...and waited...and waited. As I sat there with her standing near me, I wondered what am I doing here? What can I give without giving money? How can I express that I care and does ignoring and dismissing show her this? Is there another way of being and acting? Can I show her my heart even if it means going against the grain? How do I sit with and acknowledge all the feelings, all the pain and also all the joy that comes with the differences in our lives...is it even possible?

EVOLVING CULTURE

2010-07-03T02:12:00.018+05:30

It's 3 AM on Saturday morning and I can't sleep. I woke up with my mind flooded with thoughts about my own culture and how I came to be me, sitting right here, in this exact chair, at this exact moment. Everyone else is sleeping, and I wish I was too because we have a long day ahead of us of sightseeing and walking in this dirty and polluted city. Chennai is only the fourth largest city in India, I can't even begin to imagine how dirty a city like Mumbai is.

We started giving our personal history presentations last night, and I am blown away at how complex, interesting and deeply personal culture is to every single person here. I feel blessed to be able to listen to each person's story of how they became who they are, sitting right there, in that exact chair, at that exact moment. I am thinking about how fluid culture is, and how it never sits still. It may look the same from day to day and have the same physical qualities as it did yesterday, but just like a mountain changes everyday simply because the wind and rain constantly picks up and moves rocks and particles of dirt and is never the same from moment to moment, culture is constantly evolving. We all are constantly evolving- even if we want to stay exactly the same, we can't.

It seems to me that there is no clear line that separates different cultures, and that culture is made up of the collective memories, experiences and rituals of all of our ancestors and all of us living today. As different as India and the U.S. seem on the surface, you can't deny the fact that India has been influenced by the U.S., and vice versa.

Lisa talked about privilege yesterday during our art making ritual, and what it means to be privileged. I am wondering what it means too, and how to make amends with my feelings of guilt associated with it, and whether or not I should even try to make amends with that feeling. Even guilt itself seems to be privileged. Kim had mentioned feeling uncomfortable about the three Indian men that live in our apartments who serve us, clean up after us, and cook for us, all while remaining as silent and as invisible as possible. In fact, one of them is most likely sleeping on the kitchen floor or counter right this moment. Why does he have to sleep on the hard kitchen floor in the humid heat, while I get to sleep in a comfortable bed. A simple answer might be because I happened to be born a U.S. citizen and he was not, but it goes beyond that and I am trying to sort it out. It would probably be easier and more comfortable not to think about it at all, but that seems impossible now.

MORNING WALK

2010-07-02T20:46:00.004+05:30

I woke up in the middle of the night, convinced I had been sleeping forever. When I checked the time, it was only 12:45 AM. My mind raced, I tossed and turned, fell in and out of sleep, and then finally I heard my roommate Anne whisper, "Lauren, are you awake?" We spent a while talking, and then decided to take a walk at about 6:30 AM.

As we walked out onto the street, Chennai was waking up. Women were walking through the streets in their brightly colored saris, man and women threading jasmine, and people praying in their extensively decorated temples. The most striking thing I witnessed this morning was the extreme poverty. I did not understand how truly bad it was. People were cleaning the sidewalks, which consisted of sweeping the dirt into the street. Women were begging for money for their children, and people were sleeping in the dirt covered streets. I felt overwhelmed with sadness by the sights I saw. But amidst the dirt and garbage, I saw color, spirituality, and happiness.

MEETING PERFECT STRANGERS

2010-07-01T22:47:00.004+05:30

Although the flight was lengthy, it was surprisingly comfortable. The flight attendants of Qatar Airways were so courteous and were exceptionally hospitable. I struck up conversations on the plane with nearby passengers. There was a Bangladeshi woman named Parvin that was happy to explain the main exports of Bangladesh, and explained the significance of International Mother Language Day held annually February 21. I also met a man named Ahmed who was studying Medicine at the University of Maryland on a fellowship, traveling back home to Doha, Qatar because his fellowship ended. Both advised me to shy away from spicy foods because my stomach was not used to it and I was grateful for this information.

Our next flight from Doha, Qatar would be delayed but we made it to Chennai, India. While in flight, I met a woman named Jaseema from Paris, France who was traveling to Chennai to visit her mother and was kind enough to share her Haribo Tagada candies with me while we discussed Barack Obama's presidency. She invited me to visit Paris, France because of its beauty. I also met a young lady around my age who was studying for her International baccalaureate degree in Geneva, Switzerland who would be visiting her grandmother in Chennai. Although thousands of miles apart, I found that we shared some of the same interests in music and in hobbies and exchanged contact information to keep in touch. So far, I was enjoying myself because on a normal day I am not inclined to generate conversations with perfect strangers.

