Posted on May 22, 2017 under Monday Morning Musings with 4 comments

Driftwood. Livingstone’s Cove

First of all, I would like to thank those who came to my presentation at the library last Wednesday. We had a full house and both Don and I appreciated your presence, your questions and your comments at the conclusion.

I am pleased to report that we will be doing this again for those of you unable to attend because of other commitments. Mark this date on your calendars: Thursday , June 8^th. at 7:00 p.m. at People’s Place Library. This is part of the “ Armchair Traveler’s “ series sponsored by the library. Hope you can make it.

I am noticing many small things since returning from India. When the weather finally warmed up ( for one day! ), I couldn’t help but marvel at the smell of freshly mown grass. It seems like the entire town was mowing their lawns. It’s odd that something so routine becomes special after you’ve traveled abroad. Also, the sound of birds chirping at sunrise. The fact that I can hear the birds is a treat as India tends to be noisy at just about every hour of the day!

I am just about to launch the story of my visa troubles in India but I want some feedback from you first. It is a long piece… nearly 7000 words. Most of my stories run anywhere from 750-1000 words. I am trying to decide whether to publish the story in its entirety or do it over several days. What do you think? I have given it a “ test drive” with a few people who have found it a compelling read.

We celebrated my mother’s 92^nd. birthday on the weekend. It’s not often anymore that the eight siblings are together, with people living  “ from sea to shining sea.” Mom had a great time. We sat around the piano and sang many of her old favorites. I think I detected four part harmonies a few times. We’re very fortunate to have her around. When she arrived at Hillcrest Street, she walked straight to the piano and played “ When Irish Eyes are Smiling” flawlessly.

I hope that you enjoy Victoria Day. Every year at this time, I harken back to 1973 when I was living in Victoria, B.C. and dad came out for a visit. A bunch of us went to the Victoria Day Parade and afterwards ended up singing songs…. at the home of then Premier, Dave Barrett! I published this story a few years back. For those who missed it, here is the link: https://www.week45.com/grin-and-barrett/

Have a great day.

Posted on May 15, 2017 under Monday Morning Musings with 2 comments

Library Presentation – May 17th. 12:00 – 1:30

I’m slowly emerging from the fog.

It has taken me a lot longer than I expected to get my “ sea legs” after six months in India. Jet lag is a factor to be sure but I think it has more to do with a form of reverse culture shock. It really hit me the other day when I was flipping through a magazine and saw an ad for an electric leaf blower. It’s no doubt an overreaction on my part but I was thinking, “ what in the hell is this all about? “ Is this a sign of progress in the western world that we need a device to move those annoying leaves? I digress, but you get my point.

It’s hard not to make comparisons when you’ve been immersed in a totally different culture. India is a very interesting study as it makes its way as an emerging economy. I wouldn’t put much stock in one person’s observations ( mine! ), but I think it has a long way to go. I recently read the book “ Freedom at Midnight” about the partition of India in 1947. Mahatma Ghandi is a central character in the book… a fascinating individual.

I noticed during my stay that many young, well educated Indians seemed to aspire to the ways of the western world. I silently cautioned them to “ be careful what they wished for.” Ghandi was opposed to those who argued that India’s future lay in imitating the industrial and technological society of the west. He felt that the industrialization of the West admired by so many had concentrated power in the hands of a few at the expense of the many. Regular readers know that I shy away from politics on this site but I think most people would agree that there is a serious distortion of wealth in many parts of the world.

I haven’t turned on the television yet since I got back . I think I may have kicked one of my last (?!) bad habits. Television can be a monumental time waster and like so many other things just becomes part of our daily lives. I can still read the news on line.

This Wednesday ( 17^th. ) I will be at People’s Place Library from 12-1:30 to give a presentation about my time in India. It’s mostly pictures but each picture has a story to tell. I prepared this PowerPoint presentation in India before I had my visa troubles. Just to be clear, this wasn’t a credit card problem… not THAT kind of Visa! As mentioned in an earlier post, I have written a major essay ( 6800 words ) about my ordeal with an expired visa. It took three weeks and a lot of help from my brother to get me out of India. At the end of the presentation, I will spend a bit of time giving some insights about what it’s like to be half way around the world and not be allowed to leave the country.

Yes, I am glad to be home but I would gladly trade a few degrees of temperature with India!!!

As I re-read this post,  I realize that the fog hasn’t lifted completely!

Have a great week.

Posted on May 8, 2017 under Monday Morning Musings with one comment

Back in ” The Loft”

Anyone who has been away from home for an extended period of time in a foreign country can attest that there is a period of re-adjustment upon their return. There are the obvious things like time zone changes, climate, food and culture. So far, I haven’t had any major problems other than the fact that my sleep patterns are a bit out of whack.

We take so much for granted. This is not a criticism. Travel gives you a different perspective. What have I noticed most since returning home? The first thing is how quiet it is in Antigonish. I think that the noise pollution in India is as big an issue as air quality. In addition to the incessant honking of horns in every village, town and city, there is the noise created by all religions as they compete for air time by blasting their ceremonies through loud speakers. If you are anywhere near one of their places of worship, the sound can be ear splitting. And because of the heat ( and packs of howling wandering dogs at night ) , having a ceiling fan or air conditioning unit going in your room constantly is mandatory.

The first night back home, I was stunned and very aware of the complete absence of noise as I lay my head down on my pillow. My ears were ringing from six months of relentless noise in India.

Having hot water on demand is such a treat. I may have had a dozen hot showers since last October. You do get used to washing up in cold water. Not having the power go out several times a day is noticeable and having a good internet connection is such a pleasure. And there are no garbage issues. Antigonish is such a clean town.  In this space, I have documented the problems that India has with garbage.

Please, do not take this as a criticism of India. It is simply to point out the contrast between there and here and that we take so many things for granted.

Besides family and friends, the thing I missed most about home was music, especially harmony. Most of the music that I heard in India was in unison, whether it was sacred or secular. I got my first big fix yesterday as I joined my friends in “ the loft” at St. Ninian’s for Sunday mass.

So far, I haven’t felt the urge to turn on the television. I may have watched a total of 10 hours of t.v. in six months. I am ( was? ) a sports fanatic and not seeing the World Series, the Super Bowl, The Masters golf tournament and the NHL playoffs didn’t bother me in the least. I believe that a complete absence of CNN was very good for my psyche!  So, will I stick my head in the sand and ignore what’s going on around me? Probably not, but I plan to concentrate on reading more and watching little or no television.

I just finished reading “ Freedom at Midnight,” the story of partition in India and independence from British rule in 1947. It was doubly fascinating as many of the key events in the book took place in New Delhi. Because of my unscheduled three week stay in this city (!), I was able to visit many of the places referenced in the book.

I plan to continue fundraising for the Sisters in Kannyakumari. It’s not too late to make a contribution. You can stop in at the Bergengren Credit Union and mention my name and the Investment India account. If you don’t live around here, you can donate on line. Just follow this link: http://www.week45.com/supporting-the-daughters-of-mary-in-india/

I will be doing a presentation at people’s Place Library on Wednesday, May 17^th. from 12:00- 1:30 entitled, “ Travels and Travails in India.” Stop by and say hello.

Have a great week.