I enjoy being by myself. Free from the opinions and thoughts of others. Free to think for yourself, to look out for yourself. At the current moment I find myself pondering the last two sentences of the book by J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye, which is full of "phonies, mean guys, and psychoanalysts." The sentences went somewhat like this, please excuse any paraphrasing, but I don't have the book with me at the moment... "Don't ever tell anybody anything. You'll end up missing everybody." For some reason I just couldn't get those words out of my head. While alone, I find myself free from scorn, teasing, and judgement. It is not hard to be free when alone.
I missed my flight to JFK the other night. I was so tired I wanted to sit down in the middle of the terminal and refuse to move. Turns out my debit card was shut down. When I tried to get a few thousand rupees out of the ATM it mistook the request for several thousand USD and promptly shut the account down. Needless to say I was way up a creek without any paddles, because I had an extra item (my sitar) and both my bags were overweight. My blue duffel bag in particular, which had to weigh at least 40 kg. Around twice the limit. Smooth, I know. I can't wait to explain to immigration officials what is in there. "No sir, not too much Indian merchandise at all sir... tique?" Anyway, I missed my flight because I couldn't get the money in time. I got back to the Centaur Hotel and spent the night there. My ever helpful parents, who I called when I got to the hotel, arranged for my flight to be re-booked, thank god. I guarantee you it is going to be me having the emotional breakdown when I am received by my parents in New York. In fact, I have already though of a cliche phrase to utter when sobbing with my parents. "That was the hardest thing I've ever done", and it's the truth.
The Definition of home has become blurred for me. Just about the time I was getting ready to leave, I realized that I consider Hostel, the boys dorm, my home. Then I thought about my king-sized bed in my nice house back in the states. Where is home really? If it's where the heart is, then I no doubt have many homes. In that sense, India is now one of my homes. I have fallen in love with what little I have seen if it, and cannot wait to see more on the winter tour in January. From the crumby milkshakes and chicken burgers, to the white peaks of the Garhwali Himalaya and the steep hills of Mussoorie, I will leave a bit of my heart in this country.
It is now about five hours before I board an airplane and arrive home, after a 16 hour flight.
-Thom.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
"The Great Outdoors"
I find India to be a place for contemplation, meditation, even.
Activity week has arrived and past, and still all I am thinking about is the futures. Woodstock, while not necessarily inspiring me academically, has re-ignited my passion for the outdoors, which I recall being one of my top passions. By connecting me with people whose passions have also been focused on the outdoors, I am now seeing the promise the outside holds. I am certain mountaineering holds a place in that future, although as they say, the future is never certain. on another note, today at morning tea a large alpha male rhesus monkey strode boldly up to the food and took two pieces of bread. When threatened he simply bared his teeth and kept walking. I simply stood there in near proximity (nearer than almost everyone else) and nodded to him, and his confidence.
During Activity week, the majority of the junior class and myself, traveled around eight and a half hours through the "hills" (they may be mountain sized, but here they are considered hills) to the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, one of India's foremost mountaineering centers. While the food was barely an improvement over the food back at school, it still was a good time. The first day we were there, we were woken up at 5:30 for PT (physical training) we then proceeded to go for a 1 km jog with aerobics thrown in. At the end we all stretched and did yoga. Of course, we ended that with a group om. We then acquired our gear (if memory serves me correctly) which consisted of a backpack, a 2 meter rope, a carabiner, water bottle, sleeping bag, mess kit, ground mat, and a windproof jacket. Most of the gear was worn and heavily used. I ended up ditching the jacket, sleeping bag, and (nasty) water bottle. In the afternoon we did a bit of rock climbing, which I had a lot of fun doing. The NIM artificial wall was huge, and quite nice, and also featured intimidating 45 and 90 degree overhangs, respectively. I only attempted the 45 and on my second attempt conquered it. Upon arriving to the bottom of the 90 one however, I found the prospect of climbing it quite daunting, and chose to take the easy route on the flat side of the wall. The following day we woke up, checked our packed gear, and headed to a well established climbing area. there we stayed for three days in large portable yurt-like tents, climbing, bouldering, rappelling, and on the last day, crossing a cold mountain stream. Finally we left, back to the institute. The instructors definitely knew their stuff, the one problem was that none of them were very proficient in English. this made following instructions somewhat difficult as more often than not, they were delivered in Hindi.
