Dharmasala is the current home of the Dali Lama. Or as he's properly called, His Holiness the Dalia Lama. He's actually in town while I'm here, but he's been sick so he's had to cancel his normal talks he gives during the days. So no chance for me to hang with the man.
I did learn some interesting stuff about his situation though. I learned Tibet is screwed. The country of Tibet is like the Navajo nation in America. A small culturally unified group of people who are getting the shaft. China's plan is to overrun Tibet with Chinese people. Since there are over a billion Chinese, their plan will probably work.
Another interesting fact regards the Panchen Lama. The Panchen lama is the successor of the Dali Lama. The Panchen is chosen at a very young age by the Dali Lama and is educated and raised to follow in the footsteps of the man.
In China's attempt to continue their illegal rule over Tibet, they kidnapped the Panchen and probably killed him for all we know. He's been missing ten years. The worlds youngest political prisoner was eight years old. China then choose to pick their own Panchen and they decided he will be the next Dali Lama.
So when you watch the Olympics and see China is all their glory remember that this is the country that killed the next Dali Lama. Talk about bad karma. Whew... I'd hate to be those guys. Although living in the country that has the distinguished honor of being the only country on the planet to drop a nuclear bomb has it's own risks.
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Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Sally Baker
As an artist, I'm influenced by everything I come across. People play an important part in my life. I get so many new ideas from the people I come across. In the past, I was adamantly against watercolors. 'That medium is just for little old ladies. Everything can be done with tricks and shortcuts. It's an annoying medium. etc. etc.' My list of complaints went on and on.
Sally Baker was one of the first people who pushed me into the direction of watercolors. She gave me ideas and recomendations. She gave me little bits of knowledge that may not have seemed much at the time, but have really taken me far. That's how I learn anyway. A teacher tells me one or two things and I go with that for weeks, months, years, however long it takes and then I go back for a couple more bits of knowledge. 'Slowly slowly' as they say in India.
We talked about watercolors for a long time before I actually ever saw her work, and when I did I was blown away. Her work is completely opposite of mine, her procedures and work style are foriegn to me, but quality is quality and I can appreciate that anywhere. I figured I had this blog that people read it, so I'd tell everyone to check out her artwork. The watercolors she does are amazing.
Sally Baker was one of the first people who pushed me into the direction of watercolors. She gave me ideas and recomendations. She gave me little bits of knowledge that may not have seemed much at the time, but have really taken me far. That's how I learn anyway. A teacher tells me one or two things and I go with that for weeks, months, years, however long it takes and then I go back for a couple more bits of knowledge. 'Slowly slowly' as they say in India.
We talked about watercolors for a long time before I actually ever saw her work, and when I did I was blown away. Her work is completely opposite of mine, her procedures and work style are foriegn to me, but quality is quality and I can appreciate that anywhere. I figured I had this blog that people read it, so I'd tell everyone to check out her artwork. The watercolors she does are amazing.
Who wants to move to Reston, Virginia?
There's nothing like being on vacation and being reminded of home. Right now I've learned that my tenants in my townhouse are moving out. What a bother. I just want to hang out and paint, I didn't come here to deal with this landlord crap.
Fortunately for me, I have the worlds best real estate agent. If you haven't heard of him, his name is Tom Kavanaugh. It's absurd what a good real estate agent he is. Anyone can sell a house, but Tom knows houses. He knows what sells, he knows how to sell them, he knows his market and he knows his buyers. And best of all, he knows me.
Here I am in India about as far away from my house as I can get, and I don't have to worry about a thing. He's taking care of everything. And I mean everything. He's dealing with the tenants, he's fronting the money to have it fixed up and he'll put it on the market when it's time. It's possible that when I return to America it will all be taken care of. Smooth and effortless, just like when I bought the house in the first place.
That was a story in itself. When I first wanted to buy, we looked and looked at a bunch of houses, I told him my requirements - backs to woods, private porch - and he did the rest. In fact he started writing the contract even before I saw the house. He calls me up at work and says 'go here, that's your house, I'm writing the contract now. Come to the office when you're done to sign it.' Now that is service.
