19:15 Hrs. Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, India.
Our last breakfast at MM Hills. This experience has lost its wide-eyed new feeling. Now it seems we travel from place to place, seeing things that grow more and more beautiful. MM Hills is truly a beautiful place. After a bit of rest, we loaded the bus (with a new driver, Manosh) and headed out around 11:00.
Our trip included a Bollywood film that Brandy had bought at market in the morning, played on the bus' DVD player (tour bus). We stopped at Kollegal, which we had passed on our way to MM. Kollegal has the only route to BRT. We had lunch at a delicious local restaurant, including some Slice mango juice, some Massala Chipati, and who knows what else. There we picked up Siddapa, who is accompanying us to BRT. Upon boarding the bus again, a new movie, Ongbak 2 began playing. Though we didn't see the end of the 'guy has trouble getting girl' Bollywood flick, we took a pretty well educated guess... This new movie we're convinced is the purchase of the bus driver. It lost my attention pretty quickly.
BRT is quite the place. 540 km square of very lush forests, scrubs, and grasslands. It reminds me much of the Smoky Mountains, just with completely more tropical vegetation. We arrived at the ATREE field site and guest house the girls would be staying at. Then quickly to the gents' quarters. Decent accomodations. Again Geeta had us prepared for far worse. 3 pieces of wood on sticks for beds with a mattress the thickness of my finger, but a bed and room nonetheless. A western toilet believe it or not, though its functionability is hardly worthwhile. Anyway the community is very homey and beautiful, a faint reminder of UTC without the surrounding hustle and bustle of Bangalore, merely more lush forest. We are truly in rural INdia. The boys' guest houses are at the school ATREE assists at for Soliga people that live in the forest. 57 total tribal villages, 14 of which refused to leave the sanctuaries boundaries after the request from the Indian Forest Service, and continue to live within to this day. The whole place has a feel of small medieval hamlets or villages in the mountains of Ireland, but for some reason, everything is tropical.
We briefly unloaded, then returned to the girls dorms at the ATREE field site. Another excursion in the van to see wildlife. Seeing anything with a group this size (of boisterous Americans no less), in a noisy tourism van seems and had proved near impossible. Though we'd seen animals before on our excursions, never a true spotting worthy of the work our educators had done. Perhpas a combination of having Siddapa with us (an incredible wildlife exper), the time of day and weather of the outing, and the overall beauty and serenity of the place keeping us quiet, gave us multiple spottings. The first was a beautiful owl of immense stature that there is still much debate over its identification. With similar appearance and coloration to a Great Horned Owl, it flew across the road behind the van with deadly silent accuracy. We drove on. Then we spotted the big guns. This whole trip seems to have been planned by Geeta on the trail of the world's largest terrestrial creature. 'Elephas Maximus' moves south through India in its migrations. Coming from central India, they move through Bannerghatta N.P., Biligiri R.F., Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, B.R. Hills, Bandipur T.R., Mudumalai, and onward. It would seem Geeta planned this trip to line up with the towering veggie-saur. And yet until now we'd only heard a far off trumpet from atop Rock Hill. As we passed a small lake, there they were. Three beautiful female elephants, no more than nine feet tall, about forty feet away. As we turned off the engine and very carefully milled about the van to get a good look and take pictures, we, with the help of Siddapa and Geeta, identified their ages and roles in the herd. Sixteen very large and heavily padded feet...a fourth tail flicked out low to the ground. A baby. No more than two-months old. As the elders sensed our noisy and smelly presence, they began readjusting to encircle and further protect the young calf. The furthest away individual retreated a ways to the brush with her tail elevated and turned back to face us directly. She wanted running room. "Go Manosh!" Geeta shouted in a loud hoarse whisper. The elephant let out a loud warning trumpet and picked up speed straight towards us...
Monday, June 14, 2010
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010. - Day 18
09:00 Hrs. Devara Halli, MM Hills, Karnataka, India.
