Kam Ta

On the flight from Korea to Los Angeles, I sat next to an elderly Korean couple. I found myself accidentally trying to communicate in Hindi.

I didn't even land in the United States before I noticed myself meaningfully (from my perspective) but aimlessly (from others perception) trying to communicate with the "Indian Wobble" - a gesture that means, yes and no. A gesture that requires one to pay extra attention to detail, expression, and intensions of others. A gesture that is a natural part of communicating in India. A gesture that I already begin to miss, as my wobble doesn't carry to same meaning as it once did during my time in The Bharat ("The Land: India").

Many people go to India to find "enlightenment" - to find "themselves." I had the same ambiguous and lofty ideas in mind, but discovered that what I was searching for I already had inside of me. I am the same person now, but with more direction, more confidence - and more internal drive.

Thank you in Korean: Kam-ta-hum-de-ya!

Jet Lag

muscles so soar... the "jet-lag" is hitting me hard! Been wide awake for a few hours, then barely able to move, and sleeping for 10 hours - then up for another few... my body still wants to be in India.

It was neat crossing the international dateline at sunrise this weekend. The Pacific Ocean was outlined by a thin crest of gold and red sunlight, just as the Movie "National Treasure" rolled it's credits on our 737 Korean Airline Jet. A fun adventure flick, that's about finding a treasure hidden in the U.S. - as I thought about all the treasures I carried in my mind about India.

Am I Dreaming?

On a short transfer-stop in-between my flight from Mumbai to Los Angeles in the airport in Seoul, South Korea. I was just in India for 4 months... it now almost feels like a very realistic dream - because in a way - it was.

A dream that has empowered me to have the ability to bridge international realities.

On my way back to the U.S. I am gearing up to experience "American Culture Shock." I think the most important thing for me to keep in mind, is that I am in a unique position to represent India to my friends and collegues in the States.

Departing India

My travels in India are quickly coming to a close... I'm jumping on a plane destined for Los Angeles on May 29th, will be in Cali for Memorial Day Weekend before returning for a short visit in Colorado to be soon followed by time in Israel!

So... my BlogUpdates will still be coming! Have so much to add and reflect on from my trip. Will be so interesting to experience "American Culture Shock" returning from the vibrant and intense life of Mumbai! ~ Cheers ~ Namaste ~ Shalom ~ Namaskar ~ Peace

Rural India

Currently, I am living on a farm in rural India. I am on assignment working on an independent study course through Colorado State University. My project is organized through a company in Fort Collins called Ecselance International. A micro-financing organization that provides funds to people who otherwise are too poor to be credit worthy to receive funds from any other source. The villagers dedication and commitment to better their lives through the small loans they receive is amazingly inspirational.

Water is Precious

I have gained a new appreciation for what a short water supply really means. Each day, water is pumped from a bowl well into a storage tank that disributes the potable water to the house. Somedays, only a few liters of water can be collected and pulled from the well. As the monsoon does not arrive for another month, we're in the heat of dry season at present. Which means, I have the opportunity to experience bucket baths, and true water conservation. For example, leaving the water running while brushing your teeth, would directly impact how much water we had left to drink for the following week.