I to the N to the D to the I to the A...INDIA

3/3/09
21:53

We just had our cultural pre-port for India. There were three speakers from India, two of which were students. They told us a lot of great information.  Everything from Indian festivals and weddings to great shopping spots and restaurants.  At the end, the older speaker drew some flour art on the floor of the Union. I forget the word for it, but I immediately came back to my cabin and drew it in my sketchbook. She did it in like two seconds…it took me longer. India seems like a fascinating place, full of color and life. 

I still feel like I know so little about India, despite discussing it for the past three days in Global Studies. I just read up on Hinduism and I plan to do some more reading on Indian history either tonight or tomorrow. Hinduism is a pretty interesting religion. It is very complex and there are many, many different interpretations. The idea of rebirth or reincarnation reminds me of a book from my childhood. I forget the name, but I can distinctly remember the illustrations. Mom, do you remember this book? I hope you do.

In India, I am going on SAS trip called the Art of Living and Dakshinachitra Heritage Village Stay. I will be practicing yoga and breathing exercises. I will also be able to visit historic monuments and buildings. My friend Lia (whose name I have been spelling wrong in all my past entries) is going on this trip as well as my shipboard brother, Steve. I am really looking forward to this trip. I think it will be unlike anything I have ever done before and I am eager to experience India firsthand.

I am a little anxious about what to wear, however. I don’t have any long skirts and only like two pairs of relatively loose pants. Modest dress is respectful in India, but it is also supposed to blazing hot there. Dilemmmmmaaaaa. And I’m not sure what to wear for yoga. As some of you know I sweat a whole lot when I practice yoga….a WHOLE lot. So can I wear my yoga pants and a sports bra? I don’t know. These are things I would like to know. And I can’t read about that in my Global Studies book. Most unfortunate.

In ten minutes I’m going to go watch the Baliwood film “Bride and Prejudice.” I’ve seen parts of it before, but it will be fun to watch it in anticipation for our arrival in India.

In non-traveling related news, I need to sign up for next semester’s classes on the ship. This is really difficult because I don’t know when my USD registration date and time are. This is frustrating. I hope I can work it out soon.

That is all.
Namaste.