Maya Ravan

Newsflash....the internet at Flat #2 Sheetal, BLOWS! Sorry for the delay in postings, but between power outages and slow internet, I really want to stab myself 1 million times with a spoon!
Anywho....last night Shyamala, my culture guru, and I went to see the wonderful Indian production of Maya Ravan. The story itself is based on Hindu mythology and was told through narration and movement. It was a very well-done, creative show. The dancers told the story of Rama and his beautiful wife Sita defeating the envious Ravan. The lead dancer is, I guess, a well-known actress in India and the narrations that moved the story along were voice overs by other well-known Bollywood stars. The play itself was staged downtown at the Nehru Theater.
During the intermission, I stood up to walk outside for a few minutes, and as I was leaving all these camera/papparazzi types came flying through the doors and headed for the front row. Shyamala then pointed out that seated in the front row were mostly well-known Bollywood stars of today and from the past. Could of fooled me, I am not up on the Bollywood scene...I guess they were there for opening night. I did try to get myself into some sort of picture. It would be a dream come true to end up on the Mumbai gossip page....alas, no such luck.....but, no worries, I still have time!
In other news, not a lot going on. I am helping to grade the exams from last week, continuing to lecture on a daily basis, eating a lot of great food (love dosas), and going to the gym (my social life, sadly). This week is a huge week in Mumbai as the festival of Ganesha (patron god of Mumbai) kicks off on Wed. Sept 3rd. They whole town is getting ready. There is much decorating and baking going on. The temples are brightly decorated with lights and flowers. I am excited to be a part of this festival. We are off on the first day of the fest. On the first day, the idol of Ganesha is brought into the home, or if an idol is not brought into the home, you would go to another home to worship Ganesha. There will also be huge statues of Ganesha around the city that people will stand in long lines to see. I will keep you all posted on this festive event. Until next time, pray for better internet and look for me in the Mumbai tabloids....!