The main reason I am considering the outdoors as a significant feature in the years to come can be almost summed up in one word, dependability. While I do not see lacrosse continuing much past college, nature will be there. To say that I enjoy fresh air and being outside is an understatement, I love it. Fishing, hiking, skiing, camping, climbing, etc. I love it all, and who knows, maybe I can write about it all too.
I recently heard a rumor that Mr. Kutty (pronounced "Kooty"), a worker at the HANIFL center, was discussing a summit expedition to Bandarpunch, (the name literally means "Monkey's tail") one of the more prominent peaks in the Indian Himalayas and at about 20,300 feet, (6316 meters approx.) it is taller than the tallest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley. I don't know if the expedition will get off the ground but I already sent an e-mail to Mr. Kutty informing him of my interest, as well as one to my mom titled "you're gonna hate me for this" which outlined my interest in the expedition. Of course, I received a reply from my dad with an article attached titled "Evidence of Brain Damage After High-Altitude Climbing By Means of Magnetic Resonance Imaging", good to know the parents are always looking out for me.
On a musical note (no pun intended) I have a recital in two days, where I will be performing Raga Bivas, an early morning Raga, on the sitar. Hopefully it will be a good performance, for playing to 7/8 timing with the Tabla carrying a very awkward beat can be challenging. Nonetheless, I love sitar so all most likely will be well.
mountains, music, and writing. sounds like a good future to me.
-Thom
Activity week has arrived and past, and still all I am thinking about is the futures. Woodstock, while not necessarily inspiring me academically, has re-ignited my passion for the outdoors, which I recall being one of my top passions. By connecting me with people whose passions have also been focused on the outdoors, I am now seeing the promise the outside holds. I am certain mountaineering holds a place in that future, although as they say, the future is never certain. on another note, today at morning tea a large alpha male rhesus monkey strode boldly up to the food and took two pieces of bread. When threatened he simply bared his teeth and kept walking. I simply stood there in near proximity (nearer than almost everyone else) and nodded to him, and his confidence.
During Activity week, the majority of the junior class and myself, traveled around eight and a half hours through the "hills" (they may be mountain sized, but here they are considered hills) to the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, one of India's foremost mountaineering centers. While the food was barely an improvement over the food back at school, it still was a good time. The first day we were there, we were woken up at 5:30 for PT (physical training) we then proceeded to go for a 1 km jog with aerobics thrown in. At the end we all stretched and did yoga. Of course, we ended that with a group om. We then acquired our gear (if memory serves me correctly) which consisted of a backpack, a 2 meter rope, a carabiner, water bottle, sleeping bag, mess kit, ground mat, and a windproof jacket. Most of the gear was worn and heavily used. I ended up ditching the jacket, sleeping bag, and (nasty) water bottle. In the afternoon we did a bit of rock climbing, which I had a lot of fun doing. The NIM artificial wall was huge, and quite nice, and also featured intimidating 45 and 90 degree overhangs, respectively. I only attempted the 45 and on my second attempt conquered it. Upon arriving to the bottom of the 90 one however, I found the prospect of climbing it quite daunting, and chose to take the easy route on the flat side of the wall. The following day we woke up, checked our packed gear, and headed to a well established climbing area. there we stayed for three days in large portable yurt-like tents, climbing, bouldering, rappelling, and on the last day, crossing a cold mountain stream. Finally we left, back to the institute. The instructors definitely knew their stuff, the one problem was that none of them were very proficient in English. this made following instructions somewhat difficult as more often than not, they were delivered in Hindi.
The main reason I am considering the outdoors as a significant feature in the years to come can be almost summed up in one word, dependability. While I do not see lacrosse continuing much past college, nature will be there. To say that I enjoy fresh air and being outside is an understatement, I love it. Fishing, hiking, skiing, camping, climbing, etc. I love it all, and who knows, maybe I can write about it all too.
