Expressive Arts Therapy

     Last Sunday John and I attended a workshop run by my friend Veda.  Veda is currently pursuing a masters degree in expressive arts therapy and occasionally runs workshops for both children and adults.  The workshops aim to "promote the freedom of expression through artistic modalities" and strengthen the idea that "by identifying where one stands in life through self expression, one can objectify their stance and work towards betterment or progress."  The workshop was a little more than 5 hours and full of interesting activities that centered around movement, drawing, language, and relationships.  The workshop was a joy for several reasons, but mostly because it provided a safe environment to participate in- everyone was there for the same reason, and everyone at least tried to withhold judgement and set hang-ups aside.  We were free to be as silly and open as we would allow ourselves.
     One activity, in particular, I enjoyed the most, and it centered around our relationships with our families- whatever the word "family" might mean to each individual.  Veda dumped out several bags of small toys, figurines, flowers, leaves, clay, tissue paper, etc., and told us all to gather up whatever we wanted and then to create a representation of our families with it- not to think too much about it or try to analyze before creating, but just to play with the different materials until we created something that related to our idea of family.  This is what I came up with:

Unfortunately, it's hard to see, but I'll try to explain:
The purple mass on the left represents Kentucky where most of my immediate family is, or at least where I consider everyone to be in the sense of "home."  The purple mass on the right is wherever I am that isn't Kentucky- here crudely represented as a hot air balloon.  Standing in the hot air balloon is a small female figurine that is me and to my left, a bull which represents John, as we are currently together physically, in India, and also in the grander sense, emotionally, right now in life.  On the purple KY mass is a figure for each of my 4 parents and 5 siblings, all in a circle facing each other because they are all interconnected and apart of each others' lives.  In the family circle there is a big horse, a little horse, a turkey, a mallard, a goose, a piglet, a big dog, a small dog, and a donkey.  Now I will leave it to question who in my wonderful family was assigned to which animal- it is important to note, however, that I was working with the animals (all farm, of course) which I just happened to grab at the start of the exercise, so too much should not be read into it!  (Also it should be noted that, of course, my family extends far beyond these main players to all of my extended family and friends, whom I am eternally grateful for- there were only so many farm animals!)  The yellow flowers that are between John and I on the ballon and in the family circle represent the friendship amongst all of us; I felt that was particularly important to depict because I have an uncommonly fortunate circumstance in which I can say there is great friendship that extends across the usual boundaries in my family.  The silver tinsel that is strewn in an arc between the two masses represents the technology that allows me to remain close and connected with my family even though at times I feel very far away.  If it weren't for those modern amenities, I'm not sure how easily or comfortably I could live my life with the freedom of travel and distance.  The red flower and silly clay heart are simply the love that exists and which I am eternally grateful for.
     I realize all of this might be a bit sentimental for many of those who know me well (cue silly clay heart) but I really enjoyed this activity and wanted to share it with those involved without their knowledge.  It occurred to me after the workshop that the reason I enjoyed this activity in particular so much was because it allowed me to reflect on my family in a joyful, creative, and seemingly-inconsequential way; it was simply fun play that wasn't given too much thought, and because I miss my family and friends (of course) it was a pleasure to unexpectedly have that opportunity and to realized the deeper implications afterwards (all of which were very positive).
     So thanks to my family and the friends who are very much my family.  I had a wonderful moment thinking of you and it brought me great joy.  I miss and love you all very much!

Time to get out of Delhi!

     How nice it is to get out of the city, even for a day.  On Saturday, John and I went to Chandigarh with Justine, a woman I met through an expat network who is new to Delhi.  Justine and I originally connected when I posted on yuni-net looking for anyone who might be interested in traveling with me to Rishikesh for the ashram.  As it turns out, she's a fantastic gal, originally from Tennessee, who lived in New York for a bit and then Barcelona for the last 4 years.  Since she has just arrived, we invited her to brave the train with us (all of our first experience) and trek north to Chandigarh for the day.
     Chandigarh is one of the few Indian cities to be planned out by an architect, and a french one at that.  The architect LeCorbusier gave Chandigarh a grid design with broad avenues and a sense of order not often found in other cities.  It is also exceptionally green and clean, and the plans also included a large artificial lake complete with paddle boats.
     The main reason to go to Chandigarh, however, is the Nek Chand Fantasy Rock Garden- a 25 acre rock/sculpture "garden" that is like falling down the rabbit hole into the fantasy land of Mr. Chand's mind.  It's genesis in incredible- following India's independence, many refugees were flooding across the borders and villages were cleared in the construction of new towns, including Chandigarh.  Nek Chand saw the amount of waste generated and hauled the matter back to his village home where he turned it into sculpture.  Eventually he had tens of thousands of forms made, sprawling into secretly sculpted spaces, that were, as it turns out, illegally occupying government land.  When it was all discovered, 15 years after it was started, it was almost demolished until the local council recognized the garden as a culture asset.  Chand was given 50 laborers and salary to devote himself to the project.  What remains is an exceptional hideaway from time and reality that cannot really be conveyed through words...

