Here at Land’s End

imageThe very southern tip of India, dubbed, land’s end, is where I am now attempting to arrange for my own solo volunteer teaching gig. The very first day was spent walking around to see the various monuments here. It was about a six-7 hour train ride to get here. This photo is one of the local mountains I saw shortly before arriving at the end of the line – Kanyakumari. image   The photo below is a monument commemorating where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes we’re strewn. image This next monument commemorates where Swami Vivekananda swam across a channel to one of the off-shore rock islands and meditated, after having wandered all over India to learn and discover what he could about the Indian people, their lives, and problems. I was very moved to read the passages attributed to him, and his inspiring leadership on behalf of the poor, the inhumanity of the caste system, and the true function of education. I’m glad I visited the center in town which is a self-contained intentional community based on his teachings. This gave me a context for why he’s so revered. image
So, my very first full day here, I walked all over the area, and had just come out of the Gandhi memorial when I was approached by two college students, wearing student ID badges, asking if I’d be willing to fill out a questionnaire about the tourism facilities and services for a class project they were doing. “sure,” I replied. Well, that response, and the conversation that transpired subsequently was a fateful occurrence. One of the students, Rahul, spoke the best English of anyone I’ve run across in town, including my 3-star hotel. He enthusiastically embraced my desire to find a local school in which to volunteer. His sister is a teacher, and his cousin and her husband are head Mistress and Principal in his village about a 30 minute drive from Kanyakumari. He promised to contact them on my behalf and see what he could arrange for me. This was Friday early evening, and I had to break-off and walk back up the hill, as he sun had set and it was darkening. Rahul came through as a wonderful ally, and by Monday morning both he an Cannan, the fellow-student accompanied me to the school where within an hour I was heartily received by faculty and students like royalty! After visiting two classes, I was received in Rahul’s parent’s home and treated to lunch there. It was my best day in India!

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Rahul’s mother was beside herself, having me visit. She kept gently holding my face in her hands and beaming and giggling. My oh my…how could I not feel joy to be received in such fashion?

I shall be here for two full weeks,then take the train to the nearest airport and probably swing by Goa again before leaving India. So, that’s all for now. Here’s a friendly wave from where three seas and two worlds meet.

Nancy Ashmead

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lanett says

    Hi Nancy…

    I love hearing about your adventures. Thanks for taking the time out of your schedule, to keep us up to date on your journey.

    Love and Hugs ~ Lanett

    • templeofbliss@gmail.com says

      Hi Lanett,

      Thanks for letting me know you’re reading my blog. I have no idea who reDs these, unless people leave comments.

      All is going well, as I wind down on my few final weeks in India.

  2. Alyssa Grass says

    Hi Nancy,

    Just wanted to send you a note to say that I spent part of my “snow day” today catching up on your blog, feeling joy for your joy and relishing all the experiences you have had in India. I am so happy for your journey! I am sure all of these experiences and memories will be accompanying you and enfolding you for quite some time.

    Wishing you continued joy and wonder,
    Alyssa xo

    • templeofbliss@gmail.com says

      Hi Alyssa,

      What a surprise to hear from you. Thanks for your response. Yes, teaching is a rich mix of overwhelm, enthusiasm, joy, challenge and sometimes hard-won satisfaction. At least here, the attitudes are very positive, so that part is very easy.

      Big hug to you and Ben,
      Nancy

  3. Margie Mee says

    What a fantastic day for you Nancy!!! I saved this email so I could have time to read it all and give it some careful thought! I could actually see this day you were experiencing, and how fantastic! YOur experiences in India will change you and are a great joy!

    Much love,

    Margie

  4. Collin Palmerston says

    I stopped by the Art Center to find you are on this new adventure; sweet to “see” you there! BlisSings!

  5. Anita George says

    Glad to see & hear the lovely moments in Kanyakumari. Many thanks for sharing. Hope you are doing great. Cheers

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