Cheers from Chennai,

Meah Tweh

NOTE

2010-07-01T19:25:00.002+05:30

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Arrival

2010-07-01T18:20:00.011+05:30

The students arrived today and Lisa and I arose to greet them at the airport at 2:30am. They were tired but eager to begin their adventures, piling into vans, asking questions, and commenting on views out the window. We had orientation, went over the schedule for the next three weeks and they are currently in their beds sleeping off the effects of jetlag and culture shock. Tomorrow we begin class and Saturday and Sunday are filled with sightseeing, exploring Chennai and a lovely dinner at the owner of our B&B's beachside house to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Meanwhile, Lisa and I continue to perform a comedy skit on the streets of Chennai in search of a local grocery named "Amma Nana." For some reason we cannot get the pronunciation correct and yesterday while attempting to ask an auto rickshaw driver if he knew how to get there, we attracted a group of very helpful people--all of us were saying the same thing but no one was understanding each other "AAAAmma nana," aMMManNana," amaNAAna," to the point where we sounded like the infamous Muppet's "Manamana" song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM89T74MPnE

Perhaps breaking into song would have helped! :)

RED AND BLACK ALL OVER

2010-06-30T12:04:00.007+05:30

We had the opportunity to walk on the grounds of the Theosophical Society yesterday morning. The Society property used to have the largest banyan tree in India, but now there are only the many offspring of that tree, surrounding a large empty circle where the mother tree once stood. The flora was remarkable, as were the lizards, insects and sounds. The smells ranged from the dry, dusty earth smell, to rotting fruit, to frangipani and cactus blooms. Orgies of red and black bugs startled me with their exuberance and multitudes, as they covered the ground under one tree, and raced from underfoot as we walked along the paths. The Society property was truly an oasis of calm and quiet in the midst of the relentlessly hustling and bustling city.

On the streets of Chennai

2010-06-28T18:52:00.006+05:30

Apparently on the streets of Chennai, the cows are safer than us measly, little, unholy humans. During a grueling walk searching for a working ATM, where we got lost, walked in circles, and Lisa almost passed out from heat, we came across this family of holy cows. They sauntered down the center of the street criss-crossing from side to side with cars, bicyclists, and people moving out of their way as they stopped to drink from a puddle or explore the garbage bins. One would fall behind and the others would stop in the center of the street to calmly look back and wait for the other all while traffic snarled around them. To put this in context, when we step into the street to walk or cross, we look both right and left and behind and above, then right and left again, then when there is a tiny break, run halfway into the street, backwards, forwards, breath held until we reach the other side (imagine the old video game of Frogger!) The totem pole of seniority on the streets is: cows, buses, trucks, cars, auto rickshaws, bicycles, and finally people. I think even the dogs are above us because they have street smarts! :)

THE WEDDING PARTY

2010-06-28T06:36:00.019+05:30

As we walked back to Footprint B&B, the sounds of a celebration filled the air--voices, instruments, and a heavy bass drum. We converged with the raucous procession of the Major International Band, horse-drawn gold and brocade carriages and a crowd of men. Children and women brought up the rear, while police loosely directed traffic. A man in a red turban and gold jacket sat in the center carriage, looking pale and, as Heidi observed, "terrified!" We deduced that it was a wedding, which was confirmed by a grinning, elfin man, flitting among the crowd gathered to watch the event. The procession stopped in front of a luxury hotel, where men commenced wild and noisy circle dancing. The women, all dressed in brilliant, embroidered saris, lined the entrance and stairway of the hotel. As the dancing and music ended, the man in the red turban, who could only be the groom, gingerly climbed down from the carriage and walked through the entrance toward the women. At that point, we were able to walk past the dispersing crowd and entourage, to continue on our way. As we passed the horses and the disbanding musicians we couldn't help but notice how skinny and sad the horses looked, in their tattered, worn and torn, though once splendid tapestries. The band members were thin, ancient-looking men, with tarnished instruments and bare feet. And the carriages, up close, were shadows of what they once were. But who cares? It's a wedding party that has only just begun.

Adjusting . . .

2010-06-27T11:38:00.007+05:30

It is Sunday morning and we are doing art surrounded by the sounds of India after having eaten our curry, chutney and dosas for breakfast. There is always a period of adjustment after travel from one culture to the next (the sounds, smells, tastes, weather, customs, etc.); jet lag always seems more difficult when the culture is drastically different than one's own comfort zone. And travel seems to strip away any semblance of structure and self as you are put in lines for ticketing, customs, passport control, bustled onto a bus and loaded into a plane where there is no personal space and you become well acquainted with your seatmates, then dropped off into a foreign country to transfer planes and search about for food, bathrooms, a place to sit and your next gate--but isn't that the joy of travel, the unknown, the shattering of regularity to explore something new? So, this morning our patterns--making tea and doing art--seem to ground us as we adjust to our new environment and possibly our new selves (?) as we sit here in our salwar khamezes (tunics and loose pants) surrounded by the sounds of India.

THE FIRST DAY

2010-06-27T07:55:00.000+05:30

The first day in Chennai, after 20+ hours getting here and arriving at 4am, is tough. Staying up through the day in order to get a regular night's sleep creates a surrealistic experience of life as it swirls around us. Time flows in slow motion, and decisionmaking becomes excruciatingly difficult.
Our drama for our first day was monsoon rains. I've been through typhoons before, and that's what this looked like to me. The sky grew dark and greenish and then snarling, raging wind whipped the trees around as if they were trunkless; the rain poured from all directions. It lasted for maybe an hour and then just rained for a little while. It's sunny and wickedly humid this morning, with only puddles to show that it even rained.

COUNT DOWN TO INDIA!

