I spent a total of 11 hours on the train to and from Calcutta yesterday to get permission to shoot for a project I'm working on in Dhanbad, only to get all the way there and find out the director I needed to speak with wasn't in. It's been three weeks here in India now and I'm trying to keep a zen and open mind, but there are a few things to get used to, like Indian bathrooms, hygiene, trains, queues (or lack thereof), being constantly stared at and followed around by stunned people and children when I shoot. Every once and a while I find my New York anger boiling up but it's clear that my western middle class frame of mind simply won't work for me here. For all my bitching I have to give credit, just when I feel ready to throw up my hands in frustration something seems to pop up and give me exactly what I need.
5 comments:
India (and every other South Asian country really) is playfully referred to as the "land of the No." you'll never get anything if you ask for it, and neither if you ask again. but just as you're about to give up, fate will relent and let you have your way.
The joyss of discovering a new culture and country are equally balanced by the frustrations. But ultimately, it's worth it. You are having the adventure of a lifetime, seeing places that most people only dream of.
All you seek will be yours.
I agree with Janice. You are on a wonderful journey, and although roadblocks will occur, you are strong enough to overcome them and succeed
OMG! I'm so impressed..... your images are spectacular. It sounds like a fantastic "trip" in every sense of the word. It makes me feel like I did in my youth when I see and listen to your adventures and discovery. YOU GO GIRL !!!! just keep in touch..........
Allison---very happy and excited for you. Please know that I will sharing your blog and breathtaking photos with my current students. Thanks for sharing!
Mary Lou Buell
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