Global Letter for November 5th, 2004
Our time in India is drawing to a close, but to us it feels like we just arrived at the ECC. This past week began with the annual Halloween celebration and proved that we are creative enough to make costumes out of travel clothes. Some outfits even frightened the children, including Mike as a ghost (using a mosquito net), Allegra as "King of the Dead," Jarvi as "Charlie" (don't ask), and especially Thomas, the normally kindhearted young man who scared kids with his watermelon mask, creepy voice, and cricket stake. PB surprised us by wearing pants over his head with his
arms up the legs. Perhaps he isn't the most mature one of the group! The carved watermelons also added to the Halloween feel when they were lit up at night and we had a fabulous time playing games with the kids, such as musical chairs and pin the tail on the elephant.
The next two days were free and many took the chance to trek away from the ECC. Some took a train to Kerala, aka God's Country, a small group went on a two day fishing trip, and others went on a two day jungle safari in the mountains. Many also chose to go on a one day safari and spend more time shopping in Bangalore, relaxing at the ECC, and exploring other places around the area.
Back on the academic scene, classes included a lecture on Sikhism and visit to Gurudwara (Sikh temple), a discussion on Human Rights in India, and a lesson on Buddhism from monks at a Buddhist temple. The end of this week marks the end of class in India and the coming of another final exam.
Friday night was an exciting occasion as our group and the ECC staff celebrated Diwali - the Hindu festival of lights and New Year. Games were played - like hitting a pinata (but substitute a bucket with a flaming candle inside) and a race where you carried a little oil lamp and tried to keep it from blowing out. Carol and other globalites sang songs at a bonfire and fireworks and sparklers kept us entertained, though used in ways (mostly by Indians) generally unacceptable to parents in the US. I don't want to scare too many moms, so don't worry, we behaved ourselves
and everyone is still safe and sound.
Now, we all can't help but look back at the past two and a half months that have flown by. As we reach this Global landmark, we are torn between whether or not Global is already half done or only half done, whether or not Europe and Egypt were just yesterday or a lifetime ago. We've come to know each other so well and the group dynamic couldn't be better. Ask any one of us and we'll tell you we can't imagine even one person not being
here. We may never reach a decision on how fast or slow the program is moving along, but we are all happy to be here and try to maintain a glass-is-half-full attitude. There are still two and a half months to enjoy!
GLOBAL LOVE!
Jessica Thompson and Global '04