Tuesday was another hiking foray after breakfast. A very long tough hike, but it always ends up being worth it. We reached the peak and could see for miles. The Cauvery River, roaming its way to the reservoir and the bordering state of Tamil Nadu in the distance. BRT to our right and Mysore far off behind us before a very hazy Western Ghats. The view was truly spectacular. That evening we crossed the nearby border into the state of Tamil Nadu and went to an oasis where the Cauvery and Palar Rivers join. No elephants tonight, apparently we'd missed them by a few hours, but the scenery and a conversation with a fisherman floating by laying his net more than made up for it.
Today we leave MM Hills, for Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary at the south-eastern tip of Karnataka where the Western and Eastern Ghats meet (more or less). We have no idea what sort of accomodations await us, but we've been told it's worse than our past ones. We shall see...
~Trying to shake off a prolonged slump,
- David
Tuesday was another hiking foray after breakfast. A very long tough hike, but it always ends up being worth it. We reached the peak and could see for miles. The Cauvery River, roaming its way to the reservoir and the bordering state of Tamil Nadu in the distance. BRT to our right and Mysore far off behind us before a very hazy Western Ghats. The view was truly spectacular. That evening we crossed the nearby border into the state of Tamil Nadu and went to an oasis where the Cauvery and Palar Rivers join. No elephants tonight, apparently we'd missed them by a few hours, but the scenery and a conversation with a fisherman floating by laying his net more than made up for it.
Today we leave MM Hills, for Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary at the south-eastern tip of Karnataka where the Western and Eastern Ghats meet (more or less). We have no idea what sort of accomodations await us, but we've been told it's worse than our past ones. We shall see...
~Trying to shake off a prolonged slump,
- David
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 - Day 17
07:30 Hrs. Devara Halli, MM Hills, Karnataka, India.
I will attempt here to catch up and remain on track. Yesterday we woke up early for yoga on the roof of our guest house. Since we're in a valley there is always quite the strong breeze. After a short walk to the nearby mess hall for breakfast, we boarded the bus with Riaz, and returned back into the mountains from whence we had come.
Once on top, we buddied up and were given assignments of things to monitor as we trekked along a trail. I was to observe chopped trees, identify species and whether it was for firewood or for other purposes with Kristina. An easy task compared to some of the others', we discovered only about five species that were consistently cut..., and we rounded by quite a bit...
Soliga (tribal) people live in this area, and are being taught by ATREE to use the invasive Lantana camera plant (which is EVERYWHERE in India) to weave baskets and furniture to sell. They use the dried bamboo in the forest for much of their home construction. We finished monitoring and continued climbing, first down, down, down into a valley (elephant corridor), then up, up, up onto the next hill. We were told the path we were taking was the old stone path that pilgrims took en route to the holy Halli of Devara we were staying at. The path was about 1000 years old. Each rest stop gave beautiful views, truly stunning scenery. Every time we reach a viewpoint, anywhere in our trip, we have never been let down. I have a bajillion landscape pictures now. The whole region had less than a decade ago, been the domain of Veerapan, a notorious Indian poacher of mostly sandalwood, who often would capture, torture, and/or kill celebrities, trespassers, and foreigners. Fortunately he was poisoned and killed by undercover agents a little while back or we wouldn't have come here.
Finally back at the top of the hill, we snapped a few photos, including one of the whole group I took from atop the bus, and drove back down into the village. We returned to the mess hall for a quick lunch but were soon back out again, this time visiting a small piece of ATREE land, where they are working with the Soligas for agriculture, tree planting, and rain-water harvesting through terraced pits.
As we trekked back to the bus, we had a lovely interaction with some locals, who, upon seeing how excited Papaya trees they owned made us, proceeded to give us four or five, and few pictures as well. We drove just a little ways to the home of a Soliga elder woman, heavily involved in local politics on behalf of her community, to see their homes and be offered delicious jagri-black tea. We 'spoke' with her for awhile and explored their little neighborhood. It very much echoed El Refugio...
Before returning, we stopped at the market outside the gran temple of the city, purchased some knick-knacks and souvenirs, and dropped our shoes off to enter the temple. Personal space truly does not exist in India. Packed like sardines, we herded through the beautiful Hindu Temple, even being blessed with face markings (3 lines and the dot). We've never been more stared at then today. Continuously asked for pictures, I suppose it's a unique experience to see Geeta leading 12 white ducklings with bags and filtered water bottles around. The temple was truly a humbling and spritiual sight. As we exited, a painted elephant was being kept in a barn next door happily chomping away on some bamboo.
