I took a long weekend to visit friends (who are like family) to me in Varanasi. To descend from the mountains of Manali, it was hot, but the locals manage the heat with cooling foods: curds, certain vegetables and fruits, and by slowing down, especially in the hottest part of the day. I visited Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, the university where I taught 4 years ago in time to observe oral examinations for Social Work students. I went to see a Bollywood movie, “Ready” with our dear housemate, Shalu, the little girl-turned teenager who still calls me Auntie. I’ve boasted that Bollywood films are fairly easy for me to grasp even though in Hindi, until I asked Shalu for storyline clarifications and found that the plot was much more complicated than my version. Everyone I saw was pleased to see me, but eager to see the blond, curly haired little boy that made everyone smile when we lived there, each asking, “But where is Leo?”
I also visited the guesthouse at Banaras Hindu University and am contemplating the possibilities for a summer program that involves exchange with BHU students. BHU is a nice campus, with enormous trees. The shade from the trees makes it relatively cooler than the city. I envision a sunrise boat ride on the holy Ganges River, a view of the constant motion and color at Dashashwamedh Ghat, inspiring lecture with professors and discussion with students, followed by 3 weeks in the mountains in order to provide students a diverse study abroad experience.
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