     After the winding, lush land of Nek Chand, we grabbed a bite and then headed to the lake for a bit of paddle-boating.  A fantastic afternoon to enjoy the lakeside promenade and a spin in a quite ancient paddle boat shaped like a dragon.

     This trip was Justine's first experience having her picture taken with locals- an odd phenomenon considering how many tourists (many of them fair) there must be, and yet it never ceases, especially at tourist sites.  I've had the pleasure/inconvenience (depending on how you look at it) of having my picture take with a family of 15, and then individually with each family member!  It is somewhat baffling to think of how many stranger's have a photo with their arm around me- a proud moment, to be sure!

A very cultural weekend!

     This past weekend was an amazing one and a good thing too because John is off again for a week to Uganda!  On Friday the kids from Very Special Arts participated in a dance competition with other kids from special needs schools and programs around Delhi at the India International Center.  There were 17 different groups of kids with various disabilities performing, and they were so wonderful!  They had amazing costumes and some had story lines and speeches about their dances; all of the kids seemed thrilled to be apart of the competition, and worked very hard on the performances.  It was wonderful for me to be another face there supporting them.

     Determined to take full advantage of the weekend before John left, we decided to check out the Grand Hotel on Friday night.  The Grand is a large, somewhat opulent, hotel right by our house; apparently it used to be quite popular, but after a large fire a year ago and a somewhat strange and hidden location, it's tide has turned and often sits empty.  We had heard, however, that they have a lovely bar and an even better pool, so we thought it best to check it out for ourselves and at least have a cocktail.  Well- we had no idea what we were walking in to!  As we approached on foot, we saw tons of cars lining the service road leading up to The Grand, and then saw the massive colored lights and banners exclaiming that Men's Fashion Week was being held there at the moment.  We walked in, suddenly standing up a bit straighter and looking a bit more entitled, and breezed past reception to the lounges, several of which were set up promoting different libations.  We were promptly given wrist bands and drinks while people asked to take our picture.  Assuming we could be someone important, we gave no indication otherwise and thoroughly enjoyed our free drinks before heading to the hall where the runway was set up and an impromptu dance party gathering.  We jumped up on stage and shimmied with people who clearly were "important" and gawked at ourselves and our luck.  Stuffed on passed hors d'oeuvres, free wine, and camera flashes, we headed home, quite pleased with ourselves and looking forward to a Saturday.

     Saturday did not disappoint.  After a leisurely morning, we went first to the Indira Ghandi Museum, housed in her former residence.  It has photos, artifacts, personal belongings, and newspaper clippings detailing her life until her assassination in 1984.  From there we walked to Ghandi Smriti- the Mahatma Ghandi memorial, a fairly large estate that includes a museum, his prayer spot, and a martyr column on the spot where he died, after having been shot by a religious zealot in 1948.  The grounds were beautiful and included an impressive statue of Ghandi with children, pavilion, and a World Peace Gong.

    From the memorial, we headed to one of our favorite cheap, Southern Indian eateries at Connaught Place before going over the the Park Hotel, where I had read there was a dance company from New York performing.  Five years ago the Park Hotel started the the Park's New Festival- a performing arts festival all over India, beginning in Delhi.  On Saturday night the Parijat Desai Dance Company from New York performed, blending Indian classical and Western contemporary styles in 2 amazing pieces.  The venue in the Park Hotel was beautiful though quite small, and once again we found ourselves warmly greeted by camera flashes, food, and cocktails!  How we were so lucky to stumble upon two such great events in one weekend, I have no idea.  Granted, I had read about the performance in a magazine, but was shocked that there weren't more people there, especially considering the nature of the event- that being artistically amazing, catered, and FREE.