Even when we were writing the contract, I didn't worry about a thing. I didn't read any of the papers, all I did was sign and initial wherever he said to. I didn't feel that it was my job to read all that stuff. If you've ever bought a house you know the ridiculous amount of paper work involved. I couldn't imagine reading all that legal mumbo jumbo. I figured that it is Tom's job to make sure I don't get ripped off. You may say that is naive, but life is all about surrounding yourself with people you trust, and that way there are no worries.
So if you're buying or selling a house in the VA/DC area, please contact Tom Kavanaugh. I'd put his contact information here, but I need to ask him first. So if you need his info, contact me and I'll be happy to give it to you. Tell him I sent you, but it wont' get you anything special. He treats all his clients in the same professional way. Although, I doubt he'd sell your house for you if you're in India, that's a special 'friend' deal.
Fortunately for me, I have the worlds best real estate agent. If you haven't heard of him, his name is Tom Kavanaugh. It's absurd what a good real estate agent he is. Anyone can sell a house, but Tom knows houses. He knows what sells, he knows how to sell them, he knows his market and he knows his buyers. And best of all, he knows me.
Here I am in India about as far away from my house as I can get, and I don't have to worry about a thing. He's taking care of everything. And I mean everything. He's dealing with the tenants, he's fronting the money to have it fixed up and he'll put it on the market when it's time. It's possible that when I return to America it will all be taken care of. Smooth and effortless, just like when I bought the house in the first place.
That was a story in itself. When I first wanted to buy, we looked and looked at a bunch of houses, I told him my requirements - backs to woods, private porch - and he did the rest. In fact he started writing the contract even before I saw the house. He calls me up at work and says 'go here, that's your house, I'm writing the contract now. Come to the office when you're done to sign it.' Now that is service.
Even when we were writing the contract, I didn't worry about a thing. I didn't read any of the papers, all I did was sign and initial wherever he said to. I didn't feel that it was my job to read all that stuff. If you've ever bought a house you know the ridiculous amount of paper work involved. I couldn't imagine reading all that legal mumbo jumbo. I figured that it is Tom's job to make sure I don't get ripped off. You may say that is naive, but life is all about surrounding yourself with people you trust, and that way there are no worries.
So if you're buying or selling a house in the VA/DC area, please contact Tom Kavanaugh. I'd put his contact information here, but I need to ask him first. So if you need his info, contact me and I'll be happy to give it to you. Tell him I sent you, but it wont' get you anything special. He treats all his clients in the same professional way. Although, I doubt he'd sell your house for you if you're in India, that's a special 'friend' deal.
Dharamasala
Now I'm in Dharmasala. Home to the big man himself, the Dali Lama. He's on the computer behind me checking his email and surfing for the best prices on the latest cell phones. Did I mention how many indians have cell phones now? It's ridiculous. Their cellphones are better then ours too. American cellphones and phone companies are stuck in the stoneages. US coverage blows. Ther are places right outside our nations capitol where I can't get coverage.
Being in the mountains again has been nice. Kerala was the jungle, Jaisalmer was the desert and now I'm in the real mountains. The Himalaya's. Dharmasala is a small town, situated on a steep hillside. It's really laid back here. The shop sellers are less annoying, but they still have their moments. Last week I heard it snowed here, but now it's comfortable even at night.
More people smoke cigarettes then the rest of india. The rest of india chews this tobacco like stuff. I'm not sure what it is they are chewing exactly, but it most be addictive. After years of chewing this stuff, a persons teeth turn all red and then eventually fall out. I guess that's not that big of a deal in a country where you can't really get a divorce.
Being in the mountains again has been nice. Kerala was the jungle, Jaisalmer was the desert and now I'm in the real mountains. The Himalaya's. Dharmasala is a small town, situated on a steep hillside. It's really laid back here. The shop sellers are less annoying, but they still have their moments. Last week I heard it snowed here, but now it's comfortable even at night.