2010-06-24T20:19:00.000+05:30

Within a few hours, I should be on my way to Chennai. I'm almost all packed, checking everything twice, and am trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. I checked the weather in Chennai and it's almost exactly the same as it is here, only it's cloudy. We'll feel right at home! Sangeeta, our alumna native of Chennai, and the students will be coming on the same plane early next week. Heidi and I should have everything ready for their arrival, and will be over jetlag by then. Stay tuned, and if you want the blog updates to come directly to your email, click here now.
~Lisa Raye Garlock

2010 INDIA TRIP LEAVING THIS MONTH

2010-06-09T07:25:00.000+05:30

Our 2010 International Social and Cultural Diversity class heads off to India later this month! Sixteen students will spend three weeks in Chennai, exploring the city, working at service sites and learning about the culture. Cultural and art side trips to temples, the towns of Yercaud and Pondicherry, and Auroville are planned for the weekends. We'll be posting reports and photos daily to keep friends, family and colleagues abreast of our activities. Click here now to sign up for email updates so you don't have to go to the blog, and you won't miss any of the action!

2009-08-01T06:02:00.000+05:30

Posting by Heidi Bardot

As I sit on the return flight having said “good-bye” to everyone I continue to reflect back on the three weeks in India. Not only was this a class to increase knowledge in other cultures and broaden skills in counseling, but it has been a deep exploration of self. This is one of the intended goals of the class; however, by placing each of us in a new, sometimes vulnerable, at times uncomfortable place, there is amazing introspection and growth that occurs. We have had open, thought-provoking discussions of biases and stereotypes which have led to understanding of where those preconceptions have come from and how to change them. We have felt frustration and vulnerability when unable to be understood due to language or miscommunication. We have seen the poorest who seem to find joy in their life and the richest who feel it is their duty to give back. We have seen those who perpetuate the stereotypes and those who take advantage of them to benefit themselves. But more often I have witnessed connection—connection between classmates who have the courage to step across the racial divide to increase understanding, connection between cultures with authentic friendships, connection with a country and allowing it to feel like home, connection between one human and another recognizing the differences and allowing those differences to enrich rather than divide—the true purpose of social and cultural diversity. I have been extremely proud of our students who took on this journey with courage, enthusiasm, and introspection. They will be better therapists and humans having gone through this experience.

I leave you with one last image of connection in India: it is early evening on the rooftop terrace of our apartment, where 17 people are creating a rangoli/mandala drawing with colored chalk on the terracotta bricks. The image depicts important memories and connections from the trip. Each of us adding to each others’ drawings until it covers the roof in colorful connecting swirls. In the background are the cacophonous honks of horns, the squawking of parrots and crows, and the wind in the palm and mimosa trees. When darkness falls, we gather in a circle and each light a candle stating what we intend to leave behind in India or what we have learned to let go of (i.e., fear, impatience, control), then share our thoughts of leaving and as each person blows out their candle to increasing darkness we state what we intend to take with us upon our return (i.e., courage, patience, appreciation of differences). The last person blows out their candle and we stand in the darkness with the vastness of India surrounding us.

2009-07-31T06:31:00.001+05:30

Posting by Lisa Raye Garlock

As Heidi naps in her comfy Footprint bed, I find myself tired, but also wide awake. We’re leaving for the Chennai airport in a couple hours, where we’ll wait for a few more hours until our plane leaves to take us home. I always cry at good-bye, and saying farewell to India is no exception. Saying good-bye earlier to some of the wonderful people who have helped make our stay smooth and comfortable, my eyes filled with tears; processing with students what it’s like to leave, my voice cracks and I try not to cry; and even just thinking about not climbing up to the rooftop terrace to do my morning tai chi, I well up with emotion. Everyone says that India changes you. One would hope so, as it is a vast culture- infinite over generations, extensive in diversity, and immeasurable in complexity. I doubt it’s possible to understand the depth of India without being born and raised here, and even then, one probably would need to spend years in concentrated study of its history, people, religions and arts.

Thankfully, our goal was not to understand India, but to learn as much as we could, while at the same time, learn about ourselves. The focus of this diversity class is self-awareness, knowledge and skills. Not a minute passed where we weren’t becoming more self-aware: looking at our reactions to less than comfortable or clean conditions, figuring out how to make sure we had enough clean water to drink, seeing whether we could communicate simple questions, and how, as individuals, we could do art therapy in such a different environment. India is in the birthing phase of art therapy, which is a crucial and exciting time. There are places ripe and ready for it. Some of the most socially and economically challenged people, such as women with mental illness living in shelter and people in a program for children and adults with mental/physical disabilities were able to use art in a new way. At the shelter, the art told the women’s stories, stories the staff hadn’t heard before. Art was able to reach deeper than words; art enabled the words to flow.

So it is with heavy heart that I say good-bye to a place like no other. I’m so proud of our 15 students who bravely set out, some never having left the US before, to learn about themselves, each other, diversity issues, and a microcosm of India. It will take time to process and integrate all we’ve seen, done and experienced. I look forward to flashes of memories, jogged by colors, smells, sounds and tastes, that will invariably come over time, and the insights those memories will bring.