     The only detractor from such a fantastic day/night was rushing home to get John packed and on a plane to Uganda.  This week I busy myself with yoga, the sweet kids at VSA, a gallery show, and Hindi lessons (gulp), but I look forward to another wonderful weekend, stumbling around Delhi into the most wonderful places.    

Good food but empty house...

     It's been 2 weeks since I last checked in, and it seems as though a lot, and yet nothing, has happened since then.  The weekend before this past one, there was a work party for the company John works for at a fantastically swank place.  We ate, drank, and DANCED.  Oh yes, everyone had the spirit (or spririts shall we say) of fun in them and by the end of the evening, it was a full-blown dance-off, Bollywood-style!  So much fun and a great release, especially since at 5 am following the party, John had to hop a flight to Dublin.  He was gone for a week, working mostly, but also enjoying the famed Irish joys of Guinness, cool weather, beautiful landscapes, and pub culture.  Yes, I was sad that I had been left all by my lonesome for  a week to tend to our little flat in Delhi, but it wasn't all bad- I was introduced to a side of Delhi culture that couldn't have resembled my dearly-missed, New York, restaurant/foodie days more- and I mean that, of course, in the of best ways.
     The head of John's company must have taken pity on my left-behind soul because he called me up and invited me to a private food tasting at a new restaurant that was about to open.  One of the partners at the restaurant was a good friend of his and I happily joined, eager to try the molecular-gastronomy side of Delhi food and excited at the prospect of cocktails and conversation.  The restaurant was amazing- still a work in progress, set to open in 3-4 weeks, but the food, fantastic- shiitake mushroom canapes, chicken pate, lobster bisque, fresh tagliatelle, charred watermelon, and STEAK!  My first cow in months and delicious!  Not to mention other small bites and several desserts, each course paired with a different specialty cocktail- really top notch and exquisitely presented.  My hat off to the chef at the soon-to-be Smokehouse Room, Delhi!  
     The rest of the week I went to yoga, volunteered with the kids, worked on a couple of pieces, watched the occasional movie, and pitter-pattered about eating mostly popcorn and cheesy toast.  I must say, I regress culinarily when alone.
     At 4:00 am Sunday morning, John returned from Ireland, and while I'm thrilled to have him back, he'll be heading off to Uganda next weekend!  We've got a great week together ahead of us, and hopefully it will work out that I can join on these trips occasionally in the future.  In the meantime, I am looking forward to cooler weather, the festival and wedding season, and a trip of my own to Rishikesh in October!  We'll also be planning a longer trip down south to Kerala in December so if anyone would like to join us on a houseboat, cruising the backwaters, speak now!

p.s- changed the text background of this blog- easier to read?

a break in the dancing at Second Sin where the DevInfo company party was held

BEST Bollywood hot new song to shake your booty to!  

LOVE IT!

A long weekend with 2 holidays!

     This past weekend was our first holiday weekend in Delhi, which meant that about half of the city was gone.  We considered leaving as well, though it turned out to be quite advantageous to stay as there was less traffic and fewer people to fight for the weekend sights.  Saturday was a holiday called Raki- or Brother/Sister Day.  On this holiday, sisters tie red threads, or rakis, around their brothers' wrists.  The brothers then give the sisters small gifts and vow to protect them.  It's a very festive day with lots of family, love, and gift-giving.  All of the markets have been filled with stands selling rakis, which have become more and more ornate and are now sometimes quite fancy, made with different jewels and charms.
      For our Saturday we went to Humayun's Tomb, which was the precursor to the Taj Mahal and almost as large.  It's amazing that this huge structure with expansive grounds is just sitting in the middle of south Delhi!

After Humayan's Tomb, we beat it to Khan Market where we picked up some new books and enjoyed a leisurely late-afternoon coffee with our exciting new reads.
     Sunday night we went to a comedy show, of all things!  Apparently, stand-up comedy has only recently begun to pick up steam in India, mainly Delhi, and there was a series of acts billed under the "Cheese Monkey Mafia" performing in Gurgaon, a sort of satellite city southwest of Delhi.  The acts were, for the most part, really entertaining and mostly in English.  We certainly felt on the outside of a few cultural inside-jokes, but overall it was really fun.
     On Monday- Independence Day- after meeting up with a former professor of John's for lunch, we stopped by an amazing temple, Mata Ka Mandir, and then hit another big site- the Lotus Temple.
The Lotus Temple, or Bahai House of Worship, was built in the shape of a lotus flower in 1986 by an Iranian-Canadian architect.  There are 27 white, marble "petals" in all!

