Slow internet here in India

Posted on February 10, 2012 by

Hi Friends,

The internet has a tendency to cut in and out so I have not been able to update my blog as much as I’d like.

I am loving SAM, the faculty, the administrators and the students. It’s truly a breath of fresh air and I’m learning Carnatic tala while I’m here.

Will try to update more if the internet improves…ever. :)

Have a great one!

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India Day 1

Posted on February 5, 2012 by

my first walk to campus captured this cutie pie running back to his home

I have arrived!  With a surprisingly easy trip, and an even simpler adjustment, I can say that I’m happy to be here too. :) I recommend flying Air India, it was the most pleasant 15 hr flight I have ever taken!

The people here at SAM are warm and inviting, intelligent and hungry to learn.  The food is also great, though rather Indian…. something tells me I won’t see a good marinara sauce for 3 months. I’ve been too afraid to wash my hair or my hands, and I know I can’t wash with Purell forever, so tonight I will try a shower. And quit being such a puss.  by the side of the road

Driving here last night was a trip: I was picked up at the air port, and of course a million other cabs were waiting to steal me away. I pulled a New Yorker and made it clear I wasn’t going to be having any of their services and went straight into the car with my name on it. Needless to say everything fathomed about Indian driving is true, and worse. Of course I found it exhilarating as we weaved between mopeds, bikers with their wives in long sari’s attached to the back, cows, stray dogs, shoeless strangers and randomly placed police barricades.  Did I mention that they drive on the opposite side of the road here? I was tripping out

Campus mama dog and her three puppies

in. love. with the. campus. puppies. and the mama.

I was greeted at SAM by the wonderful staff, including Johanson and Vijay, who shared dinner they had saved for me, as well as introduce me to the campus puppies and kittens.  Yes.  I am indeed in heaven.  (as long as they stay safe)

My room/apartment is fantastic. I have airconditioning, a functional kitchen, living room and my own private bathroom. I’m very lucky so far: and culture shock probably won’t occur until I get to the major cities, because I think SAM is wonderful and modern. I was learning that some parts of India eat with their hands: including rice and curry sauces. It blew my mind: and I want to eventually try it out myself.

I’ve been trying to write this blog ALL day but keep getting interrupted by countless things to check out.  Certainly not complaining.

this is where the majority of classes take place

For now I’m going to just post photos because it’s 1am.

a woman herding her goats in the fieldskeeping me company as i walk to school to teachgoats everywhere

i can’t write anymore.  good night.  more to come. enjoy the pictures.

much love