It's almost 11 a.m. Most people are in their offices and a lucky few on a weekend break. I've been in my "office" since 7:30 and have done precious little to show for it. Feeling "useless" and a bit guilty for not working.
I've been sharing my ideas with people -- Sunil, shopkeepers, people who drop in. I've even offered to teach English to children. So far no one has responded. I'm still wondering how to go about publicizing the fact that I am willing to teach English and other soft skills to people for a nominal fee. The fee is more to ensure that they take me seriously.
Would it have made a difference if I were a woman? YES! Single men -- even old ones -- are looked upon with suspicion. The very first day Mitali was here, she was able to talk to the girl who lives opposite us about home delivery of food. In fact, the girl met us on the street a few days later and gave us the phone number of a food caterer who delivered meals to people. I can't imagine such a thing happening with me. Firstly, if I spoke to the girl she would think I'm wierd! Secondly, she wouldn't go out of the way to give me the phone number.
I'm glad I have Sunil as a neighbour. He drops in every day before going to work to see if I need anything. He arranges for everything -- electrician, newpaper, bike mechanic, optician... I just have to mention I need something and the next thing you know is that he's got it organized. I must find a way to show my gratitude.
Right now I wish I were a woman or at least have a woman here who would help me do a bit of local networking.
I spoke to Tom this morning. He said that both he and Roisin were sad to leave and that they had a great time at Roldih and will be keeping in touch. That's nice. I won't get to meet them as they are taking a bus to Kolkata and not going via Bolpur. And because of the threatened transport strike I don't wish to go to Kolkata and get stuck there. I MUST stay put here for a while and grow some roots.
People should know that I live here. Even though I've taken the place on rent in July, I've hardly lived here!
That's all for now... Time to upload a fresh face for Facebook!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Bolpur Blues III
Got a few extra plug points installed in the house yesterday. The electrician took all day to put them in the kitchen, dining area, living room and my office. He works very well. But is very slow and very methodical. Anyway, I think the Bolpur house is all set. Now to start work!
Honestly, I don't know where to begin. I'm already sent out feelers to the secretary of a club down the lane. Apparently they used to have classes for poor children but discontinued because they couldn't find volunteers. I've already mentioned that I am willing to volunteer... but there's a bit of a problem here -- the "club" is politically sponsored and the "club members" apparently only gather there to drink! I don't know how true this is. But that's the rumor that's floating around.
I am wondering if I should start a new blog about my days in Bolpur. Dakshinayan Diary can become Roldih Ramblings and Bolpur events can be recorded in Bolpur Blues..... any comments or suggestions?
Honestly, I don't know where to begin. I'm already sent out feelers to the secretary of a club down the lane. Apparently they used to have classes for poor children but discontinued because they couldn't find volunteers. I've already mentioned that I am willing to volunteer... but there's a bit of a problem here -- the "club" is politically sponsored and the "club members" apparently only gather there to drink! I don't know how true this is. But that's the rumor that's floating around.
I am wondering if I should start a new blog about my days in Bolpur. Dakshinayan Diary can become Roldih Ramblings and Bolpur events can be recorded in Bolpur Blues..... any comments or suggestions?
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Bolpur Blues II
People complain when I don’t write the blog and yet, when I do put up something on Dakshinayan Diary, I get no comments! Actually, my beard – and now the lack of it – attracted more comments than the blog or my move to Bolpur!
Sunil, my neighbour and friend in Bolpur, just gave me a datacard. Someone had given it to him as a promo offer and he never used it and had even misplaced it. But last night he found it and gave it to me this morning. Of course it need to be “loaded” with money, but the surfing rate is much cheaper. Let’s hope it works.
As a goodwill gesture I let him use my bike for today. He’s bike is being repaired. So that’s the least I could do for him. Besides, I am unable to mount the bike! I can.... but it’s an effort. I really have grown old! So ever since it came, it’s been used only once and has been lying in the garage ever since. I’m glad it’s being used. At least it will be in running condition. Meanwhile, Sunil is trying to find me a scooter. Apparently, I can find one fairly cheap. In fact, someone was supposed to come over this morning with an old scooter, but did not show up. But according to Sunil, people don’t want scooters anymore and so sooner or later, we are going to find one. Sooner, I hope.