In the Mata Ka Mandir Temple

The Lotus Temple

     After all of that, we of course flew a kite, just like all the little kids of Delhi.  Or I should say that John attempted to and briefly succeeded at flying a kite while I watched.  A very good, albeit rainy, weekend for the sites of Delhi!  

the monkeys are no longer cute.

     I no longer find the monkeys living across from me adorable.  The other day, as I was rushing out of the house, I thought I heard our garbage man so I grabbed the garbage to give to him on my way out.  The garbage man was not there, but I was running late.  Now, I know not to leave garbage outside of our gate because the dogs will get at it, so I left it on our safely enclosed patio and locked the gate behind me.  Upon returning home, I unlocked the outer gate and what do I behold as the gate swings open?  A monkey sitting directly in front of my door, elbow deep in my rotten vegetables.  And he just stared at me and kept eating. He clearly had no intention of going anywhere before his feast was finished.  I would have at least attempted a "shoo monkey" but every person I had spoken to had told me horror stories about some friend being bitten.  And then as he opened wide for a nice, juicy, week-old tomato, I saw his enormous chompers!  They weren't worth the risk.  So I was barricaded outside of my own home by a monkey.  I looked about fretfully as several neighbors (including the garbage man) gathered and watched me debate my options.  After 10 minutes of this, a pack of dogs, who also now wanted my garbage and had access to my patio, finally chased the monkey up to the top of the fence.  I could then chase the dogs away and dart past the monkey into my house.  There I waited for him to finish digging through my discarded before venturing back out to clean up the smelly, rotten, strewn mess all over my patio.  I would like to mention for my own pride's sake, that this was no tiny squirrel monkey we're talking about- these guys are big, and I have no doubt they could take me in a fight if they wanted to!  Damn monkeys.

     In other news, Independence Day is coming up on the 15th!  That means a long weekend and few could be more excited than us.  What will we do?  A quick trip out of the city?  Gorge on cultural highlights, cheap whiskey, and chaat?   Perhaps we'll fly a kite.  Apparently that is what the Delhi-ites who don't blow town do to celebrate the holiday, in addition to watching the prime minister give the annual speech from historic Red Fort.  So Happy Birthday India!  Hopefully, wherever we are, we'll be celebrating in style!

jerk

Very Special Arts India- VSAI

     Last week, I started volunteering with a group called Very Special Arts India, which is a branch of Very Special Arts- The International Organization on Arts and Disability.  It's an amazing place and also happens to be in my neighborhood!  The organization works with children with disabilities and who are underprivileged through dance, theatre, music, and visual arts.  They also hold English and computer classes, and have a vocational program for adults with disabilities.  The vocational program fosters income-earning skills and provides a functional literacy class.  The adults enrolled learn to make goods such as woven products, jewelry, dolls, candles, and embroidery that are then bought by people in the neighborhood.  (My friend, Niti, told me that she buys all of her candles for Diwali there every year!)  I'm currently volunteering there 2 days a week, teaching arts and crafts lessons to a group of kids who are disabled and then helping with their dance class afterwards.
     They are really lovely kids, almost all girls, actually, all of whom have mental challenges to varying degrees and some of whom have physical disabilities as well.  So far we have made giant tissue paper flowers, crayon with tempera-resist night skies, and now this giant tree in the pictures below!  One of the bigger challenges is that, in addition to all being at different mental development levels, none of the kids speak English and several are hearing impaired.  I'm definitely finding that the more time I spend with the kids, the better I am able to communicate.  It's a wonderful environment and they have great facilities; the entire place is run on volunteers, donations, and a whole lot of compassion.  Obviously, it's a very happy place to be, and I am certainly there as much for myself, as for them, if not more.  I am, however, having a bit of a hard time coming up with lots of new arts and crafts ideas for the kids that aren't too complicated, so if anyone has any suggestions, please e-mail me!

     On another note- 2 monkeys have taken up residence in a tree across the street.  Actually, I don't think they are spending the evenings there, but on several occasions they have left their tree and decided to hang out on top of our fence (we have a very small patio/courtyard in front of our flat enclosed by a brick wall and gate).  Did I mention they love routing through the garbage for mango peels?  Not sure if the neighborhood kids have chased them off yet- before the monkeys arrived, it was their tree to climb...