Kundalika River Camp, 3.30pm
I’m watching
the kids be put through their paces in team building exercises. They’re
challenged and on the verge of breaking at times. I am often very glad that I
am no longer the student; constantly being challenged and stretched for the
sheer purpose of skill building. However, I have to commend them in the way
they do approach these challenges. They commit to working together for the
greater good and I’m genuinely impressed.
Meanwhile,
the air around us is sweltering but a strong breeze is building up and giving
the illusion of cool. Sadly, it is hot, sticky air giving no reprieve for those
sweating away in their seats. I can’t help but ponder the fact that I haven’t
yet felt that I am in India – there has been no real culture shock. Most of the
kids on tour with me are Indian passport-holders and I’ve become so accustomed
to working with and teaching Indian people in Dubai that, right now, this
almost feels ‘normal’. I’ve worked in a multicultural melting pot for over a
year now, and I’m really beginning to flex more easily, adapt to change, and go
with the flow of whoever knows best at any given time, in any situation.
Sometimes it’s me, sometimes it’s someone we’ve hired, and other times, it’s
the kids themselves. I love the pride they have in their country and how much
they want to share it with others. I wish I could say the same for myself.
Nevertheless, whenever problems have reared their ugly head thus far, they are
always solved with a waggle of the head, a brief ‘no problem’ and a smile. Life
is good.
I wonder if
this change in my cultural flexibility is a change in me as a person. Is it a recognizable
difference? Am I simply seeing things differently from behind a new set of
lenses? Or, is the whole world changing, with me simply growing with it? How
well would other people with my experiences flex in this situation? Would they
feel just as ‘at home’ as I do now, sitting around in camping clothes and
admiring the surroundings of this incredible Asian sub-continent? I love that
at this moment, everything about exploring Asia is so within my grasp. People
don’t baulk at the fact that I want to weave my way up and through mountain
ranges, or roll out my sleeping bag on a 3cm mat in a village hut somewhere. I’m
in my twenties, and this is my time to experience every corner of the world
that I can get myself into. Dubai is my great big springboard, allowing me to
float across countries and soak in the world. As frustrating as the little Arab
nation may be some days, I am so thankful for its ability to get me here: somewhere
different, and so completely awesome.