I would gladly give away my bike to Sunil. But yesterday I spoke to Bhola and he says he misses the bike and needs it. Well, if that’s the case, the bike can go back to the project. But I’m wondering why, if the bike is so essential to the project, it is not kept in good repair? I just spent Rs 3000 to get it repaired and in running condition. And now that it is working fine, suddenly it is badly needed on the project? I recall that whenever I asked people why the bike was not being used, I was told it’s not needed really. I should sell it. One of Bhola’s million cousins wanted to buy it, etc, etc. And now Bhola says he needs it on the project and that selling it wouldn’t be a good idea. And that I’m too old to ride a bike anyway!
Bhola also told me that he had cooked mushrooms on the project! The volunteers loved it. I love mushrooms too. But after one very bad and scary experience in Paharpur, I have given up eating local mushrooms. I prefer the “button” mushrooms available at vegetable stores to the ones growing wild in and around the ashram during this season. But I suppose Bhola knows what he is doing.
Sunil, my neighbour and friend in Bolpur, just gave me a datacard. Someone had given it to him as a promo offer and he never used it and had even misplaced it. But last night he found it and gave it to me this morning. Of course it need to be “loaded” with money, but the surfing rate is much cheaper. Let’s hope it works.
As a goodwill gesture I let him use my bike for today. He’s bike is being repaired. So that’s the least I could do for him. Besides, I am unable to mount the bike! I can.... but it’s an effort. I really have grown old! So ever since it came, it’s been used only once and has been lying in the garage ever since. I’m glad it’s being used. At least it will be in running condition. Meanwhile, Sunil is trying to find me a scooter. Apparently, I can find one fairly cheap. In fact, someone was supposed to come over this morning with an old scooter, but did not show up. But according to Sunil, people don’t want scooters anymore and so sooner or later, we are going to find one. Sooner, I hope.
I would gladly give away my bike to Sunil. But yesterday I spoke to Bhola and he says he misses the bike and needs it. Well, if that’s the case, the bike can go back to the project. But I’m wondering why, if the bike is so essential to the project, it is not kept in good repair? I just spent Rs 3000 to get it repaired and in running condition. And now that it is working fine, suddenly it is badly needed on the project? I recall that whenever I asked people why the bike was not being used, I was told it’s not needed really. I should sell it. One of Bhola’s million cousins wanted to buy it, etc, etc. And now Bhola says he needs it on the project and that selling it wouldn’t be a good idea. And that I’m too old to ride a bike anyway!
Bhola also told me that he had cooked mushrooms on the project! The volunteers loved it. I love mushrooms too. But after one very bad and scary experience in Paharpur, I have given up eating local mushrooms. I prefer the “button” mushrooms available at vegetable stores to the ones growing wild in and around the ashram during this season. But I suppose Bhola knows what he is doing.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Bolpur Blues
Today is perhaps the first day that I am at home. It feels that way. All of July I felt I was settling in. Today, for the first time, I feel settled. I woke up, did my pranayam, had breakfast, had a bath and am now sitting at the computer.
The internet problem has not been solved. No one seems to know how to get “unlimited” net connectivity. So I am getting online via my cell phone and it’s costing me the earth. I don’t quite like the idea of going to an internet cafe – they ask too many questions and peer over your shoulder at times. Quite disconcerting.
There’s not much to “see” in Bolpur and I think I’ve covered most of it during my earlier visits to the place. But I do need to get to know people and make friends. And I really need to figure out how to start work. I think I’ll think this month. And then start something next month. Of course, life is full of surprises and plans don’t always work out the way we want them to.
The news from the project is good. I have been speaking to Tom and Roisin occasionally. They both seem fine and keep saying “everything is fine”. It’s a pity they have to leave earlier than they expected to. There’s a transport strike in West Bengal from the 10th till the 12th. And they have a flight to catch on the 11th. So they have to be in Kolkata on the 9th. But to do that they need to leave Godda on the 8th. And since 8th is a Sunday and the police station is closed, they have to leave on the 7th. According to Bhola, they seem ok with it. He’s already booked them on the Godda-Kolkata bus on 7th night.
The volunteers for August are already in India and due to arrive in Kolkata on the 9th. I am trying to work it out so that they can catch the train to Bolpur on the 10th. Once they reach here, Bhola can drive them to the project.
I’m glad the kids are going to have two months of English – July and August. There are still no volunteers for September and the rest of the year. But given the state of the world’s economy, this is not surprising. Renee may come back in November and that would be great. I am hoping her plans work out.
I have no plans for the rest of the day. I’ll probably sort out my papers (Amie! Wish you were here!), cook myself a decent meal (I had Maggie noodles for lunch and dinner yesterday), take a nap in the afternoon and maybe watch some tv!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Bolpur (Shanti Niketan)
Sometimes, when there's a lot to say, it's hard to figure out where to begin. The cliche is begin at the beginning. So where's the beginning? I just read the last post and it seems that I haven't written anything for over a month! And it has been a rather unusual and hectic month for me. No wonder I did not get around to writing anything. Anyway, let me briefly fill you in on what's been happening.