Surprisingly, even more people were arriving, as the monks appeared to be preparing a large elaborately decorated chariot. Apparently this is a traditional Monday occurence. As preparations continued the music we had heard the night before, interesting drumming began pounding away nearby. Around 15 or so children were all dancing away surrounded by the crowd. After a long hot rough day where I was even more consistently wondering my purpose on this trip, the lively drum beat was mindless passion and joy. With all the smiles at us, it became impossible to resist. Caution to the wind, I separated from our group and went to join. Pounding my feet and raising my arms embarassingly as I tried to mimic them, I shook out all petty thoughts and aggravations. It wasn't long before I was joined by the majority of the group, as well as more dancers from the crowd, and MANY more spectators eager to see the dancing exotic Americans.
~Exhausted with satisfaction,
- David
I will attempt here to catch up and remain on track. Yesterday we woke up early for yoga on the roof of our guest house. Since we're in a valley there is always quite the strong breeze. After a short walk to the nearby mess hall for breakfast, we boarded the bus with Riaz, and returned back into the mountains from whence we had come.
Once on top, we buddied up and were given assignments of things to monitor as we trekked along a trail. I was to observe chopped trees, identify species and whether it was for firewood or for other purposes with Kristina. An easy task compared to some of the others', we discovered only about five species that were consistently cut..., and we rounded by quite a bit...
Soliga (tribal) people live in this area, and are being taught by ATREE to use the invasive Lantana camera plant (which is EVERYWHERE in India) to weave baskets and furniture to sell. They use the dried bamboo in the forest for much of their home construction. We finished monitoring and continued climbing, first down, down, down into a valley (elephant corridor), then up, up, up onto the next hill. We were told the path we were taking was the old stone path that pilgrims took en route to the holy Halli of Devara we were staying at. The path was about 1000 years old. Each rest stop gave beautiful views, truly stunning scenery. Every time we reach a viewpoint, anywhere in our trip, we have never been let down. I have a bajillion landscape pictures now. The whole region had less than a decade ago, been the domain of Veerapan, a notorious Indian poacher of mostly sandalwood, who often would capture, torture, and/or kill celebrities, trespassers, and foreigners. Fortunately he was poisoned and killed by undercover agents a little while back or we wouldn't have come here.
Finally back at the top of the hill, we snapped a few photos, including one of the whole group I took from atop the bus, and drove back down into the village. We returned to the mess hall for a quick lunch but were soon back out again, this time visiting a small piece of ATREE land, where they are working with the Soligas for agriculture, tree planting, and rain-water harvesting through terraced pits.
As we trekked back to the bus, we had a lovely interaction with some locals, who, upon seeing how excited Papaya trees they owned made us, proceeded to give us four or five, and few pictures as well. We drove just a little ways to the home of a Soliga elder woman, heavily involved in local politics on behalf of her community, to see their homes and be offered delicious jagri-black tea. We 'spoke' with her for awhile and explored their little neighborhood. It very much echoed El Refugio...
Before returning, we stopped at the market outside the gran temple of the city, purchased some knick-knacks and souvenirs, and dropped our shoes off to enter the temple. Personal space truly does not exist in India. Packed like sardines, we herded through the beautiful Hindu Temple, even being blessed with face markings (3 lines and the dot). We've never been more stared at then today. Continuously asked for pictures, I suppose it's a unique experience to see Geeta leading 12 white ducklings with bags and filtered water bottles around. The temple was truly a humbling and spritiual sight. As we exited, a painted elephant was being kept in a barn next door happily chomping away on some bamboo.
Surprisingly, even more people were arriving, as the monks appeared to be preparing a large elaborately decorated chariot. Apparently this is a traditional Monday occurence. As preparations continued the music we had heard the night before, interesting drumming began pounding away nearby. Around 15 or so children were all dancing away surrounded by the crowd. After a long hot rough day where I was even more consistently wondering my purpose on this trip, the lively drum beat was mindless passion and joy. With all the smiles at us, it became impossible to resist. Caution to the wind, I separated from our group and went to join. Pounding my feet and raising my arms embarassingly as I tried to mimic them, I shook out all petty thoughts and aggravations. It wasn't long before I was joined by the majority of the group, as well as more dancers from the crowd, and MANY more spectators eager to see the dancing exotic Americans.
