So let's get something straight before I continue on about the trials and tribulations of the monsoon rains ...
The people of Pakistan have it WAY worse than we do right now. Some estimates are saying that as much as 25% of the country is under water. Just think about that for a minute: that's like every state that borders the Mississippi to be flooded -- not just Fargo and Iowa City. But I digress.
Back to Mumbai monsoons... It started raining really heavily late this past Saturday night and as of this afternoon (Tuesday) it has not let up. Sure it lets up now and then, giving way to a lesser, more gentler rain, but in general the rain is hard. How hard you might ask?
~ So hard that in combination with the wind, the rain blows into the atrium at school causing large puddles to form in the atrium/cafeteria. The direct result of this is that students going to elementary music class slip and slide on the wet marble...
~ So hard that our outdoor pool was overflowing...
~ So hard that during band rehearsal while the band is playing we can hear the rain on the roof...
~ So hard that small cars get stuck in enormous potholes that, since they are filled with water, cannot be seen
~ So hard that our satellite tv gets dropped due to "Heavy Monsoon Rain"
Basically, after living in India once before, I THOUGHT I knew what a monsoon really was. Now I know what a monsoon is.
~ Reid
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Not in Kansas Anymore
So, this little ditty is about our fire drill this week. I have not really ever enjoyed fire drills. They disrupt the little time I get with students, the kids are always super crazy afterwords, and no matter how much you prepare them, there's always an amount of screaming, chatting, and general managed chaos that goes on leaving the building, standing outside, and then the coming back into the building is often even worse.
I had one of my 3rd grade classes only a few minutes before the bell was to go off. I barely had time to explain what I expected, and no time to practice any of the steps. Now, I am loving these 3rd graders but they are a more wily group and I was preparing to "put on my mean face" to get them in line.
And then the alarm rang. Without being prompted, my THIRD GRADERS got up, walked silently to the door, and lined up by row (we were scattered about the room to begin with). My teaching partner led them out through the atrium as I placed the "evacuated" sign on the door. They followed him in silence, in a perfect single file line, all the way around to the other side of the school, past the pool and playground, out to the tennis courts where the whole school gathers. I watched them in a little bit of awe and noticed that the ENTIRE student and faculty body was doing the same. Silence. Walking there, waiting in our designated spots around the court, each child in the front of the line holding their class's green flag high. The only soft talking to be heard came from the security and admin staff that were moving about checking on the status of the drill. And then, back we all went, in equal amount of seriousness. And then class went on as if nothing was different.
On the ride home that day I wondered to myself. Now, these are "good" kids, but, I've found that they have needed structure, modeling, and reminding/taking of breaks as any stereotypical suburban school in the Twin Cities. What is it about this place/this experience that makes them "get it" when it comes to emergencies? Do they realize on some level that living abroad and going to an American school can be thought of as a potential terrorist target? Have they been in an emergency situation before somewhere in the world? So many of our kids have grown up in 2, 3, even as many as 5 or 6 different countries. Maybe it's just they are more ready to be serious about anything, whether it's learning in the classroom or practicing a fire drill. I'm probably wondering about this way too much.
Regardless, it was clear that the kids weren't silent because they knew they had to be or they'd get in trouble. They were silent not because they were told to be, but because they not only knew, but understood, it was important.
I had one of my 3rd grade classes only a few minutes before the bell was to go off. I barely had time to explain what I expected, and no time to practice any of the steps. Now, I am loving these 3rd graders but they are a more wily group and I was preparing to "put on my mean face" to get them in line.
And then the alarm rang. Without being prompted, my THIRD GRADERS got up, walked silently to the door, and lined up by row (we were scattered about the room to begin with). My teaching partner led them out through the atrium as I placed the "evacuated" sign on the door. They followed him in silence, in a perfect single file line, all the way around to the other side of the school, past the pool and playground, out to the tennis courts where the whole school gathers. I watched them in a little bit of awe and noticed that the ENTIRE student and faculty body was doing the same. Silence. Walking there, waiting in our designated spots around the court, each child in the front of the line holding their class's green flag high. The only soft talking to be heard came from the security and admin staff that were moving about checking on the status of the drill. And then, back we all went, in equal amount of seriousness. And then class went on as if nothing was different.
