This was the first time my research work would take me to another country... Exciting.
The one person instrumental in this process is Dr. Stephen Clift. His encouragement, patience and support has been extraordinary and it was great to finally get a chance to meet him.
I landed in Heathrow airport and was greeted by the most ridiculous or (few might say) funny / humorous immigration officer. His interest in my reason of visiting the UK went from official to personal to borderline humiliating. It was when the gentleman asked me whether the participants of the drum circle session I facilitated for rescued commercial sex workers were 'clothed' during the session or not, that I decided to let my defense-mechanism / nervous laughter diffuse the awkwardness created by his obnoxiousness and move on and hope that the rest of the people I met would be more, well, 'normal'. I'm glad to report, that they were...
I'd like to thank the wonderful Liisa Andersson, or now christened, Liila, for her lovely hospitality and welcome. UK wouldn't have been the same without her.
Drumming on the first evening in UK was one of the highlights as I got to witness the active Djembe community at Wendover (close to Amersham). Justine Hart has been working for over ten years tirelessly and regularly conducting these weekly classes and the sheer attendance and energy of the group speaks for itself. It was great to meet Steve, Barry and Tony from the UK drummers (those i first met in Abene, Senegal) once again. Big up Justine, Hart Beats and the UK drummers. I look forward to welcoming you all to India soon.
A glimpse of the Wendover drummers, led by Justine Hart.
The next day we made our way to 'sunny' Folkstone. It took us less time to travel to the south east coast of UK than it did to get to Amersham by the tube (please refer tube map above). It was nice to soak in small city (dare I say, 'village') lifestyle. People were not as open as villagers in India but it was great to be there, soaking in the anonymity and preparing for the presentation and sessions to come.
Come. Drum. Be One.
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| confusing...? Pfft!! Not at all.... |
I landed in Heathrow airport and was greeted by the most ridiculous or (few might say) funny / humorous immigration officer. His interest in my reason of visiting the UK went from official to personal to borderline humiliating. It was when the gentleman asked me whether the participants of the drum circle session I facilitated for rescued commercial sex workers were 'clothed' during the session or not, that I decided to let my defense-mechanism / nervous laughter diffuse the awkwardness created by his obnoxiousness and move on and hope that the rest of the people I met would be more, well, 'normal'. I'm glad to report, that they were...
I'd like to thank the wonderful Liisa Andersson, or now christened, Liila, for her lovely hospitality and welcome. UK wouldn't have been the same without her.
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| Liisa Andersson (holding some frozen snow for the benefit of yours truly) |
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| Justine Hart and the Drummers from Wendover! |
The next day we made our way to 'sunny' Folkstone. It took us less time to travel to the south east coast of UK than it did to get to Amersham by the tube (please refer tube map above). It was nice to soak in small city (dare I say, 'village') lifestyle. People were not as open as villagers in India but it was great to be there, soaking in the anonymity and preparing for the presentation and sessions to come.
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| 'Sunny' Folkstone - Brrrrrr (As I put another layer of clothing) |
Taal Inc.
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