~Exhausted with satisfaction,
- David
Monday, June 7th, 2010 - Day 16
22:00 Hrs. Devara Halli, MM Hills, Karnataka, India.
Saturday was our last day in Forest Trails. We received T-shirts from a staff that was far too amazing to us during our time there. Shoba was the mother of the dancer and mother-in-law of the flautist. Owning and helping Vishnu to run the place, they, along with Nagesh, truly took care of us. We could never repay their kindness. The day was all-day research. Concluding our studies we began the desk work and compiled a scientific paper as well as a presentation with visual aides and everything. Working nearly non-stop through the day, most of our heads began to hurt as we shared our results with Geeta and she indulged in our mistakes. Nonetheless, that evening we all presented our research to the group, satisfied with our findings.
Our final dinner, and Nagesh comes out with YET ANOTHER BOX OF KINGFISHER. This must be how Indians think of American college students, though I suppose he's not far off. After a brief bout between a quickly-drunk bottle of alcohol and my stomach, I stayed up talking with a few people late into the night until all but two of us, 'Harvard' and I, had gone to bed. Another few wonderful hours of venting and sharing, then bed.
Many of us have been going days without showering, as we were encouraged, but one this morning for a lengthy cfar ride ahead sounded great. And felt great for that matter. We left Forest Trails (bittersweet) and drove quite some ways. Our first stop on our way to our next destination was the Cauvery (Kaveri) River. This was India as we had been told. Hundreds of people playing, washing, bathing in the river. We were to cross it. Having been told of the dangers of coming into contact with ANY water body in India, we were all very naturally skeptical. Never failing to keep any future plans from us, Geeta herded us into small bowl-like bamboo and tar rafts that took us half-way across the river. We waded the rest of the way, and boarded a Jitney-esque bus on the other side. We arrived at a stunning gorge 20 minutes later, that the river had carved out. Truly a breath-taking, rocky-cliff filled site.
Back on the Jitney (for lack of a better label...), some Beedi was bought by Geeta and passed around to those who would have it. Beedi is the product of a native plant, rolled in itself, and smoked. Essentially an organic cigarette. Back on the bamboo bowls, and back on the bus and we were off again. Our next stop, after bidding a slightly more serious farewell to Kavitha and Skanda (we'd picked them up earlier, they'll be back later in the trip), was a village known as Kollegal. We had tea, a bathroom (squat of course) break, and bought junk food. My first taste of chocolate in forever it seems (even if it was strangely orange flavored). Back on the bus (I forgot to mention, our new driver is a man named Riaz this time around...), we made the last long stretch of road, up hairpin mountain bends and down into the valley of the MM Hills, arriving late at night to a small holy city (Devara Halli) very late, 'Harvard' half asleep next to me. Not a bad day...
I'd like to mention that Geeta and Lisa had long mentioned that Forest Trials would be the last 'nice' place we'd be in for awhile, and we should be prepared for true roughing it. She could not have lied more. Our accomodations are a beautiful 4th story guest house next to the ATREE office here. Full beds, electricity, bathrooms, the works. I roomed with Deepak this time around. Who knows if we can trust Geeta again...
We had dinner at a nearby mess hall and walked the city after, making our way to a very famous temple in the center. Full of dancing and music and an incredible sight (although there had just been a blackout, typical in India, so there was little 'seeing' done but with our lights).
It's late and I shall have to leave today's events for tomorrow's journal. Sleep beckons me.
~Dreary eyes in a fantasy world,
- David
Saturday was our last day in Forest Trails. We received T-shirts from a staff that was far too amazing to us during our time there. Shoba was the mother of the dancer and mother-in-law of the flautist. Owning and helping Vishnu to run the place, they, along with Nagesh, truly took care of us. We could never repay their kindness. The day was all-day research. Concluding our studies we began the desk work and compiled a scientific paper as well as a presentation with visual aides and everything. Working nearly non-stop through the day, most of our heads began to hurt as we shared our results with Geeta and she indulged in our mistakes. Nonetheless, that evening we all presented our research to the group, satisfied with our findings.