On the ride home that day I wondered to myself. Now, these are "good" kids, but, I've found that they have needed structure, modeling, and reminding/taking of breaks as any stereotypical suburban school in the Twin Cities. What is it about this place/this experience that makes them "get it" when it comes to emergencies? Do they realize on some level that living abroad and going to an American school can be thought of as a potential terrorist target? Have they been in an emergency situation before somewhere in the world? So many of our kids have grown up in 2, 3, even as many as 5 or 6 different countries. Maybe it's just they are more ready to be serious about anything, whether it's learning in the classroom or practicing a fire drill. I'm probably wondering about this way too much.
Regardless, it was clear that the kids weren't silent because they knew they had to be or they'd get in trouble. They were silent not because they were told to be, but because they not only knew, but understood, it was important.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Schmoozing and Cruising
Friday night we went to the annual ASB Board of Trustees welcome dinner. I have to admit I was a bit nervous to meet some of these parents- they have lead such different lives than I have ever even thought of. But, we were immediately greeted by the president, by name, and welcomed. After that, any new parent or other board member we met were so excited to get to know us and offer help or advice. We chatted with one very kind band parent who has a place/office in Turkey, Dublin, and India, and travels between all three for the oil company he works for. It was a much larger event than I had expected, and at a rather fancy place (complete with many waiters constantly offering you appetizers and filling up your wine glass before you even had a chance to say no thank you). We were officially welcomed with a small ceremony complete with garlands. There were a few jokes about PTA functions in the US vs. here in India... no need to say more!
Saturday we traveled to a hill station town south of Mumbai, in Lonavla, for the annual welcome back ASB staff picnic. It was absolutely beautiful, but, the travel time ended up doubling because of issues with our bus and getting down the street to the actual house and well... as they say... "welcome to India". What was supposedly a 2hour trip turned into 4, 4 hours of relaxing, a small hike, tasty food, and then another 3 or so hour trip back home, made for a long day, but worth it to get out of the city for some fresh air, greenery, and a break from the general nonstop busy life, sounds, and smells that is Mumbai. It was a bit rainy so we only took a few pictures, but, enjoy!
We both have curriculum nights coming up in the next week so we will be busy introducing ourselves to more parents. Somehow I've managed to fill up all that prep time I have already, but, still feel extremely happy about the teaching situation.
Much love!
Saturday we traveled to a hill station town south of Mumbai, in Lonavla, for the annual welcome back ASB staff picnic. It was absolutely beautiful, but, the travel time ended up doubling because of issues with our bus and getting down the street to the actual house and well... as they say... "welcome to India". What was supposedly a 2hour trip turned into 4, 4 hours of relaxing, a small hike, tasty food, and then another 3 or so hour trip back home, made for a long day, but worth it to get out of the city for some fresh air, greenery, and a break from the general nonstop busy life, sounds, and smells that is Mumbai. It was a bit rainy so we only took a few pictures, but, enjoy!
We both have curriculum nights coming up in the next week so we will be busy introducing ourselves to more parents. Somehow I've managed to fill up all that prep time I have already, but, still feel extremely happy about the teaching situation.
Much love!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
A Glimpse of life downtown
First of all, Happy Independence Day India and Pakistan! So far, the day has been mostly all about flags of all sizes and materials and closed businesses. We haven't seen any Fourth of July-Style barbecues or parades, but have seen lots of families and groups of guys out walking.
We spent the day with our first adventure to downtown Mumbai with three friends. To get there, we took the commuter train, which after spending a bit of time talking to locals was really easy and fast -- 15min! Remember, on the first day when we had to go to the Foreign Registration Office we drove and it took 45min. The train trip down was easy and very uncrowded by Indian standards and we got off at Chowpatty Beach on the famous Marine Drive. Across the train station was a beautiful oval shaped bay surrounded by high rise apartments and lots of soft sand (and just a bit of garbage). We enjoyed walking along the sidewalk in the bright hot sun.