Towards the end of June, when I had almost given up all hopes of ever finding a place to rent in Bolpur, I got a call my friend Jayati saying that a friend of a friend was willing to rent out her "outhouse" to a single person. So I lost no time going to Bolpur to check it out. And since I was going to there, I decided to call Sunil, one of Mitali's acquaintances, to find out if he had any news regarding places on rent. Indeed he did have news -- there was an independent house on rent.
Anyway, to shorten the story, let's say, I liked both places but decided to settle for the Sunil option. Firstly, it's an independent house with it's own garden, garage and well (Bolpur suffers from chronic water shortage). Secondly, it is next to the main market and yet very quiet because it's located in a quiet lane parallel to the main road. Thirdly, the house is owned by Sunil's sister and this is a big advantage. They are not going to object to me using it as an office. In fact, Sunil is keen that I start something there. Fourthly, Sunil is right next door and he has been extremely helpful. So all in all, I couldn't have expected a better deal even in my dreams. Honestly.
On the 28th of June I called Sunil and finalized the deal and on the 29th I rushed off to a meeting in Sikkim. It took me practically the whole day to reach Gangtok. The following day I spent driving to Namchi and back to visit a project. When I got back, I was feeling ill and had to skip the wonderful dinner hosted by the MP, who also happens to be a friend. Spent the whole of the next day travelling back to Kolkata. By the time I got back, I was really very sick and was laid up for a whole week with fever.
On the 9th Bhola moves some of my belonging from Roldih to Bolpur and then came to Kolkata and took some more of my stuff from Kolkata to Bolpur on the 10th. I followed by trian. Mitali and Tom and Roisin, the new volunteers, arrived by train the following day. When we reached Bolpur, we discoved that the house was a mess as Sunil had decided to renovate the bathroom! So when the others arrived we had to stay with the neighbours! Anyway, after a very uncomfortable stay (because of mosquitoes and frequent power cuts), we decided to go to Roldih.
It was great being back in Roldih. The place looked a little "neglected" in places and "freshly cleaned" in certain areas. Anyway, it was nice to be back. The trees have really grown taller and some of the children too! The school seems to be functioning smoothly and children are still very disciplined and dedicated. Bhola, Suman, Shanku, Kartik, Raiman and Radha are obviously doing a good job. Kartik is in some ways "running the school". Shanku teaches too. But I suspect it's more to avoid doing any physical work. In fact, Bhola thinks he's down right lazy. However, Shanku is the oldest person there and is quite reliable. Suman, was very, very quiet while I was there. He's quiet to begin with. But even more quiet now. Bhola feels it's because he was in pain. He had hurt himself a few days earlier while playing football with the children. Anyway, the project is doing ok and now that I am in Bolpur, perhaps I'll get to visit more often. However, I am definitely not going to "run" the project or "interfere". I told Bhola that I will be giving "suggestions" and not "intsructions" and that he will be responsible for all that happens on the project.
Tom and Roisin seemed happy to be in Roldih. He wasted no time getting to know the place and were making efforts to get to know the children when I last saw them. I've since heard that they have fitted in very well and are doing a great job of teaching the kids and seem to have grown quite attached to the place! I've spoken to them a few times over the phone. They seemed to be ok. Soon it will be time for them to leave. And right now I am waiting to hear from the three volunteers who are expected to join us in August.
Anyway, after spending two restless nights on bug infested and damp mattresses that were lying in Bhola's room, Mitali and I returned to Bolpur along with Bhola. By this time the bathroom was ready and looked really fabulous. We sorted out the furniture, the various bits and pieces of stuff and generally "settled" down.
Bhola went back to Roldih and Mitali returned to Kolkata. And I continued with the process of "settling down" for a few more days before taking off for Tripura on the 21st. I got back to Kolkata on the 27th and left for Bolpur the same day with Mitali in tow. She helped me organize my things, make the place respectable and yesterday, on the spur of the moment I decided to come to Kolkata to pick up a few more of my belonging and also reply to mail and write this blog. I still don't have a net connection Bolpur and if I use the data card that I have, it costs me an arm and a leg just to log on! Hence, this trip to Kolkata. If you don't hear from me for the next few days, it's going to be because of no net!