Our final dinner, and Nagesh comes out with YET ANOTHER BOX OF KINGFISHER. This must be how Indians think of American college students, though I suppose he's not far off. After a brief bout between a quickly-drunk bottle of alcohol and my stomach, I stayed up talking with a few people late into the night until all but two of us, 'Harvard' and I, had gone to bed. Another few wonderful hours of venting and sharing, then bed.
Many of us have been going days without showering, as we were encouraged, but one this morning for a lengthy cfar ride ahead sounded great. And felt great for that matter. We left Forest Trails (bittersweet) and drove quite some ways. Our first stop on our way to our next destination was the Cauvery (Kaveri) River. This was India as we had been told. Hundreds of people playing, washing, bathing in the river. We were to cross it. Having been told of the dangers of coming into contact with ANY water body in India, we were all very naturally skeptical. Never failing to keep any future plans from us, Geeta herded us into small bowl-like bamboo and tar rafts that took us half-way across the river. We waded the rest of the way, and boarded a Jitney-esque bus on the other side. We arrived at a stunning gorge 20 minutes later, that the river had carved out. Truly a breath-taking, rocky-cliff filled site.
Back on the Jitney (for lack of a better label...), some Beedi was bought by Geeta and passed around to those who would have it. Beedi is the product of a native plant, rolled in itself, and smoked. Essentially an organic cigarette. Back on the bamboo bowls, and back on the bus and we were off again. Our next stop, after bidding a slightly more serious farewell to Kavitha and Skanda (we'd picked them up earlier, they'll be back later in the trip), was a village known as Kollegal. We had tea, a bathroom (squat of course) break, and bought junk food. My first taste of chocolate in forever it seems (even if it was strangely orange flavored). Back on the bus (I forgot to mention, our new driver is a man named Riaz this time around...), we made the last long stretch of road, up hairpin mountain bends and down into the valley of the MM Hills, arriving late at night to a small holy city (Devara Halli) very late, 'Harvard' half asleep next to me. Not a bad day...
I'd like to mention that Geeta and Lisa had long mentioned that Forest Trials would be the last 'nice' place we'd be in for awhile, and we should be prepared for true roughing it. She could not have lied more. Our accomodations are a beautiful 4th story guest house next to the ATREE office here. Full beds, electricity, bathrooms, the works. I roomed with Deepak this time around. Who knows if we can trust Geeta again...
We had dinner at a nearby mess hall and walked the city after, making our way to a very famous temple in the center. Full of dancing and music and an incredible sight (although there had just been a blackout, typical in India, so there was little 'seeing' done but with our lights).
It's late and I shall have to leave today's events for tomorrow's journal. Sleep beckons me.
~Dreary eyes in a fantasy world,
- David
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Friday, June 4th, 2010 - Day 13
22:00 Hrs. Forest Trails, BNP, Karnataka, India.
Geeta is brilliant. Kavitha, her husband from Bangalore University, whom you may recall from our talk at the biopark, Nagaraja, and their adorable daughter, Pranati, meaning 'light' in Sanskrit arrived. Skanda was with as well, and he bunked the night with Andrew and I, but not before a few more surprises.
While waiting around for dinner, out of nowhere, a birthday cake saying 'Happy Birthday to Andrew' as well as another case of Kingfishers. Not finished yet, Kavitha announced there would still be Chicken Tikka Massala to come. Meat. This night is glorious and I'm convinced Geeta planned this in order to brighten everybody's day and mood. After that and a glorious dinner, we (most of us) went up to the mountain for some data collection. 'Harvard' helped me out and we did some star-spotting (a failed attempt to see Cassiopeia) afterwards.
~Waiting for that change in me,
- David
Geeta is brilliant. Kavitha, her husband from Bangalore University, whom you may recall from our talk at the biopark, Nagaraja, and their adorable daughter, Pranati, meaning 'light' in Sanskrit arrived. Skanda was with as well, and he bunked the night with Andrew and I, but not before a few more surprises.
