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Mathru School for the Differently-Abled

12/17/2013

2 Comments

 
Mathru School for the Differently-Abled
Bangalore, India
Tuesday 12/17/2013

We didn't make it back to the tile place today,  but that is OK, Andy and I needed a low-key day.  We'll go tomorrow  with Srini to pick up the tiles, and I hope we have better luck finding the adhesive and tools we need.  Harish has one of my adhesive tile caulk tubes and is going to see if he can find a supply for me, too. 

We did make good progress today getting things clarified and in motion to schedule my classes once we get all our supplies lined up.  It looks like I'll be teaching three two-hour classes a day, from 9-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and 2-4 p.m., with a break for lunch between 1 and 2 p.m.   Class size will necessarily be determined by the number of tools I have to work with. 

My little suite is right next door to my studio/classroom, too, a nice size 20x30-feet or more room that is usually a guest meeting and dining room.  This will make a very good set-up for me, indeed.  It can't get any easier to commute to work, and I'll have 24/7 access to working studio space.

Muktha is lining up assistants for me, too.  

It is good that I'm teaching the teachers here as well as the students,  because  they will be able to help with my classes and keep them up after I leave.  I've met several of them but have yet to learn any of their names.  They love the mosaics I brought, have been poring over my portfolios and seem very pleased and excited about learning the process.

Muktha brought a group of government inspectors by to meet me today, and I showed them the Gecko Mirror and  my portfolio.  I also gave s little demonstration on how I break up coffee cups.  I think they are all a little horrified that I'm breaking up perfectly good cups, actually.  But they're keeping an open mind, especially when they see the mosaics and look at my portfolios. One of them seemed especially impressed with the Gecko Mirror and asked me, "Do you think this could be a vocation for the students here?"

"Yes, I do," I told her.  "I know I can teach them how to make mirrors like this, and I really think you could develop a market for them."

So.  Today the mirrors, tomorrow the market.  Grin.

Andy and I still need to shop for some personal things, but we no longer need toilet paper.  It took us a while to figure it out --  I guess we were being rather obtuse -- but we've been baffled and distressed the last couple days over the lack of toilet paper, and the lack of responsiveness from the staff to our requests for more.  The one roll that was here when we arrived didn't last very long.   

We both noticed yesterday that there was no toilet paper in Srini's bathroom either.  So today, when we had a chance to chat with Muktha, Andy just came right out and asked her about it.  She confined that no, toilet paper is not commonly used here, and, "We use water."  

We did not ask for a demonstration.

Later, Andy finally figured out what the little  sink sprayer thing is  that is mounted on the wall right next to the toilet.  I had no idea the thing was even there until Andy showed me. "It's the poor man's bidet!" 

And you know what?  It works better than toilet paper.  In fact, it works better than a bidet.

And  no, we don't give demonstrations.
2 Comments
bettydignan
12/18/2013 12:51:27 pm

Hi Mary and Andy,
Tried to write last night but must have been too tired for I had problemsand kept erasing my message.

I love the blog! Mary, your writing is clear, enticing and makes you get deeper into the trip.Andy writes from a different perspective and fills in parts you omit. I am soglad he's there with you.

Have you heard from
Rose, Chris or Linda? Let me know if you do for I am worried about Millie and company.

Played bridge yesterday with Bill Sloan.Told you he had told me he has Parkinson's, beginnig stages of Altsheimers and as if that weren't enough is alsoo recovering from Valley Fever. Paul gave him directions and he found me OK but got hopelessly lost trying to find the bridge site even though he had printed out the directions from the computer.I finally called the director for help. I think that shook him up bcause he reneged twice during the game and then later produced the suit led that he trumped I believe I felt sorrier for Bill and so sad.He's 5 years younger than I and it scares me silly

I finally understand how people with Altsheimer can drive off into the desert or wilderness. He really should not be driving any more.

Paul works and never stops. When he gets home he is on the computer or phone for hours. Weather here delightful.. It was 78 here yesterday You'd love it Andy,Not one iota of humidity I think.

Must stop for now.

Love you,

Mom

Reply
Chris S.
12/19/2013 02:07:43 am

I finally spent a part of the morning catching up on your blog entries. I was in absolute stitches reading about your traffic and toilet adventures! Too, too funny.
Once again, thanks for taking the time to share your adventures, challenges and insights. They're great.

Reply



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    Mary Dignan

    I can be reached at dignan101@sbcglobal.net

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