2009-07-29T07:24:00.001+05:30

Posting by Amy Greenough

It is so difficult to come up with something "earth shattering" to say as a summation for my experience in India. Mostly, it is because we have all had a voyage with rewards beyond recognition. Any attempt to consolidate this trip would be doing an injustice to the wealth of cultural knowledge and self awareness we have earned. Although this is the case, it does not make for an interesting blog entry. With that being said, I will say this:

First, I will never, ever again tell my significant other how he should drive his car. There is much more to what happens on the streets of Chennai than being on the "wrong" side. These are things that you just have to learn through attempts to cross the street and sitting in the front of the bus several times.

On a second, more serious note, I can say with confidence that the people in this country are what make it so beautiful. I may never fall in love with the flavor of mango, or the idea of having a "monsoon season." However, I hope to never forget the rich relationships that we were able to make here. Never have I felt more welcomed and more befriended than by the children, staff, drivers, helpers, tour guides, and men who sleep in the kitchen.

Finally, the last insight I feel comfortable elaborating on is this; I will not be upset if I never have to eat masala dosa ever again.

2009-07-28T06:51:00.002+05:30

Posting by Maja Northway, from July 25, 2009
It's 7:50 am and we're scrambling to pack and get on our bus at 8 (actually the bus just arrived). We are heading out to DakshinaChitra for a few days. Apparently it "is an exciting cross cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts of South India. You can explore 17 heritage houses, amble along recreated streetscapes, explore contextual exhibitions, interact with typical village artisans and witness folk performances set in an authentic ambience." Sounds a bit like Colonial Williamsburg done Indian style.
Ready for another fascinating fact? DakshinaChitra literally means – “a picture of the south.” We're all ready for a change of scenery at this point.

Posting By Hae Min Lee, from July 27, 2009
This past weekend our group traveled away from the Footprint Inn to learn more about the history and culture of South India. We learned several traditional crafts at DakshinaChitra, visited Krishna's Butterball at Mahabalipuram, saw the meditation chambers at Kanchipuram, and toured a lavish Hindu Temple. It was a packed weekend and though the sites we visited were beautiful and amazing, our accommodations away were not quite what we expected and everyone seems to be extremely happy to be back at the Footprint Inn. I did a quick survey of a few students upon our arrival back, and these are just a few of the things they are most grateful at this moment: 1) Reliable electricity to supply constant air conditioning that doesn't give you allergies and having less than 10-light switches per room. 2) Soft pillows you're not scared to put your head on and fuffly comforters and towels that don't resemble or feel like a table cloth. 3) Toilets that you can sit on and not have to turn two knobs or use a bucket to flush. 4) Showers with hot and cold water that don't have a rusty shower head or flow onto the toilet. 5) Bug-free living space where you don't have to push your bed from the walls and chase geckos out of your room with a Gatorade bottle. 6) The thoughtfulness of Viju and Radha who turned on the hot water heater ahead of time so we would all have hot water for our showers upon our return. Two more days in India! I'm sure the list of memories and things we'll miss will be much longer...

2009-07-25T06:41:00.003+05:30

Posting by Tamara Weiner

Quite a bit has happened since we began our internship at a High School in Chennai earlier this week. We set out with the lofty goal of utilizing art therapy techniques to help the students create a mural on one of the school’s most prominent walls and although we lacked any specific method or plan, naively thought that the project would pan out relatively easily. However, we were initially confronted with what seemed like every possible obstacle: an absentee supervisor, teachers who spoke English, but not Tamil, others who spoke Tamil, but not English, 105 degree heat, makeshift supplies, and possibly the worst of all, a culture that values “staying in the lines” over artistic expression. I began to get discouraged. I worried that we’d bitten off more than we could chew and that we were going to leave the School and India with little more than a primed wall and the best of intentions.
As the week progressed, things began to come together. We interns got clearer in our goals and how to implement them; using a combination of sign language and interpretive dance, we fumbled our way through the language barrier; we made art supplies out of twigs, old water bottles and baby wipes; we drank more water than we ever had in our lives and best of all, we introduced the concept of art for art’s sake and celebrated the outcome alongside kids who had never before held a paintbrush, but who couldn’t wait to add their personal touches to the piece. And against all odds, the mural project is complete, it looks fantastic and I am so very proud to have been a part of it.

2009-07-23T21:59:00.001+05:30

Posting by Allie Medford
Two weeks have passed since we embarked on our journey halfway across the world. As a group, we have experienced the initial culture shock of chaotic traffic, spicy curries, and what we lovingly refer to as "the bobble head." It seems that after we have finally gained some ground, feeling comfortable with both our surrounding culture and ourselves within it, we are preparing for the end of our trip. Tomorrow is the termination of our internships; the culmination of an exciting and challenging week of doing our best to expose small Indian populations to the world of art therapy. Our goals have waxed and waned as we realized that our role was so much more concentrated than "bringing art therapy to India" as we had all originally imagined. My thoughts each day are now consumed with the things I will miss about India: the smiling faces, the simultaneously sweet and sour smells of the street, the exhilarating autorickshaw rides that take me on thrill rides while completing everyday tasks. I wonder how much of myself will stay here. Here, the clock runs on India Time and rides around town cost less than a dollar. Still, the luxuries I thought I could never live without back in the states seem so trivial to the real things people need to survive in the world. I hope to bring back with me the compassion and respect for other people and cultures that I have gained here, both from my internship, as well as from my peers. I hope that, when I return home, I will feel the same sense of possibility every morning and find a really good Indian restaurant that makes masala dosa as well as our apartment staff do. I hope one day to return to India, to revisit the places I have come to know so well in such a short time, and see if the small impact we made here- the murals we left behind, the people we touched, the approach to art we offered to everyone who would listen- have taken root and blossomed into promising outlets for people in need.

