ECC

I had five cups of tea today and a lovely chat with Christine and Siri. I anticipate this will become the new norm.

We're staying at the Ecumenical Christian Center outside of Bangalore, India, and except for the mosquito nets and Malaria pills, it feels a lot like camp. Meals in the main hall, the cricket field/volleyball court on the front lawn, lush foliage about the campus, and activities (aka class time/random excursions) scheduled through out the day. And like most camps, the staff tries it's best to encourage good conversation and well being. A mound of dirt titled "Pile of Religious Harmony" sits on the side of the road and hedges in the shape of a global map linger by the lake. "Inspirational" signs are also scattered about. From the traditional and cheesy, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less-traveled by and that made all a difference" to the slightly bizarre, "I don't eat my own fruits, but you..." to the the completely distorted, "Deforestation is secret plot to exterminate the mother earth with her infant kids in he gas chamber."

On a slightly different note, although I do enjoy the solitude of this place and the time to read, think, and write, I worry about returning to my dark, empty room after a good day. I've been told that the morale of past groups drops in India and I can sense the loneliness that permeates the walls and lingers in the shadows. Such feelings haven't ventured out of their dwellings but I know I'm susceptible; I've always been guilty of the wandering mind...