So we know I've made it in Mumbai, now it may be time to coin me as a Mumbaikar (in the truest sense)...
Life on the rails can be hectic here, we all know that. CST alone has an intense atmosphere full of energy of the primordial type. Learn the routes, know the game, ebb and flow...
You've heard mention of a challenge to come and the challenge has been R&D'd for a few days now and don't worry, it may or may not be happening tomorrow...
Sometimes new challenges can arise unexpectedly...of the High Risk, Low Frequency type...
Things can happen in the blink of an eye. Things happen all the time that are not captured by a camera.
Today was my HRLF test of a lifetime...one of those things you've never had to do before. One of those things where you can't describe the results. Think beyond the adrenaline rush, try to understand the neurology.
No pictures, only words...
*CC/T standing on a platform discussing a successful visit to a school in Kala Killa and trying to figure out a challenge they have developed (one of 5 or 6 that need to be completed in the next few days)...nonchalant.
*There's an unusual or usual amount of people in the train station...and on the trains that have passed.
*CC/T are not moved by the abnormal or normal volume of traffic.
*Train arrives.
*People begin the usual...get off the train/get on the train (note: this is one of 15-20 cars per train)
*Another note...this happens in about 10 to 15 seconds...bring your A Game.
*CC is standing in front of T along with 20ish other people all around.
*CC gets a good route with a flow of people onto the train throwing bow along the way...T gets peppered by people exiting the train.
*Train starts to move.
*T looks to his right to catch the next car that is slowly moving towards him but is hit by the wall of people who have just exited the train.
*T looks to his left and sees the car where his partner in crime made entry beging to grow more distant.
*T ends up sprinting, leaping/diving, and crashing into the full car where his partner in crime is located...note: under the wing of a stranger who saw the division of the team.
*Cheers can be heard throughout the station and car as the team in reunited.
Je ne sais quoi...
What's important?
Stay up late. Get up early. Give. Observe. Learn. Laugh (even after the tricky situations like quick-boarding a train).
Saw our kids perform today...passion in the teaching has provided tangible results.
Also today...
Created art...or is the art already there, just needing to be recognized?
Appreciated art...because even Mumbaikars can be tourists - this metropolis is huge!
Remember those challenges? Tomorrow may or may not be Challenge Day Mumbai.
The CC/T cohort carries on.
Namaste hominids.
Life on the rails can be hectic here, we all know that. CST alone has an intense atmosphere full of energy of the primordial type. Learn the routes, know the game, ebb and flow...
You've heard mention of a challenge to come and the challenge has been R&D'd for a few days now and don't worry, it may or may not be happening tomorrow...
Sometimes new challenges can arise unexpectedly...of the High Risk, Low Frequency type...
Things can happen in the blink of an eye. Things happen all the time that are not captured by a camera.
Today was my HRLF test of a lifetime...one of those things you've never had to do before. One of those things where you can't describe the results. Think beyond the adrenaline rush, try to understand the neurology.
No pictures, only words...
*CC/T standing on a platform discussing a successful visit to a school in Kala Killa and trying to figure out a challenge they have developed (one of 5 or 6 that need to be completed in the next few days)...nonchalant.
*There's an unusual or usual amount of people in the train station...and on the trains that have passed.
*CC/T are not moved by the abnormal or normal volume of traffic.
*Train arrives.
*People begin the usual...get off the train/get on the train (note: this is one of 15-20 cars per train)
*Another note...this happens in about 10 to 15 seconds...bring your A Game.
*CC is standing in front of T along with 20ish other people all around.
*CC gets a good route with a flow of people onto the train throwing bow along the way...T gets peppered by people exiting the train.
*Train starts to move.
*T looks to his right to catch the next car that is slowly moving towards him but is hit by the wall of people who have just exited the train.
*T looks to his left and sees the car where his partner in crime made entry beging to grow more distant.
*T ends up sprinting, leaping/diving, and crashing into the full car where his partner in crime is located...note: under the wing of a stranger who saw the division of the team.
*Cheers can be heard throughout the station and car as the team in reunited.
 |
| Inside the car after being reunited. |
Je ne sais quoi...
What's important?
Stay up late. Get up early. Give. Observe. Learn. Laugh (even after the tricky situations like quick-boarding a train).
Saw our kids perform today...passion in the teaching has provided tangible results.
Also today...
Created art...or is the art already there, just needing to be recognized?
Appreciated art...because even Mumbaikars can be tourists - this metropolis is huge!
Remember those challenges? Tomorrow may or may not be Challenge Day Mumbai.
The CC/T cohort carries on.
Namaste hominids.
Hey duder! I'm glad you and your partner successfully boarded the train, and that your athleticism helped you dive onto the crowded vessel!
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading a book written by one of my professors from Semester at Sea, and in it was her journal entry from when we departed India. I thought it was relevant to your travels and you could definitely relate:
"Greetings from India! We're due to depart tonight and set sail for Malaysia. Everyone says 'India changes you.' You think you know a little something about LIfe, and India smacks you upside your head with incredible majesty and unyielding poverty side by side. The proximity of the sublime and grit is overwhelming. You must submit to both in yourself. You are changed."
Continue to enjoy your time in India and know that you will never be the same after you leave. And neither will those who you have encountered. Namaste duder!
NickOOO
Wow crazy
ReplyDelete