A Day at Akanksha

I spent a day at the Akanksha center last week. 7 students, myself and principal went to the center to teach students games. The mission of Akanksha is to prepare young people from less privileged backgrounds with education and skills to help them reach their full potential.

It was really an amazing day. The center had about 60 students between the ages of 9-11. ASB students had a good time teaching them some "get to know you" games and arts. (I think they learned a lot...including empathy for their own teachers.) I look forward to going back in the Spring.

A much needed update...Central Mumbai

Time for an update! Last night was one of those nights where I wish I could carry a camera with me at all times. (I guess I could use the one on my phone, but of course I don't know how to download the pictures from it...)

My buddy Andrew and I decided to go out to Blue Frog, a club known for live music and an expat vibe, in Lower Parel. We couldn't quite find it after having the cabby drive up and down the street a few times, so we decided to get out and walk. On our walk, we passed a building with a courtyard blaring some music. It had also attracted a crowd of people, intently watching the happenings inside. Naturally, we stopped to look. It was an Indian wedding celebration.

It's wedding season right now in Mumbai. Since it's the most comfortable time climate-wise, Indians tend to get married more in these months. Anyway, as I was saying, we stopped to take a peek at the celebration happening. We decided to keep walking, when one of the men from the wedding ran out and nabbed us. After grabbing us, literally, he insisted we come in to dance for a little while. Hesitant, we decided to give it a shot.

It only took about ten seconds for me to have ten elementary aged kids surrounding me showing off with their very best Bollywood moves. It was a blast! There were people taking pictures/videos which was quite funny. My only regret about the experience is that i didn't have my camera to capture it.

I need to have it with me at all times!

Goa...

I spent a four day weekend in India's west coastal state of Goa. Specifically, I stayed in the central part at Utorda beach. Reminiscent of time I spent in Tulum, Mexico (before it was completely overrun), Goa has beautiful beaches, palm trees, peace and delicious seafood. A Portuguese colony for hundreds of years, it has relics from that era including some massive churches from the 15-1600s and a large Catholic population. The northern part of the state was much busier with tourists. I spent one evening at Baga beach, a more popular hangout. Even in early October, prior to the onset of season, the beach was hopping with party goers and loud music. I much prefered the peace of the South. My friend Wolfgang and I met a cool couple from Bangalore. Depakh and Sanghamitra spent a few days with us, talking about everything from Indian history to regional differences, American and Indian politics, dating and relationships and everything in between. It was definately a highlight of the trip to spend so much time with them. It was a nice respite from the chaos of Mumbai, and something I plan on doing frequently, as it's only an hour out and relatively cheap to visit.

Badlapur Hike

Who knew that there was such gorgeous, open air scenery just hours from Bombay! I spent the day today on trek with about 20 others, mostly native Mumbaikers. It was a gorgeous, intense hike through field, forest and falls (water that is...) Everything was lush and green, alivened by the monsoon rains that are due to end any time now. It was a wonderful escape from the frantic pace of Mumbai and a great way to connect with some other like-minded people. The trek itself reminded me of others I've taken in Venezuela, Guatemala, Turkey and Macedonia.

Bandra at Night...

It's a big festival in my suburb of Bandra. Thousands and thousands of Christians come to see the Mary on the Mount and seek help. Along with these pilgrims come vendors, rides and street celebrations. This is all happening on Chapel road, which connects to the street I live on. (I've both enjoyed and been annoyed by the 80s/90s mix of American music blaring from 9 am-12 am every day for the last week. Personal favorites: "We Built this City," "I had the time of my life," "Knock three times.." You get the idea.) It was quite fun to wander around and see the many vendors selling everything from wax figures shaped like body parts (to be offered to Mary for help with ailments) to party hats, sweets and the like.

What festival would be complete without questionable, rickety fast rides with children and adults alike screaming in either fear or delight. These too were fun to check out....not to ride though! ("US teacher dies on Fair ride death trap..." Not the way I want to go.)

I also through in some footage here of the Bandra train station at night, where I met a friend. This station is part of the Mumbai rail network, which has the highest ridership (perhaps second behind Tokyo) in the world. Quite a spectacle!

More time in South Bombay...

My first blog video! I arrived at Chowpatty Beach before dusk. Already families were cheerfully marching to the Arabian Sea to immerse their Ganesh statues. As part of Ganesh Chaturthi, families give offerings to Ganesh statues and ask for the wisdom that Ganesh is known for. After paying homage to the idol for somewhere between 1-11 days, depending on individual family's preferences, they carry their Ganesh to the sea while chanting, dancing, beating drums and other signs of merriment. It is quite a spectacle. I was flattered when invited to participate in the singing and chanting: "Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukar ya" (O father Ganesha, come again early next year). It is really an exciting and fascinating time to by in Mumbai.

Sunday in South Bombay

Here are some photos from a trip downtown this Sunday. There was a political rally for Democrats abroad. (I don't mean to make the blog partisan...) The elephant structure is of Ganesh. Ganesh is a very common worshiped God in Bombay. Next weekend there is a massive festival, where Hindus submerge their Ganesh. For the next week plus, they will hold pujas and give offerings. (I have a lot to learn about this festival yet, but I'm excited to do so.)