I recently heard a rumor that Mr. Kutty (pronounced "Kooty"), a worker at the HANIFL center, was discussing a summit expedition to Bandarpunch, (the name literally means "Monkey's tail") one of the more prominent peaks in the Indian Himalayas and at about 20,300 feet, (6316 meters approx.) it is taller than the tallest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley. I don't know if the expedition will get off the ground but I already sent an e-mail to Mr. Kutty informing him of my interest, as well as one to my mom titled "you're gonna hate me for this" which outlined my interest in the expedition. Of course, I received a reply from my dad with an article attached titled "Evidence of Brain Damage After High-Altitude Climbing By Means of Magnetic Resonance Imaging", good to know the parents are always looking out for me.
On a musical note (no pun intended) I have a recital in two days, where I will be performing Raga Bivas, an early morning Raga, on the sitar. Hopefully it will be a good performance, for playing to 7/8 timing with the Tabla carrying a very awkward beat can be challenging. Nonetheless, I love sitar so all most likely will be well.
mountains, music, and writing. sounds like a good future to me.
-Thom
Monday, September 27, 2010
"The order of things"
It has been weeks since my last post... or has it been months? I find myself contemplating my future more and more, as I guess is expected during my junior year. Will I want to return to woodstock for my senior year? Which colleges should I look at? Do I want to play D3 lacrosse in college? Should I take a gap year after Highschool? Do I want to focus on a music career? what should I do. As far as I can see, this is all there is to it.
("The order of things")
get up, shower, brush teeth.
get dressed, get food, put on shoes.
do work, turn it in, get good grades.
apply to college, get into college, do well in college.
get a degree, maybe a P.H.D.? graduate from college
now what will you do in the order of things?
And yet one choice could be as good as another. I could stay here or go there, and results would be wildly and vastly different. I suppose I have reached this point, this period of contemplation naturally, for it really is in "the order of things."
The sun is shining here. When sunlight is out in full force, it feels warmer than that of summer in the states. Of course, this is also due to the altitude here in Mussorie. Monsoon is receding, the ferns which grow on the trees here are turning brown (a sign of the end of monsoon). Some leaves are falling. The lush green is stull quite lush, but its lively colors are slightly dulled. There is a crisp bite in the air, which reminds me painfully that it is fall in New England, and that I have never before missed that beautiful season. Monkeys are out, trashing trash cans, and so on. What delightful characters.
Anyway, I'll try to get a post up with videos and maybe pictures I've taken. as well as ad some more posts, so it won't be another month till I update you all.
-Thom
("The order of things")
get up, shower, brush teeth.
get dressed, get food, put on shoes.
do work, turn it in, get good grades.
apply to college, get into college, do well in college.
get a degree, maybe a P.H.D.? graduate from college
now what will you do in the order of things?
And yet one choice could be as good as another. I could stay here or go there, and results would be wildly and vastly different. I suppose I have reached this point, this period of contemplation naturally, for it really is in "the order of things."
The sun is shining here. When sunlight is out in full force, it feels warmer than that of summer in the states. Of course, this is also due to the altitude here in Mussorie. Monsoon is receding, the ferns which grow on the trees here are turning brown (a sign of the end of monsoon). Some leaves are falling. The lush green is stull quite lush, but its lively colors are slightly dulled. There is a crisp bite in the air, which reminds me painfully that it is fall in New England, and that I have never before missed that beautiful season. Monkeys are out, trashing trash cans, and so on. What delightful characters.
Anyway, I'll try to get a post up with videos and maybe pictures I've taken. as well as ad some more posts, so it won't be another month till I update you all.
-Thom
Friday, August 13, 2010
E-mails from home and interesting people.
An e-mail can be painful. One morning, I turned on my computer, to find an e-mail from dad and a message from a friend in the states. The worst pangs of home sickness are set off by just reading such things. For instance, my dad informed me that my grandpa needed a walker, after hurting his artificial hips trying to lift a 50 lb bag of sunflower seeds. Or, that a friend was enjoying herself in Maine, which reminds me that I missed the family trip to weld, for the first time in years, perhaps the second in my lifetime.
The realization that one is thousands of miles away from home is a sobering thought.
