PHOTOS!

So remember when I traveled around India over winter break?  Here are a few links to some photos I took along the way:

Malad & Pune
Ajunta
Hampi
Goa

Everybody's got something to hide, except for me and my monkey.

I'm currently listening to Modern Man by The Arcade Fire, but I've got Kanye in mind.  Some parts of Kanye West's new cd play out like you're listening in to him in a confession booth.  He simply spills his guts.  Such candid expressions are common from Kanye, but uncommon from me.  I don't often look to him as a role model, but I'll do just that in this post. 

I am in India now.  I came here without really understanding why.  I've left behind a great deal.  I have so many family and friends back home.  I love all of them dearly, some even more dearly (I guess its a whole lotta love).   For that reason, it pains me to be here sometimes.  

However today, I was able to talk with a coworker about the wounds I incurred in the last 3 years.  Those wounds include "falling out", burning out, burning bridges with coworkers and friends alike.  In conversation today, I discussed some of the progress I've made here - healing from those wounds.  But also noticed how fragile and unstable I still am.  It is probably important that I go through this shit in a safe place.  Woodstock is that and also a place where I cannot simply depend upon loved ones who inspire me and love me back for further growth.

So there you go.  I'm not going to get as naked as John Lennon or anything, but I'm trying to do less hiding/cowering behind that baggage.  

ANYWAY, a perk of being here is that I can immerse myself in US culture still: 

I watched Mad Men and read "Mad Men and Philosophy"

I listened to highlights from The Arcade Fire's The Suburbs and 

I plowed through Taverner, Handel and an arrangement of Bohemian Rhapsody in staff choir practice.

I continue to train and work out for the climbing expedition this summer.  According to Wiki, when I reach the summit at 20800ft, I will be higher than any point in North America.  I might go camping on a nearby hill this weekend with some boys from my floor.  Pretty great I guess.

Snow!

The boys at the Hostel went crazy tonight as the afternoon's hail finally turned into snow by the time study hall finished.  The flakes were larger than Wheaties and came down heavily for at least an hour.  From what I understand, snow is by no means rare here, but normally we don't see this much in mid February.

Afternoon's hail...

 After a few hours, the hail stopped and snow began

  The sticky snow was perfect for snowball fights on the basketball court

 Difficult: getting all these cold and energized boys to bed on time!

Home again, home again

The taxi drove Greg and I into campus as the sun was rising this morning.  It was chilly, but there was no snow.  I am back to Woodstock, back to work and life on the hillside - Professional Development and Visionary meetings next week :)  I'm also looking forward to moving in to my new apartment.

I might have to do some organizing... :)

Christmas in January 

(a recreation, in photos and words)

Three days ago: Greg, the photographer, and I were waiting for breakfast on the beach.  

Pretty quiet. Brisk enough to put on a stylish, new long sleeve.

the Ray Charles

The joy of receiving presents - smart wool socks, an official "Scott Landseidel calendar", among other great gifts.

Ok Greg, I'm glad you're having fun with my camera...

... but thats enough.

The coffee was great!  I already miss it.  But I don't miss it more than I miss my fam.  Thanks for sending some love.

Beaches of Goa

I'm in Goa India now.  Its the state to be in if you love the following:
A. Sunny clear skies
B. Salty breeze off the ocean
C. A diet including beef and/or pork 

:)

This morning I woke up with the sun, rented a kayak, and paddled into the wind and waves.  I saw some more dolphins and watched the rising tide crash up onto the rocks.  I was off the water before the sun was too high and hot, and cleaned up for breakfast.  I love south India because I can enjoy a great cup of black coffee (Not instant coffee.  Not "a little coffee with my sugar-milk".  Just GREAT coffee.)

I will be here until the 27th.  Then Greg and I will fly back to Delhi and take a train north to Woodstock.  There I'll have to bundle up for the cold February weather in Mussoorie.

I cannot wait to post the photos from the last few weeks.  I've taken an interest in the abundant flora in this part of the country.  You can also expect many pictures of the beautiful seaside scenery.  Stay tuned.

The following link has the Complete Itinerary.

Its only 2 days until Christmas in January!  My friend and coworker, Nan, has agreed to play the role of Santa when she arrives on the 25th.  She went home to WI/MN for the break.  She is coming back to India with a package of Christmas gifts from Alabama Rd in Bloomington, MN.   Can't wait!

Flowers on Pongal

The Southern Indian harvest festival, Pongal, is known for kite flying and rangoli.  I'm in Hyderabad, but I am staying with a friend/coworker in a quiet neighborhood with fresh air and manicured gardens.  It is refreshing compared to the bustle and polluted city.

rangoli - a traditional decorative folk art of India

Common White Frangipani - one of my favorite flowers in India thus far. 

I'm in Hampi now - just finished some amazing pizza a few minutes ago.  Highlight of today was napping in a shady nook on top of a boulder in between chapters of No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy.

Where's Devan?

Its been a while since my last post - unfortunately posting is always one of the last things I remember to do at these cyber cafes.

My mom had the idea to post a Google map tracking my tour.  Click this sentence for a google map.

In the last few days I've had cuisines from the following countries/regions: Lebanon, Africa, Central America, USA, Thailand, Italy... Greg and I have been enjoying a break from the rich and spicy Indian curries!

I hope to get some pictures up soon.
Until then, be good.