2009-07-23T06:45:00.002+05:30

Posting by Natasha Nesbeda
Waking up at the crack of dawn to watch the solar eclipse was supposed to be this amazing breath taking experience but to our dismay it was a typical smog filled and hazy Indian morning. We constantly guessed and hoped that we saw the moon slowly pass in front of the rising sun but ultimately we gave up and saw nothing. But when I went to my internship later in the morning the children nonchalantly claimed that they could see it perfectly. Ironically, this morning reminded me a lot of the ongoing theme of our trip. Initially, we were all so excited to come to India to have these amazing life changing experiences and have a profound impact on people's lives here; however, that overall tone changed when we started our internships this week. Some of the sites started the week off with high hopes and optimism, while unfortunately some of us were only met with mixed feelings and doubt. After the second day, it was tough to hear the ongoing discouragement in people's voices, yet today seemed to have an overall different tone. As tiring as it was I realized that I needed to stop looking for a way to make a profound impact and instead enjoy the moments of joy and hopefulness that I was handed. Like the eclipse, today was one of those days where I thought I was seeing nothing, yet when I wasn't looking for anything I tasted the type of experience we all crave.

2009-07-22T06:49:00.002+05:30

Posting by Kathleen Stueve

It is disheartening to come to a place and discover that their intentions differ from your own. I understand that many people, especially in India are unaware of what art therapy is, but what’s even harder to deal with is when people don’t understand the basic human rights of individuals. The behavior of the staff that Chris and I witnessed today at our internship site was shocking and hard for me to sit with, let alone describe. I feel the experience was profoundly captured in Chris’s words tonight. With his permission, I will repeat them now: “You ask me if it is possible to integrate into the general population—I tell you yes with all my heart, yet you stare back with blank hazed eyes. The real question is, can you integrate love into your touch? You strike and tie up the child as though he were some barbaric animal, yet on your streets I see God’s true animals run free. You dodge and weave in order not to reflect pain. We try to show by example, yet you laugh in our direction. You mock our methods. You ask what is our ‘plan’? I ask, 'What is your plan to strengthen the faded hearts before your glazed-over eyes?'”

2009-07-21T06:51:00.000+05:30

Posting by Anne Jonas

Walking into the Olcott school today, I was full of excitement and hope about what an internship in a different culture would be like. Unfortunately as soon as I stepped into the office of the school, my hope turned into fear and frustration when I was told that the headmistress of the school – our only contact there, the only one who knew we were coming and why, and the only one around who spoke more than broken English – was out of town and would not be back until Friday, the day we leave the site. A young girl came down and led us to the closest English-speaking person in the school, a young Canadian woman volunteering at the school who, although she did not know why we were there, let us take over her class to do our art therapy assessment and mural planning.

What struck me most today was that although the language barrier was strongly present, and we could not always accurately communicate through words, I was able to feel personal connections to the children with whom we worked. They were genuinely happy to have us there working with them, and proud to show us their artwork and tell us their names. I learned that sometimes translators become a bigger barrier to effective communication than the lack of our own language skills. Through the actions and emotions of these children, I learned the power of the shared human experience and the commonalities that we all share despite being from different backgrounds and using different words. Even without words, we can all communicate and work together to accomplish something truly meaningful.

2009-07-20T06:58:00.001+05:30

Posting by Elissa Kim
Chennai can be summed up in two words: sensory overload. There is so much chaos, beauty, and movement all around me. Thankfully, amidst the whirlwind of my emotions and experiences, I have found a source of stability and peace: my classmates. Since high school, I haven't had a close group of fellow artists who I felt I could connect with on a deeper level besides making art together. Being able to live in close quarters, eat meals, and converse with these people has made the artist in me feel more complete. It has been the little things that make me feel so comfortable here. For example, my roommate mentioned how she sometimes feel burdened by her artist's eyes that constantly want to compose things and make sense of all the inspiration around her. I feel connected to these people whom I've only known for a little over a week. To be honest, the thing about this trip I was most dreading was not the potential filth, discomfort, or digestive problems; it was the people I would be living with. So much about travel is who you travel with. They can make or break the journey. I am grateful that this trip to India has been made more memorable by the people who stand beside me.