Now that I am almost "settled", I'll now start concentrating on work. I have many ideas floating in my head. It's time to figure out what is practical and what is not. But finding the place has convinced me once again that things happen when they are meant to happen. That doesn't mean we shouldn't try!
Towards the end of June, when I had almost given up all hopes of ever finding a place to rent in Bolpur, I got a call my friend Jayati saying that a friend of a friend was willing to rent out her "outhouse" to a single person. So I lost no time going to Bolpur to check it out. And since I was going to there, I decided to call Sunil, one of Mitali's acquaintances, to find out if he had any news regarding places on rent. Indeed he did have news -- there was an independent house on rent.
Anyway, to shorten the story, let's say, I liked both places but decided to settle for the Sunil option. Firstly, it's an independent house with it's own garden, garage and well (Bolpur suffers from chronic water shortage). Secondly, it is next to the main market and yet very quiet because it's located in a quiet lane parallel to the main road. Thirdly, the house is owned by Sunil's sister and this is a big advantage. They are not going to object to me using it as an office. In fact, Sunil is keen that I start something there. Fourthly, Sunil is right next door and he has been extremely helpful. So all in all, I couldn't have expected a better deal even in my dreams. Honestly.
On the 28th of June I called Sunil and finalized the deal and on the 29th I rushed off to a meeting in Sikkim. It took me practically the whole day to reach Gangtok. The following day I spent driving to Namchi and back to visit a project. When I got back, I was feeling ill and had to skip the wonderful dinner hosted by the MP, who also happens to be a friend. Spent the whole of the next day travelling back to Kolkata. By the time I got back, I was really very sick and was laid up for a whole week with fever.
On the 9th Bhola moves some of my belonging from Roldih to Bolpur and then came to Kolkata and took some more of my stuff from Kolkata to Bolpur on the 10th. I followed by trian. Mitali and Tom and Roisin, the new volunteers, arrived by train the following day. When we reached Bolpur, we discoved that the house was a mess as Sunil had decided to renovate the bathroom! So when the others arrived we had to stay with the neighbours! Anyway, after a very uncomfortable stay (because of mosquitoes and frequent power cuts), we decided to go to Roldih.
It was great being back in Roldih. The place looked a little "neglected" in places and "freshly cleaned" in certain areas. Anyway, it was nice to be back. The trees have really grown taller and some of the children too! The school seems to be functioning smoothly and children are still very disciplined and dedicated. Bhola, Suman, Shanku, Kartik, Raiman and Radha are obviously doing a good job. Kartik is in some ways "running the school". Shanku teaches too. But I suspect it's more to avoid doing any physical work. In fact, Bhola thinks he's down right lazy. However, Shanku is the oldest person there and is quite reliable. Suman, was very, very quiet while I was there. He's quiet to begin with. But even more quiet now. Bhola feels it's because he was in pain. He had hurt himself a few days earlier while playing football with the children. Anyway, the project is doing ok and now that I am in Bolpur, perhaps I'll get to visit more often. However, I am definitely not going to "run" the project or "interfere". I told Bhola that I will be giving "suggestions" and not "intsructions" and that he will be responsible for all that happens on the project.
Tom and Roisin seemed happy to be in Roldih. He wasted no time getting to know the place and were making efforts to get to know the children when I last saw them. I've since heard that they have fitted in very well and are doing a great job of teaching the kids and seem to have grown quite attached to the place! I've spoken to them a few times over the phone. They seemed to be ok. Soon it will be time for them to leave. And right now I am waiting to hear from the three volunteers who are expected to join us in August.
Anyway, after spending two restless nights on bug infested and damp mattresses that were lying in Bhola's room, Mitali and I returned to Bolpur along with Bhola. By this time the bathroom was ready and looked really fabulous. We sorted out the furniture, the various bits and pieces of stuff and generally "settled" down.
Bhola went back to Roldih and Mitali returned to Kolkata. And I continued with the process of "settling down" for a few more days before taking off for Tripura on the 21st. I got back to Kolkata on the 27th and left for Bolpur the same day with Mitali in tow. She helped me organize my things, make the place respectable and yesterday, on the spur of the moment I decided to come to Kolkata to pick up a few more of my belonging and also reply to mail and write this blog. I still don't have a net connection Bolpur and if I use the data card that I have, it costs me an arm and a leg just to log on! Hence, this trip to Kolkata. If you don't hear from me for the next few days, it's going to be because of no net!
Now that I am almost "settled", I'll now start concentrating on work. I have many ideas floating in my head. It's time to figure out what is practical and what is not. But finding the place has convinced me once again that things happen when they are meant to happen. That doesn't mean we shouldn't try!
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