After the beach we explored the market areas. Since it was Independence Day, most were closed, which was actually good because that cut down on the crowds. The markets were huge and sold everything from watermelons to European chocolates to puppies (clean and well-cared for puppies by the way). As we meandered through the market our senses were assaulted by crazy-intense smells -- both good and bad. One astounding part of the market was the sheer number of stalls selling the exact same thing.
We then made our way down to the famous Gateway of India and the Taj Hotel, site of the 11-26 terrorists attacks. Since moving to Mumbai, this was the first time we really felt like tourists and we were approached by many touts selling postcards and ferry tickets. A highlight for me was getting approached by a salesman asking: "You have beard, you want weed?" After declining smoothly, I reflected on the general impression my beard has as this was the third time I'd been approached to buy drugs -- no other new teachers have been approached. Maybe I'll shave this week. Rachel and Twyla were approached many times to have their picture taken (being blond and white makes you essentially a rock star).
After a very pleasant lunch, we walked to Churchgate train station, which took us through a multitude of British-era colonial buildings. The architecture was amazing. The design blends formal colonial styles with Indian elements. We'll post pictures later for you to see. This part of the trip was my personal highlight.
The train back was very crowded. Rachel and Twyla took the "Ladies-only" car while Tom, Greg and I hacked it out in regular second class. The masses boarded and deboarded like an ocean wave at a few of the stations and we had to hold steady to keep our coveted spots near the door. Again, the train got us home so quickly, but the return trip was way more intense. I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like on a Monday morning during rush hour.
We've had to spend some time shopping for clothes as our shipment has been delayed due to a shipwreck in the harbor. I had two pairs of pants tailored as well as buying four Indian-style shirts, which will actually be way more comfortable than any Western shirts. Rachel hasn't had anything tailored yet, but has found girlfriends to go clothes shopping with and been very happy. Our apartment continues to collect household items as it slowly creeps towards feeling like home (emphasis on slowly). It will be very exciting to get our shipment, but with the accident and ensuing oil spill, there is no time frame for getting it in so we wait, we adjust and most of all, we remember that we are so fortunate with what we have as so many around us have so little.
TEACHING- our first couple days of teaching went very well. We are both amazed at the amount of prep time and support we have. Rachel is excited to actually have the kind of time to really prepare quality visuals with the technology piece and make all those Kodaly and Orff materials she learned about at St. Thomas. The students are fun and have a high level of skills, but, it's hard to put into words the difference- it also seems that they are used to doing whatever they want (but not in a snotty way or anything). I think as we get to know the students more and build relationships, we will have much more to say. We are both very thrilled with our teaching partners- very helpful, welcoming, and fun to work with. We're socializing with the staff and feeling more and more like we are a part of this crazy city of Mumbai.
Love to all!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
India's New Anthem
This was shown at our all staff orientation- a good commentary on how chaotic this place can be, but also how the seemingly impossible, is possible through the people.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Sending Mail
Hello,
Just a quick note for all you care-package types. Please send any packages directly to our school address in India. However, there are no guarantees that it will arrive in one piece or on time. Our school address is:
Reid and Rachel Wixson
c/o American School of Bombay
SF2, G Block - Bandra Kurla Complex
Bandra East, Mumbai 400 098
INDIA
If you have letters or postcards, you can mail them to the White Bear Lake address (listed in an earlier blog posting).
Take care!
Just a quick note for all you care-package types. Please send any packages directly to our school address in India. However, there are no guarantees that it will arrive in one piece or on time. Our school address is:
Reid and Rachel Wixson
c/o American School of Bombay
SF2, G Block - Bandra Kurla Complex
Bandra East, Mumbai 400 098
INDIA
If you have letters or postcards, you can mail them to the White Bear Lake address (listed in an earlier blog posting).
Take care!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
First Impressions
As I write this on our balcony, it is 9pm on Tuesday evening here in Mumbai, or more specifically, our suburb Bandra West. Although the sun has set nearly two hours ago, the clouds in the sky reflect the incredible amount of light pollution given off of this amazingly enormous city that never sleeps. From our balcony we have a great view of the neighborhood (see attached picassa album). To the east and west we have large apartment buildings and to the south we have a glimpse of the Mumbai skyline -- probably only 2% as the skyline continues on for miles to the south. Coconut trees wave in the wind, birds fly over head -- mostly crows, but sometimes herons and today I even saw a parakeet -- and we are virtually isolated from the city.