While waiting around for dinner, out of nowhere, a birthday cake saying 'Happy Birthday to Andrew' as well as another case of Kingfishers. Not finished yet, Kavitha announced there would still be Chicken Tikka Massala to come. Meat. This night is glorious and I'm convinced Geeta planned this in order to brighten everybody's day and mood. After that and a glorious dinner, we (most of us) went up to the mountain for some data collection. 'Harvard' helped me out and we did some star-spotting (a failed attempt to see Cassiopeia) afterwards.
~Waiting for that change in me,
- David
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 - Day 12
16:30 Hrs. Forest Trails, BNP, Karnataka, India.
First signs of attitude degradation amongst the group. We woke up at five-thirty this morning to go bug hunting. It's exactly like it sounds. Underground traps, mosquito nets, and lot of alcohol ("we must kill in order to learn and conserve..."), and we were expert bug-catchers.
Most of us didn't get much sleep last night due to another torrential downpour. At least the clothes I had hanging outside my tent got a free wash. The large majority of us are starting to feel some exhaustion. Mostly due to heat and lack of sleep; I don't think anyone's hit culture shock yet. Nonetheless I'm trying very hard to keep a positive mood. I certainly miss showering everyday away from the peering eyes of insects and frogs.
After lunch we took a trip to the mountain with Mr. Bug and I sat by one of the larger pools of water up there, (there's quite a few) to watch for frogs. My research study here, is going to be an examination of the behavior of calling male frogs. I sat on a rock in the shallow end and patiently waited in the sun. Amazingly, about eight minutes in, a skidder frog croaked and took a jump towards me. Within fifteen minutes, I had five or six male frogs all no more than 2 meters away from me calling. My mind wnadered to education as I watched them floating. If someone could convince children to patiently wait quietly, one truly becomes part of the environment. All manner of things approach and crawl on you...
Over lunch I spoke with Lisa about her desire to travel and her many study abroad experiences both as a student, and as a GTA. Whatever I end up doing with my life I hope it involves substantial travel. Despite my grievances and missing the luxuries of home, I desparately want to see the world. Already I feel as if what I'm doing is incredibly unique and perhaps once-in-a-lifetime, but I don't doubt something will change in me at the end of this trip, even if miniscule.
We said goodbye to our local guide, Shivarudra, who had accompanied us on the trails. Guides with absolutely incredible local knowledge of flora, fauna, and everything in between accompany us everywhere. A new one arrives today. We only have a few more days here. This is the longest stay in one place we have (10 days). There's talk that this is the nicest of our field sites, mostly from Geeta, and that it only goes downhill from here, luxury-wise. I'll reiterate again that we know next to nothing about what happens ahead of time; where we're going, what we're doing, etc. We are certainly learning a lot though, already I have lots of ideas I'm interested in trying from an education standpoint: i.e. herbariums, transects, cultural interactions, human distrubance research. I'm excited to pursue some research I've begun here even back in the states.
Seems so distant.
Many of the others have said that they have mentioned the other students in the group so I've decided that to ease my story-telling, I shall at the very least give names here:
My roommate both at UTC as well as here asleep on our porch in front of me is Andrew. A hiker, hunter, and nature lover, his twenty-second birthday is tomorrow, and I'm sure something interesting will occur. Andrew, Rhea, and I are the three Ecology and Evolutionary Biology majors, the rest being Environmental Studies. The others in that tent with Rhea include Hayley, our resident blonde, and recipient of many Indian stares, and Monica, a chill, sing-song girl of Egyptian heritage. Next we have Deepak, our resident Indian. When Geeta is not nearby, he is often our source for food and culture questions. Deepak is also into education, planning to be a teacher, and already works heavily with young kids. His roommates are Jason, a delve-right-into-the-heart-of-a-culture kind of guy, and Bradley, our very laid-back music lover. In the final tent to have Kristina, with an incredible knowledge of geography and modern journalism, Melissa, a product of the UKanTeach program, and lover of plants and wildlife, and lastly Brandy, who provides much of the group's sense of humor.
All in all, it's a very entertaining group, and I don't doubt this journal will learn a lot more about them as I do. Tonight we relax, and continue our research (mine: frog-calling, is a primarily evening event).
