Pics from Today's Walk Home

Laya Ritu Mala - An Introspective, Amazing Dance Recital

So the music was live, the dancers were impressive, and the evening was great.  It was an exhibition of Indian dance and music choreographed and composed by some of the very best of Kolkata and I think famous around India.  The dance followed the six seasons and really showcased the intricacies of Indian music and dance and the thread that winds through all of India.  I enjoyed the displays of colour and sound and felt the rhythm of the seasons during the performance.

Perhaps most interesting of all was the sheer volume of people that attended the performance.  It was beyond a packed house.  I sat in the aisle along with a few hundred other people and there were people standing all over the house.  Kicked off the shoes, sat with a few hundred other people and enjoyed the show.  Craziest of all, the lady in charge of hosting the show teaches at the Loreto House, which is the main campus of my school.  She said I must visit before I leave.  Guess that means take a day and get over there.

This is from the web announcement about the show:

For those who love exploring the classical music of various regions, here is a visual treat. City's popular auditorium - Satyajit Ray Auditorium is hosting 'Laya Ritu Mala' - music and dance recital as a part of ICCR's Horizon Series. The enchanting classical evening will be presented Layavinyas.

Laundry....

Some things are cheaper in India, some are not.  Alas, laundry is definitely not one of the cheaper things, at least here at the hotel.  It is actually cheaper to buy a new t-shirt then it is to have my clothes laundered.  So, a sink and some nice smelling soap washes away all of the sweat and I have fresh, clean clothes.  Now, the only problem is waiting for them to dry.  Humidity is definitely not my friend when it comes to drying my clothes.  I'll see how dry they are in the morning.  Mom, just so you know, the boxers you made for me travel very well.  So far, they have been to every country stamped in my passport and then made it back home in one piece....in spite of some abuse by hand washing and being stuffed in bags full of travel things.  Thanks for awesome underclothes!!  

Kolkata Pride Walk 2013

This afternoon was truly one of the highlights of my trip thus far and an amazing experience.  We walked with the people of Kolkata through the streets in the 11th annual Kolkata Pride Walk.  This is the oldest continuous Pride Walk in India and speaks out to address not only gay issues, but violence against women and others who may not have a voice in India.  To walk the streets with over 1,000 people in a country where just being gay is often seen as a major taboo was incredible.  The people I met on the walk were ordinary, every day people who just happen to want a voice about their lives or the ones that they love.  It was an experience that I imagine was comparable with the first pride parades in America.  A true community coming together, no corporate advertising, no fancy floats, just music by very lively drummers, people sharing their stories, dancing and walking the streets for a few kilometers letting Kolkata know that they exist and that violence against anyone is not an acceptable option.  I was thankful to be invited along for the walk and to be a part of such an incredible experience and journey.  I will probably have more to say on this tomorrow, but what a truly great thing to be a part of while here in India.

Local Coverage

An Article on the Parade - The director of the American Center walked as well.  Good to see at least here America is fighting for those who do not have a voice and taking a stand against violence.

Cooking Class at the Oberoi

A quick post on the cooking  class before I head off to the Kolkata Pride Parade.  I got a personal cooking class from the chief here at the Oberoi this afternoon.  Amazing demonstration and some really simple recipes that I get to try out on everyone at home when I get back.  We learned how to make Palak paneer (a really good spinach based sauce), Dal Tadka (a good, flavorful (not spicy) curry), and Laccha Paratha (a bread) that is made on the stove in the skillet.  Best of all, at the end, we got to eat everything that we learned how to cook.  Thanks to the awesome cooking staff at The Oberoi for the lesson and good time.  Lots of laughter and sharing of ideas and methods.  Best of all, Sarah learned that yes, you can buy cottage cheese in brick form in Wisconsin.