2009-07-19T07:03:00.002+05:30

Posting by Deanna Barton
I have made it through my first week in Chennai. Sounds of car horns, barking dogs and exotic birds are commonplace. My taste buds crave curry and spices. Busy streets and crowds of people generate a sortof energy that forces me to feel alive. Being approached in stores and asked if I am from here is now a common occurrence; I simply reply, “No” and proudly state, “I’m from the U.S.” I look forward to my free time when I can jump in an auto-rickshaw and explore the town. Moving rapidly through the streets dodging people, bicycles, buses and cars is an adrenaline rush unlike anything I have ever experienced.My previous night mingling with the “in-crowd” at Chennai’s Leather Bar in the posh Park Hotel has left me feeling groggy as we shared our knowledge about art therapy with the community through oration and art-making at the Forum Gallery. All I could think of all day was going back to Radha Silk Emporium to buy a sari. I was engrossed in a color vortex as the salesmen pulled out elaborate silks with sparkling jewels and intricate embroidery. As I contemplated about what color combination to buy, flashes of the poor and hungry locals on the streets clouded my mind- so much beauty and wealth in the midst of so much poverty. Before leaving for the silk shop today, Martina, HaeMin, Suzanne and I decided to take our leftover food with us to give to people in need. After shopping, we handed over the food to a man and a woman on the street asking for money. They seemed grateful. Now, as I reflect on my day, I wonder if they ate the food and whether or not they will find shelter for the night. Will my philanthropy bring them as much joy as my shopping spree has brought me?

2009-07-18T07:14:00.001+05:30

Posting by Heidi Bardot
The quote stated by one of our students is “Whatever you can say about India, the opposite is also true.” This has been proven to us each day as we encounter the poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich—the warmest and most welcoming and those who have been stand-offish and treated us as tourists—the most rewarding experiences and the most challenging situations. This dichotomy has allowed each of us to explore within ourselves and question our values, our beliefs, our routines—and decide what is important to keep and what is superfluous in leading a fulfilling life. I have been extremely proud of the students and the discussions that have ensued in response to really understanding each others’ unique cultures, not just in a textbook manner, but asking the difficult questions, exploring the challenging topics, and making this a life-changing experience that can be carried back to the United States and not just be a part of a summer travel class. This has all occurred within the first week, I can only imagine what week 2 and 3 will bring.

Posting by Lisa Garlock
When discussing multiculturalism and diversity, the subjects of slavery and genocide obviously come up. Those deep, collective traumas don’t just disappear, and are actually perpetuated when ignored. We have been discussing Asian and African Americans and American Indians, cultures which illustrate so acutely, in different ways, how oppression carries down through generations, particularly when living in an environment where the dominant culture expects adherence to a very narrow range of behaviors, beliefs and appearances. India has experienced its own unique set of collective traumas: colonialism, civil war, partition. The vestiges of colonialism are everywhere. In restaurants, even though it’s family style, the waiters serve you; there is always someone there to open the door; and we are addressed, as “Mum,” by children and service workers. In the grocery store, young girls appear to carry our shopping basket, while a man at the check out unloads and then bags your groceries. Though India has abolished the caste system, an economic caste system remains as seen by the very privileged class in their flashy cars, frequenting posh places, and the people who are untouchable: scantily clad, emaciated men, sores and scars marking their bodies, begging for something to eat.

2009-07-17T01:07:00.003+05:30

Posting by Suzanne Fortnum

Simplicity in commodities and abundance in people, these are two things that come to mind as I reflect on my first week in India. What these people lack in possessions, they make up for in heart. As we visited our internship sites this past week, we were greeted with huge, friendly smiles and refreshments that were safe for us to eat and drink. I can’t remember the last time anyone had put so much thought into ensuring I would be comfortable and feel welcome. They have what seems to me so little, yet what they do have, they are more than willing to share. There is so much to learn from this culture. The people of India live entirely in the present. They are unconcerned with the fortunes or misfortunes of yesterday. What the future holds doesn’t matter because it hasn’t arrived. These people live entirely in the here and now. In school each child writes on one small chalkboard, when it is full, the board gets erased. The child begins again. Each morning women draw beautiful chalk drawings outside their homes to begin their day, knowing that they can appreciate the beauty of the drawing for today only. Tomorrow it will be gone and another in its place. At the internship sites, the women would spend the entire day showing us around, if we let them. Amount of time is unimportant, only quality matters.

Finding Art Therapy's Place in Chennai

2009-07-15T19:51:00.004+05:30

Posting by Lindsey Vance

Life is a challenge not a competition You can still smell the roses and be on a mission Just take a moment to get in touch with your heart Sometimes you feel like you’ve got something to prove Remind yourself that there’s only one you Just take a moment to give thanks of who you are Early in the morning It’s the dawn of a new day New hopes, new dreams, new ways I open up my eyes and I open up my mind
and I wonder how life will surprise me today
~ India Arie

This song epitomizes the feelings of my day. I woke up with renewed energy despite the long hours in the sun yesterday, and my overworking mind's refusal to sleep last night. Arriving at TTK this morning, after riding down the bumpy roads full of trees banging the roof of the van, and enduring traffic jams greater than 495, I realized that even worlds apart I can complete a mission so dear to my heart. I have been enjoying myself so much, I started to question whether or not I am digging in and doing the work I came here for, and will I leave the stamp that my purpose will transfer? Remembering there is only one of me was key, but knowing that there are people here working with such fervor, doing work that I deem so important, allows me to sit back a moment and take in the sights and sounds of Chennai. Life is full of surprises and today was no exception. At Vidhya Sagar I saw a site that encompasses the very things I advocate for in the states, such as inclusion and holistic and complete care. I am so grateful to have that experience and recognize the work that the people here in India are so graciously giving to others. This placement’s mission is to move towards a world where we are all equal and with their holistic approaches they are definitely on the right path within the mental and physical health field.

