April Showers Bring May Flowers

The month of April began with a driving test. Due to some complications, I had to reapply for my Driver's permit. I spent a day at RTO (Regional Transport Office) where the tests are conducted observing the process in detail. The driving tests in India are designed to fail. Who rides a motorcycle on a narrow double 8 track in real life? Even an expert would struggle to remain stable. Though I managed to do it, I saw many struggle. Some fell off the scooter too. 

Even the car driving test is on a narrow track with some weird turns. I still remember the driving test I gave in the US, back in 2004. The lady inspector took me for a drive to a residential area and then on a main road to test my skills. Before approving my licence she told me that I should look at the side mirrors more often. Such is the integrity and thoroughness maintained there. 

Here, everything is done through an agency. I was amazed to see how many people rely on this service. A simple driving licence will feed many mouths. That made me feel a bit better. Regularising this, though is the right thing to do, will snatch away jobs from many. Various driving schools, their drivers, their helping staff had come to organise this test and get their students cleared. Until we have an alternate employment plan for these people this problem shall remain. 

When I was studying French in Alliance française, Monsieur Philippe was the director. He now lives in France. He visited India for two weeks. One day, me and my friend explored Gandhi Bazaar with him and I discovered some nice shops selling freshly ground coffee and natural incense sticks. 

Another day, we had a get-together at a friend’s house. We also made a two day trip to Belur, Halebidu and Chikkamagaluru. We stayed in a coffee estate owned by a friend’s friend. The family who hosted us were super cool. We setup campfire, drank some beer and had long conversations till 1AM. It was a relaxing outing. In the morning, we visited their coffee plantations before returning to Bangalore. 

School results were out and 8 of my 24 students scored a centum. Mrs students called me to share the good news. Words cannot explain the joy a teacher feels when students acknowledge the combined effort that has led to the result. 

As I was at home in April, I took up a small assignment at a university. I had to teach basics of French to engineering students for 2 weeks. This was not a very productive class for them. Most of them seemed disinterested and were there for attendance. I managed to get some of them interested in the subject. They were good students but a bit noisy. I had to discipline them. But what bothered me the most was that their lack of enthusiasm and confidence level. I hardly got any volunteers to play games like dumb charades and hangman. Back in school, I would struggle to pick from the voulnteers. What happens to most of us as we grow older? I am happy to be teaching the adolescents specially the Grade 9-12. Their energy level is amazing and they are just enough old to be moulded. By the end of the session, many of the students became close to me but by then, it was time for me to leave. 

My college friend Kishan invited me over to his place as he was having a pooja at his place. I saw this as a perfect occasion to paint a Krishna for him. I had been planning to do this for him since a long time. This painting is called Yogi as only someone who has mastered all forms of yogas can have that peaceful smile on his face. Like all my paintings, it uses some of my signature styles - distinct colour theme, blended background, natural embellishment and simplicity to avoid politics. 

After my assignment at the university ended, I had free time to relax at home. I made some pineapple jam, ate a lot of mangoes, cooked healthy breakfast options and enjoyed my time. 

I met a few friends from office, school and french class and tried some good restaurants. One evening, I went to Alliance française to watch a jazz concert. After three bands, I decided to step out and relax at a nice cafe near by. I sat there alone, eating a croissant sandwich and sipping on a cappuccino. It felt good. It reminded me of my backpacking trips and there is one coming up soon. 

Since a long time, I have been planning a trek in Nepal. Manaslu circuit trek is still a hidden treasure. I decided to book this 13 day trek through a Nepali organiser. So, the last two weeks involved lots of preparation, shopping and packing. Finally, the day has arrived and tomorrow evening, I fly to Kathmandu. So, the hard work of April has resulted in an adventurous and hopefully joyful May! See you all in a month; with more stories to share.