Kia ora,
I've been following this blog with avid interest, living vicariously behind this computer screen, hot chai latte in hand, as thoughts of our India experience two years ago come rolling in. A memory that sticks with me till today was the Secret Santa presents, of which Will Porter was accorded with the most prestigious one humanity ever witnessed (must ask Skeeno or ShaneTrain).
I also remember that when our time in Mumbai ticked round, we as a group began to form those emotional barricades, those barriers from the frenzy and extreme inequities that Mumbai espouses. Only being penetrated by further challenges abetted this hibernation from what was becoming a taxing and mentally exhausting country.
But what really helped was keeping an open mind. People may tell you the whole story (or what apparently is the whole story), exacerbate things and discourage you from doing things which they've done before. But how do you really 'know' something until you've tried it yourself? There is not a shred of doubt that you shouldn't try everything for the first time, but when you are immersed in a (relatively) safe environment in which you might begin to discover, challenge and sit on your identity, values and everyday attitudes of life, then don't let others' predispositions and thoughts overwhelm your own. This experience is a personal one, but one which is only as personal as you make it. Listen to your thoughts and most of all keep an open mind.
While the India experience might conclude soon in its administrative form, the journey that India symbolises has only begun.
Enjoy Goa, happy New Year, and safe travels to all,
Henry Yuen, AGS India Immersion Programme 2011-2012
I've been following this blog with avid interest, living vicariously behind this computer screen, hot chai latte in hand, as thoughts of our India experience two years ago come rolling in. A memory that sticks with me till today was the Secret Santa presents, of which Will Porter was accorded with the most prestigious one humanity ever witnessed (must ask Skeeno or ShaneTrain).
I also remember that when our time in Mumbai ticked round, we as a group began to form those emotional barricades, those barriers from the frenzy and extreme inequities that Mumbai espouses. Only being penetrated by further challenges abetted this hibernation from what was becoming a taxing and mentally exhausting country.
But what really helped was keeping an open mind. People may tell you the whole story (or what apparently is the whole story), exacerbate things and discourage you from doing things which they've done before. But how do you really 'know' something until you've tried it yourself? There is not a shred of doubt that you shouldn't try everything for the first time, but when you are immersed in a (relatively) safe environment in which you might begin to discover, challenge and sit on your identity, values and everyday attitudes of life, then don't let others' predispositions and thoughts overwhelm your own. This experience is a personal one, but one which is only as personal as you make it. Listen to your thoughts and most of all keep an open mind.
While the India experience might conclude soon in its administrative form, the journey that India symbolises has only begun.
Enjoy Goa, happy New Year, and safe travels to all,
Henry Yuen, AGS India Immersion Programme 2011-2012
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