2009-07-14T20:13:00.002+05:30

Posting by Christopher Kelly

Today I entered their world, breaking the barrier of the world divided by the vast Atlantic Ocean. No longer where we simply viewers of this foreign land; we became one. The women, in bright colored saries, with hands and feet stained blue, purple, yellow, green by the delicate grains of dyed salt, worked until the circle became complete. What once seemed to be an overwhelming barrier of the spoken language became non-existent as the movement of the art formed a bond which will last even after the rain has cleared our collaborative work. Though the brilliant green dye no longer stains the palms of my hands, I will never forget this experience.

2009-07-13T21:48:00.002+05:30

Posting by Hannah Wilson
I've been walking down the streets, through the temple, the church, and staring out the bus windows at a million faces. They are all staring back at me. We look so different; our skin, our facial structures, our clothes, our jewelry, and our hair. We speak such different languages and even our body language is dissimilar. We live on opposite sides of the world that right now seem far more opposing than similar. It's only been a few days but I feel like there is a thick and vast wall between me and the people of India. I want to break it down, to get to know them, to understand them, to find all the ways that we are the same. I just don't know how or where to begin and I want so badly to find out.
Today though, we visited three internship sites bustling with children. Instantly the children were smiling, giggling, and waving. The "Hello"s and "Good Morning"s were abundant and balls were kicked our way for us to kick back in a game of pass. I did not feel like an American surrounded by Indians, I felt like a human surrounded by energetic, beautiful children who were eager to connect, play, and be together. I felt no barriers. What happens between childhood and adulthood that builds these walls? How do we even begin to break them down?

2009-07-13T07:39:00.000+05:30

Starting today, a student will write about his or her experience for this blog.
Posting by Martina Martin
Black Like Me
She was the first person that greeted us when we arrived at the Temple. Somewhat bewildered at the prospect of walking barefoot along the hot, glass strewn pavement, her wide grin was a welcome sight. "50 rupees" she exclaimed, as she quietly exchanged our currency for baskets filled with offering flowers. As the group wound its way along the narrow corridors of the "Ohm" shaped temple, she followed closely behind. It was not long, however, before her curiosity got the best of her. Using what English she knew, and unbeknownst to me, she inquired among my colleagues, "How did she get her hair like that?" gesturing towards my palm-rolled locs. "Oh, she probably twists it," replied a classmate. With my ears burning, I turned in the direction of the conversation as the temple girl whizzed by to offer assistance to one of our guides. "She was really interested in your hair, but was afraid to approach you directly because she said your face seemed stern," replied another classmate. "Really?" I thought aloud, "Me, stern?" As I considered the girl's perception of me, I was reminded of a poem by Maya Angelou entitled, "Human Family" which declares that in spite of obvious racial, ethnic and cultural differences, people share more similarities than differences. Watching the girl from afar, I began to see parts of myself in her. In addition to sharing the same black skin, I realized that we also shared the same level of respect and consideration for the feelings of others. Given the sincerity of her interest, I invited her to touch my hair. "Wow!" she exclaimed with bright eyes and a bubbly laugh. Fascinated by the differences in our hair texture, she proceeded to style my hair--ultimately adorning it with a single red rose from my offering basket. We posed for a picture together and shared pleasantries before parting ways. As I boarded the bus I came to realize that in spite of hailing from different parts of the world, we really were more alike, than we were unalike.

2009-07-11T14:45:00.002+05:30

2009-07-11T14:37:00.001+05:30

I’ve been up since 1am in anticipation of the students’ arrival. Their plane was on time and shortly after we arrived to pick them up, they appeared in the crowd, perhaps relieved to see us waving in the sea of people. They seemed weary, excited, wide-eyed and ready for adventure! All fifteen packed into the van, luggage in another and drove off into the pre-dawn dark.

Many of us welcomed the dawn on the rooftop terrace, where it was cool and breezy, and the morning sounds gently wafted over the rooftops. The students had a million questions, and we were happily able to answer most of them. We accomplished many things in a short time—breakfast, orientation to place and the class, grocery shopping, banking and lunch, but judging from how we were on our first day in here, we’ll see how much sinks in. ~Lisa

“I can’t believe I’m in India! I don’t think it has sunk in yet!” one of our students exclaimed . . . a common feeling that comes over me often. I can’t believe I’m in India—what on earth am I doing in India . . . but it has also felt so very right. The energy of another country is quite potent and as I donned my salwar khameez (tunic and baggy pants) this morning to go and meet the students, I could feel India slide over me and envelope me. Not home, but comfortable, energizing, ancient, alive . . . even through the students’ exhaustion and sense of being overwhelmed, I can see India working her magic. The wonderment in their eyes, the excitement of what is ahead in the next three weeks, the potential for learning and growth . . . this will be a life-changing experience as long as each of them allows India to envelope them and work her magic.
~Heidi

2009-07-10T09:33:00.000+05:30

It’s amazing what a night of solid sleep will do! I felt human when I awoke yesterday morning. We had another tasty breakfast of dosas, a crepe-like bread, with lentils and coconut chutney, along with fresh papayas with lime, again. We took our first autorickshaw ride, and I don’t think it matters what you’re riding in or on, it’s best not to look!

