It has been a relaxing yet exciting week at MCC. Although we have been chilling around campus, it was easy to get pumped up considering that this was Diwali week. A noticeable feeling of excitement radiated across campus and permeated the streets of the Tambaram market. Early in the week, Dr. Suresh showed us a place in the market where we could purchase delicious goodies from a local bakery. I chose a box of doughnut-like pastries that hit the spot. Dr. Suresh also purchased a small box of fireworks so that we could practice shooting them off for Diwali. It cracked me up to see how giddy and excited Dr. Suresh became when the fuses were lit.
We also made a trip down the highway to the money exchange office. There was a sign on the wall in the office that read, "After withdrawing money, go directly home; do not stop for tea or chat with friends." On the way back from the exchange office, I saw a man crossing the busy street with his elephant.
This week was also a monumental week in that I tried doing yoga. We have an instructor who comes to campus early in the morning and puts us through our paces. Although I have learned some useful stretches, the experience has not been entirely seamless - I blew out the crotch in by athletic shorts when I tried to do the "wood chop squat."
Today was Diwali! It's like a fusion of Christmas, Haloween, and the 4th of July - gifts, good food, costumes, and fireworks are all piled into one rockin' holiday. We spent the day at the Muthukrishnan home. It was so cool to see where Dr. Suresh grew up. Stephen and Suresh's cousin set off fireworks outside while everyone watched from the front porch. Judging by the explosive force, there is no way these fireworks would be available to the public in the US! Lunch was served to us on a banana leaf as we sat "Indian style" on the dining room floor. I was able to perfect my hand-eating technique; pinch, twist, and thumb flick is the optimal sequence. We are getting ready to meet up with students and faculty from Davidson for a Diwali dinner. It will be nice to see other students from the US.
Tomorrow we are leaving for a 5-day trip to Tiuchirappalli. Check in early next week for an update on our adventures.
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| 1,000 shells... |
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| On the roof at Suresh's house |
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