~Joking around with people I see 24/7 and who will soon probably know me better than many of my friends,
- David
First signs of attitude degradation amongst the group. We woke up at five-thirty this morning to go bug hunting. It's exactly like it sounds. Underground traps, mosquito nets, and lot of alcohol ("we must kill in order to learn and conserve..."), and we were expert bug-catchers.
Most of us didn't get much sleep last night due to another torrential downpour. At least the clothes I had hanging outside my tent got a free wash. The large majority of us are starting to feel some exhaustion. Mostly due to heat and lack of sleep; I don't think anyone's hit culture shock yet. Nonetheless I'm trying very hard to keep a positive mood. I certainly miss showering everyday away from the peering eyes of insects and frogs.
After lunch we took a trip to the mountain with Mr. Bug and I sat by one of the larger pools of water up there, (there's quite a few) to watch for frogs. My research study here, is going to be an examination of the behavior of calling male frogs. I sat on a rock in the shallow end and patiently waited in the sun. Amazingly, about eight minutes in, a skidder frog croaked and took a jump towards me. Within fifteen minutes, I had five or six male frogs all no more than 2 meters away from me calling. My mind wnadered to education as I watched them floating. If someone could convince children to patiently wait quietly, one truly becomes part of the environment. All manner of things approach and crawl on you...
Over lunch I spoke with Lisa about her desire to travel and her many study abroad experiences both as a student, and as a GTA. Whatever I end up doing with my life I hope it involves substantial travel. Despite my grievances and missing the luxuries of home, I desparately want to see the world. Already I feel as if what I'm doing is incredibly unique and perhaps once-in-a-lifetime, but I don't doubt something will change in me at the end of this trip, even if miniscule.
We said goodbye to our local guide, Shivarudra, who had accompanied us on the trails. Guides with absolutely incredible local knowledge of flora, fauna, and everything in between accompany us everywhere. A new one arrives today. We only have a few more days here. This is the longest stay in one place we have (10 days). There's talk that this is the nicest of our field sites, mostly from Geeta, and that it only goes downhill from here, luxury-wise. I'll reiterate again that we know next to nothing about what happens ahead of time; where we're going, what we're doing, etc. We are certainly learning a lot though, already I have lots of ideas I'm interested in trying from an education standpoint: i.e. herbariums, transects, cultural interactions, human distrubance research. I'm excited to pursue some research I've begun here even back in the states.
Seems so distant.
Many of the others have said that they have mentioned the other students in the group so I've decided that to ease my story-telling, I shall at the very least give names here:
My roommate both at UTC as well as here asleep on our porch in front of me is Andrew. A hiker, hunter, and nature lover, his twenty-second birthday is tomorrow, and I'm sure something interesting will occur. Andrew, Rhea, and I are the three Ecology and Evolutionary Biology majors, the rest being Environmental Studies. The others in that tent with Rhea include Hayley, our resident blonde, and recipient of many Indian stares, and Monica, a chill, sing-song girl of Egyptian heritage. Next we have Deepak, our resident Indian. When Geeta is not nearby, he is often our source for food and culture questions. Deepak is also into education, planning to be a teacher, and already works heavily with young kids. His roommates are Jason, a delve-right-into-the-heart-of-a-culture kind of guy, and Bradley, our very laid-back music lover. In the final tent to have Kristina, with an incredible knowledge of geography and modern journalism, Melissa, a product of the UKanTeach program, and lover of plants and wildlife, and lastly Brandy, who provides much of the group's sense of humor.
All in all, it's a very entertaining group, and I don't doubt this journal will learn a lot more about them as I do. Tonight we relax, and continue our research (mine: frog-calling, is a primarily evening event).
~Joking around with people I see 24/7 and who will soon probably know me better than many of my friends,
- David
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 - Day 11
14:30 Hrs. Forest Trails, BNP, Karnataka, India.
I could really go for a burger right now. Maybe some cheesecake. Chocolate; something cold. As each day presses on, I start to wonder if I'll have the energy for two more months of this. Still we walk on. I'm shocked to go through each day and find there's still so much more to experience in India.
