People who live in Mumbai have amazing spacial awareness. Seriously folks. Any old three lane highway could easily fit four cars and a motorcycle widthwise if everyone really knew where the edges of their cars were. And really...do busses HAVE to come to a full stop. Wouldn't we all be less fearful people in general if we all knew how to jump onto and off of a moving bus.
I have been travelling alot by taxi, rickshaw and recently braved the train. I need to commute about 4 hours a day to get to my two classes and home again. Once I get more proficient on the train, hopefully that time will decrease. I am proud to say that I already feel comfortable on the road and no longer grip the nearest object or person in the cab whenever we come 3 inches away from another vehicle. The drivers know what they are doing and I get that now. However, I also know the Hindi words for "please slow down".
I have a little Delhi (Mumbai) belly happening. I had one day where I didn't feel good but now I'm feeling much better. My health is good!
I finally met Shiamak Devar. He is lovely, inspiring and treats his staff and students like family. There are 5 teachers here from Canada (1 jazz, 2 hiphop, 1 b-boy, 1 ballet and contemporary). This is the first time Shiamak has brought in so many foreign folks to teach for him. Today, we were on the front page of the Bombay Times. As it was my one day off I wandered around town, bought some newspapers and got my haircut to celebrate.
My students continue to be adorable. They call out my name when I see them and they'd offer me their whole lunch if I'd let them. After class, if I don't have to rush to another one, I am always offered some chai and someone will want to sit and relax with me for a few minutes. There is so much rushing about here that people like to take some time to just sit down, visit and relax for a few minutes throughout the day.
As many of you know from visiting India or just knowing about India, there are many economic levels to society here. Of course, because I am white, people think that I have money. However, I feel lucky because it means that I get to interact with little children everytime they come asking for coins from me. I don't give them coins, but I'll give them a banana or even water here and there. There were three dirty, beautiful chilren poking their heads through the window of my taxi the other day in their underwear.
This next week will be full of adventure again. My students will take their first ballet test this week in preparation for an exam at the end of the month. I will get more familiar with the train. I'll make friends with more street dogs....but not touch them. Much love to you all from the land where beauty reigns!!
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