Wait, uh, seriously? Yes, seriously. I am sitting at the Nagpur train station after having spent the last week hanging out with the other AIF fellows at our MIDPOINT retreat. Midpoint? Midpoint! Wow.
Anyway, here are some memorable moments from midpoint.
- Comesum Restaurant, Nagpur Railway station. So, being in the middle of India (read: nowhere), I am of course the closest fellow to this said location. I was the first to arrive and am the last to leave (hence the blog entry after so many weeks). I also spent 11 hours at the Comesum on Monday helping greet arriving fellows and then 4 hours today saying goodbye. Oh, the comesum.
- Late night dance impromptu dance parties to destiny's child, Desi Girl and Tiffany's "I think we're alone now." Yes, the rumor is true, I even ripped my favorite linen pants gettin' low...altho it might have also been due to amount of rotis and aloo sabji I consumed over the course of the week.
- One of the most peaceful and definitely one of the most quiet places in India, Anandwan. I still have yet to figure out how to succintly summarize the place, aside from saying that it was founded by a very dedicated and passionate man, Baba Amante, whose mission was to help lepers, the physically handicapped and the economically challenged live lives of dignity...it feels as if Anandwan has become a sort of utopia for them, a place where they work hard and can peacefully enjoy the fruit of their own labor (Literally. Anandwan is full of farmland where they grow everything for the community except salt, sugar and kerosene).
- Hearing from the other fellows and learning about their respective projects and placements. Wow. Even though it can take a long way to get a little work done...a little work can go a long way, too.
- Nagpur. Nagpur is the geographical center of India--if you don't believe me, there is a small pillar in the middle of a small park, in the middle of the city, which is in the middle of India to prove it. See Rick's jumping snaps for proof.
I leave feeling re-energized with a renewed sense of purpose and excited to make the most of the next 6 months. Bring it on, India :)
3 comments:
First of all--the title of this entry brings me back to DM. Second--the blog is great! good informative, interesting writing. best wishes for the remainder your experience and journey :) (ps- was just in SF for a quick visit during the end of my winter break and saw Em, Greg, DZ and JLiu--the only one missing was you!)
Sounds like you are living it up Pooj! Thinking of you :)
And by Emily, they mean Farburrito
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