One more to go

I just finished up my first year Indian music theory exam and my Abnormal Psych exam. Both went well and a lot of pressure has been released. Jesse is in Chennai until tomorrow. He's making all of his rent money in one night. I have my practical exam on Wedensday. It's actually kind of cool to be held responsible for what I'm learning. Oh, I went to a great concert last night in honor of Ustad Amir Khan, one of the greatest Hindustani singers. The performers were Rashid Khan (Vocal) and Hariprasad Chaurasia (Flute). It was quality! And in between they had a very well made short film about Ustad Amir Khan with black and white photos and recording from back in the day. Really special... Not to mention the way I got there: on the back of Tali's, an australian tabla student, Honda Motorcycle. I was so proud to be riding across Mumbai - 2 western women on a bike! On the way back we rode past a lot of drumming and celebrating and Ganeshes, apparently it's Ganesh-ratri or something. I'm telling you, this city is one big pratyahata nada (the Indian word for non-musical sound or NOISE). Outside our window they have been destroying a concrete building every morning at 9:15 sharp. We no longer need an alarm clock. It's not a very big building so hopefully by the time Liat gets here (2.5 weeks!) they'll be done with that. But there's definitely enough banging and sawing noises around the neighborhood for everyone to enjoy year round. And for every pratyahata nada in my life, there is just as much madhura nada (pleasing musical sound!). Love to all. Y

I woke up this morning, hardly opened my eyes, and jesse was already sitting at his tabla tapping away. So I left the apartment as fast as possible - sometimes it's just too much to handle, especially early in the morning.
My test is in two weeks. Jesse will be out of town that weekend for a gig so at least I'll have something to keep me busy. My friend Kavita moved out of her apartment and is staying at her parent's for a few weeks until she moves to London. So that was fun while it lasted... I've been at the internet for 2 hours just surfing and trying to stumble upon something that will magically tell me my future. But once again I will walk away as confused as ever.
Have a nice week.

new new news

I know, I've been so lazy about this blog lately. I'll give it my best shot now...
So we live in an apartment building called "Beverly Hills"! I would probably be happier with a name like RamaKrishna House but this place is all new and I guess they want to give the impression of the good old American dream. We live on the first floor. The apartment is very spacious and there is a strong breeze running through the house all day and night. Sometimes it's too much and we have to shut the windows. We have a nice big bedroom and a private bathroom. Other ammenities: washing machine, one strange but working gas stove thing, water filter, cable TV, small red fridge, furniture. Most of it is all nice and new. We have two roommates: 1) Amit (nickname Mario), a 24 yr old Indian working downtown in the administration of a construction company. Work hrs 7 am to 9pm. Nice guy, a bit messy, has no taste is music, goes to the most expensive hangout places in Mumbai. 2) Nils, a 24 yr old German/Mexican/Swedish international kid who works for his father's pharmeceutical company. Work hrs 10 am to 6 pm. He goes to the gym every evening for his daily 2-3 hour workout. Funny guy, has a new girlfriend we are trying to get the dirt on, he was our connection to the apartment so we are very grateful, we watch Seinfeld together. As you can see, we have the place to ourselves most of the time. Usually one of us goes to practice at school (10 min. away) or on other outings so one of us can practice at home. It's a nice arrangement. At the moment w still have only one key between the two of us so that's a drag sometimes. Anyway, there is also a gym and pool in the complex with all new equipment. I'm proud to say that the eliptical machine has become a friend of mine but I haven't tried swimming yet. The weather is so unpredictable that I'm not sure I want to go in. Anyway, when I work out in my sports bra I feel like it's innappropriate, how will I feel in a bathing suit??
I have been going to private hour lessons twice a week with my teacher, Krishna, who is so patient and nice. Now I'm moving forward at a good pace and I am nearly finished with the material of the first year curriculum. Now I have to prepare for the exam! Hmmm?!? I guess it will be a good way to get the stuff really ingrained in my thick brain. But Krishna will keep moving into second year material as well so that's good. She introduced me to her daughter, Kavita, who lives nearby my house and we really hit if off. She's 24 and also a musician, songwriter like me. Her husband is Nikhil and he's in the merchant navy. They just spent 3 months together on his ship. Now they are making plans to study for a year in London so that Nikhil won't have to work on the ships anymore but rather in the office. Anyway, I really like these people. Kavita has offered to give me music pointers like how to use my new hindustani knowledge in western music. They threw a great party on saturday night and I got really drunk. It was funny. Jesse and I went over for dinner the other night and we had some really yummy pasta that Kavita made with rosemary and other spices. They own the apartment and it's all renovated and nice, they hardly ever leave the house. So I'll go over there tonight probably.
Ok, I think that is sufficient for now...!!
Any questions?
Kisses,
Yonat