More people smoke cigarettes then the rest of india. The rest of india chews this tobacco like stuff. I'm not sure what it is they are chewing exactly, but it most be addictive. After years of chewing this stuff, a persons teeth turn all red and then eventually fall out. I guess that's not that big of a deal in a country where you can't really get a divorce.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Westernization of the India Nation
On the train ride I was speaking with the guy who sat across from me. I was asking him if he liked to watch cricket. His response was all too typical of the 'new' India. No, I like to watch WWE. The World Wrestling Federation goes by World Wrestling Entertainment now. I'm not sure if this a global change or just an India thing.
I was disappointed to hear this, but at the same time, it was something we could talk about since I've heard about wrestling from so many other people over here.
"Oh yeah, I bet you like Kali don't you? It's a shame about the Undertaker busting up his legs. He'll be out of it for awhile, but I hear he's now doing yoga. Which wrestler do you like? etc. etc."
I was suprised about how much I know about this useless information.
Another guy was asking me if I watched cricket and I told him I don't have a TV, so I don't watch TV. He was dumbfounded. A westerner who doesn't watch TV? An American at that? He asked me incredulously what I did in my free time. I listed off a handful of more interesting options such as, painting, hiking, rock climbing, guitar playing, reading, talking, laughing, joking, eating, being, etc. By his repsonse, I could tell that
none of these could match the amount of satisfaction that he receives from watching TV. I would have tried to explain to him things a little more in detail, but he was annoying and I didn't want to give him any more of my time.
I was disappointed to hear this, but at the same time, it was something we could talk about since I've heard about wrestling from so many other people over here.
"Oh yeah, I bet you like Kali don't you? It's a shame about the Undertaker busting up his legs. He'll be out of it for awhile, but I hear he's now doing yoga. Which wrestler do you like? etc. etc."
I was suprised about how much I know about this useless information.
Another guy was asking me if I watched cricket and I told him I don't have a TV, so I don't watch TV. He was dumbfounded. A westerner who doesn't watch TV? An American at that? He asked me incredulously what I did in my free time. I listed off a handful of more interesting options such as, painting, hiking, rock climbing, guitar playing, reading, talking, laughing, joking, eating, being, etc. By his repsonse, I could tell that
none of these could match the amount of satisfaction that he receives from watching TV. I would have tried to explain to him things a little more in detail, but he was annoying and I didn't want to give him any more of my time.
Jaisalmer to Delhi - Overnight Train
So this time around, we were prepared for the train ride. Our tiffen (a little india lunch box) was full of warm food made by a friend, warm clothes and a some sheets were handy in case of the cold and most of all, we were mentally prepared since we took the same trip a month ago.
Despite all this preparation, twenty hours is still twenty hours. In situations like these you can't speed time up other then with good conversations or some mental activity. For the indians, cards seems to be a popular past time, but only with the type of people who would play cards in the states. Usually groups of women aren't gambling with cards.
The people we sat with this time were pleasent enough. One was a early twenties guy out visiting his sister. Another two were a couple out travelling. At first there's always the awkwardness of being stuck in a small compartment with people you don't know. Just siting and staring. Occasional eye contact followed by a smile, paves the way for interaction. The conversation was good and that's about all you can ask for.
In the morning we awoke to a whole new set of people occupying the seats. I guess everyone else got off in Jaipur or Jodhpur. There was a french couple who kept to themselves. I feel bad for french, they seem to rude and no one wants to talk with them. This couple could have been nice, but they came off not nice so I didn't bother.
As the train approached Delhi more and more people climbed aboard. Soon the bench seat made for three, now had five people. Ash was on the other side with the two frenchies and they still had three people in their seat cause the women said 'no, no, no.'
Eventually one guy squeezed himself in, but there was a few others crowded around wanting a seat. There were two guys standing up next to the seats complaining about how there was a seat there. I asked what was up, and he said that there was another
seat over there and he was standing and that was a problem. I told him that all depends on your point of view. They didn't seem to have a problem with it. Seems like it was only his problem.
The guy was an annoying frat boy type punk. He had his buddy with him so he felt he could laugh and joke. On my lap was a blank pad and I was holding my pencil, he asked what I was doing so I told him I was getting ready to draw. Then I did this mean drawing of with him having big ears, goofy hair and a big gap between his face.
Once his friend got off the train, he felt shy and out numbered, so he just put on his headphones and zoned out.
