Magnificent mountains that tower in the sky. This was my first impression of Santiago which reminded me of home. I find comfort and nostalgia in seeing mountains, which was the main feature in my hometown in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and in Kyoto, Japan, where I lived before moving to Aotearoa. In Santiago, the distant snow-capped…Continue Reading Santiago, Chile: At the foothills of the Andes
Reflecting on my first week in Chile and writing this blog has made me imagine a theme or something to organise the disparate excitement, chaos and confusion that comes with being in a new place. Going overseas to another country is very much an act of disconnection, leaving a place that is entirely unfamiliar. Indeed,…Continue Reading Connecting in Santiago Week 1
Arriving in Chennai was nothing short of magical. We were welcomed by a cacophony of sounds and smells, a blissful assault on the senses that took over any nerves I felt on the plane. I wrongfully assumed that rain would be a distant memory left behind in New Zealand, but the hot muggy air reminded…Continue Reading Rain is a sign of good luck!
Pack your bags Leave your reservations behind Bring with you only the essentials An open mind A caring heart Bring the stories of your whenua Remember the way the winds feels Sand between your feet The music of the forest The babbling of the creeks Carry your history The mountains you’ve climbed to get here…Continue Reading Intentions for India
Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū – feel the fear and do it anyway! This whakataukī has been a constant in my teenage years, and was particularly important during my first year of University last year. Over the past week, this whakataukī has naturally integrated its way into our conversations and thoughts — it’s a…Continue Reading Being comfortable with being uncomfortable
Auroville’s Symphony of Sustainability As the first leg of my ‘Reimagining India’ study tour unfolded, Auroville emerged as an oasis of sustainable living, embodying the principles of regeneration and harmony with the environment. Nestled in the vibrant town of Pondicherry, Auroville beckoned with its iconic structure—the Matrimandir—an architectural masterpiece and a focal point for spiritual…Continue Reading Sustainability/Regeneration through the Indian Lens
Come with me to discover Universidad Católica de Chile’s San Joaquín campus!…Continue Reading Campus Tour: San Joaquín, UC Chile
People tell you a lot of things to prepare for before you embark on your journey to India. They tell you about the colours and the smells; they tell you to prepare for the crowds of people and the wayward driving culture, they advise you to be careful around water and to pack excessive amounts…Continue Reading Take the plunge into India
Auroville is an experimental township in India. It is a testament to the human aspiration for equality, sustainability and evolution. Established as a utopian community, it’s a melting pot of cultures and ideologies. This reflection explores the striking contrast between Auroville’s ideals and the innate challenges of power dynamics and human nature. Auroville stands as…Continue Reading The Dream and The Dilemma
India has been an eye opening experience. Even though it has only been a week since I landed in India, I feel like I’ve been here for a month. There is a lot going on and it’s a bit overstimulating – in a positive way. In a way that encourages introspection and cultivates a deeper…Continue Reading Music-induced psychedelic experience