When we returned to the campsite after a long day of data research and work, our musical guests were preparing. The owner of the campground facility's daughter and son-in-law were a dancer and flautist respectively and had kindly agreed to a cultural performance for us. An incredible experience I couldn't possibly put on this page, the instrumental and dance concert was mystifying. A double-sided drum, flutes, and traditional south Indian dancing, and authentic dress and style made for an evening I will never forget. After purchasing some CDs and bidding goodnight to all, we turned in ready to sleep in.
Yesterday began with the return of Ramu during breakfast. June 1st, as it was, was the first day of classes in much of India. We briefly returned to the field station to reunite with Skanda and Kavitha, and made our way to the school where Kavitha frequently worked. The small primary school (approximately grades pre-5) was a major beneficiary of ATREE's outreach activities. ATREE was helping them and numerous other schools develop sustainable practices. A group of about twenty-five or so school children, all clad in uniform sat patiently while the education system in India and ATREE's role were explained to us. Finally the kids were asked to sing a song for us. A small song and dance ensued, performed by three girls that I'm sure is replicated throughout schools in Karnataka. We took turns singing and dancing to small songs from our respective countries including Old MacDonald, a pretty awful rendition of Lean on Me, and a phrase and half of Day-O. We ended with a joint round of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and bid them farewell. For a group that sings together all the time on our bus rides, we sure weren't prepared for that.
We arrived back at the campsite where our next guest expert, a Dr. Gururaja (herpetologist) was waiting for us. We had a pretty eventful outing to the nearby lake where we caught, indentified, and re-released a few different frogs and returned to Vishnu, an owner of Forest Trails, who had generously provided us with a Unviersity of Kansas-size amount of Kingfisher beer. I think I shall end my description of the ensuing evening here. It is better off forgotten.
More field work the next day, and discussion of research, including a trip to Rock Hill. I haven't seen Scout in a few days...
Gururaj has left us and an entomologist arrives tonight. As my endurance wears thin, so notably too do these journal entries. My sincerest apologies to the reader.
~Why am I here?
- David
I could really go for a burger right now. Maybe some cheesecake. Chocolate; something cold. As each day presses on, I start to wonder if I'll have the energy for two more months of this. Still we walk on. I'm shocked to go through each day and find there's still so much more to experience in India.
When we returned to the campsite after a long day of data research and work, our musical guests were preparing. The owner of the campground facility's daughter and son-in-law were a dancer and flautist respectively and had kindly agreed to a cultural performance for us. An incredible experience I couldn't possibly put on this page, the instrumental and dance concert was mystifying. A double-sided drum, flutes, and traditional south Indian dancing, and authentic dress and style made for an evening I will never forget. After purchasing some CDs and bidding goodnight to all, we turned in ready to sleep in.
Yesterday began with the return of Ramu during breakfast. June 1st, as it was, was the first day of classes in much of India. We briefly returned to the field station to reunite with Skanda and Kavitha, and made our way to the school where Kavitha frequently worked. The small primary school (approximately grades pre-5) was a major beneficiary of ATREE's outreach activities. ATREE was helping them and numerous other schools develop sustainable practices. A group of about twenty-five or so school children, all clad in uniform sat patiently while the education system in India and ATREE's role were explained to us. Finally the kids were asked to sing a song for us. A small song and dance ensued, performed by three girls that I'm sure is replicated throughout schools in Karnataka. We took turns singing and dancing to small songs from our respective countries including Old MacDonald, a pretty awful rendition of Lean on Me, and a phrase and half of Day-O. We ended with a joint round of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and bid them farewell. For a group that sings together all the time on our bus rides, we sure weren't prepared for that.
We arrived back at the campsite where our next guest expert, a Dr. Gururaja (herpetologist) was waiting for us. We had a pretty eventful outing to the nearby lake where we caught, indentified, and re-released a few different frogs and returned to Vishnu, an owner of Forest Trails, who had generously provided us with a Unviersity of Kansas-size amount of Kingfisher beer. I think I shall end my description of the ensuing evening here. It is better off forgotten.
More field work the next day, and discussion of research, including a trip to Rock Hill. I haven't seen Scout in a few days...
Gururaj has left us and an entomologist arrives tonight. As my endurance wears thin, so notably too do these journal entries. My sincerest apologies to the reader.
~Why am I here?
- David
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