Thankfully, people here are very interesting, fascinating in some cases. I have 2 roommates, a Korean named Tae Heng and an Indian named Aarit. Both are great roommates. Many of the teachers come from far away, (particularly from the states.) Just the other day I did an interview on a new teacher, for Journalism (a class I actually just dropped due to not having any free blocks in an 8 day cycle) Turns out, Mr Pesavento is probably one of the most fascinating people I have ever met in person. He began his story saying how he spent 2 years of high school in Spain, and continues to tell me that he has a degree in mathematics and astrophysics. His first job right out of college was working for a think-tank company, where he and a group of guys basically invented new technologies. one, was the use of a particular particle to basically cat scan the earth, up to a mile down. Apparently the government bought the patent, and told Mr. Pesavento never to speak of it again. He and his wife also started a private school, for two kids, and taught them from 5th and 7th grade, all the way through high school. they brought the kids to France, Costa Rica, and other places, where they were immersed in different cultures. Mr. Pesavento put huge amounts of emphasis on his belief that a global, or international education is essential. Then there are his outdoor exploits. He's led two expeditions up Mt. McKinley in Alaska, was once a nationally ranked hang-glider (2nd in the US apparently), he's taken kayaks over 30+ ft waterfalls, Hiked, Ice Climbed, Rock Climbed, Kayaked, Canoed, got his Pilots licence, etc. If an activity involves being outside, this man has most likely done it. So that was how I got a lot more than I came for out of a single interview for the school paper.
I guess I should talk a little about the bazaar too. you walk at least a mile into town, then even further down a hill through the streets. there are stores on all sides, selling fruit with flies buzzing around them, drinks, chips, snacks. The main bazaar is basically the downtown shopping center. A Reebok store, Adidas, (not pronounced adeedas here, rather, addedas) and all kinds of clothing stores, blanket shops, a Dominoes, and the Indian version of Starbucks, Cafe Coffee Day, or CCD for short. Things are ridiculously cheap compared to American prices, for example, I purchased a 8.5 X 8.5 foot blanket of high quality, for about 6 $ (300 rupees) so shopping here is quite economical for a citizen of the US.
MONKEYS. they are everywhere. This very morning, a trio of brown Rhesus monkeys were "monkeying" (haha I know right) around on the patio outside hostel. two were fighting, while the biggest was just lounging around looking dominant. Later, one of the scoundrels went swimming in the pool, only to be chased out by a guard. They are fun to watch here, as they are constantly causing trouble. The Rhesus are the troublemakers and will open doors, steal food, attack people on occasion, and so on. Handlers actually bring tamed Langur monkeys around to keep Rhesus monkeys away. The Langurs, are big white, and powerful, but relatively mild tempered. Wild ones, will rarely bother you (or so I'm told.) The only time the regal white/gray langurs actually lose their composure, is when they see a Rhesus monkey. They will go crazy, and not rest until the area is clear of the brown nuisances. This is basically why you see tamed ones on long ropes, hanging around with handlers, at various places on campus.
So far I've had a grand time. My stomach is starting to be agreeable with the food, and I am sleeping quite well. I guess this is about it for now, more posts will undoubtedly follow. sitar is probably one of the coolest instruments ever as well. haha more from that later.
-Thom (थोम)
The realization that one is thousands of miles away from home is a sobering thought.
Thankfully, people here are very interesting, fascinating in some cases. I have 2 roommates, a Korean named Tae Heng and an Indian named Aarit. Both are great roommates. Many of the teachers come from far away, (particularly from the states.) Just the other day I did an interview on a new teacher, for Journalism (a class I actually just dropped due to not having any free blocks in an 8 day cycle) Turns out, Mr Pesavento is probably one of the most fascinating people I have ever met in person. He began his story saying how he spent 2 years of high school in Spain, and continues to tell me that he has a degree in mathematics and astrophysics. His first job right out of college was working for a think-tank company, where he and a group of guys basically invented new technologies. one, was the use of a particular particle to basically cat scan the earth, up to a mile down. Apparently the government bought the patent, and told Mr. Pesavento never to speak of it again. He and his wife also started a private school, for two kids, and taught them from 5th and 7th grade, all the way through high school. they brought the kids to France, Costa Rica, and other places, where they were immersed in different cultures. Mr. Pesavento put huge amounts of emphasis on his belief that a global, or international education is essential. Then there are his outdoor exploits. He's led two expeditions up Mt. McKinley in Alaska, was once a nationally ranked hang-glider (2nd in the US apparently), he's taken kayaks over 30+ ft waterfalls, Hiked, Ice Climbed, Rock Climbed, Kayaked, Canoed, got his Pilots licence, etc. If an activity involves being outside, this man has most likely done it. So that was how I got a lot more than I came for out of a single interview for the school paper.