The sounds here remind me of improvisational jazz: random horns in various pitches; the cawing of crows and whistling of squirrels; pigeons cooing; squeaking of brakes; putt-putting of motorcycles; wind in the trees; occasional shouting voices; whirring of fans. ~Lisa

We climbed into the rickshaw wondering if we were taking our lives into our hands—rickshaws are little motorized scooters with a covered seat behind the driver and open on the sides. They are the main method of transportation here in Chennai (similar to a taxi) and zip around buses, cars, motorcycles, bikes, oxen carts with aggressive abandon. A ride across town costs about a dollar. The rule of the road here is whoever is in front has the right of way; therefore, all on the road are trying to wiggle their way to the front, using their horn to announce their coming. We videotaped the entire ride and may be able to post at some point, but it just doesn’t give the near collision experience. But what a fabulous rush—it is like riding a rollercoaster! And we arrived safe and sound—Americans should come to India to learn defensive driving.
Our students arrive this evening/morning (4am) and we will be there to greet them in the throngs of people waiting outside the airport. We have bought our salwar kameezes (long tunics with pants) so that we blend in with the crowds (HA—right!), plus they are exceptionally comfortable in the heat.
--Heidi

Morning in Chennai

2009-07-08T09:16:00.003+05:30

It was still dark when we landed. The hallway from plane to building smelled of mold and mildew, and nothing sparkled as it did in Qatar. The airport was quiet except for us newly arrived, clamoring to get through the public health desk (swine flu precautions) and customs. As we walked out into the night, we were greeted by hundreds of people waiting for their family members. A speedy taxi trip landed us safely at Footprint B & B, everything, including luggage intact.
We had a refreshing breakfast of papaya with lime, corn flakes (??) and idlies—soft, round lentil flour “biscuits” with two spicy and wonderful sauces. Our walk around the neighborhood afterwards showed us that blocks aren’t square, you take your life in your hands when crossing the street, and car horns are a language of the road where there are few signs, no demarcation lines, or stop signs, and no crosswalks. One road sign did stand out: “Accident prone area. Drive slow.”
We also found delicately beautiful bougainvillea vines, mango trees and funny little striped squirrels that make high pitched bird chirps when agitated by cats; school children heading to school barefooted, some accompanied by their mothers in vividly colored saris; and Ganesha shrines.

Qatar

2009-07-07T21:51:00.000+05:30

So first to make a correction: Doha is in Qatar, not Oman. Which is where we are now! Lots of burqas and Arab men in traditional dress; very exotic to me. I can’t believe I’m this far from home, and in an area that’s in our news constantly, and that I’ve read about in adventure stories. Speaking of stories, I watched Inkheart on the plane. Cool movie about reading aloud and having the characters and events come alive! Our story is alive and about to get really interesting, I’m sure. –Lisa

It is great to finally land back in an atmosphere I am familiar with (having grown up in the Middle East). I have been trying to view it through my students eyes to determine what might seem different or confusing or exciting. I hope that they are able to take it all in and explore. We head for Chennai in about 2 hours and there will be another 8 hour flight (this is a large world!) We are expecting great culture shock as everyone I have spoken to says, “You can’t prepare for it! It is overwhelming to your senses!” We are looking forward to getting settled and prepared for the students to arrive on the 11th.
--Heidi

Taking off!

2009-07-07T02:28:00.001+05:30

Heidi, Sangeeta and I leave tonight from Dulles Airport. We’re flying to Doha, Oman and from there to Chennai. The students leave on Thursday. We should have a chance to get settled, start getting over jetlag, and begin to get our bearings. I feel strangely calm, until I realize that soon I’ll be on the plane and this will all be real. Then my heart jumps and I have to take a deep breath! That haunting question, “What if…?” is important to ask and think about, in order to be somewhat prepared, but it can weigh heavy. The Dalai Lama has the answer: essentially, why worry? If you can do something about it, do it. Then it’s taken care of and there’s nothing to worry about. If there’s nothing you can do about it, then why worry? It’s not in your control, so it makes no sense to worry.

Packing

2009-06-25T07:04:00.002+05:30

Thoughts overflow as I think about packing for India. Michael, a seasoned traveller, suggested that I bring ear plugs. As a musician, he would think of that, while I imagine what it will be like visually, forgetting to imagine sounds...or smells. I do, however, imagine the heat. I've set my homepage to show Chennai's time and temperature; as I write this at 9:40 EST, it's 6:55am in Chennai. The temperatures are 102, 102, 100, 102 for the next 4 days! Humidity is 66% and the lows average 81 degrees. I don't do so well with heat and humidity, but I'm sure that eating certain foods will help cool me down, which makes me imagine tastes. Can't wait to taste South Indian foods, with all their aromatic herbs and spices! As you can see, I get distracted easily, and that's how it's been with packing so far...