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July 09, 2008
Delhi & the Taj- Lainie Kokas
Delhi is slowly becoming my home. I can navigate it, more or less without getting ripped off, walk about with confidence and gracefully handle the extreme heat/smells/sound- at least I like to imagine so. What started as two isolated islands one being my home in North Delhi and the second, my place of work with Dastkar, is quickly expanding into pockets of familiar landscapes and cityscapes…I imagine this is all a result of electing public transportation instead of a private car. I now experience Delhi, instead of just seeing it- it’s beauty and turmoil.
My internship with Dastkar got off to a slow start, however, the most important things are being accomplished- I am learning and am excited about my work. As of now most of my work has been designing pamphlets and posters various crafts groups that Dastkar works with. This, of course, has required a lot research into the organization as a whole and further into the particular groups. There have been challenges a lot the way such as the limited photographs I have to use and even fewer with good quality, only having Photoshop when InDesign is needed as well, and maneuvering between a craft vernacular, British English and writing for the general public. I am anxious for this next week to start because my assignments will be more hands on and I will be meeting with Dastkar that exists outside of the office. As if now the plans include:
1. Visiting a crafts group in Ranthambhore, Rajastan that has been helped tremendously by Dastkar and is almost entirely self-sufficient.
2. Visit other crafts groups in the Delhi area
3. Spend a couple days with Dastkar’s master weaver
4. Visit shops in Delhi who carry Dastkari products
Taj Mahal:
Last weekend I went to Agra to vist the Taj Mahal. Getting there was like a safari ride! Aside from seeing the norm- cows and dogs- on the street, there was a major influx of animal life, street side. I was excited when we saw a camel, but that was only the beginning- camels, pigs, buffalo, elephants! and monkeys! It was exciting to see them, but a bit sad.
The Taj was beautiful, but I couldn’t get past the thousands of people and rain. It was a Sunday, so there were more visitors than usual. It was exactly what I expected, in all of it’s glory. I am glad that I had the opportunity to see it.
Posted by lkkokas at July 9, 2008 04:25 AM