I guess I should talk a little about the bazaar too. you walk at least a mile into town, then even further down a hill through the streets. there are stores on all sides, selling fruit with flies buzzing around them, drinks, chips, snacks. The main bazaar is basically the downtown shopping center. A Reebok store, Adidas, (not pronounced adeedas here, rather, addedas) and all kinds of clothing stores, blanket shops, a Dominoes, and the Indian version of Starbucks, Cafe Coffee Day, or CCD for short. Things are ridiculously cheap compared to American prices, for example, I purchased a 8.5 X 8.5 foot blanket of high quality, for about 6 $ (300 rupees) so shopping here is quite economical for a citizen of the US.
MONKEYS. they are everywhere. This very morning, a trio of brown Rhesus monkeys were "monkeying" (haha I know right) around on the patio outside hostel. two were fighting, while the biggest was just lounging around looking dominant. Later, one of the scoundrels went swimming in the pool, only to be chased out by a guard. They are fun to watch here, as they are constantly causing trouble. The Rhesus are the troublemakers and will open doors, steal food, attack people on occasion, and so on. Handlers actually bring tamed Langur monkeys around to keep Rhesus monkeys away. The Langurs, are big white, and powerful, but relatively mild tempered. Wild ones, will rarely bother you (or so I'm told.) The only time the regal white/gray langurs actually lose their composure, is when they see a Rhesus monkey. They will go crazy, and not rest until the area is clear of the brown nuisances. This is basically why you see tamed ones on long ropes, hanging around with handlers, at various places on campus.
So far I've had a grand time. My stomach is starting to be agreeable with the food, and I am sleeping quite well. I guess this is about it for now, more posts will undoubtedly follow. sitar is probably one of the coolest instruments ever as well. haha more from that later.
-Thom (थोम)
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Visuals
this is the view from a Dominoes in the Bazaar... who says you can't have pizza in India.
this is Hostel... my current home.
the inside of the Centaur hotel.... where we stayed after arriving in Delhi.
sunrise on the other side of the world. comes up fast.
 |
| hostel, my dorm, next to the pool... ridgelands, Alter ridge, and the furthest, Midlands, following |
so thats about it for visuals so far...enjoy!
-Thom.
Friday, August 6, 2010
anxiety pills.
We arrived at the airport in Delhi around 4:45 or 5, after a 13 1/2 hour flight. I slept about one hour or less on the plane and watched several movies, along with The Office Season 3 on my computer. We were served three meals, each one worst than the last, until we finally got a rubbery omelet, with sliced potatoes that were rather hard. It was strange to watch the sun set and then rise on the other side of the world, while on the plane, I actually took video of that particular event. what started on the horizon as a light behind the clouds, quickly became a glowing orb that rose ridiculously fast.
when we got off the plane, I asked for my guitar, telling several airport workers at the gate that I had checked a guitar on as carryon, but it was not with me. It took us awhile to get our bags, and even longer for me to locate a baggage assistant who spoke comprehensible english, who directed me to a smaller carousel, which eventually disgorged my guitar after a while of looking for it. We then went out, and met with several teachers who were from the Woodstock school. Because of all our luggage, half of us had to wait behind as the driver was only able to fit so many bags, and persons. On the drive to the hotel, me and a teacher were fit on the passenger seat, while I held a seatbelt loosely across us, to make it look like we were wearing it. my rear end was quite uncomfortable, as it was resting on a corner of the center console.
