Its been about a week since my last post and in that span I've had many interesting thoughts/experiences. A few things stick out that I thought would be fun to muse about on my blog.
1. When visiting Dehra Dun a few days back, it was at one point darting through traffic that I pondered industrialism. The traffic, once again (like the train), was a metaphor for the speed at which human beings are moving, especially in India. Quite literally, we drove around for a solid 3 hours, and never once did we ever stay behind a car in that time span. If the car in front of you was driving just a tad slower, well than fuck all, they're getting passed. Never mind if the car in the other lane is barreling down on you, they'll move. I also noticed that whenever a car drifted into our lane, the driver - instead of giving that vehicle room - would turn to face the car in a game of chicken. It was ridiculous... but it worked. The car would always move back into their lane as if our driver was expressing his dominance of the roadway. Anyway, once again, I was thinking about how the rapid development of a place like India has put them on the speedway of industrialism/modernism/post-modernism (whatever you wanna call it), and there is no time to slow up. Those who do, get passed.
2. A night or two ago, our group was taken on a tour through the town of Landour, Mussoorie to see all of the different places of worship. Dr. Alter noted that this town was one of the most cosmopolitan in the world, containing all sorts of religions and an acceptance of each one. Our guide, Mohammed Yusef took us to all of these places and I got to spend some personal time with him at different places. So... the "highlight" of this little expedition was the dinner we were invited to at a rather wealthy businessman of the area. The actual plethora of his wealth didn't strike us until we reached his estate, sitting majestically overlooking all of Mussoorie and miles into the distance, the city of Dehra Dun. The man had servants, endless food, tons of alcohol, you name it! Perched out on his deck, surveying the incredible surroundings, Yusef was distraught. Yusef lives in the middle of Mussoorie with 3 boys (2 twins) and had earlier spoken of how some of the families around him are so poor, that he gives them the leftover food from his table every evening.
He said, "Out of 5 generations of my family living in this village, never have I seen a view like this".
Samir responded, "Yeah... some people are just lucky".
Yusef aptly said, "Like being from Pittsburgh".
Despite the harshness it could've been taken as, it immediately struck a sympathetic chord in my chest. Damn us Americans... we're fucking spoiled.
So, those were my philosophical/striking experiences that have really painted mental images of my surroundings. I've finally felt a bit more at home after hearing some really moving stories from other students about how many Indians have opened their homes to us. We're actually known throughout the area for being here, which surprised me... but it shouldn't. Firstly, being of caucasian descent, we stick out. Secondly, we're here for four months and that's a long time so the villagers are aware of us outsiders. Thirdly, America has a funny type of influence over here... India is striving (in a sense) to become like us. In the ways of becoming civilized and modernized; we're the example. Families want us to talk to their kids about the opportunities and economic possibilities available in the states. So, given all this, I'm trying/hoping we come off as friendly and open individuals in a place where we're the guests.
1. When visiting Dehra Dun a few days back, it was at one point darting through traffic that I pondered industrialism. The traffic, once again (like the train), was a metaphor for the speed at which human beings are moving, especially in India. Quite literally, we drove around for a solid 3 hours, and never once did we ever stay behind a car in that time span. If the car in front of you was driving just a tad slower, well than fuck all, they're getting passed. Never mind if the car in the other lane is barreling down on you, they'll move. I also noticed that whenever a car drifted into our lane, the driver - instead of giving that vehicle room - would turn to face the car in a game of chicken. It was ridiculous... but it worked. The car would always move back into their lane as if our driver was expressing his dominance of the roadway. Anyway, once again, I was thinking about how the rapid development of a place like India has put them on the speedway of industrialism/modernism/post-modernism (whatever you wanna call it), and there is no time to slow up. Those who do, get passed.
2. A night or two ago, our group was taken on a tour through the town of Landour, Mussoorie to see all of the different places of worship. Dr. Alter noted that this town was one of the most cosmopolitan in the world, containing all sorts of religions and an acceptance of each one. Our guide, Mohammed Yusef took us to all of these places and I got to spend some personal time with him at different places. So... the "highlight" of this little expedition was the dinner we were invited to at a rather wealthy businessman of the area. The actual plethora of his wealth didn't strike us until we reached his estate, sitting majestically overlooking all of Mussoorie and miles into the distance, the city of Dehra Dun. The man had servants, endless food, tons of alcohol, you name it! Perched out on his deck, surveying the incredible surroundings, Yusef was distraught. Yusef lives in the middle of Mussoorie with 3 boys (2 twins) and had earlier spoken of how some of the families around him are so poor, that he gives them the leftover food from his table every evening.
He said, "Out of 5 generations of my family living in this village, never have I seen a view like this".
Samir responded, "Yeah... some people are just lucky".
Yusef aptly said, "Like being from Pittsburgh".
Despite the harshness it could've been taken as, it immediately struck a sympathetic chord in my chest. Damn us Americans... we're fucking spoiled.
So, those were my philosophical/striking experiences that have really painted mental images of my surroundings. I've finally felt a bit more at home after hearing some really moving stories from other students about how many Indians have opened their homes to us. We're actually known throughout the area for being here, which surprised me... but it shouldn't. Firstly, being of caucasian descent, we stick out. Secondly, we're here for four months and that's a long time so the villagers are aware of us outsiders. Thirdly, America has a funny type of influence over here... India is striving (in a sense) to become like us. In the ways of becoming civilized and modernized; we're the example. Families want us to talk to their kids about the opportunities and economic possibilities available in the states. So, given all this, I'm trying/hoping we come off as friendly and open individuals in a place where we're the guests.
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