It's too bad that headphones and the isolation of the individual is finding it's where over here to India. I thought that was purely an American phenomena. I think I'll continue with this thought in my next post.
Despite all this preparation, twenty hours is still twenty hours. In situations like these you can't speed time up other then with good conversations or some mental activity. For the indians, cards seems to be a popular past time, but only with the type of people who would play cards in the states. Usually groups of women aren't gambling with cards.
The people we sat with this time were pleasent enough. One was a early twenties guy out visiting his sister. Another two were a couple out travelling. At first there's always the awkwardness of being stuck in a small compartment with people you don't know. Just siting and staring. Occasional eye contact followed by a smile, paves the way for interaction. The conversation was good and that's about all you can ask for.
In the morning we awoke to a whole new set of people occupying the seats. I guess everyone else got off in Jaipur or Jodhpur. There was a french couple who kept to themselves. I feel bad for french, they seem to rude and no one wants to talk with them. This couple could have been nice, but they came off not nice so I didn't bother.
As the train approached Delhi more and more people climbed aboard. Soon the bench seat made for three, now had five people. Ash was on the other side with the two frenchies and they still had three people in their seat cause the women said 'no, no, no.'
Eventually one guy squeezed himself in, but there was a few others crowded around wanting a seat. There were two guys standing up next to the seats complaining about how there was a seat there. I asked what was up, and he said that there was another
seat over there and he was standing and that was a problem. I told him that all depends on your point of view. They didn't seem to have a problem with it. Seems like it was only his problem.
The guy was an annoying frat boy type punk. He had his buddy with him so he felt he could laugh and joke. On my lap was a blank pad and I was holding my pencil, he asked what I was doing so I told him I was getting ready to draw. Then I did this mean drawing of with him having big ears, goofy hair and a big gap between his face.
Once his friend got off the train, he felt shy and out numbered, so he just put on his headphones and zoned out.
It's too bad that headphones and the isolation of the individual is finding it's where over here to India. I thought that was purely an American phenomena. I think I'll continue with this thought in my next post.
Rom Rom Gee
It was sad to leave Jaisalmer. After a month of being there I was getting used to things as they were. Eating with my friends, seeing the same familiar faces, and wandering around the alleyways that I know now like the back of my hand.
It would have been weird to wake up and not going out to paint, but this morning I woke up on a train surrounded by strangers, so I didn't have time to reflect on the way things were yesterday. I was just trying to realize where I was at the present moment.There were many goodbyes to be said, so the last day was spent wrapping things up. I had a few photographs I took and wanted to give as gifts to people. So I wandered around and found who needed to be found.
After that we headed over to my friend Roops for lunch and to pick up some rings I had made. This time, I actually made one myself. I beat it into shape, made it round from a straight peace of silver, melted it together and joined it, and finally carved it. My carving job was poor, so Roop helped make it look a little better.
Soon it was time to make it to the train station. Our friends sent us away with gifts and food, a open invite to return anytime.
If you're ever in Jaisalmer, I'd recommend stopping by Hari Om, jewlers to get yourself some amazing rings. I actually made them a website, but I don't know where I put it. Once I find out where it is, I'll post the link so you can see some amazing silver work. As they say in India, 'It will make your eyes happy."
It would have been weird to wake up and not going out to paint, but this morning I woke up on a train surrounded by strangers, so I didn't have time to reflect on the way things were yesterday. I was just trying to realize where I was at the present moment.There were many goodbyes to be said, so the last day was spent wrapping things up. I had a few photographs I took and wanted to give as gifts to people. So I wandered around and found who needed to be found.
After that we headed over to my friend Roops for lunch and to pick up some rings I had made. This time, I actually made one myself. I beat it into shape, made it round from a straight peace of silver, melted it together and joined it, and finally carved it. My carving job was poor, so Roop helped make it look a little better.
Soon it was time to make it to the train station. Our friends sent us away with gifts and food, a open invite to return anytime.
If you're ever in Jaisalmer, I'd recommend stopping by Hari Om, jewlers to get yourself some amazing rings. I actually made them a website, but I don't know where I put it. Once I find out where it is, I'll post the link so you can see some amazing silver work. As they say in India, 'It will make your eyes happy."
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