After observing a strange landscape, we arrived at the hotel. the entrance to the airport, was mostly under construction. After trying to sleep at the hotel, which seemed strangely posh and superfluous in commodities, including nice elevators, in an area where power outages occur regularly, we awoke at 4 am, to tea and toast. then off to the train station in a bus, that smelled suspiciously of urine. As the city of Delhi passed by, it was all I could do but watch, a dark strange landscape pass before my eyes. People sleep on the streets, it was strange to see so many bodies littering sidewalks and to think they are but sleeping. The cityscape is one of constant construction, a common thing being sold was cement. A stark contrast, between large buildings, and huts made out of scraps, prevailed. The train station was chaotic, and crowds pushed through and around a single metal detector that was placed in the passageway to the tracks. It was ridiculously hot and humid and all of us were sweating buckets.
On the train ride, which was about 6 hours, I saw many different scenes. Small villages, where buildings seemed to be falling apart, ox carts being led on by handlers, then clean looking suburbs, (if you could call them that) and one area, where it seemed nothing but crazy fireworks, or something along those lines were being sold along the train tracks, and streets of the town. Finally we reached our destination and disembarked off the train.
From there we climbed on buses, and began our drive into the mountains. At first I thought that the drive would not be too steep. I was wrong. Before long, we were hurtling along roads that would be one way traffic sized, in the U.S. Unlike the U.S. however, these roads where two ways, with anything from motorcycles to large trucks passing us with inches to spare. At times, as I looked out the bus window, I found myself staring down thousand foot drops. *gulp*. Before on the train a teacher asked students if anyone had motion sickness from traveling, to determine if they needed medication for their stomachs. A fellow sage student, commented as the bus traversed such perilous roads, "they should have asked if we needed anxiety pills." Finally, after several hours it seemed of insane drops, cliffs, turns, and sublime views, we arrived at school. I collected my laptop bag, guitar, and backpack, and descended to my new home, Hostel dorm.
(I will fill you all in more in the days to come, need to finish some AP US reading at the moment, tales of the Bazaar, and the monkeys I've seen.)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
almost out the door.
hey.
so I guess I leave for India on Friday, plane leaves JFK at 5:05 or so. not too much interesting to say I'm afraid, since I am not yet out of the states. I just started this blog through my Google account cus I had one, and as for my display name, used Google translator to translate one of Mr. Alter's favorite sayings "young scholar(s)" into Hindi. to make myself more clear, I included the english translation.
for those of you who may be interested in my goings on while I am away from our little boarding school in washington Connecticut, feel free to follow this blog, for I will tell of my travels through it. while some may be envious that indeed, there is no school on Saturday's at Woodstock (the school's name), there are no after school commitments, and even more, there is no dress code, I will inform you that I start school about a month before you all, arriving on campus around the 2nd or 3rd of august.
I may try to implement some interesting Hindi words, and explain meanings, I might talk about monkeys stealing my food, or how fun it was going into the bazaar and buying tons of Indian stuff, whatever it might be, I hope that you my friends find enjoyment in reading about such exploits, or at least are distracted from whatever work you are doing for your teachers at our beloved Gunn.
I will post more in the many days to follow. good stuff
-Thom
so I guess I leave for India on Friday, plane leaves JFK at 5:05 or so. not too much interesting to say I'm afraid, since I am not yet out of the states. I just started this blog through my Google account cus I had one, and as for my display name, used Google translator to translate one of Mr. Alter's favorite sayings "young scholar(s)" into Hindi. to make myself more clear, I included the english translation.
for those of you who may be interested in my goings on while I am away from our little boarding school in washington Connecticut, feel free to follow this blog, for I will tell of my travels through it. while some may be envious that indeed, there is no school on Saturday's at Woodstock (the school's name), there are no after school commitments, and even more, there is no dress code, I will inform you that I start school about a month before you all, arriving on campus around the 2nd or 3rd of august.
I may try to implement some interesting Hindi words, and explain meanings, I might talk about monkeys stealing my food, or how fun it was going into the bazaar and buying tons of Indian stuff, whatever it might be, I hope that you my friends find enjoyment in reading about such exploits, or at least are distracted from whatever work you are doing for your teachers at our beloved Gunn.
I will post more in the many days to follow. good stuff
-Thom
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