I am finally in India! Ok, so I have been here a week, but they have kept us really busy! This is a picture of what I am going to call home for the next month, the Dhvanyaloka Center for Indian Studies. The rooms (I share a double with Taylor) are pretty nice...hot water, internet, comfortable bed, no bugs. I have nothing to complain about. Dr. Rao, the director, is a very intelligent and accomplished man, not to mention a sweetheart! I hope I am doing as well as he is when I am over 75 years old! The center is truly an oasis, and an escape from the craziness of the city, which (at least for me) gets intimidating very fast.
After our first day in Mysore, we realized we had much to learn. Prime example: never go anywhere without a map, a written address of the place you want to go, and know several landmarks near said place. We took some auto-rickshaws into the city to explore, but when trying to get back, we discovered no rickshaw driver knew "Dhvanyaloka Center," or where Bhogadi road was (probably because I have not seen a single road sign in Mysore). Although our driver said he knew where he was going, we ended up driving in circles until we finally convinced him to stop and let us out (after charging us a ridiculous amount). We met up with another group of friends that were having the same issues. Eventually, by relying on memory and a map we found posted on the University of Mysore campus, we were able to walk back to the center, unharmed (except for a few nasty bug bites).
Friday afternoon the group had a tour of Somanathapur. Long ago, when Muslims came through Mysore, they desecrated the Hindu temple; therefore it is not used for worship anymore. It remains now as an archaeological site. Unfortunately, being so unfamiliar with the Hindu religion (as of right now), I can't say much about the temple other than the fact that the stone carvings are remarkably detailed and creates the overall beauty of the site. Every shape, image, and material is a very deliberate symbol and serves a very specific purpose, making the extensive artwork even more impressive.
Saturday morning, Taylor, Jess, Emily and I ventured out to St. Philomena's Cathedral. The exterior was of typical Gothic architecture, and the interior was that of a typical cathedral, but the extra color and lights gave it a distinctly Indian flair. We walked inside only to discover that an Indian Catholic wedding was in procession (and fortunately for us, in English)! Trying not to stand out too much, we stood in the very back, along with some wedding guests trying to entertain/quiet their children. Unlike an American wedding, guests would wander in and out, and talk (quietly) during the wedding! The abundance of music during the service made for a very worshipful and cheery atmosphere. After the service, we lingered outside hoping to catch a better glimpse of the bride and groom as they exited. While outside, we helped a lost, hysteric, little girl find her mama. I thought for sure someone would question four Westerners holding the hand of a crying child, but no one seemed to care, and some people refused to listen to us try to explain she was lost. Fortunately, she reunited with her mother inside the church, and we felt we had done our good deed for the day. The wedding party finally left the church, and we watched as pictures were taken in front of the church. From a distance, the wedding photographer even subtly snapped a photo of the four of us! In fact, several people stood in front of us to have their picture taken, as if we were a part of the attraction! Of course, this has become common place now. Most days we go out, a family will ask if they can take a picture with us and the children, or even the whole family! I don't know whether to feel like a zoo animal or a celebrity!
By Saturday, our chudidars we had ordered on Wednesday were ready! The process is really simple; the "sales rep" will show you a ton of different patterns of chudidar, which will come with fabric for the tunic, pants, and shawl. After you have decided on one you like (and that is in your price range), the tailor takes about 20 measurements, and makes your personalized chudidar. They are super comfortable...like walking around in your pajamas!
On Sunday evening, there is a traditional illumination of Mysore Palace; it began as the Raj's "gift to the people." To this day, it remains a popular attraction. We finally were pushed through the crowd (Indian's have no conception of personal space), and able to roam around the palace grounds. The best way I can describe the atmosphere was a Fourth of July picnic. Everyone was there with there friends and family, claiming spots on the grass to listen to the live music, have some food, and take in the spectacle. Pictures cannot do this justice...it takes some 90, 000 lights to light up the palace, temple, and all of the surrounding gates, both inside and out!
Sunday night was a perfect ending to our few days of "sight-seeing" before actual classes began. We now have a lecture after breakfast and before mid-morning tea, and then our second lecture starts at 3pm, giving us time to work (or in most cases, take a nap!) Classes have flown by, and this weekend will be filled with mid-term paper writing, for next Tuesday we depart for a week of travel in North Karnataka!
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