The one exception to our isolation is the street noise. Unlike American drivers, Mumbaikers (pronounced Mum-bikers) use their horn to alert the driver in front of them to their presence. A few short taps on the horn means "just to remind you, my car is right behind you." A few longer horn notes means "keep me in mind as you turn left in front of me." The vast majority of horn uses are happy exchanges between people. Every once in awhile someone gets mad and lays on the horn, but this is really rare. Since the city never seems to take a break, ear plugs are definitely a must for light Western sleepers such as ourselves!
One piece of conversation that always comes up with us is the amazing contrasts you see all over. For example, on the commute to school we drive along a creek that flows into the ocean. On the other side of the creek sits one of the major slums in the city (not Dharavi for those of you who watched the documentary "Slumming In") and alongside our side of the creek sits some of the most expensive real estate in the entire world. Across the street from our school Bharat diamonds is building a trading hub that will employ 60,000 people, next door to that is the American Consulate under construction, and up the street is the Asian Heart Institute, highly regarded as one of the world's top cardiac hospitals. And all of this literally right next to a slum. It's quite overwhelming as you think about it and really puts you in your place. Interactions like these happen all the time here.
It has been great to really get to know the other new staff and the administrators, who have done everything possible to make our transition run smoothly. Workshops and discussions about culture shock, medical adjustments, the unique school culture, "third-culture students," technology integration in the classroom, and educational philosophy have been both inspiring and interesting. While Rachel's room is still going through some last minute cleaning and updating, I have spent some time in the band room and tried to do some organizing, make it more space-efficient, and tidy up the music library. The familiar routine of getting ready for the school is an odd parallel to our unfamiliar new lives in Mumbai and while it is comfortable to get down to work, I feel like exploring the city more. We'll have a lot of time this weekend for that.
With that I will sign off and post. We have enjoyed reading comments and so please keep them coming. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Take care and root for the Twins!
~ Reid
The one exception to our isolation is the street noise. Unlike American drivers, Mumbaikers (pronounced Mum-bikers) use their horn to alert the driver in front of them to their presence. A few short taps on the horn means "just to remind you, my car is right behind you." A few longer horn notes means "keep me in mind as you turn left in front of me." The vast majority of horn uses are happy exchanges between people. Every once in awhile someone gets mad and lays on the horn, but this is really rare. Since the city never seems to take a break, ear plugs are definitely a must for light Western sleepers such as ourselves!
One piece of conversation that always comes up with us is the amazing contrasts you see all over. For example, on the commute to school we drive along a creek that flows into the ocean. On the other side of the creek sits one of the major slums in the city (not Dharavi for those of you who watched the documentary "Slumming In") and alongside our side of the creek sits some of the most expensive real estate in the entire world. Across the street from our school Bharat diamonds is building a trading hub that will employ 60,000 people, next door to that is the American Consulate under construction, and up the street is the Asian Heart Institute, highly regarded as one of the world's top cardiac hospitals. And all of this literally right next to a slum. It's quite overwhelming as you think about it and really puts you in your place. Interactions like these happen all the time here.
It has been great to really get to know the other new staff and the administrators, who have done everything possible to make our transition run smoothly. Workshops and discussions about culture shock, medical adjustments, the unique school culture, "third-culture students," technology integration in the classroom, and educational philosophy have been both inspiring and interesting. While Rachel's room is still going through some last minute cleaning and updating, I have spent some time in the band room and tried to do some organizing, make it more space-efficient, and tidy up the music library. The familiar routine of getting ready for the school is an odd parallel to our unfamiliar new lives in Mumbai and while it is comfortable to get down to work, I feel like exploring the city more. We'll have a lot of time this weekend for that.
With that I will sign off and post. We have enjoyed reading comments and so please keep them coming. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Take care and root for the Twins!
~ Reid
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