DAY TWO :
Sky: overcast
Temp: mild
Precipitation: yes, misty
Mood: unhampered (though our skin is SO DRY)
Today was day two of our alternative spring break trip, the
first full day on the site. After some much needed rest we rose to greet the
day.
Jacob: I woke up early. We arrived last night in the dark,
so I wanted to explore and get a sense of the land. I went on a hike along the
lake, up the side of the hill, and then back to the Dacha. It was refreshing.
Alma: I set my alarm with the intention of joining Jacob on
his leisurely hike, but my body just wanted sleep. I woke up to a granola bar
and banana, which Jacob kindly and strategically placed on my bag.
After breakfast, we all met up with Wildman who took us on a
tour of the property. We walked through the different buildings, the new
construction, and along the nearest trails.
Jacob: I realized that hike would have been much less
treacherous had I known the trails better. Thought it was beautiful!
Jacob: Being here is great, and I am really glad we have
Wildman as our guide. He knows and respects the land; it was very insightful.
Alma: It was lovely to use this day as an opportunity to bond
and really take in our surroundings. Having arrived last night, we couldn’t see
much of the landscape. Even though it was slightly rainy, it was wonderful to
get to visit the waterfall and see the trail we could walk every morning with
the dogs!
After the tour, we decided to split up and get everything we
needed to do that day accomplished. One group went to the Art House to wash
windows; one group went to the Dacha to make beds; Lakpa and Manjiri put their
heads together to design our mural; Priyanka and Hannah went to the Farm House
to prepare lunch.
Jacob: With so many of us focusing our energy, we had the
task done pretty quickly. So, while we waited for lunch, I decided to teach the
group a card game that I just learned from my parents: “Oh, crap!” It’s a funny
name for a game, I know, but you learn how apt it is once you start playing. It
was a fun way to pass some time and also loosen everyone up a bit. It really
set the tone for a great first day.
Alma: After making the beds, I headed back to the Art House
with a dust buster we were lucky to find in the Dacha. The girls’ room has what
one may call a “lady bug infestation” (which I suppose is one of the more
innocuous infestations one could have). Many of our trip members felt relief to
know we wouldn’t have as many of those little critters buzzing around us while
we sleep tonight.
Jacob: Not having a TON of culinary experience, especially
vegetarian cooking for such a large group, Kim and I started thinking about
dinner early. We searched the pantry and the Internet and settled quickly on a
shepherds pie and corn muffins. After having to improvise a few of the
ingredients, stopping a few times to participate in the games everyone was
playing in the other room, and burning myself pretty badly on the pan, we all
finally set the table at 9pm. I think I speak for everyone when I say it was
TOTALLY worth it.
ALMA: After we finished eating dinner, cleaning up, and
putting the finishing touches on our mural (which looks pretty snazzy by the
way…not bragging or anything) we gathered around for some good old-fashioned
reflection. We started the reflection with “Concentric Circles,” which allowed
us to recount and reflect on our experiences with diversity, culture, and
social justice. We then did an activity that focused on triggers and how we can
better understand each other’s past experiences. Both activities were extremely
thought provoking, and I was so appreciative of everyone’s honesty and insight.
Overall a really fantastic day. Can’t wait to see what the next one holds!
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