After exploring India for three weeks, I’ve experienced the diverse ways people move in this country. In today’s modern society, it’s tempting to opt for isolated travel – air conditioning to aid in comfort, quick flights, or convenient Ubers that shield you from the vibrant surroundings. However, over the past three weeks, we have instead…Continue Reading Transit Tales: Exploring the Plurality of Ways People Move
As an Economics major I’ve had the pleasure of studying many different economies. Never however did I expect that the most intriguing economy would be found in the heart of Mumbai, concealed beneath the tag of Asia’s largest slum. Welcome my friends, to Dharavi. Despite covering a mere 3 sq km, Dharavi is a bustling hub…Continue Reading Dharavi: A Lesson in Economics
Having spent the first ten days of our whirlwind tour of India immersed in bustling cities, innovative tech startups and vibrant streetscapes, I was not prepared for how dramatically different our next destination would be. Instead of bright neon lights and honking auto-rickshaws, Hampi was an expansive green landscape of rice-paddy fields and palm trees, interrupted only by towering mountains of red granite…Continue Reading The Adventures of India-na Jones in Hampi
It was the end of a grey workweek at Ena’s instrument store in the streets of Sarajevo, Bosnia. A retired musician, the peak of Ena’s career was over; however, the impact of her music rippled throughout generations. Her hit song, “Sisters of War,” with the warm notes of the accordion and the ethereal heights of…Continue Reading Harmonious Histories: Ena’s Journey to Hampi
Since my first blog, it has been 2 weeks, only 2 weeks! Every single day we experience and learn so much. My perspective continually evolves. Since my last blog, we have been to Mysuru, Bengaluru, Hampi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Five cities with many people to watch, learn and grow from. I have been able to…Continue Reading Evolving Perspective: Resilience within India
In Japanese culture, there is a concept called ‘ikigai.’ Much like the language that often defies direct translation, ikigai doesn’t lend itself to easy explanations. One interpretation (with gratitude to my mum for the endorsed definition) is that ikigai is finding joy in life through a blend of doing what you love, what you’re skilled…Continue Reading Discovering Your Ikigai in India
It’s been a long week. Maybe the longest so far, but all for good reasons. As I try to make sense of the abundance of experiences, emotions, and relationalities that have been held within this week, the theme of negotiation is woven into many of them. The week started with lectures on Mapuche and Aymara…Continue Reading Negotiation and Reflection
The Banyan tree can reach heights of over 30 metres. But a single tree can also cover over 1 km² of land. It starts with a single trunk and grows laterally deploying aerial roots that essentially become trunks, supporting the tree as it spreads wider and wider. The Banyan tree is a symbol of longevity….Continue Reading Embracing the Paradox of Life
“Accept all that is happening around you… Accept the sounds and the movement of India” Gilles Chuyen (our Bollywood dance instructor) There were so many things that had me excited about coming to India – the people, the culture, the food, the architecture, the music, the traffic, the spirituality, the diversity. But perhaps highest among…Continue Reading Learning the Secrets of Life in Bollywood Dance Class
On the 26th of January, almost three weeks since arriving in India, I experienced my lowest moment. Physically, I was completely fine. My health is, and has been, at 100% (touch wood). But emotionally, I felt a swirling tornado of emotions that ripped apart the metaphorical shelter that protected me from the harsh reality of…Continue Reading A Bag Of Bananas