The Crow II, and other stories.

Indeed, the crows have made contact again, and this time much more ferociously. As some of you might remember, on Day 1 I was unexpectedly hit on the back of the head by a crow. It was a mysterious moment, interpreted as an auspicious sign for the month to follow. Today, however, after a second hit and run, I am starting to wonder: what will they go for next?! I was peacefully strolling on the rooftop of KYM during a class break, when I observed some pieces of fruit set aside on the ledge of the balcony. As I turned my back on the fruit, I felt a sharp object hitting the back of my shoulder. I turned just in time to see a jet black crow whisking around while cawing loudly. I looked under my shirt and... blood!  Oh the horror. And the excitement. Never have I been attacked by an animal so frequently before, oh the thrills that Chennai offers! (By the way, please lease fear not, the "blood" was less than a drop and caused by a minute scrape immediately soaked in anti-bacterial gel). I believe the crow was afraid I would compete for the fruit. I made my way indoors, feeling a little confused. 

And then I remembered something Sangeetha (Yoga Philosophy teacher) told us earlier in class: in many Indian families crows are believed to be ancestors. In fact, they are so respected that a little bit of the food is set aside and given as an offer to them before each meal. This explains a lot about the enormous populations of crows, at least across South India. Not sure what it means about my ancestors, I will have to reflect on that.

Crowattack aside, today was filled with more wonderful learning and some great exchanges with the students at the program. I feel very lucky to be sharing this experience with such a diverse and interesting crowd. Not to mention, it's great to eat with other people! (We always have breakfast together at KYM). It's already almost midnight here and I have been waking up at 6.30a every morning in order to be at KYM by 7.20a. I mention this because I am super exhausted and won't be able  to write much. I will make this post brief and share some of the photos that I have taken after classes.

Today a large number of people asked me to take their photos - they do so when they see the camera across my shoulder. I feel both very lucky and sorry that I am not able to leave a photo directly with them. Here is a series of...

PORTRAITS ON DEMAND

 The man in red was not working when he asked to be photographed. He performed for the photo.

This woman was making a flower garland but stood up for the photo. She reminds me of some of models from earlier black and white pictures from the beginnings of photography. 

The men on the scooter stopped in front of me and demanded a photo. The man on the right quickly jumped in from the side.

 This photo gives a feeling of the agitation and excitement inspired when my camera is sighted. (In fact, David's camera, thank you :-)

This beautiful woman wasn't sure about a photo, but her friend/husband (not pictured) pressed for it.

And now...

 PORTRAITS I SOUGHT OUT

The man from the shop with the cool oning.

Looking good after school.

The kid on the right kind of broke my heart!

Child calls child calls child...

Banana spin.

I love how the girl in blue is holding on to her friend.

This man claimed this was a landline. I thought he was messing with me. Apparently it's an internet landline...?

I love this camera.

Rosy cheeks, rosy pomegranates.

PORTRAITS OF FELLOW KYM STUDENTS

Maelle la belle.

Our unique Spaniard that looks like a Swede in residence, Miguel.

Lovely ladies on the roads: Jacqui, Adi, and Einat.

Chai time.

And finally, a couple of images from the neighbourhood between KYM and my "home":

 A well decorated design traditionally made in front of the entrance of each household. Anyone know what they are called?

The electric centre for a building. 

Click on this image to check out the laughing kid by the water pump.

It was a beautiful day, and I am particularly thankful to Milena (pictured below) for cooking a delicious dinner this evening! (Incidentally, it was also the first time I encountered "melting pasta" - a pasta that melts at the touch of boiling water. I wonder: how long has that been surviving on the market?) Below is an image from our lovely meal.

Today I learned a little bit of Tamil with Alphons. So NANDRI (thank you) to all of you for reading so far and my love and good wishes all around.

B