You are currently browsing the daily archive for July 3rd, 2008.
Or so says the sign board on the side of the hotel we stayed in at Mysore. I won’t try to be philosophical about what I saw and felt. But what I can say is that this adventure in the South of India was definitely one for that will linger with me for a while.
For me, some ups and downs. One extreme down was food poisoning. Another was the probably being held hostage by my own inability to respond effectively? I don’t even know if that’s the right word to use.
But on the more positive note, it’s the experiences such as meeting farmers and NGOs that you see how passionate people are for a cause. At times you tend to feel that they are just trying to brainwash you, but beneathe it all, you can tell that sometimes they really do have the best of intentions at heart.
Well, some photos…
Somehow I really like this although it was such a fluke shot.
Rachel Judith.
Somehow the definition of the word “civilized” seems increasingly blurred as I reflect on my 8 days in Karnataka. Civilized communities are supposed to possess a high state of culture and development in social and technological aspects, and the common perception is that civilization and urbanization go hand-in-hand in improving the lives of individual through affluence, education and exposure. But as I look back on the graciousness and hospitality shown to us by the villagers who live in sheer poverty in rural Karnataka, I can’t help but feel that the technological aspect of civilization is the only form of development the urban communities have accomplished. It’s almost ironic how we don’t feel such warmth and kindness in urban spaces despite all that we have at our disposal, be it food, income, and time. It makes me wonder if being so-called “civilized” has indeed brought out the best in mankind, and whether we should head back into the wilderness in search of high social and cultural standards, instead of the other way round.
I must admit that the past 8 days were thoroughly fulfilling, in more ways than one. It was a wonderfully sublime experience I would have never experienced if not for go-far. There was an affinity with the locals that stretches beyond the limitations of language and culture– it must be the common thread we share in humanity that evoked stirrings of various emotions which are sometimes dichotomous for me. I’ve never felt more welcome into a stranger’s home like I did with the locals in their village abodes. Their gift of hospitality was extended so freely I couldn’t help but feel I was an imposing presence to their sanctuary and into their daily routine. Why should they share their story with me? What should they stand to gain? I guess questions like these no longer hold weight when you see for yourselves their stories and vulnerabilities are laid bare so as to share a part of their lives with you with no strings attached. I guess this is a rare gem you’ll never find in the cities where material gains are the order of the day.
‘The language of a smile’
India proved to be a box full of surprises for me. Firstly, I was prepared to be sweating buckets from the heat, but the weather was chilling to say the least. I expected to be a vegan for 8 days, I ate lots of meat instead. I expected to be living in tents, I had hot showers in not too shabby accommodation. I expected to have the runs, but my stomach proved to function normally. I expected to see cows everywhere, that I DID see. =D Okay, next up, photos from the trip, but it’s gotta wait till I’m done editing through them.
darren
